Ignition received the 2011 Duke's Choice award at the JavaOne conference in San Francisco, CA on October 4, 2011. Oracle recognized the impact of Ignition as a significant Java-based product in Industrial Automation.^[2][3]

Ignition received a 2011 Readers Choice award from Automation World in the SCADA and Information management categories.^[4]

Module Marketplace edit

Module Marketplace is an online store, similar in concept to: the iTunes Store or Google Play for the SCADA software. Inductive Automation opened it on March 4, 2013.^[5][6]

Some modules are free while others are paid. All are developed using the Ignition SDK. Access to core Ignition apps is made available so that third-party developers can create module apps for use with the company's systems. All of these apps can be made available for download on the Module Marketplace site.^[7]

Early reviews compared the Module Marketplace to the Apple iTunes Store,^[8][9] indicated that it was disruptive^[10] and that it removed proprietary boundaries among SCADA software producers.^[11] Developers set their own pricing models in the marketplace, with 70% of the revenue going to the developer and 30% going to Inductive Automation.^[12] All modules are required to be submitted for validation to Inductive Automation to test for stability, compatibility and memory leaks. Upon validation, the module is digitally signed by Inductive Automation and may be uploaded to the Module Marketplace. All modules are required to include a free user re-settable 2-hour trial version.^[13]

SQL Bridge edit

SQL Bridge is an OPC based Middleware product that bridges the gap between industrial PLCs and SQL Databases. It is a drag and drop application that does not require scripting or programming for configuration.

Transaction groups are used to log data, synchronize PLCs, track downtime and manage recipes. Such groups support stored procedures, flexible execution scheduling, and triggering for precise control and monitoring.^[14] Data logging can be achieved with transaction groups or SQLTags History.

Store-and-Forward is an engine that buffers SQL database writes to memory and caches them to a local disk when an external database connection is unavailable. Upon reconnection the data is forwarded to the server in aggregated time-efficient batches.^[15]

The SQL Bridge module was created in January 2010 to replace the final version of FactorySQL in the 4.x.x series.^[16]

Vision edit

The Vision module is the main visualization portion of the Ignition SCADA platform. containing three main components: the runtime, gateway, and designer.

• The Ignition Runtime or Client is a Java application typically launched from a web browser. It acts as the HMI interface for end users and can be used to view realtime or historical process data or control industrial applications. It can be launched one of three ways. As an Applet inside a web browser, via Java Web Start, or in Full Screen mode, where it occupies the whole screen without borders or toolbars, typical of an industrial Touchscreen application.
• The Gateway is a web page configurable, customized version of the Apache that uses JGroups multicasting for clustering. It runs a servlet that uses a single port to mediate client requests. It supports SSL/TLS and compresses communication between gateway and clients.
• The Designer is a WYSIWYG IDE that is used to create SCADA applications. Like the runtime, is a Java Web Start deployed application.

Reporting edit

The Reporting module creates dynamic reports. Reports may be generated from existing Adobe Acrobat (PDF) files or created from scratch. Data is introduced through the Ignition platform, providing access to any SQL database or OPC source. The Reporting Module supports: images, graphs, tables, and a variety of basic shape tools. Reports are viewed through Ignition's web-based system.^[17] The Reporting Module allows data aggregation and referencing between table and chart objects as displayed in the image screenshot.

SMS Notification Module edit

The Ignition SMS Alarm Notification Module enables both alarm notification and acknowledgement via text messages. By adding the SMS Notification Module to Ignition, alarm notifications can be sent and acknowledged via text messaging. SMS notification is an efficient and immediate method that makes it easier for users to respond. This module requires the Alarm Notification Module and a Sierra Wireless AirLink RV50 with a data and SMS cellular plan (not included in the module).^[18]

Mobile edit

The Mobile Module allows the full Vision module to run on devices that do not support the Java Runtime Environment. This is accomplished by the mobile client viewing a remote session on the Ignition Gateway. The mobile module requires a JavaScript compliant browser that supports the canvas element. Compatible examples include: iPad, iPhone, Android 2.2+, and VNC clients.^[19]

The mobile module allows operators and managers to respond from anywhere to critical data, such as system status, controls system alerts and provides the ability to make notations.^[20]

OPC-UA edit

The OPC-UA Ignition module is an OPC server that supports modular drivers for PLCs and other devices and network connections. It is the first 100% native Java OPC UA stack.^[21] The OPC-UA module includes a Quick Client that allows users to read and write PLC register values via an AJAX web page hosted on the Ignition Gateway.

Current drivers include A-B Suite, ModbusTCP, Siemens Ethernet, and Simple TCP/UDP, allowing users to connect to a multitude of devices such as PLCs, solar cells, lights, generators, flow meters, bar code scanners, etc.

Inductive Automation offers the Ignition OPC-UA server for free. The required license must be obtained through the company web site or by direct contact.^[22]

OPC-COM edit

The OPC-COM Module supports connections to local and remote OPC-DA servers. It works on both 32-bit and 64-bit systems. It has been tested for interoperability with third party OPC-DA servers at several OPC Interoperability conferences.^[23]

MES Module Layer edit

MES Modules are separately licensed Ignition plug in modules that generally provide higher level functionality with less user development. MES Modules are designed to provide specific functionality and can be industry specific. Current modules available are: Downtime OEE, SPC, and Scheduling . The Changeover Management and Track & Trace / Genealogy Modules have been announced as upcoming as of January 2013.

HMI/SCADA Module Layer edit

The HMI/SCADA Module Layer contains mainstay products of the Ignition Platform. Vision is the main visualization module, SQL Bridge is a bidirectional OPC to SQL database historian and transaction manager, Reporting generates dynamic Pdf reports, and Mobile allows access to HTML 5 compatible devices such as iPads, iPods, Android, Smartphone, and Tablets.

Platform Layer edit

The Platform Layer includes the following core functionality to all modules: OPC-UA Client, Database, Web Server, System Logging, Licensing, Unified Development Environment, Auditing, Authentication, Module API, Alerting Core Functionality, Database Connectivity, Python Scripting Engine, Realtime Tag Database, Store & Forward, and Redundancy.^[24]

FactorySQL edit

FactorySQL was an OPC based Middleware product by Inductive Automation that bridged the gap between industrial PLCs and SQL Databases.^[25] FactorySQL was a drag and drop .NET application that ran as a Windows service. FactorySQL version 1.0 was released in 2003 and deprecated at version 4 in 2010 with the release of Ignition^[26] Inductive Automation offered the OPC-UA module for free.^[27]

FactorySQL was initially written to be a drag and drop OPC to SQL data logger. Functionality was introduced to become a Transaction Manager and Industrial Historian. FactorySQL introduced SQLTags support with version 4.1 in December 2007.^[28]

FactorySQL configuration was done with standard Groups. This unit of configuration would morph from a historical logger, real-time status and control synchronizer, downtime tracker, recipe manager, etc.^[29] The group configuration defines the database connection, table, timing options, triggering options, and "direction". Direction defines whether read or write operations come from or go to the OPC server from the SQL database. "Bidirectional" allows a change from either side to be written to the other. Groups contain Items. Items are dragged from an OPC browsing tree or manually created. Each item represents a fully qualified OPC path along with a column name in the SQL database. Items also contain scaling options, OPC information, and other modes of operation.

Features listed from vendor web site:^[30]

• Easy Browsing Browse OPC servers from navigation tree.
• Drag & Drop Configuration Drag and drop tags from OPC browser to groups
• Bi-Directional Data Transfer Transfer data between PLCs and Databases, with a full range of options: timers, counters, triggers, and handshakes
• Built in Email Alerts
• Simple Group Visualization Visual indication of group status including running, stopped, or error status
• Stored Procedure Group Map OPCdata to and from SQL stored procedure parameters.
• Block Data Group mirror large blocks of OPC data in an SQL database through the use of array read and writes.
• Remote Configuration Group configuration over the network via TCP connection.
• Supports Most PLCs and Database Systems Support nearly every OPC compliant PLC and ODBC compliant SQL database.
• Redundancy Supports primary and backup failover modes.^[31]
• SQLTags Proprietary means to "turn any SQL database into a high-performance industrial tag database".^[32]

FactoryPMI edit

FactoryPMI was a Java based SCADA product by Inductive Automation containing three main components: the runtime, gateway, and designer.^[33] The FactoryPMI designer began as a form of Sun's Bean Builder. FactoryPMI version 1.0 was released in 2003 and deprecated at version 3.3 in 2010 with the release of Ignition.^[34]

• The FactoryPMI Runtime or Client is a Java application typically launched from a web browser. It acts as the HMI interface for end users and can be used to view realtime or historical process data or control industrial applications. The runtime can be launched one of three ways. As an Applet inside a web browser, via Java Web Start, or in Full Screen Exclusive mode, where it occupies the whole screen without borders or toolbars, typical of an industrial Touchscreen application.
• The Gateway is a web page configurable, customized version of the Apache that uses JGroups multicasting for clustering. It runs a servlet that uses a single port to mediate client requests. It supports SSL/TLS and compresses communication between gateway and clients.
• The FactoryPMI Designer is a WYSIWYG IDE that is used to create SCADA applications. Like the runtime, is a Java Web Start application. The FactoryPMI designer began as a form of Sun's Bean Builder and has grown to facilitate industrial applications and incorporate Jython as the scripting engine.

Features listed from vendor web site.^[35]

• Unlimited Clients FactoryPMI allows an unlimited number of clients to connect from anywhere using web launched distribution.^[36]
• Web Launched Uses Java Web Start deployment technology.
• Active Directory Authentication Supports Microsoft Windows Active Directory authentication.
• Instant Change Deployment Saved changes in the FactoryPMI Designer are automatically pushed to all running FactoryPMI Clients.
• Clustering Connect two or more FactoryPMI Gateways to create a redundant cluster. Client load-balancing automatically spreads traffic over the entire cluster for a scale-out model.
• Powerful Scripting Language FactoryPMI uses the popular Python scripting language, enabling you to create advanced projects and fulfill custom requirements.
• Powerful Charts and Tables
• SQLTags Proprietary means to "turn any SQL database into a high-performance industrial tag database".^[37]

Versions edit

2010 consolidation edit

In 2010, Inductive Automation consolidated FactorySQL and FactoryPMI with Ignition by Inductive Automation. It created a modular framework, providing a central design interface for FactorySQL and FactoryPMI. Ignition became the platform, and FactorySQL and FactoryPMI were refactored as modules. FactorySQL became the SQL Bridge Module, and FactoryPMI became the Vision Module. Two other modules included with the initial release were: the Ignition Reporting Module, and the Ignition OPC-UA Module. The OPC-UA module can also be downloaded for free, and used as a stand-alone OPC-UA server.

SQLTags is a proprietary technology that uses any SQL Database as a Tag Database. Tags can be derived from the following sources: OPC, expression, or constant and support various configuration options such as: alerting, scaling, and historical storage. SQLTags are stored in Tag Providers, which are automatically configured tables in an SQL database.^[38]

SQLTags Historian is a proprietary data logging technology that manages historical data in any supported SQL Database. It is configured by defining an Ignition SQL database connection, then enabling the feature on a per tag basis. The system automatically creates and manages the tables without any user SQL input. Historical Scan Classes support different logging intervals by sets of tags as well as altering the logging rate dynamically. This allows the system to store high resolution history when needed, but lower resolution data for other periods. The system automatically partitions data into multiple database tables. This accomplishes two functions: ensures consistent performance over the long term, and provides a consistent mechanism for data archival and pruning.^[39]

The Ignition platform uses scripting to allow designers to add flexibility and customization. There are two major scripting languages in Ignition: Python and the Expression Language.

Python edit

Ignition uses an implementation of Python version 2.5 called Jython. Python script is used for component Event Handling. An example of this would be opening a popup window when a user clicks on a graphic object. Another common use are event scripts such as a timer that checks for alarms or a logon script. Java classes and methods can also be used in Jython for more specialized functionality.

Expression Language edit

The Ignition Expression Language is a simple language that was invented by Inductive Automation.^[40] An expression language is a very simple kind of language where everything is an expression - which is a piece of code that returns a value. This means that there are no statements and no variables, just operators, literals, and functions. Consider an example from the expression language found in Microsoft_excel. Excel can calculate a cell's value dynamically by typing an expression such as "=SUM(C5:C10)", which performs the arithmetic sum of those 6 cells. The expression language in Ignition functions similarly. It is used to define dynamic values for tags and component properties.

Expressions are divided in the following categories: Aggregates, Color, Date and Time, Logic, Math, String, Type Cast, and Advanced.

An Ignition Module SDK is available for anybody to develop their own modules.^[41] The SDK exposes the API and classes as separate JAR resources for the following: Client, Gateway, Designer, Common, Vision module. For example, a programmer wrote an Ignition module to integrate with QuickBooks, which uses SOAP to communicate with the QuickBooks Web Connector. ^[42]

Modules must be submitted to Inductive Automation for testing prior to approval. Once tested, they are digitally signed and ready for distribution to production Ignition systems.

Ignition is typically sold with an unlimited licensing structure, favoring a per server model that avoids charging for: clients, PLC or SQL Database connections, tags, or visualization screens.^[43]

The most common Ignition software package is The Works which includes unlimited versions of the following modules: SQL Bridge, Vision, Reporting, and Symbol Factory. Limited versions of the SQL Bridge and Vision Modules are restricted by functionality and concurrent clients, respectively.^[44]

Ignition performance is based on tag changes per second and total number of concurrent clients. Inductive Automation released a 2008 white paper benchmarking SQLTags performance.^[45] Although testing was conducted on FactorySQL and FactoryPMI, Ignition performance is expected to be at least comparable. Evaluation utilized 150 Amazon EC2 virtual machines using the following databases: MySQL with MyISAM data engine, MySQL with InnoDB engine, Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition, and Oracle 10g Express Edition. As a real world point of comparison, a Surefire SCADA distillery project sustains 30,000 discrete tag changes per second on a Linux platform.^[46]

Inductive Automation promotes IT departments supporting security using standard methodology.^[47] Ignition supports the following security features:

• SSL/TLS All network traffic is encrypted with SSL/TLS technology.
• Active Directory Authentication Supports Microsoft Windows Active Directory authentication.
• Auditing allows administrators to review logs of activity.

The United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) released advisory 11-231-01 that allowed malicious unauthenticated users to download sensitive information regarding project configuration. Inductive Automation responded by resolving the issue in version 7.2.8.178 and greater.^[48]

Inductive Automation is a promoter and contributor to the Open source community. FactoryPMI utilizes a number of such projects including: MySQL, Apache, JFreeChart, Jython, Hsqldb, jTDS, Bean Builder, and numerous others.

• Vendor Ignition Page
• Ignition Module Marketplace
• Inductive Automation FactorySQL page
• Inductive Automation FactoryPMI page
• 2008 Inductive Automation Benchmark White Paper