Operations generate massive amounts of data, from temperature readings and pressure sensors to production metrics and energy consumption. But without the right tools to collect, manage, and analyze this information, it's just noise. That's where the AVEVA PI System comes in—a proven solution that has been transforming raw data into operational insights for over 40 years.
What is the AVEVA PI System?
The AVEVA PI System is an integrated suite of software solutions specifically designed to manage real-time, time-series data in industrial settings. Unlike general-purpose databases or business intelligence tools, PI System is purpose-built for the unique characteristics of operations data—high volume, high velocity, and high variability.
At its core, the AVEVA PI System acts as a single source of truth for your operations data. It creates a foundation that connects your disparate systems, providing everyone from operators to executives with access to the information they need to make better decisions, faster.
The Core Components of AVEVA PI System
The AVEVA PI System portfolio consists of several integrated components, each serving a specific function in the data management lifecycle:
1. Data Collection
Before you can analyze data, you need to gather it. The PI System excels at connecting to virtually any industrial data source, including:
-
Control systems (PLCs, DCS, SCADA)
-
Sensors and instruments
-
IIoT devices and gateways
-
Databases and other systems
-
Manual inputs and text files
The collection is handled through various connectivity solutions:
-
PI Interfaces and PI Connectors: Native connectors that support over 225 industrial protocols right out of the box.
-
AVEVA Adapters: Cross-platform solutions that can run on Windows, Linux, or in Docker containers, with support for modern protocols like OPC UA, MQTT, Modbus TCP, and more.
-
AVEVA Edge Data Store: A lightweight solution for collecting and storing data at remote locations or the edge of your network.
These tools require only configuration—no programming—making them accessible to operations personnel without deep IT skills.
2. Data Storage and Enrichment
The heart of the PI System is AVEVA PI Server, which includes:
Data Archive: The time-series database optimized for storing decades of high-fidelity operational data, capable of handling millions of data streams and thousands of values per second.
Asset Framework: A tool that adds context to your raw data, organizing it into logical structures that reflect your physical assets, processes, or any other view that makes sense for your business.
Asset Analytics: Calculation tools that transform raw data into meaningful KPIs and metrics through streaming analytics.
Event Frames: A capability to track and analyze discrete events in your operations, such as batches, downtime, or quality excursions.
Notifications: Automated alerts that notify the right people when conditions require attention.
Together, these components transform raw data points into meaningful information that can drive decisions and actions.
3. Data Visualization and Delivery
Once your data is collected and enriched, the PI System provides tools to make it accessible and actionable:
AVEVA PI Vision: A web-based visualization tool that allows users to create custom, real-time dashboards accessible from any device with a web browser.
AVEVA PI DataLink: An Excel add-in that brings PI System data directly into spreadsheets for analysis and reporting.
AVEVA PI Integrator for Business Analytics: A tool that prepares operations data for use in business intelligence platforms and advanced analytics tools.
Why Do Industrial Organizations Need AVEVA PI System?
According to industry research, approximately 95% of operational technology data remains untapped in many organizations. This represents a massive missed opportunity. By implementing the AVEVA PI System, companies can:
-
Create a single source of truth: Eliminate data silos and ensure everyone is working with the same information.
-
Enable real-time decision making: Access current and historical data to identify issues before they become problems.
-
Improve operational efficiency: Identify bottlenecks, optimize processes, and reduce waste.
-
Enhance asset reliability: Monitor equipment health and implement predictive maintenance strategies.
-
Drive sustainability initiatives: Track resource usage and emissions to meet environmental goals.
Real-World Impact
The value of the AVEVA PI System is demonstrated by its adoption across essential industries:
-
Oil & Gas: Used by 85% of the top oil and gas companies
-
Power & Utilities: Implemented at over 1,000 utilities worldwide
-
Mining & Metals: Utilized by 9 of the top 10 mining companies
-
Pharmaceuticals: Deployed at 24 of the top 25 pharmaceutical companies
For example, UC Davis leveraged the AVEVA PI System to support its carbon neutrality goals, achieving a 46% reduction in energy use intensity since 2009, saving $15 million. Similarly, DCP Midstream saved $25 million in just one fiscal year through improved plant efficiencies after implementing the PI System.
Getting Started with AVEVA PI System
The good news is that getting started with AVEVA PI System doesn't have to be complicated. Most implementations can be up and running in days, not weeks. The system is designed to be scalable, so you can start small and expand as your needs grow.
A typical implementation follows these steps:
-
Connect to your data sources using the appropriate interfaces or adapters
-
Configure your PI Server to store and manage your data
-
Create asset structure in Asset Framework to organize your data
-
Build visualizations using PI Vision or PI DataLink
-
Integrate with other systems as needed
The Next Step in Your Data Journey
As your familiarity with AVEVA PI System grows, you can expand your implementation to include more advanced features like cloud integration through AVEVA CONNECT, advanced analytics, and enterprise-wide deployment.
The AVEVA PI System isn't just a data historian—it's a complete operations data management infrastructure that can transform how your organization makes decisions, solves problems, and drives operational excellence.
By starting with the basics outlined in this guide, you'll be well on your way to unlocking the full potential of your operations data and joining the thousands of companies worldwide that rely on AVEVA PI System as the foundation of their digital transformation journey.