Ecatcher Mobile

Ecatcher Mobile is a professional industrial remote access application that enables technicians and engineers to securely monitor and manage machine operations directly from a smartphone. This powerful tool provides a critical link to industrial equipment, allowing for real-time oversight of performance KPIs and instant alerts for system alarms, which is essential for proactive maintenance and minimizing costly downtime. The primary value of Ecatcher Mobile lies in its ability to grant secure, on-the-go access to HMIs and control systems, transforming a mobile device into a vital portal for industrial automation support. For professionals needing to respond swiftly to equipment issues from any location, Ecatcher Mobile delivers a robust and secure solution.

Secure Remote Connection Initialization

Establishing a connection with Ecatcher Mobile begins by launching the app and logging into a user's Ecatcher account. The application integrates with the device's native VPN service to create a secure tunnel to the industrial network. Users perform the primary action of selecting their designated Ewon Flexy router from a pre-configured list within Ecatcher Mobile. Once selected, the app initiates the encrypted VPN connection, authenticating the user's credentials against the Talk2M server. This workflow sequence ensures that remote access is both secure and reliable, granting the user a protected gateway to their machinery's human-machine interface (HMI) without being physically on-site.

Real-Time Key Performance Indicator Monitoring

Upon establishing a secure connection, the core function of Ecatcher Mobile is to display live data. Users navigate to specific machine screens or data tags to view real-time Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). These can include metrics like production counts, motor speeds, temperature readings, or cycle times. The user's primary action is to observe these values, which are fetched live from the PLC via the connected HMI. This continuous data stream allows for immediate assessment of machine health and output. The Ecatcher Mobile interface presents this information clearly, enabling informed decision-making about operations from a remote location.

Instant Alarm and System Notification Management

Ecatcher Mobile is configured to push critical alerts directly to the user's device. When a connected machine triggers a pre-defined alarm condition within its PLC logic, the system generates a notification. The user receives this alert on their phone through Ecatcher Mobile, often with details about the alarm type, time, and machine identifier. The user then performs the action of acknowledging the alert and can immediately use the app to investigate further by connecting to the HMI. This rapid notification loop is crucial for initiating a swift response to faults, potentially preventing extended production stoppages.

Direct HMI Interaction and Control

Beyond monitoring, Ecatcher Mobile facilitates direct interaction with the machine's interface. After connecting, the app mirrors the HMI screen from the factory floor onto the mobile device. Users perform actions by tapping, swiping, and entering data on this touchscreen interface just as they would on the physical panel. This allows for remote control functions such as starting or stopping a process, resetting faults, or adjusting setpoints. The Ecatcher Mobile application translates these gestures into commands sent securely through the VPN, enabling operators to perform essential interventions without requiring a physical presence at the machine.

Biometric and PIN-Based Authentication

Security is paramount, and Ecatcher Mobile leverages device hardware to enhance access control. After the initial login, users can enable Touch ID or Face ID (or set a custom PIN code) within the app's settings. On subsequent launches, instead of entering a full password, the user performs the action of authenticating with their biometric data or PIN. Ecatcher Mobile validates this through the device's secure enclave before granting access to the account and VPN profiles. This workflow significantly streamlines the login process while maintaining a high-security standard, similar to modern banking applications.

Account and Router Management

The Ecatcher Mobile app also serves as a hub for managing remote access configurations. Users can view and organize their list of authorized Ewon Flexy routers, often grouped by customer site or production line. The user can add new devices by scanning a QR code associated with a router or by manually entering its unique identifier. This management function ensures that the connections available within Ecatcher Mobile are always current and relevant to the user's responsibilities. It provides a straightforward way to maintain a personalized and secure portfolio of industrial assets for remote connectivity.