VisuNet Control Center 6 Contents History of the Manual ....................5 Introduction........................ 6 Content of this Document ................6 Target Group, Personnel ................6 Symbols Used ....................7 Security Context ......................8 Product Description ....................9 Overview ......................9 Program features ..................10 Licensing ......................
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Contents "How Tos" .........................70 Preparing an RM / BTC for Centralized Management.......70 Connecting to an RM / BTC .................71 Uploading a Configuration to an RM / BTC..........72 Shadowing a Session ..................74 Creating a New Local User................75 Build up secure communication between CC and RM Shell devices..76...
VisuNet Control Center 6 History of the Manual History of the Manual The following editions of the manual have been released: Version Comments 05/2023 First version...
VisuNet Control Center 6 Introduction Introduction Content of this Document This document contains information that you need in order to use your product throughout the applicable stages of the product life cycle. These can include the following: • Product identification •...
VisuNet Control Center 6 Introduction Symbols Used This document contains symbols for the identification of warning messages and of informative messages. Warning Messages You will find warning messages, whenever dangers may arise from your actions. It is mandatory that you observe these warning messages for your personal safety and in order to avoid prop- erty damage.
VisuNet Control Center 6 Security Context Security Context From the security point-of-view, the responsible plant operator requires to take the following measures: • Limit the access for the workstations with an installation of VisuNet CC. • Limit the access of the file store which contains the project files and stored data.
Restart and reboot an RM / BTC Note VisuNet CC is compatible with all Pepperl+Fuchs devices with pre-installed RM Shell 5 or 6 firmware or newer. VisuNet CC provides further information for several functions via tool tips. Please hover with the mouse cursor over a user interface item (e.g.
VisuNet Control Center 6 Product Description Program features The VisuNet Control Center allows the user to manage all HMI systems with RM Shell 6 as well as RM Shell 5.0 or newer from a central location. Therefore, the administrators no longer need to enter hazardous areas or other restricted areas like clean rooms to setup or maintain a Remote Monitor or box thin client.
VisuNet Control Center 6 Product Description Licensing VisuNet Control Center can be downloaded from the Pepperl+Fuchs website. Visit www.pep- perl-fuchs.com and use the search term “VISUNET-CONTROL-CENTER.” To unlock the VisuNet CC management interface on an RM / BTC, an additional license must be entered.
The software can be installed on any WIndows Operationg System that sup- ports the Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7.2. The firewall on either a service PC or Pepperl+Fuchs RM / BTC will be configured automatically. During the installation the firewall rules will be activated.
VisuNet Control Center 6 VisuNet CC Setup VisuNet CC Setup VisuNet CC uses a project-based approach. This means that the configuration of RMs /BTCs can be stored in a file, e.g., on the local hardware drive, or shared among different computers running VisuNet CC.
VisuNet Control Center 6 VisuNet CC Setup Main Structure (User Interface) To find all your devices in the network, use the “Scan for Remote Monitors” icon. Figure 5.3 All online devices, Remote Monitors and Box Thin Clients are listed. Note If your device is not listed, you can use the “Add Device”...
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VisuNet Control Center 6 VisuNet CC Setup Figure 5.6 Function Description Open/Close Timeout Specifies the time VisuNet CC waits for an answer from the RM / BTC during establishing/closing of a connection before a timeout occurs. Increase the timeout, when there are problems establish- ing a connection to device.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 VisuNet CC Setup Figure 5.7 Home: Click the "Home" tab in the top-left corner of the VisuNet CC screen to enter the home view. There are two different “Home” ribbon toolbars, depending on if a device is selected or the group view is active Figure 5.8...
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VisuNet Control Center 6 VisuNet CC Setup Ribbon toolbar On the toolbar, all available functions that can be performed in the mode currently in use, are grouped together. For detailed information on the icons and their functions, . Navigation menu •...
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VisuNet Control Center 6 VisuNet CC Setup Figure 5.12 Click in the upper right corner to switch to list view. This mode displays a table of the devices with information about their online status, IP addresses, VisuNet RM Shell version and serial number.
VisuNet Control Center 6 VisuNet CC Setup Device Structure To get further information of the single devices, use the double-click either in the navigation menu or at the list or tile view in the main screen. This mode allows you to manage individual devices. The settings, information, and functions available in this view are divided into 5 general sections.
VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Home) Manage (Home) In this chapter group actions and features are explained. The following actions can be executed when the remote monitor overview and the home tab are activated. Figure 6.1 Group Management Figure 6.2 The Group Management helps you to organize your remote monitors.
VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Home) Dynamic Groups Dynamic groups allow you to filter your list of RMs / BTCs based on their current online status. To add a dynamic group, click “Add Dynamic Group” on the ribbon tool bar. You must assign it a name, and you can select which online statuses you would like to see when viewing the dynamic group.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Home) Performing a Group Action via Wizard Perform Group Action via List View Perform an action for a device group. Select your required devices by using one of the following methods: Switch to "List View" mode.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Home) Perform Group Action via Action Icon Click on the icon that performs the desired action. In the following example, this action is a restart of the devices. Figure 6.8 Restart Wizard: Target Devices A window of the wizard appears that guides you through all the actions.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Home) Figure 6.10 Restart Wizard: Select "Restart Options" Select one of the options and click "Next". Figure 6.11 Restart Wizard: Summary In the ongoing steps you always have the option to move backwards and adjust your selec- tion.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Home) Figure 6.12 Restart Wizard: Restart Devices When every device status is set to "Success", the performed action is completed and the wizard can be finished.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Home) Firmware Update Wizard The Firmware Update Wizard supports you in updating your latest version of the firmware e.g. VisuNet RM Shell 6.0 to VisuNet RM Shell 6.1. Note The Firmware Update Wizard is not the right tool to upgrade VisuNet RM Shell 5 to VisuNet RM Shell 6.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Home) Figure 6.14 Select your target device Category Description Troubleshooting Communication Status Offline Make sure your device is online. Write Filter Write Filter is enabled. Please Please refer to chapter deactivate the write filter. "Device Commands" to dis- able the Write Filter by restart- ing the device.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Home) Figure 6.15 When every device Status is set to "Success", the performed action is completed and the wizard can be finished Broadcast Message With one or more RMs selected, click the "Broadcast Message" icon.
VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Home) User Management Figure 6.18 User Management VisuNet CC allows a project to be protected from access by unauthorized personnel via a user management system. For each project, an individual user structure can be created that allows you to assign permissions to individual user accounts.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Home) Figure 6.20 Add User Window - Active Directory User User authentication can be configured by the "Administrator" account to be either a local user or an active directory user. • Local user: Local user accounts are only stored within a Control Center project file and may have a password assigned to them, which they will need to enter to open the project.
VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Home) Function Description Allow upload settings Allows a user to upload configuration to an RM, import an SSL cer- tificate to an RM, and perform a firmware update on an RM. Allow Session Shadowing Allows a user to take control of an RM while in session shadowing.
VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) Manage (Device) To change to the device view, click the required device in the navigation menu or main screen. Overview of the Device Structure, see chapter 5.2. Figure 7.1 Device Function Tiles Figure 7.2 Device Function Tiles - Overview The function tiles provide an overview of the core RM / BTC system information.
VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) 7.1.1 Device Status The device status tile displays important device information. Figure 7.3 The tile color indicates the current status of the device: • Green: The device is online • Yellow: The device is in maintainance mode •...
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) Figure 7.4 The menu shows the system information, update log and image log. This can be saved and exported into a file. Additionaly the device can be pinged manually here.
VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) 7.1.2 Device Settings (Tile) Figure 7.5 Function Description Computer Name When changing the Computer Name, the device must be restarted to adapt the settings to the Windows® settings. Last Synchronization Date Shows the date and time that the configurations between the Vis- uNet CC project and the RM were last synchronized via an upload or download.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) General • RM Shell and Local Windows User Passwords:Set the password for factory reset • Automatic User Logout:Enable the automatic logout of the user and specify the idle time before an administrator is logged out Note For the User Auto Logout feature the PRO license is required.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) Desktop Sharing Figure 7.7 The VisuNet Desktop Sharing Server is per default disabled. When enabling this function, we highly recommend enabling the Secure Tunnel Service as well to ensure high security connections. It is also recommended to use your own certificate. Be aware that only certificates with private keys are allowed.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) Display & Touchscreen Type • Smart Screen Saver:The Smart Screen Saver is a screensaver which prevents perma- nent image retention or image sticking on LC displays while presenting the process pic- ture at the same time. Process pictures stay visible, and you still have direct access to all important process information.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) Network & Connectivity • Computer Description:Here the name of the device can be changed. When the device is restarted, the new name is adapted.Remember to upload the new device settings to your Shell device and restart it. If the Communication Address or IP address of the RM / BTC Shell Device and the VisuNet Control Center are not identical, the connection fails.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) Security Figure 7.10 VisuNet CC Note Communication Certificate: Use your own certificate for communication between VisuNet RM Shell 6 and Control Center 6.
VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) Open / Close, TCP Send / Receive, MEX Send / Receive Timeout If the speed of your device or Network is low, you might must adjust the time-out settings of the VisuNet CC by extending them to prevent errors and timeouts.
VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) Either use direct function for one device or chose the Firmware Wizard to get guided through the process and use the function for multiple devices with the dropdown menu. Depending on which device either the RM / BTC or the VisuNet Control Center you edited your settings you can either download or upload them to synchronize your local data.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) Import SSL Certificate Send an SSL Certificate (e.g. to access an encrypted website) to an RM. Create your own cer- tificate with a private key and import it here. You can choose your Store as well as the location the certificate is stored at.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) Figure 7.18 Clone Wizard - Source Device - Copied Source Device Settings The Copied Source Device Settings are only an overview. The assignment cannot be adjusted. Figure 7.19 Clone Wizard - Source Device - Select Source Information Choose the source of information you like to copy.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) Figure 7.20 Clone Wizard - Source Device - Select Source Profiles Choose the profiles that should be cloned to the target devices. Figure 7.21 Clone Wizard - Target Devices Choose target devices you want to apply the configuration.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) Figure 7.22 Clone Wizard - Edit Settings - Enter License Key If you add the profiles via VisuNet CC for the first time, you will be asked for the license keys in “Edit Settings”.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) If the source device is provided with passwords for the Administrator, Operator, Desktop Sharing and Factory Reset, the list would be prefilled. If you do not set new passwords the same passwords will be transferred.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) Figure 7.26 Clone Wizard - Apply to Device - Summary The wizard guides you through all the different profiles of the cloning device. Figure 7.27 Clone Wizard - Apply to Device - Perform Action...
VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) Device Commands Figure 7.28 Shutdown and Restart Device Choose in the drop-down menu to shutdown/restart one device directly or choose the Firmware Wizard to get guided through the process and Shutdown/restart multiple devices. Caution! It is not possible to boot devices via VisuNet CC.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) Session Shadowing Connect to an RM/BTC by clicking the icon or the minimized live view of the shown RM/BTC screen and share its current screen. The function also allows remote control of an RM/BTC.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) If you need to take control of the mouse, click the “control” item in the Session Shadowing Mode. Figure 7.32 Disable Touch Disable the touchscreen of an RM, e.g., during a washdown. Note This device command has an immediate effect on the RM.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) This mode is used to avoid accidental reconfiguration of an RM/BTC, for instance, when a local operator performs a critical task such as entering a recipe. If an RM/BTC is triggered by Vis- uNet CC to enter maintenance mode, the local operator is prompted and asked for permission.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) Cleanup Disk Wizard Make sure that all devices are updated to the latest Version and are online. Choose the devices whose disk should be cleaned up. Figure 7.33 From VisuNet RM Shell version 5.5.0 on the available disk space is visualized.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) Figure 7.34 The Cleanup process might take several hours. During that time the device can be operated but might response slowly. Click "Finish". The Cleanup process runs in the background. You can follow the progress in the Action History list.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) Theme Wizard The Theme Wizard supports you in customizing one or multiple wallpapers and logos of your devices. Note This feature requires a PRO license! Procedure Select your target device(s). Figure 7.35 Use the arrows to preview the aspect ratio and solution for your devices.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) Figure 7.36 By clicking "execute", your device(s) is synchronized with the new wallpaper and/or logo. Figure 7.37...
VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) Device Backup Figure 7.38 Apply Image Wizard Use the Apply Image wizard to apply multiple images to multiple devices. Images that can be applied to the RM/BTC: Image Type Description Note 1) Pepperl+Fuchs Available for each specific device. The Pep-...
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Manage (Device) Apply Image Wizard Note When applying a Pepperl+Fuchs image or a clone image you need to setup your device locally! If you want to track the status of the device, VisuNet CC must not be closed during the Apply Image Wizard application.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) Figure 7.40 Select the Network Share which will be used to transfer the image. The Network Share needs to be available in the same network of your devices. Note Make sure to select an UNC -path, other paths are not recognized/accepted.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) Figure 7.41 Figure 7.42 Use the "Autocomplete" Button to look for all compatible Images within the selected network Share. Use the combo box to select the requested Image if multiple images are stored.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) Figure 7.43 By clicking get detailed information about the selected Image and device. After selecting the required image click "Next". Check again the selected settings then click "execute" to perform the apply process. Note Applying this firmware will delete the complete Windows partition and you will lose all settings.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) Figure 7.45 Depending on the applied image different further actions are required: 1. Pepperl+Fuchs Factory Reset Image After the reboot of the device you need to change the following settings locally. • Close the Window "First Start Menu"...
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) • Either follow the RM Shell First Start Wizard steps locally on the device or remotely via VisuNet CC. For further information on the First Start Wizard please refer to the RM Shell manual.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) a) Set your old computer name and upload the settings (we recommend this option, when your devices haven’t been configured). Figure 7.48 If you set your old Computer Name and the same Network settings as earlier you can upload the device settings via VisuNet CC to the RM Shell and return to the previous setting status of the RM Shell.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) Click "Next". Figure 7.51 Select if you would like to either capture a Backup Image or a Clone Image. For further information on the different Images please refer to the table at the beginning of this chapter.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) Check the connection. If the connection failed, check the server path again. No further procedure is possible. If the connection is successful you can continue the wizard further and click "Next". Figure 7.53 Choose a name for your Image. Modify the pattern for the name. You can use Variables to unify each image name with properties of the device.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) Figure 7.55 Capturing a Backup Image will take about 30 Minutes. Note During that time the device can not be operated. Figure 7.56...
VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) Figure 7.57 Profile Clipboard Figure 7.58 One or multiple profiles can be copied between different devices. Select the profile in the pro- file list out of the device function tiles you would like to copy. Use either the icons or the right click to copy and paste the profiles.
VisuNet Control Center 6 Manage (Device) Profiles The profiles group on the ribbon tool bar shows all relevant functions for setting up and using a remote profile. Figure 7.59 Function Description Connect Start the profile selected from the VisuNet CC profile list stored on an RM / BTC.
VisuNet Control Center 6 "How Tos" "How Tos" Preparing an RM / BTC for Centralized Management Goal Prepare an RM / BTC for centralized management. Pre-conditions Ensure, that the following criteria are fulfilled by the RM / BTC: • Local time zone, date and time of RM / BTC are correct.
VisuNet Control Center 6 "How Tos" Connecting to an RM / BTC Goal Add an RM / BTC to a VisuNet CC project. Adding an RM / BTC Add RM / BTC to the list of available devices Open search window by clicking "Scan for Remote Monitors".
VisuNet Control Center 6 "How Tos" After the initial connection, the device settings are automatically downloaded to the VisuNet Figure 8.2 Uploading a Configuration to an RM / BTC Goal Updating device information with VisuNet CC Note All changes done in VisuNet CC are stored in the local project file. If you want to transfer the changes onto an RM / BTC, you need to upload them to an RM / BTC.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 "How Tos" Figure 8.4 Upload data for multiple devices The wizard showing the upload steps is opened and guides you through the process. Figure 8.5 Uploading Device Data...
VisuNet Control Center 6 "How Tos" Shadowing a Session Goal Connect to an RM / BTC for remote support Pre-Condition Connect to an RM / BTC. Enable Session Shadowing via Device Settings. Remote support Open the session shadowing window by clicking on the session shadowing tile or using the function on the tool bar.
VisuNet Control Center 6 "How Tos" Creating a New Local User Pre-Condition Ensure that you are logged into a project as administrator or another account that allowse edit- ing user privileges. Creating new user Click the “Edit Users” icon on the ribbon tool bar.
VisuNet Control Center 6 "How Tos" Save the project file to keep the changes. Build up secure communication between CC and RM Shell devices Pre-condition An own root CA (public key certificate) as well as and end-user certificate with the import certi- fication passwords need to be provided.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 "How Tos" Figure 8.9 Only a certificate with private keys from the local machine store is allowed. (After installing the certificate on the local device). Select the certificate with the correct common name. Same can be done with a seperate certificate for the Session shadowing.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 "How Tos" Install the public certificate (root CA) on your local machine Open the certificate via right click and open the Certificate Import Wizard when clicking “Install Certificate…” Figure 8.11 Follow the guided steps of the import wizard. Choose your store location and certification store...
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VisuNet Control Center 6 "How Tos" Figure 8.12 Before you complete the import of your certificate you can double-check the specifications of your settings. Click Finish to complete your import.
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VisuNet Control Center 6 "How Tos" Figure 8.13 If you completed all the implementations of the certificates successfully, no error message will appear when your remote observation starts.
VisuNet Control Center 6 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Problem Potential root cause Possible solution RM / BTC cannot be found in The communication protocol Try to turn off or disable all VisuNet CC, even though I is not properly routed through other network adapters (e.g., can ping the device.
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