Industry
- Lifesciences
Technology Focus
- Ignition
Project Overview
This life sciences manufacturer utilized Ignition software primarily for its Human-Machine Interface (HMI), script repository management, and PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) integration. While Ignition v7.9 served them well, the impending end-of-life status of this version posed significant risks, including reduced technical support and potential security vulnerabilities. Recognizing the importance of maintaining a robust and secure operational framework, the company identified the upgrade to Ignition 8.1 as essential and timely.
Ignition 8.1 offers advanced features, improved performance, and enhanced user experience, making it the ideal choice for modernizing their HMI interfaces and script management. By transitioning to the latest version, the company could leverage new functionalities, including better data visualization, improved connectivity options, and more efficient workflow automation.
Challenges
As a long-time user of Ignition, the company faced several challenges when considering the upgrade from Ignition v7.9 to v8.1. One of the primary concerns centered around the legacy elements of their existing project. With v7.9 approaching its end of life, the company recognized that certain components and scripts built over the years could become obsolete in the newer version, potentially impacting the functionality and reliability of their systems.
The upgrade process would require a thorough review of the existing project, necessitating manual efforts to comb through the legacy scripts. This time-intensive task involved not only identifying obsolete scripts but also replacing or refactoring them to ensure seamless operation within the new environment.
Solution
NeoMatrix approached the upgrade project with a clear understanding that there was a significant number of scripts that required evaluation, though the exact quantity needing modification remained uncertain. From the outset, NeoMatrix established a collaborative framework with the manufacturer, maintaining constant communication through email and weekly meetings to discuss project progress, challenges, and next steps.
The NeoMatrix team worked closely with the manufacturer’s project manager, who served as the subject matter expert and was responsible for performing testing to ensure the system functioned as intended. This collaborative effort proved vital during the testing phase, where it became apparent that some scripts did not function correctly in the new environment. In response, NeoMatrix quickly engaged with the customer to identify the issues and implement solutions efficiently.
While the primary focus of the upgrade project was to maintain existing functionality, the manufacturer is continuing to leverage the capabilities of Ignition 8.1 to enhance and expand their system’s functionality.
Results
Overall, the upgrade process was relatively smooth, though it presented unique challenges due to the presence of custom scripts and the need for meticulous cross-referencing. The project was completed in approximately one month, with most of the work conducted remotely.
In addition to the upgrade, the project included the development of a comprehensive document detailing the software module design specifications, providing valuable insights for future reference.
The Ignition 8.1 software upgrade not only resolved the manufacturer’s immediate concerns but also empowered the manufacturer to fully leverage the advanced features of the new version. This strategic move has set the stage for enhanced operational efficiency and improved performance in their processes moving forward.
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