From PI Process Book to PI Vision
In today’s post, we are discussing the transition from OSIsoft’s PI Process Book to PI Vision. With PI Vision’s modern, web-based platform, you might be considering making this migration. However, this transition can be a challenge, especially when custom Visual Basic (VB) scripts are involved in PI Process Book displays. Let’s break down how to handle this process effectively.
We recognize that advanced planning is critical to your operation. The PI ProcessBook will go through several phases as it is retired, the first of which is listed below:
- End of all sales: Dec. 31, 2021
- End of security updates: Dec. 31, 2022
- End of support: 12/31/2024
For more details on OSIsoft’s software and support deployment terms, please refer to the SLA and SRP documents you have signed.
Understanding the Migration
Migration from PI Process Book to PI Vision involves using PI Vision’s conversion utility to convert PI Process Book displays (.pdi files) into PI Vision displays. However, this tool has limitations when it comes to complex functions, particularly those involving custom VB scripts. PI Vision uses JavaScript instead of VB, which means VB code needs to be rewritten in JavaScript.
Steps for Migration
1. Assessment and Planning: Begin by assessing your current situation. How many displays do you need to migrate, and what’s their complexity? Do they contain custom VB code? Make sure to create a detailed roadmap before starting the migration process.
2. Using the PI Process Book to PI Vision Migration Tool
PI Vision provides a migration utility to help convert PI Process Book displays into PI Vision’s format. Here’s a step-by-step guide to use this tool:
- Prepare your files: Ensure all PI Process Book display files (.pdi) you want to migrate are saved and backed up properly.
- Run the tool: Launch the conversion utility. You will be asked to specify the location of your .pdi files.
- Select displays: Choose which display(s) you want to convert. You can select individual displays or a folder containing multiple displays.
- Start conversion: Start the conversion process. The utility will generate a report, showing any errors or issues it encountered.
- Review the report: Examine the report carefully. Some elements might not be converted correctly, especially complex ones or those involving custom VB scripting.
- Check converted displays: Open the converted displays in PI Vision to check their appearance and functionality.
3. Custom VB Code Conversion: Identify displays with custom VB code. As VB isn’t compatible with PI Vision, these sections will need to be rewritten in JavaScript. PI Vision allows you to create custom symbols using JavaScript, which can replace VB code functionality.
4. Manual Reconstruction: Some elements from PI Process Book may not have a direct PI Vision counterpart or be convertible by the tool. You’ll need to recreate these elements manually in PI Vision.
5. Testing: Post-migration, thoroughly test each display to ensure its functionality. Verify data accuracy, trend display, interactivity, etc.
6. User Training: As a new tool, PI Vision might need some time for users to adapt to it. Training sessions can help ensure a seamless transition.
The Case of Custom VB Scripts
Dealing with displays containing custom VB code can be the most challenging part of the migration. In PI Process Book, you might have used VB to add functionalities like custom calculations, dynamic display changes, or user interaction responses. In PI Vision, these features need a custom symbol created using JavaScript.
To handle this:
- Identify VB Code: Look through your PI Process Book displays and mark sections where VB code is used.
- Understand the Functionality: Examine the VB code and understand what it does. This will provide the groundwork for creating a functional equivalent in JavaScript.
- Code in JavaScript: PI Vision allows you to create custom symbols with JavaScript. These symbols should emulate the functionality previously executed by VB.
- Test: Once your JavaScript code is in place, make sure to test it thoroughly. Verify it performs as intended in different scenarios and with different data.
In conclusion, the migration from PI Process Book to PI Vision may seem daunting, especially when custom VB code is involved. However, with careful planning and understanding of the process, you can make the transition smoothly and upgrade to a more versatile visualization system.
Happy migrating!
AVEVA Partner
We support our customers in integrating one of the most potent real-time infrastructures in global use – The PI System™ | AVEVA.
In conclusion, the migration from PI Process Book to PI Vision may seem daunting, especially when custom VB code is involved. However, with careful planning and understanding of the process, you can make the transition smoothly and upgrade to a more versatile visualization system.
How Seeq Can Support the Migration
As you confront the challenge of migrating from PI Process Book to PI Vision, especially the shift from Visual Basic to JavaScript, Seeq can be a valuable addition.
Seeq is an advanced analytics application for process manufacturing data, offering capabilities for data collection, data cleansing, modeling, and visualization. This platform can integrate data from multiple sources, including OSIsoft PI.
Here are some reasons why Seeq can be helpful during the migration:
1. Data Integration: Seeq can seamlessly access your PI data, significantly simplifying the transition process.
2. Powerful Analytics: Seeq provides robust analytical tools that can aid you in identifying trends and patterns in your data. This can be especially useful when replacing custom VB code functionalities.
3. Flexibility: Seeq supports a variety of data models and analysis methods, making it a flexible solution for data visualization.
4. JavaScript Support: Like PI Vision, Seeq also supports JavaScript, facilitating the creation and implementation of custom functionalities.
5. Training and Support: Seeq offers extensive training resources and customer support to assist you in learning the platform and resolving issues.
In summary, Seeq can be a valuable aid during the migration process from PI Process Book to PI Vision, providing a powerful, flexible, and user-friendly solution for data visualization and analysis.
