From PI Process Book to PI Vision
In today’s post, we talk about the transition from OSIsoft’s PI Process Book to AVEVA PI Vision. With PI Vision’s modern, web-based platform, you may be considering such a migration. However, this transition can be challenging, especially if PI Process Book displays include custom Visual Basic (VB) scripts. Let’s break down how to effectively handle this process.
We recognize that advanced planning is critical to your operation. The PI ProcessBook will go through several phases when it is decommissioned, the first of which is listed below:
- End of all sales: December 31, 2021
- End of security updates: 12/31/2022
- End of support: 12/31/2024
For more details on OSIsoft’s software and support delivery terms, please refer to the SLA and SRP documents you have signed.
Understanding the migration
Migrating from PI Process Book to PI Vision involves using PI Vision’s conversion tool to convert PI Process Book displays (.pdi files) to PI Vision displays. However, this tool has limitations when it comes to complex functions, especially those involving user-defined VB scripts. PI Vision uses JavaScript instead of VB, which means that VB code must be rewritten in JavaScript.
Steps to migration
1. assessment and planning: Start with an assessment of your current situation. How many ads do you need to migrate and how complex are they? Do they contain custom VB code? Make sure you create a detailed roadmap before you start the migration process.
2. using the PI Process Book to PI Vision migration tool
PI Vision provides a migration tool for converting PI Process Book displays to PI Vision format. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use this tool:
- Prepare your files: Make sure that all PI Process Book display files (.pdi) that you want to migrate are properly saved and backed up.
- Start the tool: Launch the conversion tool. You will be prompted to specify the location of your .pdi files.
- Select Displays: Select the Displays you wish to convert. You can select individual Displays or a folder with multiple Displays.
- Start the conversion: Start the conversion process. The tool will generate a report showing any errors or problems encountered.
- Check the report: Check the report carefully. Some elements may not have been converted correctly, especially complex ones or those that contain 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. Since VB is not compatible with PI Vision, these sections must be rewritten in JavaScript. PI Vision allows you to create custom symbols with JavaScript that can replace the VB code functionality.
4. Manual reconstruction: Some elements from PI Process Book may not have a direct counterpart in PI Vision or cannot be converted by the tool. You must recreate these elements manually in PI Vision.
5. Testing: After the migration, you should test each display thoroughly to ensure its functionality. Check the data carefully, check the trend display, interactivity, etc.
6. User training: As a new tool, PI Vision may take some time for users to get used to it. Training can help ensure a seamless transition.
The case of custom VB scripts
Dealing with displays that contain custom VB code can be the most difficult part of the migration. In PI Process Book, you may have used VB to add features such as custom calculations, dynamic display changes, or responses to user interactions. In PI Vision, these functions must be created through a custom icon created with JavaScript.
To accomplish this:
- Identify VB code: Look through your PI Process Book displays and highlight sections where VB code is used.
- Understand the functionality: Examine the VB code and understand what it does. This will provide the basis for creating a functional equivalent in JavaScript.
- Program in JavaScript: PI Vision allows you to create custom icons using JavaScript. These symbols should emulate the functionality previously performed by VB.
- Test: Once your JavaScript code is in place, you should test it thoroughly. Check that it works as intended in different scenarios and with different data.
Zum Abschluss kann die Migration von PI Process Book zu PI Vision, insbesondere wenn benutzerdefinierter VB-Code beteiligt ist, einschüchternd erscheinen. Mit sorgfältiger Planung und Verständnis des Prozesses können Sie jedoch einen reibungslosen Übergang bewerkstelligen und auf ein vielseitigeres Visualisierungssystem aufrüsten.
Frohes Migrieren!
In conclusion, migrating from PI Process Book to PI Vision, especially when custom VB code is involved, can seem intimidating. However, with careful planning and understanding of the process, you can make a smooth transition and upgrade to a more versatile visualization system.
How Seeq can support the migration
If you are facing the challenge of migrating from PI Process Book to PI Vision, especially when moving from Visual Basic to JavaScript, Seeq can be a useful addition.
Seeq is an advanced process data analytics application that provides data acquisition, data cleansing, modeling and visualization capabilities. This platform can integrate data from various sources, including OSIsoft PI.
Here are some reasons why Seeq can be helpful during migration:
1. Data integration: Seeq can seamlessly access your PI data, greatly simplifying the transition process.
2. Powerful analytics: Seeq offers powerful analytical tools that can help you identify trends and patterns in your data. This can be particularly useful when replacing custom VB code functions.
3. Flexibility: Seeq supports a variety of data models and analysis methods, making it a flexible solution for data visualization.
4. Support for JavaScript: Like PI Vision, Seeq supports JavaScript, making it easy to create and implement custom functions.
5. Training and support: Seeq offers extensive training resources and customer support to help you familiarize yourself with the platform and solve problems.
In summary, Seeq can be a valuable support during the migration process from PI Process Book to PI Vision by providing a powerful, flexible and user-friendly solution for data visualization and analysis.
