1. Introduction
The TRi-ExcelLink software provide you an extremly simple-to-use, two-way linkage of data between the PLCs and an MS Excel* spreadsheet. It is an application software that works in tandem with the TLServer program (this is included in your Internet TRiLOGI Version 5 or 6) or the Ethernet XServer hardware. Hence, not only can you capture PLC data directly from the local PC running both the TLServer and ExcelLink program, you can also simultaneously capture data from up to 8 TLServers that are connected to the LAN or the Internet! This is illustrated in the following diagram:
![](http://www.tri-plc.com/ExcelLink/ExcelLink11.gif)
Now, think of what you can do with such incredible power! For the first time ever, you can build an extremly low cost data acquisition system that can simultaneously collect factory floor data from hundreds of PLCs situated in multiple locations around the world into an Excel spreadsheet in real time!
Note: You can also use the TRi-ExcelLink software to collect data from third party equipment , including other brands of PLCs by using an M-series PLC as a "bridge" to interface to those equipment via serial or parallel I/Os. E.g. Since an M-series PLC can speak MODBUS and OMRON protocols they are ready to communicate with MODBUS RTUs or OMRON PLCs to capture the required information.
With the power of TBASIC, you can also program an M-series PLC (yes, even via the Internet) to churn out whatever unique communication protocols to speak to other types of equipment. For those equipment without a host communication protocol, you can also use the M-series PLC's vast array of digital or analog I/Os to collect data from them and make them accessible to the Excel spreadsheet via the Internet!
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The TRi-ExcelLink Advantage
- Run in the background: Since TRi-ExcelLink is a client to the TLServer, you can run both the TRi-ExcelLink and TRiLOGI software simultaneoulsy. Hence a technician can perform a local monitoring of the PLC operation while the TRi-ExcelLink software is collecting data, without interfering with each other. In addition, multiple TRi-ExcelLinks can run simultaneously at different locations. Hence in the above examples, the management in London, China and Santa Clara all can view the production status of all sites simultaneously in their spreadsheet, and of course, all in real time!
- Extremely Easy to Use: Unlike most other DDE server software on the market which require you to write macro programs or enter specific formula in the spreadsheet before you are able to capture any data, the TRi-ExcelLink software can open up a blank, new spreadsheet and start filling in data the moment you click on the "Run" button. All the actions are configured using very simple forms. Click Here To View the ExcelLink Help Files
- Very Low Cost: Most other DDE servers in the market (e.g. WinWedge, Modlink) cost from US$250 upwards. But the TRi-ExcelLink software is now available at only US$149.00 i.e. less than half the price for most other rival products that require a steep learning curve before you can use them.
Click Here To View the ExcelLink Help Files
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