Functionality

The following overview illustrates the functional principle using the example of a cloud environment.

Gateway operating principle

External actuator

Description

Nexeed IAS modules

The Nexeed IAS modules execute their domain-specific use cases.

The Nexeed IAS modules receive HTTPS requests from the Nexeed DirectDataLink module. These requests are processed synchronously and sent back to DirectDataLink with HTTPS responses.

The orchestrator is integrated into the Nexeed DirectDataLink module to receive and respond to the HTTPS requests internally.

MACMA

All Nexeed modules must use this module to authenticate and authorize users and access the secured API of other modules.

MACMA is used by the Nexeed Gateway module for authentication and authorization of connection configuration clients.

DirectDataLink

The Nexeed DirectDataLink module acts as a special gateway because it supports the OpConXml, Open Production Protocol (OPP) and Production Performance Management Protocol (PPMP) protocols. These protocols are used in many MES operational environments.

Machines/Devices

Machines or devices, hereinafter stations, that can communicate directly with the Nexeed Gateway module

Nexeed Gateway configurator

Set up connection settings and start the Nexeed Gateway module online

Configuration

The user 1 defines the configuration parameters 1. Within a cloud environment, the configuration parameters are set as environment variables. In an on-premise environment, however, they are deployed in JSON format. It is important to note that these parameters remain consistent once the service is started.

Connection settings

The station communicates with the gateway via a special South Side protocol. This requires additional configuration parameters. These parameters can be prepared by the Nexeed Gateway configurator and then forwarded Image number 3 to the Nexeed Gateway module using REST endpoints. For authentication purposes, Nexeed Gateway uses the data received in the configuration request to check the identity of the Nexeed Gateway configurator via MACMA Image number 4.

Station gateway interface

The interface Image number 5 between stations and the Nexeed Gateway module is bidirectional. The process communication must be started from a station. When the Nexeed Gateway module receives a request message from a station Image number 8, Nexeed Gateway makes it easier to forward this request message to external Nexeed IAS services based on the specified configuration. Forwarding takes place via the Nexeed DirectDataLink Image number 7 module.

External Nexeed IAS services are services that can communicate with the Nexeed DirectDataLink module, such as tool and material management or status monitoring.

After the request message is processed, the external Nexeed IAS services send a response message Image number 8. This response message is returned to Nexeed Gateway via the Nexeed DirectDataLinkImage number 7 module. Nexeed Gateway forwards the response message to the station Image number 5from which the request message originated.

Logging and Monitoring

Log entries Image number 9 are sent to the log collector in the cloud environment throughout the query and response process.