What Is an Industrial Automation Historian?
A historian is designed to continuously log process data and provide fast, reliable access for analysis, reporting, and decision-making.
Core Functions:
- Continuous logging of process variables (pressure, temperature, flow, machine states)
- Efficient time-stamped storage for long-term retention
- High-speed data retrieval for trends, analysis, and reports
- Integration with SCADA, PLCs, MES, ERP, and enterprise systems
- Support for advanced analytics, machine learning, and predictive maintenance
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| High-Speed Data Capture | Collects thousands of data points per second |
| Compression & Filtering | Reduces storage while maintaining accuracy (deadbanding, sampling rates) |
| Time-Series Indexing | Optimized for chronological queries |
| Redundancy & Archiving | Ensures data integrity and disaster recovery |
| Trending & Visualization | Built-in or external tools for plotting and analysis |
| Data Export & APIs | Supports OPC UA, MQTT, REST, ODBC, SQL, and more for data sharing |
Common Use Cases
- Process Optimization: Reduce cycle time, energy use, and waste
- Root Cause Analysis: Investigate production downtime or errors
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure data integrity (e.g., FDA 21 CFR Part 11)
- Predictive Maintenance: Detect equipment degradation trends
- OEE & KPI Dashboards: Monitor overall operations performance
Popular Industrial Historian Platforms
| Historian | Vendor | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PI System | AVEVA (formerly OSIsoft) | Industry standard, scalable, strong analytics tools |
| Proficy Historian | GE Digital | Fast data retrieval, OPC/SCADA integrations |
| Ignition Tag Historian | Inductive Automation | SQL-based, flexible, built into Ignition SCADA |
| Wonderware Historian | AVEVA | Integrates with System Platform (InTouch) |
| FactoryTalk Historian | Rockwell Automation | Built on PI System, optimized for Rockwell PLCs |
| Canary Historian | Canary Labs | Lightweight, fast, OPC UA compatible |
Security & Compliance
- User authentication and access control
- Audit trails and electronic signatures (21 CFR Part 11)
- Encrypted storage and secure data transfer
Integration Points
- SCADA Systems: Real-time HMI and alarms
- PLCs / DCS: Raw data collection via OPC, Modbus, Ethernet/IP
- MES / ERP: High-level manufacturing and business reporting
- Cloud Platforms: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud for analytics or remote access
Maximize efficiency, reliability, and insight with an industrial automation historian—your foundation for smarter, data-driven operations.
