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IO-Link Data Collection

There is no adapter script to write and no port to enter. MachineMetrics asks for the master block's IP address, then discovers the attached sensors from their IODD files and names the data items automatically.

Automatic Configuration​

In most cases, the IO-Link integration will automatically configure itself based on IODD (IO Device Description) files.

Step 1: Add Machine in MachineMetrics

  1. Log into MachineMetrics at app.machinemetrics.com
  2. Navigate to Assets → Machines
  3. Click Add Machine
  4. Enter machine/sensor details:
    • Name: (e.g., "Hydraulic-Press-Sensors" or "Assembly-Station-01")
    • Type: (Select appropriate type or "Sensor Station")
  5. Click Next

Step 2: Select IO-Link Integration

  1. In Data Collection Method, select IO-Link or IFM IoT
  2. If not visible, contact MachineMetrics support

Step 3: Enter Master Block IP Address

  1. Enter the IFM master block's IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.150)
  2. The connector will automatically discover connected sensors

Step 4: Save and Test

  1. Click Test Connection
  2. MachineMetrics will:
    • Connect to the master block
    • Discover connected sensors
    • Automatically create data items for each sensor
  3. If successful, click Save

Note: The IO-Link connector automatically discovers and configures sensors. No manual adapter script configuration is required.

Data Item Naming Convention​

Automatically-configured sensors produce data items with a specific naming structure:

Format:

iolink_p<n>_<vendorid>_<deviceid>_<subindex>_<shortname>

Components:

  • <n> - Port number (1-8 or 1-4, depending on master block)
  • <vendorid> - Manufacturer's vendor ID
  • <deviceid> - Specific device/model ID
  • <subindex> - Data item index within sensor's process data (starts at 1)
  • <shortname> - Truncated, processed display name for identification

Example: IFM Humidity Air Sensor

IFM humidity/temperature sensor (Vendor ID: 310, Device ID: 1337) connected to Port 2:

iolink_p2_310_1337_1_humidity
iolink_p2_310_1337_2_temperature
iolink_p2_310_1337_3_devicestatus

Explanation:

  • p2 - Connected to Port 2
  • 310 - IFM vendor ID
  • 1337 - Humidity sensor device ID
  • 1, 2, 3 - Sub-indexes for different measurements
  • humidity, temperature, devicestatus - Shortened names

Data Transformation​

The IO-Link connector uses automatic sensor discovery and configuration. Manual configuration of process data, bit offsets, gradients, and offsets is not required.

If you need to transform or manipulate the IFM data items to solve your specific use case, use transform adapter scripts to process the automatically discovered data items.

See the Adapter Scripts reference for information on:

  • Renaming data items
  • Applying mathematical transformations
  • Combining multiple data items
  • Creating custom variables from sensor data

Data Mapping​

Step 1: Verify Data Collection

  1. Navigate to machine page in MachineMetrics
  2. Go to Diagnostics tab
  3. Verify data items are populating with values
  4. Check data item names match expected format

Step 2: Configure Data Mapping

  1. Go to Machine Settings → Data Mapping tab
  2. Map IO-Link data items to MachineMetrics data types:

Example Mappings:

IO-Link Data ItemMachineMetrics TypeSubtype
iolink_p1_310_1337_1_humiditySAMPLECustom (Humidity %)
iolink_p1_310_1337_2_temperatureSAMPLETEMPERATURE
iolink_p2_310_2001_1_pressureSAMPLEPRESSURE
iolink_p3_310_2500_1_flowSAMPLECustom (Flow Rate)
  1. Set appropriate Component (Machine, Coolant, Hydraulic, etc.)
  2. Add display names if needed
  3. Click Save

Step 3: Configure Units (If Needed)

  1. Note the units for each sensor from datasheet
  2. Include units in display names if not automatically included
  3. Example: "Coolant Temperature (°C)" or "Hydraulic Pressure (bar)"

Step 4: Set Up Alerts (Optional)

  1. Navigate to Automations
  2. Create alerts based on sensor thresholds:
    • High temperature warnings
    • Low pressure alerts
    • Vibration limit notifications