PI Interface for OPC UA

While it is understood that adapters are the future of data source connectivity; there is an immediate need for existing PI system users (especially in the Chemical industry) to transition their data sources from using OPC DA to OPC UA. Many of the popular control system vendors are now strongly suggesting to use OPC UA instead of DA. With the upcoming mandatory DCOM changes there is even more of a need. The reason for an interface for this, as opposed to moving to adapters, is that the philosophy behind adapters is not compatible with how users interact with interfaces. Interfaces have the ability to write data to the data source while connectors and adapters do not. Interface allow users to manually create tags and adjust classic parameters as needed where connectors and adapters offer a plug and play system. This is fine for new systems but not manageable for systems that have tags and processes in place for years. Creating an OPC UA interface would help your existing customers move away from OPC DA quicker and provide them a familiar set of tools for monitoring and configuring tags.