Learn about PI Server components

A PI System is a system of components that work together to provide an infrastructure for your operational data. A PI System deployment typically includes the data source, the data collector for that data source (they might be on the same computer), Data Archive, PI Asset Framework (PI AF) server, and an appropriate visualization tool on a client such as a PC or a mobile device.

PI Server is comprised of Data Archive, PI AF, and PI Notifications Service. Server Roles are a collection of Individual Features that provide a specific ability and makes the installation easier by specifying the roles to install. Users can customize the selected Server Roles by selecting Individual Features. The PI Server install kit includes Data Archive and PI AF server, as well a number of related Server Roles, such as: PI Analysis Service and PI Notifications Services.

The following describe the various PI Server roles and Individual Features:

• Data Archive

  Data Archive stores time-series data and routes it in real time throughout the PI Server and your entire data infrastructure, making it possible for everyone to work from a common set of real-time data. Operators, engineers, managers, and other plant personnel can use client applications to connect to Data Archive to view and retrieve data from Data Archive or from external data storage systems.

• PI AF server (PI Asset Framework server)

  PI AF represents organizational assets and equipment, providing context to your time-series data. You can use these representations of your assets in simple or complex analyses that yield rich contextual information.

• PI Notifications Service

  PI Notifications Service is the feature in PI Server that, in conjunction with PI AF, you use to create and manage notification rules. Notification rules are the mechanism by which users are alerted for response in real time, for conditions that signal events of interest. Notification emails may be customized to include information that is specifically relevant to the event, and may be sent via email to individuals, groups, or to a web service.

• PI Analysis Service

  PI Analysis Service is the feature in PI Server that, in conjunction with PI AF, you use to create and manage analyses. An analysis reads values of PI AF attributes, performs calculations, and writes results to other attributes.