REMOTE ACCESS FOR MACHINE BUILDERS AND SERVICE TEAMS
Accessing PLC remotely.
As if you were standing right next to it.
A malfunction at your customer’s site. A controller you want to read. A setting that needs to be checked. With Remote Engineer, you connect to your PLC or machine without driving to the location first.
Via an industrial VPN connection, you work with the appropriate engineering software. You determine who gets access. Our team helps you with the connection, the setup, and the custom work your installation requires.
See how PLC remote access works
Since 2008 · Own hardware and software · Know-how and custom solutions
What is PLC remote access?
PLC remote access is controlled access to a programmable controller via a remote network connection. You use this connection, for example, for diagnostics, viewing the status, or maintenance of the program. What is possible depends on your PLC, engineering software, network, and access rights.
Remote access gives you access the moment you need it. Data logging and monitoring go a step further: they allow you to collect and track selected measured values over time.
What do you want to do remotely?
Investigate a malfunction
View the available status and diagnostic data before you head out. This allows you to determine more specifically what help is needed on-site.
Perform service on a PLC
Access the controller with the suitable engineering software. Only carry out changes with permission, an up-to-date backup, and agreements regarding the safe state of the machine.
Manage multiple locations
Bring your connected assets and users together in the Remote Portal. Give colleagues and service partners access to the locations for which they are responsible.
What Do You Need?
- A suitable connection on-site. Tailored to the available internet, the router, and the network policy.
- Industrial hardware. A suitable ServiceGate router between the remote access solution and your installation network.
- The right software and rights. A user account, the necessary client software, and access rights for the location.
- An accessible PLC. With a suitable network configuration and, for engineering tasks, the correct software version and license.
First the installation. Then the solution.
Do you work with Siemens and TIA Portal, or with another controller? We assess the combination of PLC type, firmware, engineering software, and desired activities. A supported brand is not automatically a guarantee for every function or version.
We also look at what is needed for existing installations or deviating interfaces. Sometimes a standard solution fits. Sometimes the connection requires extra engineering.
How does accessing a PLC remotely work?
- Map out your situation. Which PLC do you want to reach, what do you want to do with it, and who is allowed to connect? Also establish network and security requirements.
- Set up the connection. Link the appropriate ServiceGate to the location and configure network access according to the agreements with the responsible IT and OT administrators.
- Assign access. Manage the location and user rights in the Remote Portal. Use a personal account and do not grant more access than necessary.
- Test the desired activities. Check accessibility, engineering software, and rights. Record how you terminate access and who is responsible for management.
You maintain control over access
Security-by-design starts with the setup. An encrypted connection is one part; clear user rights, network agreements, and management are just as important.
Via the Remote Portal, you manage connected assets, locations, and user rights. Agree on who gets access, for what purpose, and when that access is revoked. Have the technical setup tested against the location’s policy.
Remote access does not replace local safety measures. For activities that can affect the machine, agreements with the person responsible on-site remain necessary.
FROM PRACTICE · NETHERLANDS RAILWAYS (NS)
Giving service partners access while maintaining control
NS wanted to give partners remote access to machines in the production environment while determining for themselves who got access for what. Remote Engineer set up the solution with ServiceGate routers and user management via the portal.
Machine builders and installers were given temporary access to the relevant PLC or machine. After the problem was resolved, the connection was disconnected again. A practical example of remote service with control remaining with the client.
Also want to track PLC data when you are not logged in?
For collecting measured values, we set up data logging and monitoring separately. Think of operating hours, temperature, or error messages. The available data, protocols, and chosen controller determine what you can read and display in dashboards.
Good historical data can also form the basis for predictive maintenance or AI analysis. What is meaningful depends on the data quality and the specific maintenance problem. We start with the measurements you need.
Frequently asked questions about PLC remote access
Can I continue to use my existing PLC?
We assess that per installation. The type of PLC, the available interface, software version, and desired activities are decisive. Send us the brand and type number; then we will see which approach fits.
Can I program a PLC remotely?
That is possible when the PLC, engineering software, and connection support the desired action. Test this beforehand and make agreements about backups, permission, and the safe state of the installation. A VPN connection alone is no guarantee that every programming function works.
Does my PLC need to be directly accessible from the internet?
That is not the starting point of our solution. You access the installation via the established remote access connection. We coordinate the necessary network access with the administrator, instead of making the PLC directly publicly accessible.
What happens if the internet on-site fails?
You will then be unable to access the location via that connection. How the machine continues to function locally depends on its own controller and setup. Therefore, include loss of connection in the test and management agreements.
Is remote access the same as PLC data logging?
No. Remote access gives you access for diagnostics or service, for example. Data logging collects selected measured values according to a set method. The functions can complement each other, but each requires a suitable configuration.
What does a solution for my installation cost?
That depends on the hardware, the number of locations, the chosen services, and any engineering. View our pricing model or discuss your situation for a suitable proposal.
Which PLC do you want to reach remotely?
Tell us what you want to do. Mention the brand and type of the controller, the engineering software used, and the number of locations. Our team will think along with you about the connection, access rights, and any data logging.
From a first connection to a deviating installation: you are speaking with a team that has been working on remote access and remote controllers since 2008.
Prefer direct contact? Call +31 566 796 515. Do not share passwords or other access data via the contact form.
