QF.Edge.Connector.Service

(old name: QF Agent)

Windows service command's

Install windows service

STEP 1

# install service
sc.exe create QF.Edge.Connector start= auto binpath= "[path to]\QF.Agent.Host.exe" displayname= "QF edge connector"

STEP 2

# configure service
sc.exe failure QF.Edge.Connector reset= 86400 actions= restart/1000/restart/1000/restart/3600

add dependency between services

Dependency on one other service:

sc.exe config ServiceA depend= ServiceB

Above means that ServiceA will not start until ServiceB has started. If you stop ServiceB, ServiceA will stop automatically.

example

sc.exe config Beltar.Rhodium24.RidderiQ.Integration depend= QF.Edge.Connector

Dependency on multiple other services:

sc.exe config ServiceA depend= ServiceB/ServiceC/ServiceD/"Service Name With Spaces"

This means that ServiceA will not start until ServiceB, ServiceC, and ServiceD have all started. If you stop ServiceB, ServiceC, or ServiceD, ServiceA will stop automatically.

To remove all dependencies:

sc.exe config ServiceA depend= /

To list current dependencies:

sc.exe qc ServiceA

Quotation Factory Edge Connector (also known as QF Agent)

Overview

The Quotation Factory Edge Connector, or QF Edge Connector, is an integral component of the Quotation Factory ecosystem, designed for the metalworking industry. This Windows-based .NET Core application serves as a connector, facilitating robust and secure communication between local network and on-premise systems of metalworking companies and the Quotation Factory cloud platform through Azure IIoT technology.

Key Features and Capabilities

Integration and Configuration

• Setup: Metalworking companies can easily add the QF Edge Connector through the Quotation Factory cloud platform's settings page under 'Integrations => QF Edge Connector'.
• Agent ID: Each added QF Edge Connector is assigned a unique ID (an Azure IoT device ID) crucial for its configuration and operation within the network.

Dual Role as Azure IoT Client

• From Cloud to Edge: Receives commands and files, facilitating updates and instructions from the cloud.
• From Edge to Cloud: Sends commands and files back to the cloud to keep it updated with the latest operational statuses.

Integration with ERP and CAM Systems

• ERP System Integration:

  • Automates and synchronizes tasks like creation and updating of Bill of Materials and Production Routes.
  • Manages estimating metal usage, production times, and synchronizes details when RfQs, Quotations, and Sales Orders are created.
  • Sends real-time production status back to the cloud for updates on internal KANBAN boards and customer self-service portals.

• CAM System Integration:

  • Automates the workflow of sending CAD files to CAM systems.
  • Handles automatic setting of quantities and material specifications.
  • Performs manufacturability checks and sends back CNC programs or manufacturability issues in various formats.

MQTT Protocol Integration

• Advanced Communication: The beta version includes a built-in MQTT host/server and acts as an MQTT client, enhancing communication flexibility with standardized events and topics.

Example Scenarios

Scenario 1: Creating a Bill of Materials

When a new Request for Quotation (RfQ) is initiated, the QF Edge Connector automatically generates a detailed Bill of Materials in the linked ERP system based on the data received from the cloud platform.

Scenario 2: Syncing with Sales Orders

Upon creation of sales orders on the cloud platform, the QF Edge Connector syncs this information with the ERP system, updating crucial details like customer and article information.

Scenario 3: Updating Production Status

As production progresses, the QF Edge Connector sends real-time updates back to the cloud platform, ensuring that the KANBAN board within the metalworking company and customer self-service portal are updated in real-time.

Conclusion

The QF Edge Connector is a vital bridge between on-premise systems and cloud operations, optimizing production processes and enhancing customer interactions through real-time data flows and integrated communication with ERP and CAM systems.