Features in detail
Effortless Cloud Integration
Crimson makes connecting industrial systems to the cloud simple and secure. With native support for modern IIoT protocols such as MQTT, OPC UA, and RESTful APIs, users can transmit operational data to cloud platforms and enterprise applications without relying on complex middleware or additional gateways.
Whether you’re monitoring machine status, collecting historical data, or triggering remote alerts, Crimson ensures your data flows reliably from the shop floor to the cloud. This integration is essential for enabling advanced analytics, AI-driven optimization, and centralized management—all of which require real-time visibility into operational performance.
Crimson also supports TLS/SSL encryption and VPN configurations to ensure that data sent to the cloud remains secure and compliant with modern cybersecurity standards. With Crimson’s intuitive tools, users can configure cloud communications in minutes—turning existing equipment into smart, connected assets that contribute directly to enterprise intelligence.
For businesses adopting digital transformation strategies, Crimson’s cloud integration capabilities serve as a bridge between operational excellence and data-driven innovation.
User-Friendly Interface
Crimson® is designed with a clear focus on usability, making industrial automation accessible for users of all skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned engineer or new to configuring industrial devices, Crimson’s intuitive interface enables you to get started quickly without extensive training or programming experience. Its drag-and-drop design environment, step-by-step wizards, and logical menu structures remove complexity from device setup, communication configuration, and screen development.
The software supports fast database creation and easy navigation through its structured layout. With minimal clicks, users can establish communication links, configure data tags, and deploy interface screens to supported hardware. This streamlined approach significantly reduces development time and helps standardize setup processes across facilities.
Even with its simplicity, Crimson doesn’t compromise on power. Advanced users can dive deeper to fine-tune settings, create complex data flows, or write custom logic using Crimson’s powerful scripting tools. This flexibility ensures that the same platform can support a wide range of projects—from basic HMI deployments to full-scale IIoT architectures.
Crimson’s user-friendly nature translates to lower learning curves, faster project rollouts, and increased productivity, empowering more team members to contribute to industrial data projects.
Seamless Protocol Conversion
One of Crimson’s most powerful features is its ability to handle industrial protocol conversion effortlessly. With support for over 300 industrial drivers—including both proprietary and open protocols—Crimson acts as a universal translator across legacy and modern devices. It can process and translate up to 20 different protocols simultaneously, making it possible to bridge communication gaps between PLCs, sensors, drives, and enterprise systems without the need for custom code.
This built-in protocol conversion capability is especially valuable in environments with mixed hardware—from legacy RS-232 devices to modern Ethernet-based controllers. By connecting previously incompatible devices, Crimson unlocks isolated data and extends the life and utility of existing equipment.
Its intuitive interface allows users to define mappings between protocols with ease, removing the need for deep programming or protocol-specific knowledge. Data can be routed to SCADA systems, historians, or cloud platforms using standard protocols like OPC UA and MQTT—helping close the gap between OT and IT.
By enabling seamless interoperability, Crimson dramatically simplifies integration, reduces costs, and future-proofs industrial systems.
Built-In Graphic Tools
Crimson includes a powerful set of built-in graphic tools for creating rich, functional user interfaces. With a library of over 5,000 industrial symbol graphics and an intuitive drag-and-drop editor, users can design custom screens tailored to their applications.
These tools are essential for building operator interfaces, HMIs, and dashboards that are both informative and user-friendly. Users can incorporate dynamic elements such as gauges, trends, alarms, and indicators that respond to real-time data. It’s easy to set up screens that reflect actual equipment layouts or workflows, improving usability and reducing operator error.
Crimson also supports custom images, animations, and multilingual text—enhancing visualization in diverse environments. Whether deployed on Red Lion’s HMIs or Edge Controllers, these graphics provide a consistent and engaging user experience across all supported devices.
This visual flexibility not only improves day-to-day usability but also reduces training time and boosts operational awareness, especially in high-stakes or fast-paced environments.
Remote Monitoring & Diagnostics
Crimson enables secure, real-time remote access to industrial systems, allowing operators and technicians to monitor, control, and troubleshoot applications from virtually anywhere. This capability is especially valuable for organizations with distributed operations or limited on-site resources.
Crimson supports a variety of secure tunneling protocols, including OpenVPN, IPsec, and GRE, making it possible to establish trusted remote connections without compromising security. Through these tunnels, users can access real-time data, modify configurations, and perform system diagnostics without having to travel to remote locations.
Built-in diagnostic tools—like Wireshark capture, connection status reporting, and route analysis—provide deep insight into system health and communication flow. These tools accelerate issue resolution, reduce downtime, and minimize service costs by enabling proactive and informed maintenance.
Remote access through Crimson not only supports 24/7 visibility but also helps organizations respond faster to anomalies, making operations more agile and resilient.
Robust Security Features
Crimson is loaded with advanced security measures designed to safeguard your system from unauthorized access.
Experience peace of mind with:
- Encrypted Communication: Secure data transfer to keep your information safe at every step.
- Strong Password Policies: Enforce complex password requirements that align with IT best practices.
- RADIUS Authentication: Seamlessly enable centralized, remote user access control for enhanced security.
- Built-In Firewall: Protect your system from external threats with a reliable, always-on firewall.
Simplified User Access and Role Management
Easily assign roles and privileges to your team—whether admin, editor, read-only, or no access—to maintain control over who can configure system parameters.
Centralized Access Control with RADIUS Server Support
Enable RADIUS server integration for effortless user authentication and access rights management. Grant or revoke user permissions remotely, from a single centralized location, without the need to update each Crimson device individually.
