Choice of hardware platform

iX offers you a choice of runtime platform e.g. the iX Panels, the second generation of Beijer Electronics' award-winning operator panels, or the iX Panel Pro industrial PCs - or any other industrial PC of your choice.

Multi-controller applications

iX’s multi-controller applications provide you with the time saving ease of managing and maintaining only one project covering all the different controller scenarios you need: One tag can be connected to several controllers, which allows for having the same HMI application running against different PLC’s. You can even set the active controller configuration from the panel, for example making it extremely easy and time-efficient to have your HMIs prepared in advance for installation.

Additionally, you can mix signals from multiple PLCs and other devices, e.g. inverters, in each project, allowing you the flexibility to mix equipment and brands to best suit your application. 

OPC connectivity

iX provides you with an open platform solution that is compatible with all major automation systems. OPC data access is an industry standard, providing specifications for communicating real-time data from data acquisition devices such as PLC’s to display and HMI devices. You can choose between employing the drivers included in the package or adding your own or third party drivers via a connection to an external OPC server. 

Controller data exchange

iX enables controller data exchange with real-time exchange of data between controllers regardless of the brand of equipment you use. Real-time data exchange is easy, also between different brands of automation equipment. Simply choose to execute data exchange on the basis of either pre-selected times or events.

SQL connectivity

iX supports the SQL industry standard letting you enjoy quick and easy storage, retrieval and management of data in relational database management systems.

Script

iX utilizes Microsoft’s simple, modern and object-oriented programming language C#  (C sharp) for writing applications. Enhanced functionality with C# script allows you to customize or enrich the functionality of an object.

iX affords simplified script for applications, allowing you to choose from predefined or your own choice of script. The C# script editor affords easy changes to scripts, with each change standardized and inserted throughout the system. iX’s extended scripting increases the object events that are available. In addition, references to both externally and internally developed assemblies can be added while iX affords support for full .NET access and facilitates easy debugging with Microsoft’s CRL Debugger.

Third party components

Benefit from predefined, third party graphical components that you can import to the software and utilize in your applications. You can get customized predefined components, order ready-made components from the Internet or order the components you need from the suppliers of your choice.

Import of .net controls

iX utilizes Microsofts .NET Framework, a software technology compatible with a number of Microsoft Windows operating systems. It is an object based technology backed by a large library of pre-coded solutions facilitating your applications.
iX offers you infinite creative possibilities for customization as well as the freedom to create your own objects. Create your own .Net control and import it into iX or acquire the third party components you need, utilizing them in applications of your choice. 

Online controller settings

In many technical processes the type of PLC varies depending on the country, where the machine will be installed. Developing a basic HMI-solution with final protocol choice on the machine saves extensive programming time. Choose the PLC driver during runtime with the user in front of the machine.