In late 2020, OSIsoft announced the retirement of PI ProcessBook and published an end-of-support timeline as follows:
| End-of-Sale* | Security Updates / Fixes Support Deadline** | End-of-Support** |
| 12/31/2021 | 12/31/2022 | 12/31/2024 |
For over 25 years, PI ProcessBook (PB) has displayed PI or Asset Framework Server data graphically for monitoring and comparison purposes. When end-users needed more complex functionality, custom VB scripts were often developed in PI ProcessBook to meet their needs. An optional SQC add-in provided control chart, histogram, and western electric rule support for PI ProcessBook display files. With the end-of-support date identified, and OSIsoft focusing their development investment on PI Vision, clients are evaluating their options for migration.
Migration Options
If a client chooses to migrate to PI Vision, LSI can help. As an OSIsoft Premier Partner, LSI understands the challenges and can use its extensive experience (PI ProcessBook, PI Vision, custom coding, etc.) to help clients navigate the migration process while working closely with OSIsoft.
Migrating to PI Vision is the obvious option, but it’s not the only choice. Some of LSI’s clients are choosing to switch to PARCview clients for their PI ProcessBook system. PARCview can connect to several different historians and provides intuitive analytics capabilities. As an Endorsed dataPARC partner, LSI can help you migrate your displays to PARCview.
Migration Utilities & Challenges
To assist end-users, both OSIsoft and dataPARC provide migration utilities. These utilities are best suited for those that have implemented the basic functionality of PI ProcessBook.
However, many users will find that they cannot use a migration utility to migrate their existing screens & functionality to another platform. (OSIsoft provides an extensive list of migration limitations on their website). To do so, users will need a deep understanding of PI ProcessBook, PI Vision or PARCview, coding, etc., and time to migrate the screens one by one. Time will also be needed to review and test the converted screens to ensure proper functionality and accurate results.
End-users with limited internal resources or those that developed VB scripts in ProcessBook and/or relied on the SQC add-in are likely to face migration challenges that will require migration support.
Planning for End-of-Support
Migrating from an aging software platform takes time and effort to ensure that stakeholders’ needs are met. Fortunately, there is a solution for those who cannot simply rely on a migration tool or those who lack the internal resources to navigate the migration process.
It starts with listening and understanding your unique PI ProcessBook application. Every successful project begins with a conversation. Give us a call at 877-735-6905—LSI Listens.
*New customer sales stopped in 2020.
**The End of Support date is when PI ProcessBook no longer receives technical support and the access to download is no longer available. While technical support is available until the listed End of Support Date, PI ProcessBook will not receive security updates or fixes after 12/31/2022.
OSIsoft, PI Vision, PI ProcessBook, PI Server, Asset Framework Server are all trademarks of OSIsoft, LLC.