DCM

Enterprise Data Logging & OPC Integration Production

🔐 Engagement Overview

Delivered two production systems for DCM: DataLogger (secure, high-performance serial data logging) and an OPC DA integration service bridging an industrial OPC server (Kepware KEPServerEX) with backend database-driven workflows.

DataLogger - Windows Service + WPF app for serial data capture, encryption, licensing, and monitoring
Enterprise Security - AES-256-GCM encryption, hardware-locked licensing, and key recovery workflows
OPC DA Integration - Event-driven subscriptions and bidirectional tag read/write against Kepware KEPServerEX
Database-Driven Workflows - Operational logic triggered by tag changes and configured via backend tables
Production Operations - Deployed Windows services with resilient reconnect and operational logging

🎯 Project Portofolio

1. DataLogger Application

A comprehensive Windows-based data logging platform designed for secure, high-performance serial port data capture:

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Multi-Channel Serial Logging - Concurrent data capture from multiple serial ports with independent configuration
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AES-256-GCM Encryption - Military-grade authenticated encryption for all data with <5% performance overhead
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Hardware-Locked Licensing - RSA-4096 signatures bound to machine hardware fingerprint for license enforcement
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Encryption Key Recovery System - Comprehensive workflow enabling data access after hardware changes or key loss
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Windows Service + WPF UI - Service for unattended operations, desktop app for management and monitoring
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Daily Partitioning - Automatic log rotation and organization for efficient storage and archival
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Tamper-Evident Audit Logging - AES-256-GCM encrypted security events for compliance and forensics
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Enterprise-Grade Security - NTFS ACL key storage, Credential Manager integration, secure key rotation

2. OPC DA Integration Service (Kepware KEPServerEX)

A dedicated Windows service that connects to an OPC DA server (Kepware KEPServerEX) and executes database-driven workflows based on tag changes. Designed for industrial environments where reliability, observability, and safe bidirectional interaction with the control layer are essential.

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OPC DA Connectivity - Connects to Kepware KEPServerEX and subscribes to tag changes in real time
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Event-Driven Processing - Triggers backend actions when configured tags change (subscription-based)
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Bidirectional Tag Flow - Reads process values and writes acknowledgements/outputs back to the control layer
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Database-Configured Interface - Tag subscriptions and behavior configured via backend tables (MySQL/EF)
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Watchdog & Health Signals - Heartbeat and status signaling to detect connectivity issues early
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Operational Resilience - Robust reconnect and error handling for DCOM/OPC connectivity challenges

🏗️ Technical Architecture

DataLogger Components

DataLoggerCore

Shared library with all business logic, service interfaces, and encryption implementations. Provides clean abstractions for all subsystems.

DataLoggerService

Windows service handling background serial data logging, real-time encryption, key management, and continuous monitoring.

DataLoggerViewer

WPF desktop application for system configuration, log viewing, real-time monitoring, license management, and troubleshooting.

DataLoggerManagement

Support tool for encryption key recovery, data re-encryption, and disaster recovery operations in collaboration with customers.

DataLogger Technology Stack

Framework: .NET 10.0 with C# 12.0
Platform: Windows 10/11 (Service + WPF)
Encryption: AES-256-GCM for data, RSA-4096 for licensing
Key Storage: Windows Credential Manager + NTFS ACL
Performance Target: 1000+ characters/second per channel
Licensing: Hardware-bound RSA signatures with validation

OPC DA Integration Service Components

DCM OPC Service (Windows Service)

Background service that subscribes to OPC DA tag changes and runs operational workflows without user interaction.

OPC DA Client Wrapper

Custom wrapper built on OPC DA components (OpcNetApi/OpcNetApi.Com) for stable connect, read, write, and subscription handling.

Database Layer

Entity Framework based access to backend data (MySQL), including configuration-driven tag subscriptions and workflow state.

Operational Logging

log4net-based logging and diagnostics for on-site troubleshooting and production support.

OPC DA Integration Service Technology Stack

Framework: .NET Framework 4.7.2
Platform: Windows Service (x86)
OPC: OPC DA (COM/DCOM) via OpcNetApi + custom wrappers
OPC Server: Kepware KEPServerEX
Database: MySQL with Entity Framework
Logging: log4net

🔐 Security Implementation

DataLogger Multi-Layer Security

Data Encryption - AES-256-GCM provides confidentiality and integrity
Key Management - Hardware-bound keys stored in Credential Manager with NTFS ACL protection
License Security - RSA-4096 signatures prevent unauthorized use and copying
Audit Trail - AES-256-GCM encrypted logs track all security-relevant events
Access Control - Windows service runs with minimal required privileges

DataLogger Disaster Recovery Features

Key Recovery Workflow - Secure process for recovering data when keys become inaccessible
Hardware Migration Support - Tools for supporting customers during hardware replacement
Customer Self-Service - DataLogger Viewer includes export capabilities for recovery
DCM Support Integration - Management tools for data re-encryption and recovery
Complete Audit Trail - All recovery operations tracked for compliance and forensics

OPC DA Integration Service Security & Operations

DCOM Credentials - Supports authenticated OPC connectivity with dedicated service accounts
Least Privilege - Service runs with constrained permissions aligned to operational needs
Defensive Error Handling - Robust handling for intermittent OPC/DCOM connectivity conditions
Traceable Actions - Central logging for tag-triggered workflows and write-backs

💼 Engagement Value

Technical Expertise Delivered

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Enterprise Architecture - Service-oriented, testable, maintainable design
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Security Implementation - AES-256-GCM, RSA-4096, key management, audit logging
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Windows Expertise - Service development, WPF, Credential Manager integration
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Performance Optimization - 1000+ chars/sec with minimal encryption overhead
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Quality Assurance - Contract, integration, performance, and unit testing
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Disaster Recovery - Comprehensive key recovery system for business continuity

Business Outcomes

Enterprise-Grade Product - Production-ready application for DCM's customer base
Security Compliance - Meets enterprise security requirements with audit trails
License Protection - Hardware-locked licensing prevents unauthorized copying
Customer Support - Key recovery system reduces customer support burden
Market Differentiation - Advanced features (licensing, key recovery) distinguish product

🎓 What This Engagement Demonstrates

The DCM engagement showcases expertise in:

✅ Enterprise Security Architecture - AES-256-GCM, RSA-4096, key management
✅ Windows Service Development - Background services, Windows integration
✅ WPF Desktop Applications - Rich user interfaces with real-time updates
✅ Performance Engineering - 1000+ chars/sec with minimal overhead
✅ Licensing & DRM Systems - Hardware-locked, tamper-evident activation
✅ Disaster Recovery Planning - Comprehensive key recovery workflows
✅ Industrial OPC Integration - OPC DA (DCOM) connectivity and event-driven processing
✅ Kepware Integration - Working with KEPServerEX in production environments
✅ Database-Driven Workflows - Backend configuration and operational orchestration
✅ .NET Architecture - Service-oriented, SOLID principles, testable design
✅ Comprehensive Testing - Contract, integration, performance, unit tests
✅ Production Operations - Ongoing support and feature development
✅ Business-Focused Development - Solutions that address market needs