Typical deployment of Open Automation Software follows these key steps:
1. Planning & Architecture Design Define data sources (PLCs, devices, sensors), select topology (edge, concentrator, or cloud-based), identify use cases (e.g., historian, alarms, protocol bridging), and determine licensing needs for tags and modules.
2. Software Installation Download the OAS installer or Docker image, run the wizard on Windows/Linux (or launch Docker), selecting either Typical or Custom installation as needed. Installation completes within minutes.
3. Server Configuration Use the built-in OASConfig or programmatic .NET SDK to define devices, tags, historical logging setup, alarm rules, recipes, and networking settings. Manual config takes a few hours per server, but automated setup via code or CSV imports can complete in seconds.
4. Networking & Security Setup Configure DNA connections—edge-to-central encrypted links, firewall ports, store-and-forward buffering for resilience in case of outages.
5. Client & Visualisation Setup Deploy Web HMI or .NET applications using OAS UIEngine or SDKs. Publishing dashboards and trend views is generally fast, often within hours.
6. Testing & Validation Perform real-time data verification, historian accuracy checks, alarm triggers, failover testing, and security auditing.
7. Roll-Out & Scale-Up Repeat configuration on additional edge nodes or centralised servers. With automated setup, new deployments can happen within seconds or minutes per node.
Timeline Estimate:
Single, basic site: 1–2 days from install to production.
Complex edge-to-cloud network with historian and UI: typically 1–2 weeks, considering planning, custom configurations, and testing. Automated deployment tools can significantly reduce configuration time.
Customisation
Open Automation Software offers extensive flexibility and customization across multiple levels:
Device/Protocol Integration
Built-in drivers support many PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Modbus) and OPC UA/DA.
For proprietary or niche devices, the Universal Driver Interface (UDI) SDK enables building custom drivers in .NET that function fully within the OAS ecosystem.
Automated and Custom Setup
The .NET OASConfig SDK lets integrators programmatically define server configurations—remote or local—covering everything from tags and alarms to UI elements.
OEMs can embed CSV-based or code-driven automated setup for rapid, standardized deployments.
Visualization & UI Engineering
UIEngine (no-code): Build interactive dashboards within a browser without writing code, with the ability to export/import screen configurations for deployment standardization.
Web HMI SDK: Embed real-time data into custom web apps using HTML, JavaScript, or frameworks like Angular, React, or Vue.
.NET SDK: Build Windows or cross-platform mobile apps (WinForms, WPF, Xamarin) using live or historical data for tailored UIs and experiences.
Branded & Packaged Solutions
OEMs or integrators can private-label the OAS configuration tools—branding installers, logos, titles, and help within the UI.
Flexible Licensing
Tags and modules are distributed via flex-tag licensing across multiple servers, with unlimited client connections—enabling tailored deployment models.
Deployment Options
Supports Windows, Linux, and Docker containers.
DNA networking for centralized or distributed systems with encryption and resilience options.
Use Case Extensibility
Recipe engine supports event-driven or scheduled database interactions—feeding PLCs or initiating actions based on SQL/NoSQL data.
Programmatic access via SDKs allows the creation of new logic, alerting, notifications, and event workflows.
Support & Integration Partnerships
OAS partners with OEMs and integrators who offer deep customization, technical support, and integration into vertical solutions within industries.
These features show that OAS is not only a robust data platform but also a highly adaptable system suited to tailored industrial and OEM applications—across connectivity, UI, branding, deployment, and beyond.
Additional Costs
Open Automation Software (OAS) adopts a transparent pricing model that includes several built-in elements:
No explicit setup fees: OAS does not charge additional setup or implementation fees on top of the license. All core modules and entitlements are part of the initial purchase.
1-Year Maintenance Included: Each license comes with one year of free maintenance, which covers updates, upgrades, hotfixes, and the ability to reallocate tags across servers.
Ongoing Maintenance Costs: After the initial year, annual maintenance fees typically apply for continued access to updates and support. The exact percentage is based on current policy per license tier.
Support Charges: Standard support is usually included in maintenance, but options like 1:1 premium support, personalized development, or on-site assistance may be available at additional cost depending on service needs.
Training
OAS offers a range of support and training resources to help users gain proficiency quickly:
Video Tutorials: A comprehensive library of short, task-by-task videos covering topics from installation to advanced functionality.
Knowledge Base / Online Help: Detailed documentation with examples and images, regularly updated to reflect the latest features.
1:1 Personalized Support: Access to the support team via email or phone, staffed across multiple global regions.
Application Development Services: For those needing assistance, OAS can pair clients with expert developers to build or customize applications.
Live Demos & Free Trial: A fully functional 30-day trial is available, alongside scheduled interactive demos to walk through specific scenarios.
Security Measures
Security is fully integrated into OAS’s platform at multiple levels:
Network & Communication Security
Encrypted Communications: All server-to-server and client-to-server data flows use proprietary packet encryption. SSL is enabled for web interfaces and REST APIs, and ports are configurable for hardened network control.
One-Way Network Support: Secure unidirectional data transmission (e.g., DMZ-to-cloud) is supported natively.
Server & OS Security
OS-Level Hardening: Supports access restrictions, password policies, privilege best practices, and OS firewall control. Administrative credentials are protected, and remote login is discouraged.
Configuration File Protection: Access to server Q&A files is restricted to system administrators.
Protocol & Driver Security
Secure Driver Credentials: Connection drivers support secure passwords and certificate-based authentication as configured.
Software Vulnerability Management
Code Scans & Safeguards: Utilizes internal vulnerability scanning and secure coding standards (e.g., Security Code Scan) to minimize risk.
Patch Management: Regular updates and patches—including critical vulnerability fixes—are provided through maintenance. For example, a recent privilege escalation vulnerability (CVE-2024-11220) was patched and documented by CISA.
Operational & Physical Security
Hardware Infrastructure Best Practices: Encourages secure data center environments with physical access control, backup power, and redundancy.
These integrated security layers ensure that OAS deployments in industrial environments remain protected against both internal and external threats.
Updates
Open Automation Software (OAS) releases updates regularly, typically several times per year, to introduce new features, improve performance, and patch security vulnerabilities. Updates include minor enhancements, major version upgrades, and critical security fixes.
Management process:
Updates are distributed through the official OAS website and customer portal.
Clients with active maintenance agreements receive updates at no additional cost.
Installation is straightforward—updates can be applied in-place without losing configuration, and automated deployment scripts or Docker images simplify rollout across multiple servers.
Critical patches (e.g., security fixes) are announced promptly and documented, ensuring compliance with industrial cybersecurity standards.
Data Ownership and Portability
OAS follows an open and vendor-neutral philosophy, meaning:
Full Data Ownership: All data collected, logged, and stored remains under the customer’s control. OAS does not claim rights over operational or historical data.
Portability: Data is logged in open formats (SQL, NoSQL, CSV), making it easy to export or migrate without proprietary lock-in.
Cloud Independence: While OAS integrates with Azure IoT, AWS IoT, and Kafka, customers choose where data resides—on-premises, private cloud, or public cloud.
APIs for Access: REST API and .NET SDK allow programmatic access to live and historical data, ensuring seamless migration or integration with other platforms.
Scaling Up / Down
OAS offers flexible scaling terms designed for dynamic industrial environments:
Flex Tag Licensing: Tags can be redistributed across multiple servers under one license, making it easy to scale horizontally without buying new licenses for each node.
Unlimited Clients: No per-client fees, so adding more HMIs, dashboards, or mobile apps does not increase cost.
Modular Add-Ons: Features like historian, alarms, and cloud connectors can be added as needed, allowing incremental scaling.
Cloud & Edge Deployment: Supports Windows, Linux, and Docker, enabling quick expansion to new sites or edge nodes.
Downscaling: Organisations can reduce tag counts or deactivate modules without penalty, provided they remain within license terms.
Maintenance Continuity: Scaling up or down does not disrupt maintenance agreements—updates and support remain active across all licensed servers.
The terms & conditions for contract renewal and cancellation
Annual Maintenance Auto-Renewal Maintenance is charged annually at 20% of the base license price, and renews automatically unless canceled before the expiration date.
Discounts for Multi-Year Renewal Purchasing multi-year maintenance upfront may qualify for cost discounts.
Features Included with Maintenance With an active maintenance contract, you get 24/7 email support, free version upgrades during maintenance, plus a 90-day post-expiration buffer, flexibility to modify tags, feature sets, license reassignment, and price protection.
Lapse & Reinstatement If maintenance lapses, the software continues to run, but without updates or license flexibility. Reinstatement requires emailing your license code to OAS; a reinstatement quote will be provided.
Renewal Cancellation Policy Maintenance renews automatically unless canceled before expiration. Cancellation terms aren’t explicitly stated but typically require notifying OAS before the renewal date to avoid charges.
