: The new IAS Bulk Import Utility

 

Wonderware has released the ArchestrA Bulk Import Utility to enhanced migration from legacy HMI applications to ArchestrA for those customers and engineers wishing to do so.


Benefits to the customer/user:

  • Helpful tool for migration of existing HMI applications to IAS

  • Any external configuration file can be migrated and also mapped for converting other similar file formats in the future

  • Cost savings by decreasing engineering time to migrate applications to new structure

  • Quick building of a galaxy from existing InTouch applications and other data sources such as competing HMIs, PLCs, MES or Historian products.

The key features in this newly released utility are:

  • Easy Work Flow design

  • Import Wizard to help with mapping of HMI tags to ArchestrA Structured Objects.

  • Ability to create a “map file” so that competitive product migrations are easier for future projects

  • Filter mechanism to help organize and structure the tags

The ArchestrA Bulk Import Utility is a tool for transforming tag definitions from an existing HMI application, such as InTouch, RS View, WinCC or I-Fix into an Industrial Application Server (IAS) object structure. It allows you to migrate your existing tag structure and parameters, saving considerable engineering time and effort.


The tool is comprised of a Tag Import Wizard that brings in the tags and helps the user map them to the IAS Object structure. This mapping is already done for the user for InTouch, but can be performed and the mapping saved for other HMI applications that want to migrate to IAS.


The Tag import wizard provides a mapping for InTouch, but can be used with other HMI applications. These additional mappings can be created individually by SIs and Wonderware Sales Consultants. As they are created, they can be shared via ArchestrA.biz.


The Bulk Import Utility also contains a filter mechanism to aid in the creation and organization of the object by taking the “raw” tags and placing them in a structure. The utility then allows for the assignment of these structured tags to existing templates in IAS.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:


How is the BIU Distributed?
The ArchestrA Bulk Import Utility can be found on the Tech Support Web Site, in the Utilities section, and on the ArchestrA.Biz website. It will also be delivered on the next New Suite Stuff CD which will be part of the Customer Support Shipment and will be part of the new Productivity Tools CD when it becomes available.


ArchestrA Biz site: http://www.archestra.biz/products/default.aspx


How is the BIU Licensed?
The ArchestrA Bulk Import Utility is available at no extra charge for use with FactorySuite A2 Development License. It will only work if the ArchestrA IDE is present and properly licensed.


What types of file formats can be imported using the BIU?
CSV, XML or InTouch files.


What Mapping Files are included with the product?
A mapping file for InTouch is included with this release. Additional maps can easily be created by users for other HMI products.


What version of IAS can I use the BIU with?
The BIU 1.0 will only work for IAS 2.1 Patch 01.


Does this product require a new license?
No- the ArchestrA Bulk Import Utility 1.0 is free for use with the ArchestrA IDE. The Utility will check for a local installation of the ArchestrA IDE before starting. If the IDE is not present, it will not operate.


How can I get user documentation?
This product is delivered with a Users guide and online help


What additional sales collateral is available?
On Team.wonderware.com you will find a sales presentation and flash demo recording for the Bulk Import Utility. Please reference the InTouch and IAS Product Sections.


What training is available?
The development of an on-line training seminar is being developed by the Wonderware Training Department and will be available in the near future.

 

How is the BIU Supported?
This product is delivered with a Users guide and online help and is supported by the Wonderware Tech Support group.

 

What are the features of the BIU?
The Bulk Import Utility helps you to:

  • Import a CSV or XML file with tag definitions exported from InTouch or other HMI systems

  • Map tag configuration parameters, such as I/O source, alarm limits, value ranges, etc., to Industrial Application Server attributes

  • Organize the “flat” tag data into a hierarchical object structure

  • Associate these objects with templates downloaded from Industrial Application Server to create actual derived templates and instances

  • Upload the new objects to an Industrial Application Server Galaxy

What are some usage examples?
A customer may have an InTouch application for their Factory but would like to migrate to IAS to take advantage of ArchestrA Capabilities.


Steps:

  1. Import existing application into tag import wizard.

  2. Create structured objects

  3. Assign them to the User Defined Object in a new Galaxy of IAS.

  4. Create templates and instances in the BIU and upload to the Galaxy.

Result:
The basis for the IAS application is now tied into the Galaxy in the form of usable objects which can be further modified within the IDE as needed. These objects are created very easily and can save many man-hours of engineering time based off the complexity of the application.


What does this mean for existing InTouch Customers?
Provides an easier migration capability for existing InTouch Customers to migrate to the Industrial Application Server if they wish to do so. Specifically, migration of tag databases. Basically, taking InTouch Flat Structures to an IAS Structured Model

 

 

 

To learn more, call us at 215-675-5800 or join us at WonderWorld 2006

 

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