News · November 2026

OPC UA access, future and security

The new major version, S7 Link V.73.0, finally comes with a powerful OPC Client that offers a second way to access PLCs. It does not replace the existing S7 access: it works alongside it, for complete flexibility in how you connect.

The OPC UA library was integrated following strict access criteria, with every mode it provides: guest access, user name and password, certificate and signing.

Setting up access to the PLC's OPC UA server takes more steps, though: it is not a single checkbox, as PUT/GET access is, and there are several things to consider before the link works. I have put together an overview of the setup, which can be very useful at the start to connect successfully.

TIA OPC Server Setup

France

For France only, because of specific restrictions that must be guaranteed and verified, the app has to pass a further product validation, which is not available yet. The validation has been started, and it is expected to take about 30 days.

For this technical and administrative reason, France is left out of the new S7 Link release. I hope to satisfy French users with the next version, V.73.1, planned for January 2027.

Documents of the declaration to the French agency ANSSI, in French (PDF):

Certification request Technical sheet