Remember the 1990s? A simpler time — floppy disks ruled, Nokia 3310s were indestructible, and industrial machines were built like tanks. While the tech trends of that era have faded into history, many of those machines are still going strong on factory floors around the world.
If you’re the proud owner of one of those reliable legacy systems, you already know their worth. They may not have flashy touchscreens or built-in cloud connectivity, but they perform — and they’re still central to your operations. The idea of replacing them just to “go digital” feels like a waste. And you’re right!
Here’s the good news:
You don’t need to throw away what works. With the right industrial connectivity solution, you can bring your trusted legacy machines into the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) era — without tearing down your production line.
That’s where Ewon solutions step in.
Old Machines, New Possibilities
Let’s face it: most factories weren’t designed with IIoT in mind. Many machines were built before the cloud was even a concept. But their long lifespan is a testament to their quality – and to your smart investment.
That said, industrial connectivity is essential to preserve productivity and profitability in modern industry.
Ewon Flexy bridges the gap between past and present, with an eye on the future. This modular gateway is specifically designed to enable remote access and data collection from a wide range of equipment — including legacy PLCs and control systems.
Whether your machines speak MODBUS, OPC UA, Siemens S7, Rockwell, or other common protocols, Ewon Cosy+ and Ewon Flexy speak their language.
From Legacy to Smart, Without Disruption
Upgrading to IIoT doesn’t mean shutting down your production line or replacing trusted machines. Ewon Flexy was designed to fit seamlessly into your existing setup — giving your legacy equipment the ability to communicate, report, and evolve.
Here’s how Ewon Flexy transforms your operations:
• Gain real-time visibility into machine performance from anywhere
• Identify issues early and respond before breakdowns happen
• Capture valuable data to drive maintenance and efficiency improvements
• Integrate with the cloud or your local systems — no rip-and-replace required
All without changing a single bolt on the machine you’ve relied on for years.
Make Your Machines Smarter Without Reinventing the Wheel
Retrofitting with Ewon Flexy is like adding a smart assistant to your most dependable team member. Your legacy machines just need a little help adapting to today’s connected world.
You’ll gain the power to:
• Optimize maintenance scheduling
• Reduce unexpected downtime
• Improve energy efficiency
• Make data-driven decisions
Proven, Secure, and Scalable
Ewon Flexy is trusted by thousands of manufacturers and plant managers worldwide. In fact, over 600,000 Ewon gateways are connected to Talk2m, the cloud platform developed by Ewon, supporting operations in industries from food processing to automotive manufacturing or packaging.
The solution is modular, so you can scale as your needs grow — adding features or connections without redesigning your entire system.
ISO 27001 certified, Ewon Flexy helps you comply with NIS2 regulations and offers peace of mind with industry-leading cybersecurity.
Your Equipment Has Value, Keep It Working Hard
Throwing away a perfectly good machine is like getting rid of a classic car just because it doesn’t have Bluetooth. Sure, it may lack some modern features, but its core performance is still solid — so why not just add what’s missing?
Your legacy machines are no different. They were built to last and still deliver where it counts. The smartest move isn’t to replace them — it’s to enhance them.
That’s exactly what Ewon Flexy does.
Ewon Flexy acts like the Bluetooth upgrade for your classic machine. It enables your legacy equipment to enter the Industry 4.0 era, giving you access to remote monitoring, real-time insights, secure cloud integration, and predictive maintenance tools — all without replacing your existing assets.
The best part? It speaks the language of your older machines and today’s digital platforms. That means no complicated rewiring or major investments — just a seamless bridge between what you already trust and what modern operations demand.
Predictive Maintenance Allows Your Older Machines to Age Well
Predictive maintenance, in particular, helps you spot potential issues early and intervene before they become serious. This not only prevents costly downtime — it protects the integrity of your machines, helping them perform better and last longer. You extend their life, preserve your investment, and get even more value out of what you already know.
Aerofloat: A Real-World Example of Successful Integration
Ewon Flexy is used worldwide by companies like Aerofloat, an Australian water treatment provider. By connecting Ewon Flexy to their existing equipment — including legacy systems — they transformed support operations. What once required time-consuming site visits is now handled remotely in under 10 minutes, extending machine uptime and improving service responsiveness.
Ready to Bridge the Gap?
If you’re ready to connect your legacy machine and join modern industry, our team is here to help you find the right IIoT solution.