What is System Ferret, and how do you use it?

To aide customers like this find the firmware of devices they have installed on their control networks, Rockwell created a free utility called “System Ferret.”

Update 06-2023: Per Tech Note IN10092, “Note: The System Ferret tool is no longer available for download. It has been replaced by the Asset Inventory Agent in FactoryTalk Asset Centre software. That said, I have made my download from August 2016 available to supporters at Automation.Locals.com

Basically, this utility works with RSLinx Classic to poll all the devices on a network and create a report of what is found. Below I’ll show you the simple steps to using this utility:

1) Start by downloading the free System Ferret utility from Rockwell using the below link, then install it:

• System Ferret from www.ab.com/go/iatools – This link no longer works
• Integrated Architecture Tools Tab4 – System Ferret is no longer available

2) Configure RSLinx Classic to communicate to your controls network.

3) Launch System Ferret and chose from the available options. In my example below I’m showing the defaults:

4) One option you must select is the “Origin.” This is the “driver” in RSLinx Classic which System Ferret will scan:

5) Press “Start Scan” and read the warnings which come up. To proceed, click on “Scan” on each warning popup:

6) Now wait as the System Ferret scans

Note: The network I ran this test on had about 30 devices on, and it took System Ferret less than 5 minutes to find all the items (I was connected via a VPN which I’m sure slowed things down.)

7) Once the scan is complete, you’ll likely want to save and view the system scan report:

8) Here’s what my report looked like in Excel

I hope you’ve found this article about using System Ferret helpful. If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or corrections please don’t hesitate to leave them by using the “post a comment or question” link below.

Until next time, Peace ✌️ 

Shawn M Tierney
Technology Enthusiast & Content Creator

Have a question? Join my community of automation professionals and take part in the discussion! You'll also find my PLC, HMI, and SCADA courses at TheAutomationSchool.com.

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Shawn Tierney

Shawn is a lifelong Technology Enthusiast who in the early 80's discovered his passion for programing on the newly released Apple II and VIC-20 computers. After earning a degree in Electronics, Shawn worked as a Certified Automation Specialist for 25 years before leaving to focus full time on teaching online at The Automation School, as well as sharing product first looks and interviewing vendors at The Automation Blog.

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