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Supported Methods for Importing and Exporting Data in InsightCM

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Issue Details

Users frequently need to understand how data can be imported into InsightCM or exported from it. InsightCM supports multiple data integration methods to accommodate different industrial systems, data sources, and architectural requirements. This article provides a high-level overview of the supported import and export methods and explains when each option is typically used.

 

Solution / Procedure

InsightCM provides several mechanisms for importing and exporting data. Each method is designed to support specific integration scenarios, from direct device communication to enterprise-level and custom application integrations. 


PI Historian
The PI System integration is used to exchange time-series and historian data between InsightCM and PI environments. This method is commonly selected when operational data is already centralized in PI and needs to be accessed or shared by InsightCM for monitoring, analytics, or visualization purposes. 

Check 10.1.8.2. Interfacing with OSIsoft PI System Software

Modbus
Modbus enables direct communication with industrial devices such as sensors, controllers, and monitoring hardware. This method is typically used when InsightCM needs to collect data directly from field devices using a widely supported industrial protocol. Modbus is well suited for simple, device-level data acquisition scenarios. 

OPC UA
OPC UA provides standardized and secure data exchange with industrial automation systems. This method is commonly used to integrate InsightCM with control systems, PLCs, and other OPC-enabled platforms. OPC UA is often chosen when interoperability, structured data access, and vendor-neutral communication are required. 

Check section 8.2.4 Creating and Configuring a Data Source:

Configure a data source from external sources, such as a Modbus Register, an OPC UA Tag, or a Historian Input. 

  1. Click Configuration and select Assets. 
  2. Click the Action menu and select Data Sources to display the Data Sources dialog box. 
  3. Click Add. 
  4. Select the type of data source you want to create via the listbox. 
  5. Specify a name for the data source and click OK. 
  6. Select the new data source in the asset tree and configure the appropriate properties in the configuration panel.
  7. Select the Registers (for Modbus), Tags (for OPC UA), or Points (for Historian Input) tab. 
  8. Click Add and configure the appropriate data source item properties. 
  9. Click Close

MQTT
MQTT is a lightweight, message-based protocol that uses a publish/subscribe model. It is commonly used in distributed or event-driven architectures where scalability and efficient data transmission are important. MQTT is well suited for edge deployments and environments with bandwidth or connectivity considerations. 
 

Is it possible to configure MQTT in InsightCM 3.9.2 or latest?
 

InsightCM Web API
The InsightCM Web API allows programmatic access to InsightCM data using standard web technologies. This method is typically used for custom integrations, automation, or data synchronization with third-party systems and enterprise applications. 

Check Section 10.1.3 Accessing InsightCM Data Services Using HTTP API
 

Quick Reference — Import & Export Methods

Method Import Export Typical Use Case
PI System Integration Exchange time-series and historian data with PI environments. ✔ ✔ Operational data already centralized in PI; needs to be accessed or shared for monitoring, analytics, or visualization.
Modbus Direct communication with industrial field devices ✔ — Simple, device-level data acquisition from sensors, controllers, and monitoring hardware.
OPC UA Standardized, secure exchange with automation systems. ✔ — Integration with control systems and PLCs when interoperability and vendor-neutral communication are required.
MQTT Lightweight publish/subscribe protocol. — ✔ Edge deployments and distributed architectures with bandwidth or connectivity constraints.
InsightCM Web API Programmatic HTTP access to InsightCM data. — ✔ Custom integrations, automation, and data synchronization with third-party or enterprise systems.
✔ Import Data flows into InsightCM ✔ Export Data flows out of InsightCM — Not supported in this direction
 
 

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