ModulesPI System Management Tools
PI System Management Tools Overview
PI System Management Tools (PI SMT) is the primary administrative console for managing AVEVA PI Data Archive servers. It provides a unified interface for monitoring system health, managing security, configuring points, and diagnosing issues.
PI SMT Key Functions
System Health Dashboard
PI SMT provides real-time visibility into:
- Archive status: current archive file, fill percentage, and backup status
- Snapshot buffer: queue depth and throughput rates
- Interface status: connected interfaces and their event rates
- License usage: point count vs. licensed capacity
PI Point Configuration
Managing PI tags through SMT:
- Create, edit, and delete PI points
- Configure compression and exception settings
- Set point security and access control
- Bulk operations via PI Builder (Excel add-in)
PI System Explorer (PSE)
PSE is the desktop client for browsing and managing the PI Asset Framework (AF) database.
Navigation Structure
PI System Explorer
├── Asset Framework Databases
│ ├── Enterprise
│ │ ├── Site A
│ │ │ ├── Area 1
│ │ │ │ ├── Reactor 001 (Element)
│ │ │ │ └── Pump 002 (Element)
│ └── Templates
│ ├── Reactor Template
│ └── Pump Template
├── Event Frames
└── NotificationsPI Notifications
PI Notifications provides automated alerting based on PI data conditions.
Notification Rule Types
| Rule Type | Use Case | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Condition-based | Threshold alerts | Temperature > 150°C |
| Event Frame | Batch/downtime alerts | Downtime event started |
| Acknowledgment | Escalation | Alert not acked in 30 min |
| Scheduled | Periodic reports | Daily production summary |
PI Connectors vs PI Interfaces
| Feature | PI Connectors | PI Interfaces |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Agent-based, cloud-ready | Node-based, on-premise |
| Protocol | REST/MQTT/OPC-UA | OPC DA, Modbus, proprietary |
| Configuration | PI Connector Relay | PI ICU |
| Buffering | Built-in | PI Buffer Subsystem |
| Deployment | Docker/cloud-native | Windows service |
| Best for | Modern IIoT, cloud | Legacy DCS/SCADA |
Best Practices
- Schedule regular archive backups (minimum daily)
- Monitor snapshot buffer depth — alert if > 80% full
- Review security mappings quarterly
- Use PI Builder for bulk point management (>50 points)
- Always check in AF changes — PSE changes are not saved until checked in
- Set deadband and delay on all notification rules to prevent alert storms