In the context of Industry 4.0, where operational agility is essential, the ability to quickly adapt to changes in the production layout represents a significant competitive advantage. SENECA’s FLEX technology addresses this need, allowing for real-time modification of device configurations and optimizing data transfer between PLCs and other devices in the industrial network.

At the heart of this innovation lies a concept that is both simple and effective: a single device capable of supporting multiple communication protocols.

The impact of this technology extends beyond the technical aspect. From a management perspective, FLEX enables companies to significantly simplify their procurement and warehouse management processes. A single device can replace multiple dedicated units, reducing storage and handling costs.

One technology, infinite possibilities

The proprietary FLEX technology allows a single KEY Series gateway [https://www.seneca.it/linee-di-prodotto/comunicazione-industriale-e-telecontrollo/gateway-router-modem/] or a R203 Series network analyzer [https://www.seneca.it/linee-di-prodotto/comunicazione-industriale-e-telecontrollo/gateway-router-modem/] to be transformed into a multi-protocol device. Currently, FLEX supports ModBUS in its RTU, TCP-IP, and ASCII variants, as well as the Profinet, Ethernet/IP, OPC UA, IEC 61850, and MQTT protocols.

This versatility translates into tangible benefits for businesses, which can now manage their communication networks with unparalleled flexibility:

• Rapid configuration change: from one protocol conversion to another in just 30 seconds
• Optimized ROI: one device replaces multiple dedicated units
• Simplified management: one item instead of numerous product codes and stock items
• Intuitive configuration: no complex programming required

Example of transformation from ModBUS gateway to Profinet gateway with FLEX technology

Configuration in 3 simple steps

Particularly interesting is the ease of use. Reconfiguring a FLEX device requires only an Ethernet connection and the use of the SENECA Discovery Device software, freely downloadable from the SENECA website. The conversion process from one protocol to another is completed in just thirty seconds, with no need for complex programming or modifications to I/O registers.

1. Connect the device via Ethernet
2. Use the free SENECA Discovery Device software
3. Select the new protocol conversion

Protocol Change via SENECA Discovery Device

The competitive advantage

In an industrial world where flexibility and rapid adaptation are crucial, FLEX technology offers a concrete competitive advantage. While traditional systems require dedicated hardware for each protocol, FLEX allows for on-the-fly reconfiguration of devices, quickly adapting to changes in production and optimizing data transfer between PLCs and Master/Slave or Client/Server devices.

The true innovation of FLEX lies in its ability to eliminate complexity while maintaining high-level performance, all with significant savings in management and maintenance costs.