Proficy iFIX

Introduction to iFIX

Objectives
y Describe the basic concepts of Proficy iFIX HMI/SCADA.
y List the high-level iFIX features.
y Discuss topics in HMI/SCADA development.
y Explain the Application Development Flowchart.
Introduction to iFIX

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Introduction to iFIX
Proficy iFIX is an HMI/SCADA software application responsible for collecting plant floor data
and disseminating it to people and applications throughout attached networks. It is used in
many different industries to provide a view into what is happening on the plant floor,
allowing operations personnel to assess current conditions, improve performance, maintain
safety and prevent costly or dangerous problems in an industrial process.
HMI/SCADA software applications generally address two broad process roles:
SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) is tasked with the collection or acquisition
of process control data, as well as enabling automatic or manual control over the process
equipment or devices. The SCADA component can also “manage” information for other
users on the network. Generally, this includes judging conditions and generating alarms,
providing sampled data to a local or plant Historian, as well as reporting and interacting
with other applications using plant floor data. SCADA is server-based.
HMI (Human Machine Interface) provides a user with a graphical interface that displays
current operating and safety conditions. It also accepts control instructions and feedback
from the user. It will receive and send all of its information through the SCADA. HMI is
client-based.

Monitoring, Control, Analysis

HMI HMI HMI

Client-Server Communications

Data, Alarms, Control, Communications

SCADA

SCADA
Data Acquisition, Control

PLC, DCS, RTU, etc.

Plant Floor Devices
PLC PLC

Figure 1-1. SCADA vs. HMI.

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Client-Server Architecture
The relationship between HMI and SCADA is often termed a Client-Server relationship. One
of the key features of iFIX is the way it uses a Client-Server relationship for application
development and operation, in addition to the more basic role of moving information around
a network.
In a client-server relationship, the server (SCADA) is the central repository for process data.
It is responsible for collecting and updating the information from attached equipment or
devices. It organizes the information, and provides friendlier labelling and context for
operators and other users. It also generates new information based on the incoming
updates. The server does not broadcast all this information across the network; it waits for
clients to request specific data and then it responds to the clients with only the data that
was requested. This ensures clean and efficient transfer of data over the network.
A client (HMI) requests data from a server through its graphical user interface (GUI). It does
not store or copy data from the server to local files or databases, but instead interacts with
the data in the central repository at real-time. Examples of data requests are links in
graphic displays, alarms in summary tables, trends in charts, content for reports, etc.

Network ID, Data requests, Alarm requests, Configuration

HMI (Client) SCADA (Server)

Data response, Alarm Queues, Configuration information.

Figure 1-2. Client-Server Architecture.

With iFIX, a Client-Server relationship encompasses all real-time data collection and
management, be it for current process values, control set points, alarms or internal logic. It
is also extended to the configuration of iFIX on the network. Developers can use “remote”
iFIX installations to develop iFIX applications on PCs deployed around the network. The
settings and applications are usually configured in situ on the target machine, not on the
developer’s machine. This avoids any requirement to maintain duplicate files in multiple
locations, and also ensures that the management of iFIX applications is simple, efficient and
direct.

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Licensing
A machine with a licensed iFIX installation is referred to as a node. iFIX is licensed in
categories depending on the functionality required by users.

SCADA vs. HMI

The SCADA component is licensed as a SCADA Server node.
The HMI component is licensed as an iClient node.
These components can be licensed separately, or in combination. On larger, more highly
segregated networks, SCADA servers are used solely for data acquisition and management
and iClients are kept on separate PCs as remote visualisation interfaces. In smaller, more
isolated applications, a SCADA server may be bundled with an iClient into a single license,
providing both the data management and visualization components on one PC.

Run-time vs. Development

Licensing can also be categorised by whether or not a development or configuration
capability is included. By default, every license has capabilities allowing for the execution of
files and processes. These types of licenses are referred to as Run-Time licenses. The
ability to configure or develop HMI/SCADA features and content can be added to this default
capability. This dual Run-Time and Development capability is simply referred to as a
Development license.
Development iClients can configure all the visualisation components of an HMI. In addition,
they can configure the other components of iFIX, such as data acquisition and management
features, even though the iClient is restricted from running these components by the license.
In this scenario, the iClient connects to the SCADA and changes the files and settings in situ.
(An example: remotely editing the tag database or the IO driver configuration).

Run-time,
Read-Only or Run-Time or
Development* Development*
Figure 1 - 3: iFIX Licensing options. * Run-time capability included.

HMI/SCADA bundle
Run-Time or
iClient Development* SCADA Server

Figure 1-3. iFIX Licensing Options. *Run-Time functionality included.

NOTE:
iClients can also be licensed in a more restrictive form as Read-Only licenses.
If used with Windows or Citrix Terminal Services, HMI is licensed as iClient TS.
SCADA Servers are not licensed for use with Terminal Services.

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iFIX Technologies
iFIX is an application based on industry standards. It uses standard communication
protocols for networking and inter-application connections, as well as various database
access methods in order to move data in and out of the application. This ensures that iFIX
can be integrated with a wide range of products from the many vendors in various
industries.
Within the application, modern standards and technologies are used to maximize flexibility,
interoperability and extensibility. This helps engineering and maintenance staff to rapidly
design, build and deploy the application, as well as keep it running at a high level of
performance with less effort.

Communications
iFIX is a Windows-based platform that supports a wide range of standard technologies to
facilitate data movement around a network and to other applications. These include:
y TCP/IP and NetBIOS (or NetBEUI) networking protocols to allow connections to other iFIX
users on a network.
y OPC capabilities for both SCADA and HMI applications.
- SCADA: OPC DA Server, OPC AE Server. OPC Client for data acquisition.
- iClient: OPC client for data display.
y Database access technologies such as ODBC, OLEDB and ADO.
y VBA scripting and automation for application interoperability.

OPC Client OPC Client

OPC Server

PLC

Object- OPC DA Server

Oriented VBA TCP/IP or NetBIOS OPC AE Server
Application
OPC Client
iClient SCADA Server

ODBC, OLEDB, Relational ODBC

ADO Database

Figure 1-4. iFIX communications methods.

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HMI
The visualisation component supports technologies that add functionality and flexibility for
development and maintenance efforts. iFIX includes:
y An object-oriented graphic and component architecture that supports COM/DCOM.
y Reusable graphic symbol sets known as Dynamos.
y VBA scripting and automation.
y Forms and Toolbars (customized or standard).
y Support for integration of ActiveX objects, documents and controls.
y A Microsoft Help compiler.
y A Cross-Reference Utility for reporting links between objects, displays, scripts and the
Process Database tags.
y An Application Validator for tracking changes to iFIX files (displays, databases, drivers
etc.).
y A Profile Manager for managing iFIX projects.
y Schedules for automating data transfer activities or control actions.
y Built-in security features that comply with 21 CFR Part 11 FDA regulations.
y A project-specific Backup and Restore utility (that can be automated).

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iFIX Core Development

This introductory course will cover the steps required to build a networked HMI/SCADA
application. Below is a summary of the basic steps involved in this process. With the
exception of the base system configuration, all components can be developed or configured
on-line while the system is running (with no requirement to stop and restart).
Base System Configuration, Project folders, Networking and Application tasks
Before starting, there are basic settings that need to be configured in order to start iFIX with
a unique network identity, using a specific set of system folders. This configuration will also
have settings to build network connections to networked SCADA nodes. Finally, a start up
list for applications can be built to direct iFIX to start required applications along with iFIX.

IO Communications
IO communications to process hardware must be created before a SCADA can send or
receive data from the plant floor. This requires IO driver or OPC server software installation,
configuration and deployment. Once ready, the SCADA can use the drivers or servers to
communicate with multiple supported PLC, DCS, or RTU control hardware devices.

Process Database
The Process Database is a proprietary database that organises and assorts process data
into individual units of information called tags. Tags can interact with IO communications to
read and write data to the control hardware. Tags can also be linked together to create or
process internal data for calculations, secondary functions and internal logic.

Alarm detection and generation

Tags can also be configured with limits and conditions to assist with alarm detection and
generation. These alarms are delivered to various alarm sub-systems (or services) such as
an alarm summary table, alarm printers, alarm files or external archiving databases.
External Application Communications
iFIX can be linked to external applications to facilitate data transfer for tasks such as
analysis, reporting and recipe management. These include business programs such as
office applications, databases and scheduling systems or operational programs such as
recipe management, quality control or lab testing applications.

Pictures and Templates

HMI development mainly entails building a graphical interface for operators and other
users. These graphics feature plant floor representations of equipment, alarm notification
screens, historical data trending and analysis, as well as features that allow control and
interaction with the control system. Often reporting interfaces are included along with
specific analysis displays.

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Global Features
Global objects, forms, symbols and scripts can be created to speed development and
streamline maintenance. Generally, global features should be created early on and used as
standardized components in the HMI.
Tag groups and displays
Tag groups are best described as “global” displays. A universal screen can be designed to
show information about common process elements. After building the universal screen,
individual tag lists can be built for substitution into the universal screen. The different tag
lists can share the universal picture, thereby reducing development time, simplifying
maintenance and incorporating display and control standards into the GUI.

Navigation and Scripted Features

Navigation is built to allow the operators to move through the available displays and
application features.
VBA is embedded in the HMI development environment. It allows developers to extend the
standard features of the product through scripting. Custom forms, objects, symbols,
toolbars and other display features can be created and deployed with VBA scripting from
within the documents supported in the HMI environment.

Historical Archiving and Trending

iFIX is able to access data from various archival databases or Historians to provide analysis
of data over long time periods. In addition to a local historian included with iFIX, process
data is made available to external Historian applications through the Process Database
tags.
Display screens can use charts and grids to retrieve data from Historian systems for trend
analysis and viewing.

Alarm Notification
Display screens can also incorporate tables, grids and links to provide immediate
notification and management of network-wide system alarms. In addition, there are
controls available for sorting, filtering, acknowledging and clearing alarms generated by
SCADAs around the network. Archived alarms can also be reviewed through a variety of
interfaces.

Security Features
iFIX has numerous security features to restrict access to system components and content.
Access to application features, individual displays, objects, scripts and tags can be governed
through the use of groups, users and various classification areas. There is built-in support
for Windows security schemes as well as support for 21 CFR Part 11 security features
(required in FDA validated applications).

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Application Development Flowchart

iFIX can be developed in any number of ways, however, we will be following this general
outline for application development. Many components within the system depend on
others, so it is logical to work on components only after their dependencies have been
satisfied. This progressive approach builds from step to step, and is generally a good
practice to follow.

SCADA
Basic Configuration
and Project Setup Alarm Detection
and Generation

SCADA IO Process Database Historical Data and

Configuration Communications and Tags Alarm Archiving

Other External
SCADA-level
Security Features
Communications

Figure 1-5. iFIX SCADA development flowchart.

HMI
Basic Configuration Tag Groups and
and Project Setup Displays

Global Features Graphic Displays Navigation and Historical Data

and Standards and Templates Scripting Trending

Security Features Alarm Monitoring

Figure 1-6. iFIX HMI development flowchart.

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Basic Configuration
and Project Setup

SCADA HMI

SCADA Graphic Displays

Configuration and Templates

IO Global Features
Communications and Standards

Process Database Navigation and

and Tags Scripting

Alarm Detection Tag Groups and

and Generation Displays

Historical Data and

Alarm Monitoring
Alarm Archiving

Other External
Historical Data
SCADA-level
Trending
Communications

Security Features

Figure 1-7. iFIX combined development flowchart.

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Introduction to iFIX

Lab Exercises
Lab Objectives: At the end of these exercises, the student will be able to:
y Describe the classroom network and machines.
y Distribute student account information.
y Provide a brief iFIX orientation session via the iFIX Sample System.

When you are finished with these exercises, answer the Summary Questions at the end of
the module.

Lab Exercise 1: Classroom Introduction

Network and Software Deployment
The Instructor will take some time to discuss the network layout in the classroom and how
Proficy iFIX will be deployed for the class. There will be a quick explanation of the data
sources that are being used in future labs, and where they will be located.

Servers, Names and Numbers

The Instructor will explain the server naming within the classroom and the student accounts
naming convention that will be used for content development and security during the labs.

Instructor Server Name: __________________

Instructor IP address: __________________

My Student Number: __________________

My Server Name: __________________
My IP address (if static): __________________

My Student Account user name: ______

My Student Account password: ______

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Data Sources Y/N Name Location (Local or Remote)

Historical
iFIX Classic Historian: _______
Proficy Historian:

Real-time
IO Driver #1:
IO Driver #2: ____________
IO Driver #3: ____________

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Lab Exercise 2: iFIX Sample System Demo

This lab exercise will provide a quick orientation to the iFIX Sample System. The entire
Sample System was built with tools that are delivered with iFIX (including Help files).

1. Launch the iFIX Sample System using the Sample System Desktop icon.
Alternately, you can launch the iFIX Sample System from the Start Menu.

Æ Programs Æ Proficy HMI SCADA – iFIX v.4.0 Æ

2. iFIX will launch and show the following interface:

This banner will cycle

through start up tasks…

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3. When iFIX is finished launching, you will be presented with this full screen display:

Sample Systems.

This screen is an HMI display running in the iFIX Workspace (Run Mode).

4. The Sample System is broken into two main areas:

a. PowerPoint documents with background information about GE, Proficy products and
Sample System features.
b. Sample Systems using various industry examples.

5. Click on the Sample Systems “1” or the “Applications/Industries” hyperlink beneath it.
From the long list of industries served, select the “Water & WasteWater” industry. This
will provide a small set of sample screens and tags for an application addressing this
industry.

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6. You are looking at the Chemical Feed picture. Take a moment and explore some of the
features of this screen to get a better idea of what iFIX is capable of providing.

Navigate to
other industries.

Open a Form.
Navigate to
other screens.

Get help on the

selected item.

Click to open a
control interface.

Alarm Summary
Banner.

7. Next, navigate to the “Backwash Filter” display by pressing the button with this label. A
new screen representing new equipment will be displayed. This type of display uses Tag
Group technology to swap lists of tags in and out of the screen. In this way, a single
screen can be used to view data for multiple sets of similar equipment.

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8. Complete the following steps:

a. Click the “Start” button.
b. Watch as the Step Sequence Monitor scrolls.
c. Note that the active equipment is highlighted with a yellow circle.
d. Switch to another Backwash Filter. Note how the Backwash Filter is now showing a
different area of the plant where the Backwash process has not started.

b. Step Sequence d. Switch Backwash Filter.

Monitor.

a. Start.

c. Equipment.

9. Click the “Show Tags” button to reveal labels for all the tags being used in the display.
Note that when you switch Backwash Filters, the data and the tag names change, but
the display uses the same graphical elements.

10. Click the “Trending” navigation button. This display provides a chart for viewing
historical data collected during the water treatment process, specifically for the
backwash equipment.

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11. To select a data source from the local historian, use the drop down list for Historical
Pens. Select a pen and then add it to the chart with the Add Pen button.
Add the following data sources:
HIST.THISNODE.iFIX1_H2O_BW1_LIT303.F_CV
HIST.THISNODE.iFIX1_H2O_BW1_EFT0301.F_CV
HIST.THISNODE.iFIX1_H2O_BW1_AWCV0301.F_CV
If you cannot see any data, ask your instructor how to check your date and time
settings.

Change the
time duration.

Select a tag Add it to the

or pen. chart.

Change the
start time.

Change the chart duration to “12 Hrs” using the properly labelled button on the right
hand side. The arrow buttons beneath the chart can be used to view data forward or
backward from your start time and date.

12. Click on the “Alarms” navigation button. This will open up a display with a viewer to
monitor real-time alarms for the Water Treatment project.

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13. The table prominently featured in this display is an Alarm Summary table. It is an
interactive screen element for reviewing, sorting, filtering, acknowledging and deleting
alarms.

Double-click to acknowledge
and alarm (stop blinking).
Provide audible
signals for alarms.

Alarm Counters for further

summary information.

Click the “Acknowledge All” button to acknowledge all alarms at once.

14. Click on the “Reports” navigation button. This will open up a display with a viewer to
explore three static reports for the Water Treatment project. These reports were created
with the Crystal Reports application, but can be viewed from within iFIX as if they were
native documents.

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15. Review the example reports, starting with the “Chart”, followed by the “Cross Tab” and
“Daily” reports.

Home Button.
Report choices.

16. When finished, return to the home page using the “Home” button.

17. From the Home page, shut down iFIX using the “Exit” button.

-- End of Lab Exercises --

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Review Questions
1. Which node type collects data directly from the Plant floor using IO Drivers and
Database Tags?

2. Does a SCADA or an iClient initiate communications for data and alarm transfer?

3. Can an iClient Development license configure features found on a SCADA?

4. Name two communications technologies supported by iFIX.

5. Name three technologies supported by the iFIX HMI to provide added functionality and
flexibility.

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Review
Now that you have completed this module, you should be able to:
y Describe the basic concepts of Proficy iFIX HMI/SCADA.
y List the high-level iFIX features.
y Discuss topics in HMI/SCADA development.
y Explain the Application Development Flowchart.

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