Creating GE iHistorian Provider

The GE iHistorian Provider connects to the GE/Fanuc iHistorian servers, assembling and publishing data to the DMS DataStore. Similar to the OPC, the iHistorian can transfer data and commands between PCs and shop floor equipment (for example, PLCs) through the iHistorian SQL database.

The GE/Fanuc iHistorian server is a software package that was installed with your PLC or other equipment. InfinityQS International is not responsible for the GE/Fanuc iHistorian server.

When adding or modifying a GE iHistorian Provider, the Configuration (GE iHistorian Provider) dialog box opens.

1. To configure the GE iHistorian Provider, do the following:

   • Identification Section

     In the identification section, you can set the unique name, the provider group, and device state.

     1. In the Server Name data field, type the GE iHistorian Provider identification name using a maximum of 32 characters. Ensure the name is unique and descriptive.
     2. In the Group data field, type the group name.
     3. In the Device State drop-down list, click the desired state (Disabled or Enabled).
   • Connection Settings Section

     In the Connection Settings data field, you can configure the database connection. To configure the connection, click the ellipsis button (...), and then do the following:

     1. In the Data source list, click the desired data source (Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle Database, or <other>).

     2. In the Data provider drop-down list, click the desired data provider.

     3. Click the OK button, and in the Connection Properties dialog box, build the connection string for the desired source database, and then click the OK button.

        Please contact your database administrator for assistance.

   • Items Tab

     Under the Items tab, you can configure the set of DMS items from GE iHistorian.

     1. To add DMS items, click the Add button, and then do the following:

        1. In the DMS Item Name data field, type the item identification name using a maximum of 32 characters. Ensure the name is unique and descriptive.

        2. In the Type drop-down list, click the desired data type:

           • Value. Return the actual value of the data.
           • Quality. Return the quality of the data.

           • Time Stamp. Return the date and time of iHistorian value capture.

             The time stamp may be the date and time of the reading or the date and time of the query. To verify the returned value, please consult your iHistorian user manual.

           • Text. Return the value of the data as text.
        3. In the Filter data field, type the values (including wildcards) with which to filter the iHistorian tag list, and then click the Refresh button. For example, to display all tags containing the word Assembly, you can type *Assembly*.
        4. In the Items section, click the tag from the iHistorian database that you want to associate with this new item.
     2. Click the OK button.

     To (Undefined variable: Snippet.Action) DMS items, click the desired DMS item, and then click the (Undefined variable: Snippet.ButtonName) button. To (Undefined variable: Snippet.Action) DMS items, click the desired DMS item, and then click the (Undefined variable: Snippet.ButtonName) button.

   • Sampling Tab

     Under the Sampling tab, you can configure when the GE iHistorian Provider publishes its values.

     1. To allow the DMS Consumer, such as DCS, to govern the rate at which the GE iHistorian Provider publishes values, click the Wait for Read Request checkbox.

     2. To set the time interval for publishing, click the Delay between records checkbox, and then set the time interval and unit as follows:

        • In the Interval data field, type the interval value.
        • In the Unit data field, set the interval time measurement (milliseconds, Seconds, Minutes, Hours, Days, Weeks, Months, Quarters, and Years).

        If you enable Wait for Read Request and Delay between records, DMS publishes new data after both events occur (invoked read request and time interval elapses).

     3. To configure a reference point in time (forward or backward) from which to begin counting the interval, click the Reference (Date/Time) checkbox, and then set date and time. For example:

        • If you set the reference date/time to 12/14/2000 8:30:00 AM and a 20 minute interval, the GE iHistorian Provider will begin publishing the next time that is 30 minutes past the hour, and then in 20 minutes intervals after that. For example, if you enabled this provider today at 6:45 AM, the GE iHistorian Provider will publish data at 7:30 AM, and then at 7:50 AM, and then at 8:10 AM, etc.
        • If you set the reference date/time to 1/31/2020 10:05:00 PM and a 10 minute interval, the GE iHistorian Provider will begin publishing the next time that is 5 minutes past the hour, and then in 10 minutes intervals after that. For example, if you enabled this provider today at 11:00 AM, the GE iHistorian Provider will publish data at 11:05 AM, and then at 11:15 AM, and then at 11:25 AM, etc.

        The Reference (Date/Time) data field only becomes active when you click the Delay between records checkbox.

2. Click the OK button.