OPC - OLE for Process Control
What does it mean for you? The OPC (OLE for Process Control) specification is an open technical specification that defines a set of standard interfaces based upon Microsoft's OLE/COM technology. The application of the OPC standard interface makes inter-operability between automation/control applications, field systems/devices and business/office applications possible.

Most major DCS/MIS systems, as well as leading SCADA systems, now support OPC interfaces, allowing them to be used in conjunction with FuelsManager®.

OPC server functionality within FuelsManager allows tank gauging data to be made available to any process control system that supports an OPC client interface. Operators can now:

• Access measured and calculated tank data via LAN.
• Interface to host systems (DCS) that provide an OPC client.
• Easily configure interchangeable data using one dialog box.

The OPC standard also supports an interface designed to browse and select database tags for which data is exchanged. This function allows developers of OPC clients to provide an interface to browse and select point variables from the FuelsManager database.

An operator/administrator can easily select and configure an OPC server source in FuelsManager from within one dialog box. The system and selected server, along with the version of OPC, can be selected from a list. The system displays a tree view of the different OPC tags associated with the OPC server selected. The scan time may also be entered to set the data update rate.