EasyAccess 2.0 Features & Benefits

Easy Setup: EasyAccess 2.0 is easier to install and operate compared to the previous version of EasyAccess (1.0) because there is no need to modify router settings, firewalls, or open up ports. Very little PC setup is also required. All you need to do is enable the EasyAccess 2.0 feature on the HMI and connect the unit to the Internet via Ethernet cable. It's really that easy.

It's Secure: In a time where security and "getting hacked" are of utmost concern, EasyAccess 2.0 employs several technologies to protect the HMI and its control network. All communications are done through VPN (Virtual Private Network) setup to prevent third parties from accessing private information. All data is encrypted using 128-bit SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) technology, which is commonly used in on-line banking. A proxy server option can also be used to conceal the identity of remote PCs. In addition, a Domain Management System (DMS) is required to designate authorized access of HMIs to specific users. In addition, the DMS is administrator-based and requires password protection for both the administrator and all users.

Preserves Bandwidth: Previously, EasyAccess (1.0) utilized a VNC server, which has a high bandwidth requirement. In addition to the live data, VNC would transfer the actual HMI screen and all of its graphics across the network, hogging bandwidth resources. With EasyAccess 2.0, a new HMI Viewer application has been integrated into the system. Only the actual live data is communicated across the network between the local HMI and remote device, preserving bandwidth and enabling faster data transfer.

More Efficient: EasyAccess 2.0 offers fast installation and set-up, faster operation, less strain on network bandwidth, and the convenience of instantly accessing your HMI from anywhere in the world. The new HMI Viewer takes a copy of live HMI data, sending only the data you need. In addition, Pass-Through mode enables quick and easy monitoring or updating of connected PLCs.

Saves Money: EasyAccess 2.0 reduces travel costs including gas, airfare, and overnight hotel accommodations. It reduces the cost of man-hours paid to send personnel onsite for troubleshooting and repair, as well as reduces the number of pricey technical support phone calls. But most of all, EasyAccess 2.0 will reduce the (very) expensive cost of downtime at the plant.

Better for Troubleshooting: With EasyAccess 2.0, you can easily monitor and troubleshoot HMIs/PLCs from a remote location as long as an Internet connection exists. EasyAccess 2.0 manages all network settings and security issues so the user simply connects to the HMI as if they were on the local network. Instantaneously view screens or implement updates to an HMI project or PLC. Change what is seen on screen LIVE by the operator, or, using the new HMI Viewer, update the project without disrupting what the operator is doing.

Reduces Down Time: Time is money. With EasyAccess 2.0 you can bring the plant up faster, minimizing expensive downtime. Consider a machine builder who sells machines with Maple HMIs installed. If a customer reports an issue, the machine builder remotely connects to the HMI using EasyAccess 2.0 and investigates the problem. He can quickly review and update the HMI project, monitor the PLC using Pass-Through mode, and even update the PLC program. With EasyAccess 2.0, you'll enjoy the ability to resolve your problem almost as quickly as it occurs.

Easy Access Ready: EasyAccess 2.0 is just one element of the bigger IIoT picture. It enables us to connect to remote devices and access data for analytical purposes to ultimately benefit our bottom line. All OEMs and systems integrators can and should be IIoT ready. Because eventually, most customers will pursue a connected factory. Thankfully, EasyAccess 2.0 comes pre-installed on new Maple Systems HMIs. Simply activate the feature on the customer's device when the timing is right for them. For an extremely low cost, EasyAccess 2.0 can be an end-to-end solution for smaller-scale OEMS, even without using MQTT protocol.