EcoStruxure TM Process Expert - FAQ - System
Integrator
Compatibility, Migration
1.
Will it be possible to migrate a project designed with a EcoStruxure Process Expert version to a more recent version?
Yes, EcoStruxure Process Expert includes all the software tools to migrate the database from one version to another. This migration is also provided for the embedded libraries. Depending on the enhancements from one release to another, the migration will be done in one step (automatically following the installation of the new release) or in two steps: one before uninstalling the former release and the second step after the new release installation. For migration from any version to V4.3, it was mandatory to do all the intermediate steps to reach the latest release (migration from V4.1 to V4.3 requires migrating from V4.1 to V4.2 first). Since V4.3, migration to any recent release doesn’t require intermediate migration.
2.
I am an existing end user or system integrator and I have built my control standards using UAG. For my next project, I would like to maintain these standards. Is it possible for me to convert them to use with EcoStruxure Process Expert?
Yes, this is possible although there is no “push of the button” automated tool available. The standards must be converted into EcoStruxure Process Expert objects. Schneider Electric can provide a Service to allow a painless conversion from UAG standards to EcoStruxure Process Expert standards. This needs to be analysed case by case. Anyway, the evolution cost from UAG to EcoStruxure Process Expert will be lower than to any competitor offer.
Configuration specifications
3.
For system integrators, is it possible to have several versions of EcoStruxure Process Expert installed on a single machine?
No, but an alternative should be to run EcoStruxure Process Expert on a virtual machine. A technical note describes how to configure the system.
4.
Can I install and run EcoStruxure Process Expert on a Virtual Machine?
Yes, this is possible. This feature is provided to facilitate installation for people to promote and demonstrate the offer. A technical note explains how to proceed with configuring this with an acceptable performance to run the software. Two solutions of virtualization have been tested:
• VMware Workstation Player™ (Type-2 hypervisor); for small applications
• VMware ESXi™ Type-1 (bare metal) hypervisor; industrial solution for any type of application
5.
Does EcoStruxure Process Expert allow the installation of several servers on a single machine?
Yes, this flexibility is provided to users. For example, the EcoStruxure Process Expert system server can be on the same machine as an operation server (SCADA server).
Features – Application
6.
Are there any recommendations when using instance name inheritance?
Inheritance of the hierarchy in the instance name is based on folders and the instance itself. To limit the size of the name, it is possible to associate an alias to any folder, an alias that will be used for the instance naming. As many levels are allowed in the hierarchy of folders, the recommendation is to limit the instance name to 18 characters maximum.
7.
How can I duplicate a function (an object instance)?
The most useful way to duplicate an object instance is to copy and paste an existing instance. It is possible to easily duplicate a sub tree of the application tree through Copy/Paste. In this case the object instances are automatically renamed. But another possibility is available when the duplication covers a wide scope of information. Export of a set of instances within their hierarchy can be done in Excel format to be modified
(renaming, modify parameter values,…) and import the modified file in the application
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