PcVue
PcVue is a PC-based SCADA system from ARC Informatique . The software, the first version of which (PcVue DOS) appeared in 1984, is now sold worldwide as part of the PcVue Solutions product range.
description
PcVue in its current version 9.0 (as of January 2010) is used to monitor and control automated processes in industrial and infrastructure applications, as well as building automation . The FrontVue graphical user interface acts as a human-machine interface (HMI) and provides the operator with the necessary functions. FrontVue is both a development and a runtime environment . FrontVue has also been licensed by ARC Informatique for other manufacturers of visualization programs . For example, an older version of FrontVue forms the basis of the HMI of the FactoryLink (Client Builder) SCADA software.
The connectivity to the process level, for example to programmable logic controllers (PLC), regulators or measuring devices, can be established in PcVue either through the open Cimway driver interface or via OPC . The industry-specific LON and BACnet interfaces are also available for use in the field of building automation . In total, PcVue is native to over 50 communication protocols. Through a cooperation with KEPware Technologies and the delivery of the KEPware OPC server in a bundle, the connectivity of PcVue is expanded by over 100 additional communication protocols.
Further typical SCADA functionalities that are contained in PcVue include historical data recording, recipe management, scheduling, alarm management, trend curve display and user management.
As an open system, PcVue provides interfaces on various levels for the integration of additional functions. Besides Cimway, these are a C ++ and a WebServices- API , as well as Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). Project developers also have access to internal functions via the internal SCADA Basic scripting language.
Product features
PcVue has a modular structure and is based on a three-part software architecture that reflects the abbreviation SCADA ( Supervisory control and data quisition ). The actual kernel of the software is based on the communication level, which is used for data exchange with the field level. The internal variable database as well as basic logic functions and real-time calculations are to be assigned to this. Various tools are available at the top level for evaluating data and controlling the process. On the one hand, there are the visualization tools FrontVue and WebVue. In addition, there are HDS (Historical Data Server) modules for recording and retrieving historical data in / from various database systems (MS Sql Server, MS Access, ODBC etc.), interfaces for the exchange of data with higher-level systems (WebServices and OPC) and a network functionality based on WinNet for the construction of complex multi-user and client / server architectures.
Examples of technological innovation and the pioneering role of software in the SCADA area in recent years include the extensive functionalities with regard to automatic project creation (Smart Generator), in particular the Smart Generator for AutoCAD, 3D visualization and interoperability based on web services. The operation of multi-user applications under Windows Terminal Server and the possibility of coupling Active Directory with internal user management ( single sign-on ) also deserve special attention . With the use of the WebVue web client, the developer of the visualization has the option of making flow diagrams available to the operators in the web browser. Normally, no adjustments need to be made to the existing flow charts. The unique feature of PcVue is that it can use exactly identical project configurations in distributed applications on every station. The behavior of the individual stations is defined exclusively by the host name or the IP address that is assigned to the respective station. This simplifies the commissioning and maintenance of complex client / server projects many times over. The integrated version management (including FTP client), the extensive symbol library and the consistently object-oriented approach of the software are also important tools for project developers.
The following add-ons are also included free of charge.
Free add-ons:
- WebVue
- WebScheduler for SV
- KEPware OPC Server for AI Products
- Database manager
- MS Sql Server 2008
Native LON and BACnet integration are also included in the software at no extra charge.
Paid add-ons:
- Dream Report
- Alert!
- IntraVue
Smart generators for automatic project generation:
- Smart Generator Generic XML
- Smart Generator STEP7
- Smart Generator LON
- Smart Generator AutoCAD
- Smart Generator ISaGRAF
- Smart Generator WAGO Codesys
- Smart Generator WAGO Dali
- Smart Generator Unity
- Smart Generator FL
Areas of application
The main areas of application for the software are industry, infrastructure and building management systems. PcVue is industry-independent and can be used in particular in sensitive and critical environments.
Process industry and process control:
- Food industry
- Iron and Steel Industry
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Chemical plants and petrochemical plants
- Automotive industry
Buildings and infrastructure:
- environmental engineering
- Transport (e.g. airports, railways, tunnels, ...)
- Energy industry
- Oil and gas production
- Administration building
- Sports stadiums
Milestones
PcVue has been continuously developed since 1985. The following table provides an overview of the milestones in the development of the software into an internationally recognized standard product. Today PcVue is sold by distributors with offices in over 30 countries. In addition, ARC Informatique has seven French and seven international sales, support and development offices.
| year | milestone | Supported operating systems (among others) |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Foundation of ARC Informatique | |
| 1985 | Release of PcVue DOS | MS-DOS |
| 1993 | Release of PcVue 2 | Windows 3.1 and OS2 |
| 1997 | Release of PcVue 32 | Windows NT4 and Windows 98 |
| 2000 | Release of PcVue Version 7 and WebVue | Windows 2000 |
| 2002 | Publication of PlantVue | |
| 2005 | Release of PcVue version 8 | Windows XP, Windows Server 2003 and Windows CE |
| 2008 | Start PcVue Solutions | |
| 2009 | Release of PcVue version 9 | Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 |
| 2010 | Release of PcVue version 10 |
distribution
PcVue is published in French, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Latvian, Chinese and Japanese. Around 40,000 licenses of the software are currently active, which corresponds to the number of server and operator stations in operation. ARC Informatique offers its OEM partners the opportunity to sell the software under their own name ( brand labeling ). For this reason, many PcVue installations in Germany cannot be recognized as such at first glance, as they are derivatives. PcVue's graphic user interface FrontVue is also used as stand-alone software, which comprises nothing more than a graphic user interface and an OPC client, and as part of PlantVue and FactoryLink.