Interfaces that allow direct connection to several data historian server applications are automatically installed when PRO/II is installed on the PC. Refer to Installing Interfaces for Tag Data Historians for more information. Here is a brief description of the interfaces supplied with PRO/II.
AIM*AT
The AIM*Historian is available from Invensys Process Systems, Inc. It is a client/server application that collects, organizes, and stores historical data that has been obtained from the Foxboro I/A Series system. Other types of automation and control systems supported by AIM*Historian include: distributed control systems (DCSs), programmable logic controllers, and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems.
This historian provides diversified platform support and operates on computers using the Solaris or Windows NT operating system. Since the PROVISION GUI runs under Windows NT, PRO/II accesses the AT*Historian using its Windows-compatible ODBC interface.
PI
The PI product is a plant information system sold by Oil Systems, Inc. As a data historian, it is capable of handling large historical records with numerous tags. The server provides over 100 DCS system interface modules. An API is available, designed for use with Visual C++ or with Visual Basic. Access to the PI interface is provided for PRO/II users who currently use PI, or who require an interface to a DCS system that is based upon PI.
ODBC
Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) from Microsoft may be used to tie into the middleware layer of applications. This potentially provides generalized access to numerous data and control systems that may be utilized by clients. In and of itself, this offering is not a data historian. Rather, it is "enabling technology" for integrating all aspects of a manufacturing environment. Some third-Party vendors of data historians or control devices support this interface.
@aGlance/IT
Offered by Intuitive Technology Corporation, @aGlance/IT is another "enabling technology" package for multi-platform client-server systems used to store data in various control systems and data historians. @aGlance/IT data may represent current raw values, calculated values, or historical values. Data in these systems is labeled with a server name, a tag name, and an attribute name.
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