HMI Upgrades Using Existing Field Equipment
An HMI upgrade can retain existing field equipment. For Medina County, GDS replaced Wonderware with VTScada while keeping the Motorola RTUs and communications in service. We identify which components can remain and which need to change when planning the migration.
We migrate from Wonderware (AVEVA InTouch), Intellution iFIX and Proficy, and other legacy HMI packages. GDS is AVEVA Wonderware certified and listed as an Advanced Certified VTScada integrator.
Ignition Registered Integrator
GDS is a Registered Integrator in the Inductive Automation Integrator Program. Our team includes an Ignition Core Certified engineer and develops client SCADA applications with Ignition by Inductive Automation®.
Our Ignition work includes the Arizona Department of Transportation's Phoenix metro freeway pumphouse application, with monitoring, alarms, operating history, and an operator guide. See the ADOT Ignition project.
Operator Screens and System Functions
We review site screens, alarm priorities and routing, trends, reporting, user access, workstation needs, and redundancy requirements. The existing graphics provide a starting point, and operator input helps determine how the new application should work.
Testing and Transition to the New System
The migration plan covers signal checks, alarm testing, historical data, changeover responsibilities, operator training, and operating documentation. For ADOT, GDS developed an Ignition application and an operator guide for Phoenix metro freeway pumphouses.
Common Questions
- How do existing screens and alarms carry into the new application?
- We inventory the current screens, tags and alarms, then review them with operators. Existing behavior is a useful reference, but nuisance alarms, unclear status labels and obsolete screens should be addressed in the agreed design. The resulting mapping provides a basis for testing.
- Can historical records be retained?
- We review the source historian, export formats, timestamps and retention needs before promising a transfer. Depending on the available interfaces, the plan may import supported records or preserve an accessible archive alongside the new historian. Historical data is validated separately from live tags.
- Can we keep existing Motorola field equipment?
- Where the controllers and communications are suitable, yes. The Medina County migration retained Motorola RTUs while replacing Wonderware with VTScada. We verify the actual models, firmware and data exchange for each proposed migration.
- How do operators prepare for the changeover?
- Review sessions should cover normal operation, alarms, manual controls and communication failures using the new screens. We agree on the training, operating guide and changeover checks with the owner, including how staff report and resolve problems during acceptance.