How the backup process works
1. Connect to the PLC environment
Smart Breeze connects to your industrial environment via an OPC server.
This allows the software to communicate with PLC systems in a standardized and secure way.
Examples include environments using:
Siemens
ABB
Honeywell
Yokogawa
other OPC-compatible systems
The software can connect either directly to a PLC or to an existing OPC server within the factory network.
2. Select the required tags and parameters
Once connected, operators or engineers can select which values should be included in the backup.
Examples of common data points include:
machine setpoints
recipe values
production parameters
alarm thresholds
operating modes
speed and temperature settings
batch-related variables
This makes the backup process fully configurable to the needs of the production line.
3. Automatic scheduled backups
After the configuration is completed, backups can be scheduled automatically.
For example:
every hour
every shift
daily
weekly
before planned maintenance
This is typically managed through scheduled tasks, allowing the system to run fully automated without manual intervention.
Backups are created in the background while production continues.
4. Secure version history
Every backup is stored with a clear timestamp.
This makes it easy to see exactly when a configuration was saved.
For example:
08:00 start of morning shift
12:00 after maintenance
16:00 after process optimization
This version history allows teams to quickly compare changes over time and restore a known working state when needed.
5. Fast restore in case of incidents
If a PLC setting is changed incorrectly or a crash occurs, Smart Breeze allows teams to restore a previous backup in seconds.
This significantly reduces downtime and minimizes dependency on individual engineers who may not be on-site.
The restore process simply writes the saved values back to the PLC environment through OPC.
Example use case
Imagine a production line where a speed parameter is accidentally changed, causing product quality issues.
With Smart Breeze, the operator can immediately restore the last stable version from before the change.
This avoids long troubleshooting sessions and helps production continue quickly.