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What Is a Data Historian Also Known As?

June 28, 2023

A data historian SCADA, also known as a process historian or SCADA historian, is a software application that records and stores time-series data from industrial control systems. It differs from traditional databases in that it is specifically designed to handle high volumes of real-time data, making it an essential tool for monitoring and analyzing industrial processes.

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While there are many different options available on the market, the best data historian will depend on the specific needs of your organization. In this section, we will explore what a data historian is, how it differs from a traditional database, and what factors you should consider when choosing the right one for your business.



Data Historian vs Database


When it comes to managing and analyzing massive amounts of data, the difference between utilizing a data historian versus a traditional database is paramount. While databases are a solid choice for storing structured data, they may not be the most effective option when it comes to time-series data. This is where the game-changing capabilities of data historians come into play. With their exceptional ability to capture data in real-time, historians provide unparalleled insight into dynamic systems and ensure that all critical metrics are tracked with pinpoint accuracy. By leveraging this technology, businesses can unlock significant value from their data and gain a competitive edge in today's fast-paced marketplace.

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Data historian vendors offer specialized software that is designed to efficiently store and analyze time-series data. The architecture of a data historian is optimized to handle large volumes of incoming data at high speeds, making it ideal for industries such as manufacturing, energy, and utilities.


In today's data-driven world, choosing the best data historian software is a crucial decision that requires careful consideration. With numerous options available in the market, it can be a daunting task to select the one that suits your business needs. However, it's important to be assertive and prioritize factors such as scalability, ease of use, analytics capabilities, and compatibility with existing systems when making this decision. Keep in mind that choosing the wrong software can have disastrous consequences for your organization's efficiency and productivity levels. So, take charge and make an informed decision by thoroughly evaluating all available options before settling on one.


Overall, understanding the differences between a database and a data historian is crucial in selecting the right tool for your organization's needs. By choosing the right solution you can improve operational efficiency and make informed decisions based on accurate real-time insights from your time-series data.

Best Data Historian


In the world of industrial automation and process control, a data historian is a powerful software tool that plays a critical role in collecting, storing, and analyzing vast amounts of data over long periods of time. It is also commonly referred to as a process historian or plant historian due to its ability to record and track key performance indicators (KPIs) throughout a plant's operations. The primary goal of using a data historian is to gain valuable insights into how processes are performing in real-time, which can then be used to identify areas for improvement, optimize production efficiency, and drive business success. Without such an important tool in your arsenal, it can be difficult to keep up with the pace of today's rapidly changing manufacturing landscape.


When it comes to selecting the ideal data historian, there are numerous critical factors that decision-makers must take into account. Top of the list is its ability to handle vast amounts of data in a reliable and efficient manner. Additionally, it should be user-friendly and easily scalable as your organization grows, ensuring seamless integration with other systems. But that's not all - security is paramount in today's digital landscape. Your chosen data historian must have robust security features that safeguard sensitive information from unauthorized access, theft or tampering. So, when making this crucial decision, it is imperative to consider these factors carefully and select a solution that meets all your needs with confidence and ease.


In the end, selecting the optimal data historian is a crucial decision that can have a significant impact on an organization's operations. It is imperative to carefully evaluate and select one that is tailored to meet the specific needs and requirements of each unique organization. Fortunately, there are several renowned options available in the market for data historians such as OSIsoft PI System, Honeywell Uniformance PHD, AspenTech IP21 and Empowered Automation. These solutions are popular for their exceptional reliability, high performance, and extensive capabilities that can help organizations streamline their data management processes like never before.


What Is a Data Historian


Data historian, also known as process historian or operational historian, is a software application used to store and retrieve time-series data. It is commonly used in industrial settings to collect and analyze large amounts of data from various sources such as sensors, machines, and control systems.


The best data historian is one that can efficiently handle high volumes of data while providing fast and reliable access to historical information. It should also have advanced features such as data compression, aggregation, and analysis tools.


One key difference between data historians lies in their ability to handle real-time streaming data versus batch processing of historical data. Some historians are designed for real-time monitoring and analysis while others are optimized for long-term storage and retrieval of historical information.


Understanding the capabilities of different types of data historians can help organizations choose the right solution for their specific needs.


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