Migration data system

Syngenta had acquired a new production facility and with it, the existing OSIsoft PI system. This required a comprehensive migration of the data. The challenge was to integrate the PI system at Syngenta, but without taking over the already recorded production data due to legal reasons (copyright). At the same time, CTE saw an opportunity to replace the outdated PI system with an up-to-date version. The assignment involved:

• Renewal of the PI System license

• Updating of the PI System

• Migration of all PI points including data from a defined point in time

• Minimal downtime of existing data recording during migration

• Setting up an investment model in the PI Asset Framework

• Training in the operation of end users

After a detailed inventory of the current status, we took over the existing PI Points. During the transfer, it was important to ensure that the data points were not simply copied, but retained their original system ID. This ensures the current recording of the measured values and does not lose the reference to the historical values. Nevertheless, for legal reasons, not all of the data already recorded could be transferred because the originator of the data was the previous owner.

In addition to migrating the existing data points to a new PI system, we set up an asset model in Asset Frames.

The process was complex, and there was also time pressure due to the expiry of the software license, which would result in an interruption in data recording.

As an OSIsoft Premier Partner, CTE had to use its extensive expertise, especially when dealing with a special Historian version - the "Emerson Integrated PI Historian System". Despite initial unfamiliarity with this system configuration, CTE was able to develop and successfully implement an effective solution after extensive consultation with OSIsoft.

After overcoming some finer points in the final phase of the project, the final PI system including the plant model in the Asset Framework was successfully handed over to Syngenta  and the operators were trained in the use of the Asset Framework. This success is the first step in a series of further projects and challenges that CTE will tackle together with Syngenta.