Generic

Packaging Line (EtherNet/IP)

60 minutesModerateEtherNet/IPFull OEE

What You Need

Cat6 Ethernet cableIncluded in kit

Flowstate CL260 edge nodeIncluded in kit

Customer provides:

1
Identify the line PLC
Locate the main packaging line PLC in the control cabinet. Most modern packaging lines use Allen-Bradley CompactLogix or ControlLogix PLCs with EtherNet/IP. Find the Ethernet module or CPU Ethernet port.
2
Connect Ethernet cable
Cat6 from the PLC EtherNet/IP port to the Flowstate edge node. If the PLC is on a dedicated machine network, connect through the managed switch in the control cabinet.
Some packaging lines have multiple PLCs (one per station: filler, capper, labeler, case packer). Connect to the main line PLC that aggregates station data.
3
Set edge node IP
Configure the Flowstate edge node with a static IP on the same subnet as the packaging line PLC network (typically 10.0.100.x or 192.168.1.x).

1
Identify CIP tag names
Using the PLC program documentation or Studio 5000 online browser, identify controller-scoped tags for: line speed (units/min), good count, reject count, filler level, label verification, and station faults.
2
Configure CIP tag reads
On the Flowstate edge node, configure CIP explicit message reads for each tag. Set poll interval: 1s for counters, 5s for temperatures and levels. Map each tag to a named Sparkplug B metric.
3
Set up changeover detection
Identify the PLC tag or recipe number that indicates a product changeover. Configure the edge node to track changeover start/end times for OEE availability calculation.

1
Browse CIP tags
From the Flowstate edge node, browse the PLC tag list via CIP. Verify production counter, line speed, and station status tags are accessible and returning current values.
2
Run production test
Run the packaging line for 5 minutes. Verify unit counts increment, reject counts track, and line speed matches the HMI display.
3
Dashboard check
Packaging line appears in Flowstate with throughput rate, reject rate, station status, and changeover tracking.

Line speed (units/min)

Good count (units)

Reject count (units)

Reject rate (%)

Filler level (%)

Label verification (pass/fail count)

Station status (running/faulted/starved/blocked)

Changeover duration (minutes)

Downtime by station

OEE (availability x performance x quality)

Don't have EtherNet/IP access?

The universal CT clamp works on any machine — 15 minutes, zero configuration.

Calculate what downtime is costing you, then get started.