As we learned in the last edition, Wonderware has released the new InSQL Version 9.0 that along with several important enhancements includes a new offering in the Personal Edition.  With the addition of InSQL Personal Edition come questions regarding what version is right for your application.  This article will attempt to explain where Personal Edition fits and why it should be considered for every small HMI project you may have.

We know that the power of InSQL is its ability to gather process data and easily correlate this data to manufacturing events (start of batch, system alarms, etc.). Once captured, users can utilize simple tools to report on this data and distribute it to plant personnel in the format that makes sense for each recipient or group.  Most recognize the value of this kind of product but some shy away from using InSQL because they feel it is overkill for their application.  Overkill of course often means that they don't feel their particular application will support the cost of the standard edition of InSQL.  That is where InSQL Personal Edition comes in to play.

Personal Edition of the IndustrialSQL Server historian has been designed for basic HMI logging needs but still provides the ability to log discrete and time based events at the volume and speed necessary for manufacturing systems. This edition supports the Microsoft Windows XP Pro operating system and SQL Server Personal Edition in 100- and 500-tag counts, and can be easily upgraded to Standard and Enterprise editions should the need arise. InSQL Personal Edition combined with a single seat of ActiveFactory Client Tools allows small system users the same analysis capability as users implementing the full plant historian product.  Additionally, they can gain this capability for as low as 1/2 the cost of a single HMI node.

So what are the major differences between Personal and Standard editions of SQL Server?  From a practical standpoint, the major difference between the two products is that Personal edition allows a maximum of 10 connections to the database (of which InSQL uses 6) and limits the number of concurrent queries to 8. Again, this is not typically a problem with small systems and if your system does start to outgrow the Personal Edition, the system can always be upgraded to the standard edition.

The big benefit for small users, however is that Personal Edition does not need to run on a server class operating system.  Now, users can install InSQL on a standard desktop machine that can be purchased for under $2K.  Below are the basic specifications for InSQL Personal Edition.

As we can see, this system is perfect for the small single or two node application and allows these users to start using a plant historian product for systems that normally could not "get into the game".  Additionally, the software is easy to install and most users will begin to achieve the benefits of gathering Plant Intelligence information within hours.  If you are a small system designer or owner, we encourage you to learn more about the power of InSQL Personal Edition.

For more information, please contact Q-mation at 215-675-5800