Collect Data from Siemens SINUMERIK Controls

OPC UA Integration for Siemens 840D SL

For newer Siemens 840D Solution Line (SL) controls, the most direct method of connectivity is via OPC UA. These controls natively support OPC UA, which makes them ideal candidates for plug-and-play integration.

What you’ll need:

A properly configured OPC UA server on the machine. This is typically available on 840D SL controls from 2016 onward.
Data we collect: Cycle status, alarms, part counts, feedrate overrides, spindle speed, and more.
MachineMetrics Advantage: No hardware modifications or additional sensors required—simply connect through Ethernet to your edge device.

Visit the Knowledge Base

Siemens S7 Connector

For machines using Siemens S7 PLCs - such as the S7-1200 or S7-1500 - MachineMetrics can collect data using the S7 protocol. These controls are often found on production equipment that doesn’t use standard CNC controls.

What you’ll need:

IP address of the Siemens PLC, slot number, and rack number.
Requirements: Ensure the PLC supports S7 client communication and allow connections from your MachineMetrics edge device.
Use cases: Perfect for assembly lines, inspection machines, or specialty equipment controlled by Siemens PLCs.

(Image source: Colin Finck)

Learn More About Siemens S7 Connectivity

Connecting to DMG MORI with Siemens + CELOS

For DMG MORI machines that run CELOS with a Siemens backend, the best path forward is often OPC UA. These machines typically use a Windows-based HMI layer (CELOS) with a Siemens control underneath.

Approach: Treat the machine as a Siemens 840D SL using OPC UA.
Tip: You may need to enable OPC UA settings on the CELOS layer or request access from your machine provider.

View the DMG Mori + Siemens Guide

Siemens SINUMERIK Edge

Siemens offers SINUMERIK Edge—an industrial edge platform that allows deeper machine integration and the deployment of apps at the machine level.

Use Cases: Energy monitoring, machine learning applications, and complex condition monitoring.
Benefits: Low-latency, on-premises processing with seamless integration into the Siemens ecosystem.

(image source: Siemens)

Learn more about SINUMERIK Edge

CNC Shopfloor Management Software apps

Siemens offers a suite of CNC apps focused on data collection and analysis:

Manage MyMachines: Track machine status and efficiency in real-time, remotely and across any equipment.
Analyze MyPerformance: Instantly view OEE and key KPIs to assess and improve production.
Access MyData: Connect machine data to ERP, MES, or IT systems for seamless data flow.

(Image source: Siemens)

Learn More About Siemens CNC Shopfloor Apps

Connect to All Your Equipment

Easily connect to all your manufacturing equipment, not just FANUC controls.

MachineMetrics is the leading platform to collect, monitor, analyze, and drive action with manufacturing equipment data. Our platform easily captures data from your manufacturing equipment and provides a complete toolkit to drive actionable insights for frontline workers and other factory floor systems that improve the efficiency and quality of production.

Book a Demo Today

Machines Commonly Equipped with Siemens Controls

See all Machines and Controls

FAQ on Siemens SINUMERIK Machine Connectivity

How do I extract data from a Siemens PLC?

To extract data from a Siemens PLC, the most common and reliable method is to use the S7 protocol or OPC UA, both of which are supported by Siemens PLCs such as the S7-300, S7-400, S7-1200, and S7-1500 series.

Here’s a simplified overview of the process:

Identify the Data Points: Determine which variables (tags) you want to extract—such as cycle time, machine status, part counts, or alarms. These must be made available in the PLC program and marked for external access.
Connect via Ethernet: Use an industrial PC, edge device, or gateway (like MachineMetrics Edge) to connect to the PLC via Ethernet. You'll need the IP address of the PLC and access to its data blocks.
Use S7 or OPC UA Protocol:
1. For S7, the device must be configured to read from Siemens’ S7 communication protocol, typically accessing data blocks directly.
2. For OPC UA, ensure the PLC is licensed for OPC UA communication and expose the necessary tags in the server.
Secure and Validate the Connection: Once connected, the system will begin polling the PLC at set intervals to collect the specified data. It’s essential to validate that the correct tags are mapped and the data is accurate.

Connect and Collect Machine Data from Siemens Controls