Are you a water/wastewater plant that collects real-time and manually inputted data? Currently, we utilize FactoryTalk Historian (OSI PI) for real-time data collection and a homemade MySQL database with an Access interface for manually inputted data. We rely on Excel for generating reports and accessing data using PI Datalink and MS Query. In an effort to streamline our operations and simplify our databases, we are considering consolidating our two data sources into one using FactoryTalk Historian for all data types. Have you encountered a similar situation before? Is this solution feasible? Some considerations we are pondering include: 1. Although an off-the-shelf LIMS may be more suitable, consolidating applications and data sources is a priority. 2. High employee turnover poses challenges in training and expertise. Working with a single vendor for support can reduce complexity. 3. Existing reports will be adjusted to utilize PI Datalink exclusively. 4. We have numerous other queries and concerns to address. Do you have any insights or advice on this matter? Thank you.
Achieving your goal is entirely possible. If you only have a few data points to input, Excel can be used along with data link. At a previous job, we had a client who input all their "LIMS" data into PI. They enlisted the expertise of an OSI-PI integrator who developed a customized front end for them. Custom reports were also created for their specific needs. As a former PI administrator, I had some experience with it, but dedicated professionals in the field are much more adept and efficient. To find resources on OSI-PI manual entry, try conducting a web search. You can also reach out to PI directly for recommendations in your area. A top result from my search was the PI Manual Logger - Overview.
FTHistorian offers a PI product known as PI Asset Framework, which boasts the desired functionality you seek. This feature-rich tool is designed to meet your specific needs and requirements.
Thank you for your input. I will explore both options further.
I think consolidating your data sources using FactoryTalk Historian sounds like a sensible move, especially considering the high turnover you mentioned. Having a unified system would definitely ease the learning curve for your new employees. One thing to keep in mind, though: while OSI PI and similar systems usually handle real-time data well, they can sometimes struggle with manually inputted data because they are not designed as traditional databases. So, one area of potential concern is to ensure that the manual data can be properly ported and queried in the new unified system. And while adjusting the existing reports might seem a bit daunting, it's a one-time effort that has the potential to offer long-term efficiencies. It's a significant undertaking, but with careful planning, it can be done effectively.
I can relate to your situation as our plant had a similar dilemma a while back. We did switch to a single data collection platform and it made things more streamlined for us. However, it's important to note that the consolidation process wasn't a walk in the park. The transition phase, especially training the workforce and modifying existing reporting systems, was a bit of a hurdle. Working with a single vendor was indeed less complicated though, and in our case it led to better support and troubleshooting. My advice would be to conduct a detailed cost-benefit analysis considering not just the cost of the new system but also the expenses related to the transitional phase and ongoing training. Also, ensure to have a solid plan for data migration to prevent any loss or corruption of critical data during the switch.
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Answer: Answer: The plant is currently using FactoryTalk Historian (OSI PI) for real-time data collection and a homemade MySQL database with an Access interface for manually inputted data.
Answer: Answer: The plant aims to streamline operations and simplify databases by consolidating data sources, which includes real-time and manually inputted data, into FactoryTalk Historian to improve efficiency.
Answer: Answer: Some considerations include the priority of consolidating applications and data sources, challenges posed by high employee turnover in terms of training and expertise, adjusting existing reports to utilize PI Datalink exclusively, and addressing various queries and concerns.
Answer: Answer: The plant considers that working with a single vendor for support can reduce complexity and ease training challenges posed by high employee turnover.
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