FactoryTalk View:Difference Between Site Edition and Machine Edition?

In the world of industrial automation, FactoryTalk View developed by Rockwell Automation stands out as one of the most powerful software tools for creating process monitoring and supervisory control applications. These applications are essential for operators to visualize and control industrial processes in real time, helping improve productivity, minimize downtime, and enhance operational efficiency.

FactoryTalk View comes in two major versions: FactoryTalk View Site Edition (SE) and FactoryTalk View Machine Edition (ME). While both editions provide exceptional functionality for designing Human-Machine Interface (HMI) applications, they are designed for different use cases and offer distinct features.

Let’s take a deeper look at what FactoryTalk View SE and ME offer and the services they provide.

What Is FactoryTalk View?

FactoryTalk View is a versatile software application developed to provide complete solutions for creating HMI applications. This tool enables users to develop, test, and deploy graphical user interfaces that allow operators to interact with industrial processes. The main purpose of FactoryTalk View is to improve process visualization, allowing operators to monitor and control complex systems seamlessly.

With FactoryTalk View Studio, users can create applications that operate in networked environments (distributed, network stations, or local stations). These applications are capable of mirroring your plant or process, allowing operators to view and manipulate process data in real time.

The software package includes two editions:

1. FactoryTalk View Site Edition (SE)
2. FactoryTalk View Machine Edition (ME)

Key Features of FactoryTalk Services

Both FactoryTalk View SE and ME come equipped with essential services to enhance functionality and user experience:

• Live Data: Real-time data monitoring and visualization.
• Data Logging: Stores data for future analysis or reporting.
• SQL Server and Database Connectivity: Seamless integration with databases.
• Alarm and Event Management: Allows for monitoring and responding to alarms and events.
• Trend Management and Analysis: Provides tools to track and analyze trends.
• Data Security: Secure data handling to protect against unauthorized access.
• Simulate Live Data: Test and simulate data interactions in a live environment.
• Networking and Connectivity: Allows easy integration with other systems and devices.
• Multiple PLC Connectivity: Connect to a range of programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
• OPC Server Connection: Communication with other software applications.
• Large Graphics and Symbol Library: Access to extensive design libraries for quick UI creation.
• Scripting Support: Includes scripting capabilities such as VBA for customized actions.
• IIS Server Connectivity: Integration with IIS servers for web access.

FactoryTalk View Site Edition (SE)

FactoryTalk View SE is an integrated software package designed for creating and managing Human-Machine Interface (HMI) applications. It is ideal for large-scale operations where multiple users and servers are involved. FactoryTalk View SE allows for real-time monitoring, data analysis, and event management across an entire network. This edition is highly scalable, making it perfect for applications that require interaction from multiple remote locations.

Some key features of FactoryTalk View SE include:

• Target Platform: Primarily for Windows-based computers, this edition is designed for networked operations and can support multiple users and servers.
• Web-based HMI via HTML5: With FactoryTalk ViewPoint, users can access unlimited web clients at no additional cost, allowing for remote access via web browsers.
• System Sizing Options: Offers 25 or unlimited displays, both with unlimited web clients.
• Data Logging: Features over 20 data log models, each capable of handling up to 10,000 tags and logging to various databases like ODBC or proprietary formats.
• Trending: Includes full-fledged TrendX and TrendPro tools for analyzing trends and data patterns.

FactoryTalk View Machine Edition (ME)

FactoryTalk View ME is a compact and powerful HMI solution designed for machine-level operator interfaces. Unlike SE, this version is best suited for localized applications such as small machines, individual stations, and specific process points. It offers a dedicated solution for platforms like PanelView Plus and Windows desktop applications.

Key features of FactoryTalk View ME include:

• Target Platform: Designed for Windows-based computers and PanelView Plus 7 terminals. It supports applications built for these platforms.
• Web-based HMI: FactoryTalk ViewPoint is embedded directly into PanelView Plus 7 terminals, with no additional cost.
• System Sizing Options: Provides various sizing options, including 15, 30, 75, 250, or 500 displays.
• Data Logging: A more limited data logging model, supporting up to 100 tags and a maximum of 1,000,000 records.
• Trending: Limited TrendX support (subset).

Comparing FactoryTalk View SE vs. FactoryTalk View ME

Here’s a quick comparison between the two versions:

Conclusion

FactoryTalk View Site Edition (SE) and FactoryTalk View Machine Edition (ME) each provide specialized solutions for process visualization and HMI applications. FactoryTalk View SE is ideal for large-scale operations, offering networked, distributed HMI applications for multiple users. FactoryTalk View ME also excels in providing localized, machine-level interfaces for individual devices.

Both versions have a comprehensive suite of features, including real-time data visualization, trend analysis, alarm management, and more, making them essential tools for modern industrial automation. Depending on your system requirements and application needs, you can choose the best option for your business, whether you’re working on a small-scale project or an extensive networked system.

If you’re looking for a flexible and dependable HMI solution, FactoryTalk View SE and FactoryTalk View ME are great choices.

Which FactoryTalk View Version is Most Commonly Used

The commonly used version of FactoryTalk View typically depends on the specific requirements of the application, but FactoryTalk View Machine Edition (ME) is generally more widely used in smaller-scale, machine-level applications. This is because it is well-suited for localized systems, such as individual machines, devices, and small control stations, often found in industries with standalone machines or limited networked requirements.

However, FactoryTalk View Site Edition (SE) is more commonly used in larger-scale applications involving multiple users and servers, often in distributed networked environments. SE is ideal for operations that require remote access, monitoring, and control across various stations, making it popular in industries with larger, more complex systems, such as manufacturing plants or facilities with interconnected devices.

In summary:

• FactoryTalk View ME is widely used for machine-level HMI applications.
• FactoryTalk View SE is more commonly used in large-scale networked operations.

The choice between the two often depends on the scale of the operation and the specific needs of the business.

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