Introduction: As a PI consultant with years of experience, I often get questions about the different tools for data visualization and monitoring. PI Vision, a web-based tool that evolved from PI ProcessBook (once known as PI CoreSight), has become essential for simplifying how we access, share, and analyze data. Here, I’ll dive into what makes PI Vision unique, its benefits, and how it compares to other tools like HMI, Power BI, and Grafana.

What is PI Vision? PI Vision started as a Web application called PI CoreSight, I was evolved from PI ProcessBook, which many of us relied on for years. Today, PI Vision has become a powerful, web-based application, accessible through any browser—it could be Edge, Chrome, or Safari. This shift from a desktop app to a web-based platform removes the need for packaging and installing software, making it faster to deploy and simpler to get started.

Benefits of PI Vision:

1. Seamless Accessibility: Because PI Vision is web-based, it can be accessed from any browser on any device. There’s no need for software packaging or installation. Just log in via a URL, and you’re ready to access your data.

2. Enhanced Collaboration: PI Vision is designed to facilitate collaboration. Instead of isolating displays within a single system or workstation, PI Vision allows users to share real-time data simply by sending a link, enabling teams to work together seamlessly.

Comparing PI Vision to HMI Systems: A question I hear often is, "Why should I use PI Vision instead of the HMI system in my DCS or SCADA system?" Here’s my perspective:

- HMI vs. PI Vision for Unified Data View: HMIs are great for managing specific systems, like DCS or SCADA, but they don’t unify data across systems. PI Vision solves this by pulling data from various sources—DCS, SCADA, and PLCs—into one consistent view. This standardization makes it easier for teams to analyze and compare data across systems.

- Data Analysis vs. Equipment Control: HMIs are designed for control—turning valves, operating equipment, etc.—whereas PI Vision is data-centric, focusing on data analysis. It’s ideal for long-term trend visualization, allowing users to explore months or even years of data quickly and easily.

Key Features of PI Vision:

- Integration with PI Asset Framework: PI Vision connects directly with PI Asset Framework and PI Data Archive, so all data is presented within a consistent structure. This integration, unique to PI Vision, streamlines the process of analyzing and displaying information, particularly for those who are not in-house experts.

- Mobile-Friendly Design: PI Vision’s web-based interface works across mobile devices, including tablets and smartphones, so users can access data remotely, whether in the field or from another location.

How PI Vision Stands Out from Other Tools: While tools like Power BI, Grafana, and SeeQ are widely used, PI Vision is specifically optimized for PI System data. Unlike these tools, which require configurations to connect to PI data, PI Vision is pre-configured for PI servers, making it easier to set up and use. Each tool serves its purpose, but PI Vision stands out in environments where easy access to real-time and historical data is a priority.

Why PI Vision is the ‘iPhone’ of Data Visualization Tools: Using PI Vision feels like using an iPhone—it’s intuitive, user-friendly, and ready to go right out of the box. Setting up a trend in PI Vision, for example, takes just a few clicks. This simplicity is ideal for teams that prioritize ease of use and want to get started without extensive setup or training.

Conclusion: PI Vision offers an accessible, collaborative, and data-centric approach to visualization, making it a key tool for organizations relying on the PI System. If you're looking to unify data across systems, analyze long-term trends, and collaborate more effectively, PI Vision could be the right fit for your team.

​If you’re interested in a more detailed comparison of PI Vision with other tools, feel free to download my PDF guide by clicking the link https://www.sunleadtechnologies.ca/datavisualization. And don’t forget to subscribe to my updates for more insights on maximizing your PI System investment!