How To
Summary
This technical note describes the OPC-based data architecture used for integrating plant-level SCADA systems with IBM Maximo Renewables.
In this architecture, field devices communicate with SCADA panels using the OPC. The SCADA system aggregates this data and exposes it through an OPC server (OPC UA/DA). The Cormatrix service consumes OPC data and securely transmits it to the cloud, enabling downstream integration with Maximo Renewables for monitoring, analytics, and asset performance management.
Objective
The objective of this document is to:
- Define the OPC-based integration architecture
- Explain end-to-end data flow from SCADA to Maximo Renewables
- Provide guidance for onboarding and configuration
- Support troubleshooting during OPC-based integrations
Scope
This document applies to:
- Renewable energy plants (Solar/Wind)
- SCADA systems exposing data via OPC UA/DA
- Maximo Renewables onboarding activities
Environment
Steps
1. Architecture Overview
The architecture is divided into the following logical layers:
- Field Layer → Device-level data generation
- SCADA Layer → Data collection
- OPC Layer → Standardized data exposure
- Integration Layer → Data processing (Cormatrix)
- Cloud & Application Layer → Maximo Renewables
2. OPC System Components
2.1 Field Devices
- Inverters
- Multi-Function Meters (MFM)
- Weather Stations
- I/O Modules
- Combiner Boxes
Protocol: OPC UA/DA
2.2 SCADA Panels
- SCADA Panel 1 & 2 act as data concentrators
- Collect data from field devices
- Perform polling and aggregation
2.3 Communication Network
- Fiber Optic Cable → SCADA panels to Ethernet switch
- Ethernet → Switch to local SCADA machine
2.4 Local SCADA Machine
Hosts the following components:
- SCADA application
- OPC Server (OPC UA/DA)
- Cormatrix Service
Functions:
- Data acquisition and visualization
- Tag configuration and management
- OPC data exposure
2.5 OPC Server (OPC UA/DA)
- Exposes SCADA data in a standardized format
- Provides tag-based access to real-time data
Key Benefits:
- Vendor-independent integration
- Secure communication (OPC UA)
- Simplified data consumption
2.6 Integration Layer (Cormatrix Service)
- Connects to OPC server
- Performs:
- Tag mapping
- Data validation
- Data transformation
- Pushes data to Maximo Renewable cloud
2.7 Security Layer
- Firewall configured between local SCADA and cloud
- Controls outbound communication
2.8 Cloud & Application Layer
- Data is Integrated with IBM Maximo Renewables
Capabilities:
- Asset monitoring
- KPI calculation
- Alerts and notifications
- Fleet-level analytics
3. Data Flow
- Field devices generate operational data
- SCADA panels collect and aggregate the data
- Data is transmitted via Fiber Optic to Ethernet switch
- Local SCADA machine receives the data
- SCADA exposes data through OPC UA/DA server
- Cormatrix service reads OPC Data
- Data is validated and formatted
- Data passes through firewall (secure transmission)
Data is pushed to Maximo Renewable
Additional Information
Key Configuration Requirements
- OPC Server (UA/DA) must be operational
- OPC endpoint URL must be accessible
- Tags must follow standard naming conventions
- Tag mapping must align with Maximo standards
- Network ports must be open for OPC and outbound traffic
- Cormatrix service must be properly configured
Validation Checklist
- OPC server is running and accessible
- Tags are visible and updating in OPC client
- Data values match SCADA readings
- Cormatrix service is connected to OPC
- Data is reflected correctly in Maximo Renewables
Benefits of OPC-Based Integration
- Standardized and scalable architecture
- Vendor-neutral data access
- Improved security with OPC UA
- Simplified integration with cloud platforms
- Reduced dependency on device-level protocols
Related Information
Document Location
Worldwide
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Document Information
Modified date:
02 April 2026
UID
ibm17267954