Challenge: 

Many of the manufacturing industries use Aveva PI System to collect, store, and analyze data from various sources, such as sensors, PLCs, and other industrial equipment. Traditional solution is, all the configuration of PI AF is stored in “PIFD” SQL database that is usually separate from AF server and managed by SQL team. Even though organizations do take daily backups of SQL database, it is often difficult to connect with concerned team and obtain previous backups immediately in case of any emergency. Also, there is no option in “PFID” to restore individual backups of all AF database.

Solution:

Cognizant Team developed a PowerShell script to take additional backup of PI AF databases and store locally within AF Server / Centralized Server / Sharepoint. This makes it easier for PI Admin to access the backup files when needed. 

PIFD database backup in SQL server covers all AF database in single file. Whereas this PowerShell script takes individual backups of all AF database. This is advantageous compared to PIFD backup when changes need to be made only on one database without affecting others.

PowerShell script creates individual xml files – one for each AF database. Along with that, it also updates one log file so that status of backup can be tracked. Script also detects older backup files and deletes any file that is older than 30 days to maintain disk storage.

Windows task scheduler can be used to automatically run the script on daily basis. 

Benefits:

·       Main PIFD SQL database backup is generally managed by database team. Hence, this XML backup serves as an additional backup which can be owned by PI Admin and can be utilized without depending on database team.

·       This script takes individual backup of all AF database. Hence, it is easier to restore the desired database to any back date without affecting other database.

·       This script can delete the older backups that are more than 30 days old. This helps to manage storage while keeping old enough backups for restore use.