Mappings create a virtual connection between two items and their data. A mapping could map the data from an item that is fetching data from a PLC or sensor and to an item that sends data to a cloud. Hence, the data would be transferred from the PLC to the cloud and making SIA Connect acts as a Cloud Gateway. A mapping could also be a map between two different PLC's making SIA Connect act as a protocol converter & gateway.

To add a mapping:

• In the SIA portal go to the Instance where you want to create a mappingfrom.
  • This could for example be your PLC or sensor instance whose item you want to map to e.g. a cloud.
• Scroll down to the Mappings table and click New mappings button. A dialogue will open.
• Select your Sender and Receiver items.
  • Sender is the item that defines when to execute a mapping. 
  • Receiver is the item that is being triggered when the sender executes the mapping. 
• Chose the Trigger type.
  • Item: Triggered by another item, based on its Trigger Behaviour parameter, defined under the Item parameter‍.
  • Instance status: Triggered when the device status changes (error or error cleared). It can also trigger at a set interval, defined by Status Report Interval under the Instance parameter‍.
• Select which Item(s)to send.
  • When clicking the box, a menu with all available items within the instance will drop down. Here you can select all the items you want paired with the mapping.
• (Optional) Input the Group name.
  • Group name that categorizes and describes the collection of items in the mapping. Group name is required if more sender items are added.
• Select the extra functionality.
  • Bidirectional synchronization: Transmit data from receiver to sender. Results in bidirectional synchronization of their data.
  • Acknowledge writing: Returns the received data to the sender to acknowledge the transmissions went through.
  • Execute on start-up: Transmit data from sender to receiver on all start-ups and reinitializations.
  • Store'n'forward: Store the data to a buffer & try again later if the transmission failed.
• (Optional) Add any Condition.
  • A conditions logic that needs to be met in order to execute the mapping such as "if %VALUE% > X  (if the master value is larger than X execute the mapping)". Check Variable & scripting‍ for further details.
• (Optional) Enter a Custom value.
  • A custom value can be set to enrich & manipulate the data being transmitted such as adding further data sources or wrapping it into payloads, SQL queries, etc.. Custom value will overrule the input template
• Press Save mapping.

Mapping overview

Below you can see an image showing how mapping will look on the interface, and explanations as too what functionalities are available.

• Search bar to focus on specific mappings
• Sortable columns
• You can interact with instances and items directly from the mappings table
• Mapping groups are collapsible
• Item data showed for sender and receiver updated in real time.
• Enabled extra functionalities
  • - Showing Uni-directional data flow
  • - Showing Bi-directional data flow
  • - Showing Store'n'Forward
  • - Showing Acknowledgement
• Value will show “Direct parsing” or the Input Template for the receiver if present
• Condition for the mapping
• Messages in the buffer waiting to be sent (Click View buffer to see data package)
• Pressto refresh the API cache for the individual mapping