Making use of the Power of Big Data with Wonderware InTouch Machine Edition and Wonderware Historian

Data without context can be more of a hindrance than a useful tool when it comes to embedded automation. With many devices collecting and sending data, there are more available data points and potential opportunities for optimization. If these opportunities aren’t utilized, however, the result is a ‘smart’ system that doesn’t actually provide much intelligence. Without the means to aggregate, merge, view, trend, and analyze data, the resulting information is just noise that can lead to contradictory conclusions.

A combination of Wonderware InTouch Machine Edition and the Wonderware Historian Server and Client Tools can make Big Data a reality for almost any intelligent system or platform. With Wonderware InTouch Machine Edition’s native integration to Wonderware Historian and simple configuration, it’s possible to combine the power of a scalable historian with a powerful embedded HMI, adding the ability to develop dashboards for OEE analysis, trends, and reports. Data with proper context allows operators and analysts to monitor devices remotely, and track machine performance over time, and easily integrate into existing ERP systems.


Presenting data in a meaningful way is critical. Intuitive interfaces can allow operators to act on potential problems before values shift out of acceptable ranges. SPC (Statistical Process Control using QI Analyst®) and OEE dashboard information can inform operators when machines are not working at optimal efficiency, or when defective parts may exceed manufacturing tolerances. A well-designed overview of a process can warn operators of trouble before the line has to be stopped, or can help troubleshoot problems to get it started again quickly.

A fully integrated tiered historian like Wonderware Historian can store, send, and retrieve the data that intelligent embedded systems require in order to function, and can act as a gateway between multiple embedded systems and the SCADA system or platform, and the corporate ERP System.

Don’t make the mistake of collecting data simply for the sake of data collection. Put the information to use by giving data the context it requires to be meaningful. An HMI developed with Wonderware InTouch Machine Edition offers everything you need to quickly deploy an intuitive, analytical HMI to embedded devices, and Wonderware Historian can provide the capability to merge and aggregate multiple data streams into one source of information that forms the backbone of any smart embedded system.