Centralised monitoring of PROFIBUS and PROFINET networks

With this enhancement, Softing addresses the increasing adoption of hybrid communication structures in industrial environments, enabling users to centrally monitor and analyse both traditional fieldbus and Ethernet-based networks within a single application.

The new PROFINET support expands the existing PROFIBUS functionality with additional diagnostic, topology, and device data. As a result, plantPerfect Monitor evolves into a centralised platform for monitoring hybrid communication networks. Users benefit from enhanced analysis capabilities and end-to-end transparency across mixed network structures within a single application.

plantPerfect Monitor continuously collects condition, diagnostic, and statistical data from communication networks and provides it centrally. Changes within the network, such as increasing error rates or unstable connections, become visible at an early stage. This enables users to detect issues before they result in unplanned downtime. As such, the solution thus supports the transition from reactive troubleshooting to condition-based maintenance.

With its web-based user interface, the software provides a centralised overview of all monitored networks and components. A live inventory that is automatically updated displays connected devices, their status, and relevant diagnostic data. This simplifies troubleshooting and reduces downtime.

By continuously storing all network and device data in an integrated database, plantPerfect Monitor transforms raw data into actionable insights. Historical analyses and trend information help maintenance teams plan service activities more effectively and identify weak points within the network infrastructure.

Through continuous inventory management of devices and network structures, plantPerfect Monitor creates transparency for security concepts and audits. This makes the solution an important building block for implementing modern cybersecurity strategies in production environments.

plantPerfect Monitor works together with Softing’s smartLink components, which act as the central data interface between the field network and the monitoring application.

These devices collect diagnostic and device data directly from PROFIBUS and PROFINET systems and transfer it to the monitoring software via a dedicated MQTT interface.

Thanks to its container-based architecture, plantPerfect Monitor can be flexibly integrated into existing IT and OT environments. The solution can be deployed both locally and in virtualised or Docker-based infrastructures.

A scalable licensing model allows the solution to be adapted to different plant sizes and requirements.

industrial.softing.com