Practical Use of OPC UA with Node-RED ( one day)

OPCUA for NodeRed: Express Training

A one-day training course to quickly learn how to connect Node-RED to OPC UA servers and use the main client services via the opcua/for-node-red node.

Key Strengths

  • Highly practical training focused on using a specific tool (Node-RED) for OPC UA.
  • Enables rapid hands-on experience with essential OPC UA client services via a user-friendly interface.
  • Ideal for IIoT projects and industrial data integration based on Node-RED.
  • Based on the opcua/for-node-red node, developed by a recognized player in the OPC UA ecosystem (Sterfive, author of NodeOPCUA).

Format & Methodology

The training is highly practice-oriented and hands-on. Participants will use a Node-RED environment to interact with one or more test OPC UA servers using the opcua/for-node-red node.

  • Short theoretical presentations to introduce the necessary concepts.
  • Numerous practical exercises on configuring and using the different client nodes (Read, Write, Monitor, Browse, Explore).
  • Use of the visual tool to explore the address space.
  • Course materials (probably in English, as is typical for OPC UA technologies). *
  • Interactive discussions and Q&A sessions to clarify concepts and practices.

Summary

This training provides a quick introduction to using Node-RED as an OPC UA client, focusing on practical applications and essential services. It is designed for those who want to quickly integrate industrial data from OPC UA servers into Node-RED flows for IIoT or supervision applications.

Objectives

Gain practical skills to quickly use the opcua/for-node-red node for connecting Node-RED to OPC UA servers, accessing data, and performing essential client operations.

Target Audience

This training is for developers, IT engineers, or automation specialists seeking to quickly integrate industrial data into Node-RED flows.

Prerequisites

Basic familiarity with Node-RED and computer networks; knowledge of industrial environments is a plus.

Duration

  • 1 day (about 7 hours).
  • Given the short duration, the focus is on practical use of the Node-RED node, with concise theoretical reminders.

Detailed Training Plan

Morning: Introduction and Basic Services

Theory

  • Introduction to OPC UA: Key concepts, architecture, and role in Industry 4.0/IIoT.
  • Overview of Node-RED and its use as an OPC UA client.
  • Discovering the opcua/for-node-red node: Features and installation.

Hands-on Practice

  • Installing the opcua/for-node-red node in Node-RED.
  • Connecting to a test OPC UA server.
  • Browsing the address space and reading data from variables.
  • Reading data using the Read node.
  • Monitoring data changes using the Monitor node.

Afternoon: Advanced Services and Security

Theory

  • Writing data to an OPC UA server.
  • Setting up subscriptions for data change notifications.
  • Introduction to OPC UA security principles (authentication, encryption).

Hands-on Practice

  • Writing data to the server using the Write node.
  • Configuring subscriptions and handling notifications in Node-RED.
  • Manipulating ExtensionObjects and using the Call node for method calls.
  • Calling methods on OPC UA servers.
  • Brief discussion on security modes and certificate management.
  • Perspectives: Brief mention of other services (Alarms & Events, History), Modeling, and advanced Pub/Sub as further topics. Differences between the Community and Professional editions of the opcua/for-node-red node.
Sterfive - Industrial IoT Solutions