In an environment where information systems need to communicate effectively, interfaces play a key role. Generally speaking, an interface is a mechanism for exchanging data between multiple systems. Depending on the application, these exchanges may be initiated by Energysoft (push based approach), by a third-party system (pull based approach), or operate in a bidirectional manner.
Energysoft offers several types of interfaces to meet its customer’s needs and levels of maturity. All have been designed to ensure reliable, secure and high-performance data exchange. In particular, these interfaces enable bulk power plant configurations, the replication of all monitoring data to a third-party system, and the interconnection of Energysoft with third-party maintenance systems (CMMS).
Four types of interface to suit every need
Energysoft offers four main types of interface, each designed for specific use cases.
Data replication enables Energysoft to automatically send data to a third-party system. The data is standardised before being sent, ensuring consistency regardless of the technical environment.
The OData API enables third-party systems to query Energysoft to retrieve or modify data. It provides full read and write access to the plateform’s objects.
Excel Import/Export offers a simple and user-friendly way to extract, analyse or edit data directly from Excel files.
SFTP transfer allows raw data to be sent to a third-party system, without prior standardisation, for purposes requiring specific processing on the client side.
Focus on replication: a continuous, standardised data stream
Data replication is based on a simple principale: as soon as data is received by Energysoft, it is immediately transmitted to a third-party system. Data is transfered in real time, with standardized formatting to ensure structural consistency.
This applies only to raw data: no calculations or aggregatio are performed. Replication covers all devices and enables a complete database to be reconstructed on the client side.
Two formats available:
- JSON via MQTT
- CSV via SFTP
This interface is particularly well suited to customers with advanced data requirements, particularly for feeding a data warehouse or analysing data at a very granular level. It enables comprehensive, real-time retrieval of data transmitted by on-site gateways and offers complete freedom in data manipulation.
Focus on the OData API: a flexible and interoperable interface
The OData API (HTTP/Rest protocol) operates on a pull based basis: it is the third-party system that queries Energysoft to retrieve the required data.
It provides access to all Energysoft items: measures, power plant configurations, alarms and service request. The API can be used both to vew and to import information, making it a particularly versatile tool.
It is particularly suitable for:
- Connecting Energysoft to tools such as Excel or Power BI
- Synchronising maintenance systems (CMMS)
- Automating configuration updates
A limit of 30 requests per minute is enforced to ensure the stability of the service.
Its main advantage lies in its flexibility and its ability to integrate easily into existing environments, including standard office software.
Focus on Excel import/export: simplicity and efficiency
The Excel import/export feature is Energysoft’s most user-friendly interface. Data can be easily processed without requiring specific technical expertise.
Thanks to the data exploration module, users can quickly extract information for analysis or diagnostic purposes. It is also possible to import or edit power plant configurations in bulk.
It applies to all data types:
- Measurements
- Hardware and plant configurations
- Alarms
- Service requests
This interface is ideal for one-off tasks, quick analyses or simple updates.
Focus on SFTP transfer: access to raw data
SFTP transfer also operates in push based mode, but differs from replication in terms of the nature of the data transmitted. In this case, the data sent is raw, unstandardised data sourced directly from client systems. The third-party system therefore receives heterogeneous data that requires specific processing.
This interface is ideal for customers who wish to retain full control over the structuring and processing of their data, particularly if they already have their own data conversion tools.
An approach tailored to every need
With these four interfaces, Energysoft covers a wide range of applications, from simple export requirements to complex data architectures.
This complementary approach enables each customer to choose the data exhange method best suited to their technical constraints and objectives. These interfaces thus become a key tool for process automation, ensuring data exchange reliability and optimizing plant operations.
