I am trying to implement a data acquisition system for a box factory. The primary purpose of this system is to monitor up/down time, and throughput. I am using Micrologix 1000 PLCs with 1761-NET-ENI for ethernet connection. The working idea is to have a central computer query each PLC. At each station, we plan to have a local computer with a Visual C++ application working in conjunction with RSLinx. This application will allow the user to view the acquired data and enable them to enter reasons for down-time. Thus, we need to have communication from PLC to local station computer, PLC to central computer, and local computer to central computer; all via the 1761-NET-ENI. From the central computer, the acquired data will be dumped to a database. Since I am new to PLCs, this is quite a daunting task. Can anyone offer any advice on how to do this? Will there be any problems with ethernet traffic? Can a Visual C++ application be linked with the RSLinx software? I'm open to any suggestions. Thanx.