FactoryPMI
FactoryPMI is a Java based SCADA product by Inductive Automation containing three main components: the runtime, gateway, and designer.[1] FactoryPMI version 1.0 was released in 2003 and deprecated at version 3.3 in 2010 with the release of Ignition.[2] As of March 2013, FactoryPMI is still being sold and supported.
- The FactoryPMI Runtime or Client is a Java application typically launched from a web browser. It acts as the HMI interface for end users and can be used to view realtime or historical process data or control industrial applications. The runtime can be launched one of three ways. As an Applet inside a web browser, via Java Web Start, or in Full Screen Exclusive mode, where it occupies the whole screen without borders or toolbars, typical of an industrial Touchscreen application.
- The Gateway is a web page configurable, customized version of the Apache that uses JGroups multicasting for clustering. It runs a servlet that uses a single port to mediate client requests. It supports SSL/TLS and compresses communication between gateway and clients.
- The FactoryPMI Designer is a WYSIWYG IDE that is used to create SCADA applications. Like the runtime, is a Java Web Start application. The FactoryPMI designer began as a form of Sun's Bean Builder and has grown to facilitate industrial applications and incorporate Jython as the scripting engine.
Features
Features listed from vendor web site.[3]
- Unlimited Clients FactoryPMI allows an unlimited number of clients to connect from anywhere using web launched distribution.[4]
- Web Launched Uses Java Web Start deployment technology.
- Active Directory Authentication Supports Microsoft Windows Active Directory authentication.
- Instant Change Deployment Saved changes in the FactoryPMI Designer are automatically pushed to all running FactoryPMI Clients.
- Clustering Connect two or more FactoryPMI Gateways to create a redundant cluster. Client load-balancing automatically spreads traffic over the entire cluster for a scale-out model.
- Powerful Scripting Language FactoryPMI uses the popular Python scripting language, enabling you to create advanced projects and fulfill custom requirements.
- Powerful Charts and Tables
- SQLTags Proprietary means to "turn any SQL database into a high-performance industrial tag database".[5]
Versions
Date released | Version | Comments |
---|---|---|
08/09/2005 | 1.3 | New components. |
10/18/2005 | 1.4 | New proprietary component layout that no longer uses springs. |
01/08/2006 | 1.5 | Added industrial graphics library with 226 images. |
06/28/2006 | 1.6 | Added Plugin architecture. Added new components. |
08/02/2006 | 1.7 | Added concurrent developer support. |
09/22/2006 | 1.8 | Added project/gateway retargeting for the FactoryPMI Runtime, with support for parameter passing and startup window specification. |
12/29/2006 | 2.0 | Added ability to combine Gateways into clusters. |
04/25/2007 | 2.1 | Major improvements to the Designer introducing a docking style customizable user interface. |
08/14/2007 | 2.2 | Component Styles feature for dynamic multi-state animation. |
09/17/2007 | 3.0 | SQLTags feature implemented. |
11/21/2007 | 3.1 | SSL, Java 6, and "Standalone Mode" implemented. |
03/06/2008 | 3.2 | New serialization and window management. |
12/16/2008 | 3.3 | Status Chart and Tab Strip components. |
History
The FactoryPMI designer began as a form of Sun's Bean Builder.
In 2010, the company updated FactorySQL and FactoryPMI with Ignition by Inductive Automation. It created a central user interface for both FactorySQL and FactoryPMI. Ignition has a modular architecture. Ignition is the platform, and FactorySQL and FactoryPMI became modules within that platform. FactorySQL has been renamed to Ignition SQL Bridge Module, and FactoryPMI has been renamed to Ignition Vision Module. Two other modules are also available: the Ignition Reporting Module, and the Ignition OPC-UA Module. The OPC-UA module can also be downloaded for free, and used as a stand-alone OPC-UA server.
Open Source
Inductive Automation is a promoter and contributor to the Open Source community. FactoryPMI utilizes a number of such projects including: MySQL, Apache, JFreeChart, Jython, Hsqldb, jTDS, Bean Builder, and numerous others.
References
- ↑ Jeremy Pollard (17 Jan 2007). "AUTOMATION SOFTWARE - FactoryPMI: A review of web-based SCADA/HMI". Manufacturing Automation. Retrieved 29 Dec 2012.
- ↑ Bond, Andrew Free OPC-UA Server Unlocks Linux's Potential, 3/2010
- ↑ "Inductive Automation FactoryPMI web site". Retrieved 21 Jan 2013.
- ↑ "Press Release: Inductive Automation Introduces FactoryPMI, SCADA Server with Zero Cost Deployment Clients". 12 March 2006. Retrieved 21 Jan 2013.
- ↑ "Inductive Automation FactoryPMI web site". Retrieved 21 Jan 2013.