AVEVA™ Plant SCADA 2023 R2
ReadMe
(Updated 18/01/2024)
Please refer to the Plant SCADA 2023 R2 Installation and Configuration Guide for information on the installation of the product, and the upgrade process for existing installations.
1. Disclaimers
2. Features
3. Known Issues
4. Requirements
1.1. Disclaimer of All Warranties
As detailed in the End User Licence Agreement, AVEVA GROUP PLC excludes all warranties and liabilities to the fullest extent permitted by law.
AVEVATM PLANT SCADA and all documentation are provided "AS IS" and your company understands that it assumes all risks pertaining to your use of AVEVATM PLANT SCADA.
YOUR COMPANY AGREES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT AVEVA GROUP PLC SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY WHATSOEVER TO YOUR COMPANY FOR ANY PROBLEMS IN OR CAUSED BY AVEVATM PLANT SCADA OR THE RELATED DOCUMENTATION, WHETHER DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL (INCLUDING LOSS OF PROFITS).
The following features have been added to Plant SCADA 2023 R2.
2.1 Double Point Status Alarms
Plant SCADA 2023 R2 now supports double point status alarms. A double point status alarm responds to eight states in a field device that are represented in Plant SCADA as a single integer tag.
For each of the eight states you can specify the following:
· State Name <n> — a name that identifies the condition that the state represents.
· State Type <n> — the action that occurs when the device transitions to a defined state. The options are:
o "Alarm" - an alarm is added to the Active Alarms page and an event is logged to the SOE page. The State Name will appear in the State field.
o "Event" - indicates an OFF state has occurred. An event is logged on the SOE page, even if an alarm state transition did not occur. The State Name will appear in the State field.
o "None" - indicates an OFF state has occurred. The State Name will appear in the State field on both the SOE and Active Alarm pages when an alarm transition occurs.
This means when the value of the integer tag is 0, the alarm will go into "State Name 0". When the value of the tag is 1, it will go into "State Name 1", and so on. When this occurs, the associated State Type action will be triggered.
2.2 Kernel Access Improvements
Access to the Kernel has been changed to provide improved security while monitoring a runtime system. These changes also allow you to display the Kernel from Runtime Manager while running Plant SCADA as a service.
You can still launch the Kernel on a display client in the following ways:
· From the Control menu
· Via the Cicode function DspKernel
· From the Runtime Manager
To display the Kernel window for a display client, the user that is currently logged in now needs to be assigned to a Role that has the new Kernel Access property set to "Full Access" or "Read Only". A Read Only user can access the Kernel but cannot perform some privileged commands like running Cicode.
Note: The special Kernel user that enabled Kernel access in previous versions no longer has default access to the Kernel window.
To display the Kernel window for a server process (including when running Plant SCADA as a service), you will need to log in using the dialog that is displayed when the Kernel window is launched.
You will need to enter a user that is assigned to a Role that has the Kernel Access property set to "Full Access" or "Read Only".
Note: Before you commission a system, it is recommended that you review the Kernel Access setting for each Role. This will avoid accidental or unauthorized use of the Kernel.
2.3 New Installation Framework
Plant SCADA 2023 R2 includes a new installation framework that simplifies the selection and installation of required components.
Plant SCADA's core components appear as a single entry within the Programs and Features list in Windows Control Panel, making it easier to uninstall. The new framework also supports Modify functionality, which means you can easily add and remove components.
The installation of Plant SCADA can also be executed via a command line, enabling support for an unattended silent installation. The required components are specified via a configurable response file that represents the forms normally seen when interacting with the user interface of the Plant SCADA installer.
Four preconfigured response files are provided. They can be used as reference for your own customized response file.
2.4 AVEVA Help
The documentation for Plant SCADA is now presented using AVEVA Help, a browser-based tool that allows any installed AVEVA products to share a common platform for the delivery of product information.
AVEVA Help is accessible from the AVEVA Documentation branch of the Windows Start menu. When launched, it will display in your default browser.
The panel to the left includes a list of any locally installed AVEVA products that utilize the AVEVA Help platform. You can open the documentation for a product on its own browser tab.
Plant SCADA's context-sensitive help will also open content directly in AVEVA Help.
The Search functionality uses straightforward text-based matching, and you can save a search for repeated use.
The Plant SCADA help is also now available on AVEVA's Documentation cloud portal at docs.aveva.com.
2.5 Setup Wizard supports HMI Computer Role
The Setup Wizard now allows you to assign the role HMI (Standalone, no networking) to a computer within a Plant SCADA system. This change aligns the available computer roles in a Plant SCADA system with the license types supported by AVEVA Enterprise Licensing.
If your Enterprise License Server hosts a combination of client, server, and HMI licenses, you can now specify the HMI role for any computers that require a dedicated HMI license. This means the computer will not pick up a server license that was not intended for it.
It also means you can host both Server and HMI licenses on the same AEL Server. Previously, you had to setup two different AEL systems to host these licenses.
2.6 Unique IDs for Equipment
A unique ID is now applied to any equipment and equipment types in a Plant SCADA project. This is done to provide consistent identification for integration with future software releases.
The unique IDs are Globally Unique Identifiers that are generated by Plant SCADA whenever equipment is added to a project. The IDs are not available to access at runtime.
The Migration Tool also includes an option to Create unique IDs for Variables and Equipment.
2.7 Equipment Update Improvements
The performance of an Equipment Update has been improved. In most cases, the time taken to generate tags and equipment will be significantly reduced compared to earlier versions.
2.8 Industrial Graphics now supports Scalable Vector Graphics
The Industrial Graphic Editor supports the importing of Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) as Industrial Graphics.
When you import an SVG into the Industrial Graphic Editor, the graphic elements automatically get converted to an Industrial Graphic, which can include many primitives.
You can insert an SVG while using the Image icon from the Tools panel of the Industrial Graphic Editor. You can also use an SVG on a button.
2.9 Project DBF AddIn supports 64-bit Excel
The Plant SCADA Project DBF AddIn now supports 64-bit versions of Microsoft Excel.
Note:
● With the release of Plant SCADA 2023
R2, the CSV_Include project is no longer supported as a system project. If you
have any projects based on the CSV_Include templates, you will need to create a
separate backup of the CSV_Include project and restore manually it in version
2023 R2 (or later). You can then include it as a user project.
● Process Analyst no longer supports CitectHistorian integration.
The AVEVA Plant SCADA 2023 R2 release includes the following Known Issues.
3.1. Installation
3.1.1. Installation may appear to pause during setup of AEL components
An apparent pause may occur at the start of installation when AVEVA Enterprise Licensing (AEL) components have been selected for installation. The delay may last up to two minutes as the AEL components are installed and configured.
3.1.2. Silent install does not work on a computer where dependent components have previously been installed
A silent installation will only work on a clean computer. If you have any existing dependent components on a computer from an earlier installation (such as Operations Control Logger or Platform Common Services), a silent install will not be successful. If this occurs, you can complete your installation by manually running the Plant SCADA Installer.
3.1.3. Silent install does not support configuration of Industrial Graphics Server authentication settings
You cannot configure the authentication settings for an Industrial Graphics Server during a silent installation. If you silently install an Industrial Graphics Server, you will need to manually adjust its settings in Configurator.
3.1.4. The Restart Required dialog does not appear until after Configurator is closed
When installation of Plant SCADA is complete, a final dialog appears asking if you would like to launch Configurator. If you open Configurator at this point, it will delay the opening of a dialog informing you that a system restart is required. This dialog (if required) does not display until after Configurator is closed. Under these circumstances, you should close Configurator and confirm if a reboot is required before you run Plant SCADA to avoid permission issues.
3.1.5. Change/Modify is not available in the Apps & Features settings in Windows
You cannot use the change/modify option in the Apps & Features settings in Windows to update a Plant SCADA installation. You should only use the Change/Uninstall feature on the Programs and Features page in Control Panel.
3.2. Licensing
3.2.1. Offline activation of AVEVA Enterprise licenses
To activate a license for a computer that does not have access to AVEVA’s activation server, you need to follow the procedure described in the topic Activating Licenses in Offline Mode in the AVEVA™ Enterprise License Manager User Guide (accessible from the AVEVA branch of the Windows Start Menu). Be aware of the following:
· A valid AVEVA Knowledge & Support Center account is required to access the license activation web page.
· When navigating to License Activation, please click on the “Wonderware” tile to access the license activation portal (https://licenseactivation.wonderware.com/) to complete the request and response transaction as per the instructions in the License Manager User Guide.
3.2.2. Industrial Graphics Server and device reservation
If you are using AVEVA Enterprise Licensing device reservation for a computer that hosts an Industrial Graphics Server, you need to use the Checkout feature. Be aware, however, that you should shut down the AVEVA Industrial Graphics Service before you remove a checkout for a computer.
3.2.3. Licenses are not released following shutdown
In some cases, an AVEVA Enterprise License may not be released by a computer that has shutdown unexpectedly or is currently inaccessible. If this occurs, you can use the "drop device" operation in AVEVA License Manager to release licenses. For more information, see Dropping Devices in the Enterprise License Manager User Guide, available from the AVEVA branch of the Windows Start menu.
3.3. Deployment
3.3.1. Upgrading Deployment from Plant SCADA 2020 R2
The deployment architecture installed with Plant SCADA 2023 and 2023 R2 is no longer compatible with deployment servers running an earlier version. This means:
· You cannot use a 2023 R2 version of Plant SCADA Studio to add projects to a deployment server that is running Plant SCADA 2020 R2 (or earlier).
· You cannot deploy a project from a deployment server running 2023 R2 to a deployment client that is running Plant SCADA 2020 R2 (or earlier).
If you have a distributed system that includes some computers on Plant SCADA 2020 R2 (or earlier), you should retain your existing deployment server to distribute projects to these computers until the roll out of 2023 R2 is complete. You will also need to configure a new deployment server to deploy 2023 R2 projects to any upgraded computers.
3.4. AVEVA Industrial Graphics
3.4.1. Industrial Graphics alarm border animation not supported
The Alarm Border Animation will not be supported by Plant SCADA 2023 R2.
3.4.2. Industrial Graphics Web Client does not display data if the browser’s Duplicate Tab function is used
The Duplicate Tab function is not supported by Industrial Graphics. If you want to duplicate a tab, you must manually create a new tab and copy the URL into the new tab’s address bar.
3.4.3. Industrial Graphics Web Client does not login when opened in an incognito/private web browsing tab
When trying to open the https://<yourcomputer>/aig in a private browsing mode (for example, Incognito in Chrome), the home page will not display and become stuck in a login progress loop. Please use a standard browser tab.
3.4.4. Industrial Graphics Styles dialog in Plant SCADA Studio has some fields truncated/overlapping
The Styles dialog does not support High DPI settings. You will need to reduce your OS scaling to 100% for the dialog to present and function correctly.
3.4.5. Industrial Graphics Web Client page may go blank after refresh
If an Industrial Graphics Web Client page goes blank after a refresh, resize the browser window to make the content reappear.
3.4.6. Misconfigured user roles within your Plant SCADA project may allow an unauthorized user to view data in Industrial Graphics clients
This scenario can occur if a user on the Industrial Graphics Server is a member of either of the Industrial Graphics roles ("Industrial Graphics Users" or "Industrial Graphics R/W Users") but is not a member of a security role in the project. If you restart the "AVEVA Plant SCADA Connectivity Service", this may allow a user that is logged in to an Industrial Graphics client to view data when unauthorized to do so. This scenario is considered to be a misconfiguration.
To avoid this issue, ensure that:
· All users and user groups that are members of either the "Industrial Graphics Users" or "Industrial Graphics R/W Users" roles are also valid members of a security role within your Plant SCADA project.
· Always restart the "AVEVA Industrial Graphics Service" after restarting the "AVEVA Plant SCADA Connectivity Service".
3.4.7. Changes to the System Management Server port after the Authentication Settings have been configured
After configuring the Authentication Settings for an Industrial Graphics Server, we recommend you do not change the System Management Server port. If you need to do this, then perform the following steps:
1. On the Advanced Settings page of Configurator’s System Management Server plugin, change the port number on the Ports tab.
2. Click on Configure button to configure the SMS with the new port.
3. Restart Configurator.
4. Reconfigure the Authentication Settings for the Industrial Graphics Server in Configurator.
Using the new System Management Server port, you can now launch the Industrial Graphics Web Client using the fully qualified domain name (for example: https://myaigserver.mydomain.com:425/aig).
3.5. Configurator
3.5.1. The Federated Identity Provider is displayed under Common Services
The Federated Identity Provider will appear under the Common Platform components in the Configurator tree. This is not used by Plant SCADA. If required, you can set the Identify Provider field to “None”. This will present a green tick for the page in the Configurator tree.
3.5.2. Configurator pages may be disabled after displaying Select License Server page
If you display the Select License Server page under AVEVA Enterprise License Server in Configurator, then quickly navigate to a different page, the destination page's controls may be disabled. To resolve this, switch back to the Select License Server page and wait for its controls to become enabled before switching to another page.
3.6. General Issues
3.6.1. Documentation searches for parameters require the category to be included
If you search in AVEVA Help for a parameter, you need to include the parameter category in square brackets to view a full set of search results. For example, searching for "[Debug]ArchiveFiles" will return the correct search results; "ArchiveFiles" or "[Debug]Arc" will not. This is due to AVEVA Help using a basic text-based search mechanism with limited support for partial word searches. Similarly, if you search for a Cicode function that begins with an underscore (for example, _ObjectCallMethod, _ObjectGetProperty, or _ObjectSetProperty), the function will not appear in the search results.
For more advanced search capabilities, you can use the version of the Plant SCADA help that is available on AVEVA's Documentation cloud portal at https://docs.aveva.com/bundle/plant-scada/.
3.6.2. OPC UA Server may be lost with third-party clients
Under load conditions (for example, more than 20,000 subscriptions per second), the connection between Plant SCADA’s OPC UA server and a third-party client may become unstable in some circumstances.
4.1. Software
The following operating systems are supported (64-bit only):
· Windows 11 21H2 (or later)
· Windows 10 21H2 (or later)
· Windows 10 LTSC 1607 (or later)
· Windows Server 2016
· Windows Server 2019
· Windows Server 2022
Notes:
· Microsoft™ .NET Framework 4.8 is required (installed with Plant SCADA if not detected).
· Internet Explorer® is not supported by AVEVA Help or the Industrial Graphics Web Client.
4.2. Hardware
The hardware requirements for a Plant SCADA computer are dependent upon the role the computer will play in your SCADA system. See the hardware requirements a particular type of installation in the Plant SCADA Installation and Configuration Guide.
5.1. Update pages has changed
The Update Pages process changed in Plant SCADA 2018. The ability to toggle "Fast Update Pages" from within Graphics Builder has been deprecated. Update Pages only supports incremental updating of graphics. It is recommended that you do not delete pg*.dbf/ndx files. You should instead use the Pack command in Plant SCADA Studio regularly to ensure the database files are optimized. If you do delete these files, or replace them with empty files, you will need to use the Graphics Builder Automation Interface to Open and Save each page individually in your project(s) to rebuild the expression data into those files. The Pack Libraries command should also be used regularly to keep your graphic library files optimized, especially if you are using Composite Genies.
5.2. Version Control recommendations
If you wish to add your project(s) to a version control system, it is recommended that you use a system that can efficiently store binary files. Do not directly add the project folder under the Plant SCADA User folder to version control. Instead, you should create a copy of your project hierarchy under a different folder, and use a third-party comparison tool to determine which files have changed after a set of modifications. It is also recommended that you only add configuration files to version control, not runtime files and other compiler-generated files. For more information, refer to Plant SCADA Knowledge Base article 10026.
5.3. Driver Classifications
As part of an ongoing effort to set clear expectations and provide better support to our customers, we have introduced a classification system for our driver portfolio to communicate the level of ongoing maintenance and version updates that customers can reasonably expect. These classifications and status of each driver can be found online at https://gcsresource.aveva.com/PlantSCADA/Drivers/.
In line with these classifications, we have limited the number of drivers included by default on the Plant SCADA installation media to a reduced set of ‘core’ drivers that have undergone recent updates, however all other drivers continue to be available for download from the AVEVA Knowledge & Support Center at https://softwaresupport.aveva.com/. It is recommended that you visit on a regular basis and subscribe to the forum so that you are alerted to any updates that occur.
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