Stop using PI Vision as your SCADA screen
I see this mistake constantly
Someone spends weeks replicating every item from their SCADA or DCS system into PI Vision or Axiom displays.
Then they call it their "control room view."
That's not how it works.
And the worst part?
Sometimes it's the service provider who suggests it — because they can bill you time and materials for weeks of unnecessary work.
Here's the problem:
PI Vision should be asset-centric.
SCADA screens are process-centric.
Big difference.
SCADA is designed to show you the process flow:
• Is it on or off?
• Is it up or down?
• Is it running or stopped?
Simple status. That's its job.
PI Vision is designed to go deeper on individual assets — trends, analytics, context, investigation.
When you try to make PI Vision do SCADA's job, you end up with:
• Weeks of effort duplicating what already exists
• Too many components crammed on one screen
• Numbers everywhere competing for attention
• Operators overwhelmed instead of informed
The best SCADA screens are almost boring.
Simple colors. Clear states. Instant recognition.
No clutter. No noise.
PI Vision is powerful — but it's not your SCADA replacement.
Use each tool for what it was designed for.
