I am currently working on a small-scale automation project for a local food processing company. The aim is to automate some of their manual processes, such as packaging and labeling, to improve efficiency and reduce human error.
After some research, I have narrowed down my choice to either the groov EPIC or the SNAP PAC system but I am not sure which would be the best fit for this project.
Here is the some highlights of project:
We need to control around 20 digital I/O points and 5 analog I/O points.
The system should be capable of handling future expansions (maybe another 10-15 I/O points in the next few years).
Integration with existing systems is a must, particularly with Modbus/TCP and a couple of old PLCs that are already in place.
The company wants to have remote monitoring and control capabilities, preferably through a web interface.
Budget is a concern, so we are looking for something cost-effective, but we also don’t want to compromise too much on quality or features.
From what I understand, the groov EPIC seems to offer more flexibility with its built-in screen, Node-RED, and more options for programming, but it might be overkill for our needs. I also check this: https://forums.opto22.com/t/using-optommp-net-to-control-a-stepper-motservicenow But I have not found any solution. Could anyone guide me about this? On the other hand, the SNAP PAC seems to be a more straightforward and potentially less expensive option.
SNAP is a current and future product range, as is the groov family, so in that regard, either is an option.
Both will support the amount of I/O you describe.
Both can be expanded very easily.
Both systems can communicate with ModbusTCP/RTU devices (groov would be the simpler of the two using Node-RED vs the SNAP Modbus toolkit).
Budget would actually be about the same when you take into account your 4th bullet point… A web interface.
groov View is built into groov EPIC, with the SNAP PAC system, you would need to look at running groov Server for Windows on a PC on the network to have a web based interface, it will run you around 995USD.
I think an important aspect to consider is speed. You only briefly mention the application:
That’s not really enough of a discription to chose between the two systems.
Its possible in some applications that SNAP might have a slight edge in speed of digital events over EPIC, if your application does not need that speed bump, then EPIC would be the way to go for sure. But if you require faster digital event reactions, it would be wise to keep SNAP PAC R1 in mind.
If you can share a little more of the task, it would be helpful.
@guglibabu96: I would also consider the ability to program the EPIC in CODESYS (which makes Modbus communication easier for me) as a point in that system’s favor. The ability to run Ignition Edge on the EPIC may also push you in that direction.
Nisha - you mention a possible need to communicate to other PLCs. With regard to that point, I think groov EPIC would be a better choice. @varland mentioned CODESYS: SNAP PAC can only be programmed with “PAC Control” which can do Modbus-TCP. EPIC can be programmed with either PAC Control or CODESYS, but with CODESYS you have more options for communication protocols – In addition Modbus-TCP, drivers such as EtherNet/IP (Rockwell), BACnet, ProfiNet and some others are supported.
