Read data or extend existing machines without touching the controller
Your existing machine should deliver more, but you don't want to touch its controller. With retavi you read existing signals or retrofit new sensors and actuators. An additional part runs in parallel with the existing controller. No intervention, no risk for running production.
Your benefit
Read existing energy and process data or add new sensors and actuators, exactly as needed
Often without an additional control part, on standard IT hardware, in parallel with the existing PLC
New data and functions without risk for running production, the existing controller stays unchanged
Your starting point
Existing-machine check
In a workshop we assess with you how to capture data or extend functions on your machine with retavi, without touching the existing controller. Including a fixed-price effort estimate.
Arrange an initial consultationChallenges
The existing controller is closed
The existing PLC cannot simply be read or extended. Vendor access is often missing or the control code is not available.
Data goes unused
Many machines already generate process data that is never captured or analysed.
Intervention is risky
Touching the running controller endangers production, certification and warranty.
Reporting duties are approaching
The Digital Product Passport and similar rules demand reliable, per-product traceable data.
Classic solution vs. retavi
| Aspect | Classic solution | With retavi |
|---|---|---|
| Intervention | Reading or extending only by modifying the existing controller | Addition without touching the PLC |
| Reporting basis | Estimated values | Measured, structured in a data model |
| Scope of functions | Limited to the factory state | Extensible with sensors, actuators and data interfaces |
| Risk | Production and certification at risk | Existing controller remains untouched |
How retavi solves it
Three steps to new data and functions.
Analyse the existing controller
Assess existing interfaces and signals that can be read or used for new functions.
Connect in parallel
retavi connects the machine in parallel without changing the existing controller. New sensors and actuators can be added.
Provide data or function
retavi reads signals or drives new components on its own hardware. You get structured data or a new function, the existing controller keeps running unchanged.
Systems & connectivity
Processing & controlDevices & systems
Examples
Measure energy per production order on a CNC machining centre
Situation
A CNC machining centre for aluminium housings has so far estimated energy consumption from the rated power of spindle, coolant system and peripherals and distributed it across parts or orders. In reality, consumption varies considerably. There is no solid basis for energy or CO₂ figures per order.
With retavi
retavi adds suitable energy meters and reads existing process signals such as machine status, NC program, machining start and order number. The industrial PC running the retavi//Framework assigns the measured energy values to the respective order, part or lot, while the CNC control continues to run the machining process unchanged.
Benefit
Energy figures are based on real measurements instead of blanket assumptions. The data creates a traceable basis for energy optimisation, customer reporting and CO₂ figures, depending on the accounting logic you choose.
Talk to us about your automation challenges.
