Data Historian Example

January 30, 2025

In the digital age, industries are increasingly reliant on vast amounts of data to make informed decisions. A critical tool in this data-driven landscape is the Industrial Data Historian —a specialized software used to collect, store, and retrieve large volumes of industrial data over time. But what exactly does this term mean, and how does it differ from other data management systems? In this article, we'll dive into the concept of a data historian, exploring examples, its function, and the differences between various related systems.

A person is holding a tablet with a pie chart on it.

What is a Data Historian?

Data Historian PI

Data historian PI is a well-known example of a robust system used to manage this kind of data. It’s particularly prominent in industries where data integrity and accessibility are crucial for decision-making. The data historian meaning can vary slightly depending on the vendor, but at its core, it’s about preserving high-quality data over time for analysis and optimization purposes.

A
Data Historian is a system that collects, stores, and retrieves real-time and historical data from industrial processes. These systems are typically used in sectors like manufacturing, energy, and utilities, where large quantities of time-series data are generated.ly.

Is SCADA a Data Historian?


Data Historian SCADA


SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) is often confused with a data historian. While both handle industrial data, the key difference lies in their primary functions. SCADA is used for monitoring and controlling industrial processes in real-time, whereas a data historian focuses on storing historical data for later analysis.


Data Historian Open Source


Some open-source options are available for companies looking for more customizable solutions. The term "Data Historian SCADA" refers to systems where these two technologies work in tandem. Additionally, open-source data historian software can be found in the market, offering more flexibility for users looking for lower-cost solutions or wanting to tailor the system to their needs.


What is the Difference Between a Historian and a Database?


Data historian vs database


Data historian vs database may seem like a subtle distinction, but in practice, these two systems serve different purposes. A data historian is optimized for handling time-series data, meaning it stores data with a timestamp for tracking changes over time. A traditional database, on the other hand, is designed for general data management and does not handle time-based data as efficiently.


Industrial Data Historian


Industrial data historian stores data points such as temperature, pressure, and flow rates in real-time, often pulling from sensors and machines on the production floor. This allows users to analyze historical trends or compare current data against historical benchmarks.

A woman in a hard hat and safety vest is holding a tablet.

What is the Difference Between MES and Data Historian?


AVEVA data Historian


Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and data historians serve complementary but distinct roles in modern manufacturing environments. While MES is used to manage and monitor work-in-progress (WIP) and optimize production schedules, a data historian stores vast amounts of historical data generated during the production process. For example, is commonly used in industrial settings to gather, archive, and provide easy access to time-series data.


AVEVA Historian


AVEVA Historian integrates with MES platforms, offering a comprehensive view of both current and historical production data. The key difference is that MES focuses on real-time process management, while a data historian deals primarily with historical data retrieval and analysis.


What is the Difference Between SCADA and Historian?


While both SCADA and historians manage data from industrial processes, SCADA systems are geared toward real-time monitoring and control, while a data historian is specifically designed for data archiving and analysis over long periods.


Canary Historian


Canary Historian is a popular historian system that allows organizations to store historical data and make it easily accessible for reporting and analysis. In contrast, a SCADA system might give you live updates on a pump’s operating status but wouldn't be ideal for storing years of operational data for trend analysis.


What is the Best Data Historian?


Choosing the best data historian depends on your company’s specific needs. Several data historian vendors offer software tailored to different industries, from manufacturing to utilities. Some of the top data historian software vendors include:


  • AVEVA: Known for its robust and flexible solutions, AVEVA Historian is a popular choice for industrial organizations.


  • OSIsoft PI System: This is another major player in the data historian space, renowned for its ability to handle large amounts of real-time data.


  • Canary Labs: Offering intuitive interfaces and high scalability, Canary Historian is used in a range of industrial applications.


Each software option comes with its strengths and weaknesses, depending on your specific requirements, such as scalability, cost, and ease of integration with existing systems.

What is the Difference Between MES and S

A blue background with the words plc / scada written on it.

What is Data Historian Software?


Data historian software is a specialized tool designed to collect, store, and analyze data from industrial systems. It is built to handle vast amounts of time-series data efficiently, making it easier for industries to track changes, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.


For those interested in exploring or implementing a data historian solution, data historian software download options are available from various vendors. Additionally, some platforms, like Data Historian PI GitHub, offer community-driven resources that can help with customization and integration.


What is a Historian Example?


A data historian example would be any system that meets the criteria of collecting time-series data for industrial processes. Some data historian examples today include systems like the OSIsoft PI System or AVEVA Historian, both of which provide reliable data storage and easy access to historical data for analysis.


These examples illustrate the practical applications of data historians, showing how industries from energy production to manufacturing rely on this technology to optimize their operations and improve efficiency.


Conclusion


In conclusion, Data historians play an essential role in industries that rely on time-series data for decision-making and operational optimization. Whether you're looking for a data historian example or trying to understand the differences between MES and data historian, it’s clear that these systems are crucial for long-term data management.



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