Choose a tool for PI point creation
- Last UpdatedFeb 20, 2025
- 2 minute read
The best tool for creating PI points depend on the number of points needed, the complexity of configurations, and automation requirements. Some tools offer a graphical interface for ease of use, while others provide scripting options for efficiency.
Tool availability and installation
The following table outlines the tools available for PI Point creation and whether they require separate installation.
Note: The AVEVA Interface Configuration Utility (PI ICU) is not a general-purpose PI point creation tool but is essential for managing interface-driven data collection workflows. It is particularly useful when working with specific interfaces or connectors. For more information, see PI Interface Configuration Utility ICU and Configuring PI ICU.
|
Tool |
Description |
Included with Data Archive? |
Separate installation required? |
Where do I get it? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
PI System Management Tools (PI SMT) |
A graphical interface for managing and troubleshooting PI Points. |
Yes |
No |
Included in PI Server installation |
|
PI Builder |
An Excel add-in for bulk creation and modification of PI points. Ideal for structured data entry. |
No |
Yes |
Available from AVEVA Customer Portal |
|
PowerShell Tools for the PI system |
A set of PowerShell cmdlets for automating PI administration, including PI point management. |
No |
Yes |
Available from AVEVA Customer Portal |
|
piconfig |
A command-line tool for batch processing and scripting PI point configurations. |
Yes |
No |
Included in PI Server installation |
|
AF SDK |
A .NET-based developer toolkit for programmatic PI Point and asset management. |
No |
Yes |
Available from AVEVA Customer Portal |
|
PI Web API |
A RESTful interface for integrating PI point management into web-based applications. |
No |
Yes |
Available from AVEVA Customer Portal |
|
Interfaces and Connectors |
Software that enables automated PI point creation from external data sources and control systems. |
No |
Yes |
Available from AVEVA Customer Portal |
|
PI Interface Configuration Utility (PI ICU) |
Configures interfaces and generates interface-specific PI points using a built-in Point Builder. |
Yes |
No |
Included with PI Interface installation |
Tool capabilities and best use cases
This table summarizes the best use cases, required skill levels, and automation capabilities of each tool.
|
Tool |
Best for... |
Skill level |
Key features |
Automation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
PI System Management Tools (PI SMT) |
Small-scale or one-off tasks |
Beginner |
Graphical interface, easy to use |
No |
|
PI Builder |
Bulk creation or modifications |
Intermediate |
Excel templates, quick for large data sets |
No |
|
PowerShell Tools for the PI system |
Scripting and automation |
Beginner to advanced |
PowerShell cmdlets for PI administration, user-friendly |
Yes |
|
PI ICU (Interface Configuration Utility) |
Interface-driven PI Points |
Beginner to intermediate |
Integrated interface management, auto-point generation |
Limited |
|
piconfig |
Scripting and batch processing |
Advanced |
Command-line utility, scriptable workflows |
Yes |
|
AF SDK |
Programmatic point management |
Developer |
Integrates into custom applications |
Yes |
|
PI Web API |
Web-based workflows |
Developer |
RESTful interface, external system integration |
Yes |
|
Interfaces and Connectors |
Device-specific automation |
Beginner |
Auto-creation of points during setup |
Yes |