FactoryTalk View SE is a powerful HMI/SCADA platform widely used in industrial automation for monitoring and controlling processes. While SQL Server is the default choice for data logging within FactoryTalk View SE, some users seek alternatives that do not require SQL Server due to cost, complexity, or infrastructure limitations. This listicle covers practical methods and tools for data logging in FactoryTalk View SE without relying on SQL Server, ideal for engineers, system integrators, and plant managers looking for streamlined or cost-effective data collection solutions.
1. FactoryTalk View SE Built-in Tag Logging to CSV Files
FactoryTalk View SE offers native support for logging tag data directly to CSV (comma-separated values) files through its Tag Logging feature. This method requires no external database and stores historical data as plain text files that can be accessed or imported into Excel or other analysis software. It is a straightforward solution for small to medium data volumes and avoids the overhead of installing and maintaining SQL Server.
2. Using FactoryTalk Historian SE Express Edition
FactoryTalk Historian SE Express is a limited but free version of FactoryTalk Historian that integrates with FactoryTalk View SE and does not require a separate SQL Server license. It uses a proprietary historian database optimized for time-series data logging and retrieval. This option is suitable for users who want a robust logging system without the full SQL Server dependency and still benefit from FactoryTalk’s native historian capabilities.
3. OPC Data Logger Integration
OPC Data Logger is a third-party tool that connects to FactoryTalk View SE via OPC DA or OPC UA interfaces to capture real-time data and log it to various file formats including CSV, Excel, or XML. Because it doesn’t require SQL Server, it offers flexibility for users who want customizable logging without database setup. Additionally, it supports scheduled logging and alarm/event capture, making it a versatile choice for lightweight data collection.
4. Using Wonderware Historian Lite
Wonderware Historian Lite is a free, entry-level historian that can be used alongside FactoryTalk View SE without needing SQL Server. Although it is limited in data capacity and features compared to the full Wonderware Historian, it provides efficient time-series data logging and retrieval for smaller applications. This option is worth considering for users who want a historian product with a familiar industrial focus but without the SQL Server requirement.
5. Logging Data to FactoryTalk View SE Alarm and Event Logs
FactoryTalk View SE supports logging alarms and events internally to its own log files, which can be exported and analyzed without SQL Server. While this is not a direct method for continuous process data logging, it is valuable for tracking system states, operator actions, and critical events. These logs can be accessed via FactoryTalk Diagnostics or exported for offline review, providing a no-database-required audit trail.
6. Using VBA Scripts to Export Data
FactoryTalk View SE supports VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) scripting, which allows users to write custom scripts that periodically export tag values to files such as CSV or Excel. This approach requires some programming but offers maximum flexibility for customized data logging schedules and formats without any database dependency. It is especially useful in legacy systems or where tailored data output is needed.
7. Logging Using OPC UA Client Applications
FactoryTalk View SE can expose its data via OPC UA, which can be accessed by external OPC UA client applications designed to log data directly to flat files or other database systems besides SQL Server. This method enables integration with lightweight or open-source logging tools, expanding the choice of data storage formats. It is a practical option for users wanting to decouple data logging from FactoryTalk itself.
8. Utilizing Rockwell Automation’s FactoryTalk Analytics DataView
FactoryTalk Analytics DataView collects and displays historical data from FactoryTalk View SE and other sources, storing data in a cloud-friendly format without the need for SQL Server on-premises. Though it relies on cloud infrastructure, it provides an alternative logging and visualization approach for users looking to avoid local SQL Server installations. This service is suited for organizations moving toward cloud-based data strategies.
9. Using CSV Logging via FactoryTalk Transaction Manager
FactoryTalk Transaction Manager can log data changes and transactions triggered by FactoryTalk View SE to CSV files or other formats without requiring SQL Server. It is designed primarily for batch and transaction tracking but can be adapted for general data logging needs. This approach benefits users who want structured, event-driven logging without database overhead.
10. Employing Lightweight Embedded Databases like SQLite
Though not natively supported by FactoryTalk View SE, some advanced users have implemented custom solutions that export tag data to lightweight embedded databases such as SQLite using scripts or OPC interfaces. SQLite requires no server installation and stores data locally in a single file, making it an attractive alternative for small-scale logging. However, this method requires additional configuration and scripting expertise.
How to Choose
When selecting a data logging method without SQL Server for FactoryTalk View SE, consider factors like data volume, frequency of logging, ease of setup, analysis requirements, and integration needs. For low-volume or simple logging, native CSV file logging or VBA scripting may suffice. If you require historical data trending and optimized time-series storage, FactoryTalk Historian SE Express or Wonderware Historian Lite are better fits. Third-party tools like OPC Data Logger offer flexibility but require additional licensing and setup. Cloud-based options like FactoryTalk Analytics DataView suit organizations ready to adopt cloud infrastructure. Lastly, consider your team’s technical skill level—custom scripting and embedded databases demand more expertise, while built-in features simplify deployment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can FactoryTalk View SE log data without any external software?
Yes, it can log tag data directly to CSV files using its built-in Tag Logging feature, which requires no external database or software.
Q: Is FactoryTalk Historian SE Express truly free and SQL Server-free?
FactoryTalk Historian SE Express is a free edition that uses a proprietary historian database and does not require a separate SQL Server license.
Q: Can I use OPC UA to log data without SQL Server?
Yes, FactoryTalk View SE exposes data via OPC UA, which can be consumed by OPC UA client applications that log data independently of SQL Server.
Q: What are the limitations of logging directly to CSV files?
CSV logging is simple but less efficient for large data volumes, lacks indexing, and does not support complex queries or trending like a historian database.
Q: Does FactoryTalk View SE support other databases besides SQL Server?
FactoryTalk View SE primarily supports SQL Server for data logging, but third-party tools and custom solutions can enable logging to other databases or file formats.
Q: How difficult is it to implement VBA scripting for data logging?
Basic VBA scripting requires some programming knowledge but is supported within FactoryTalk View SE and allows highly customizable data exports without external dependencies.
Final Thoughts
Logging FactoryTalk View SE data without SQL Server is achievable through various native and third-party solutions, each with distinct advantages and trade-offs. Native CSV logging and FactoryTalk Historian SE Express provide straightforward options requiring minimal setup, while third-party tools and scripting offer greater flexibility and customization. Your choice should align with your project’s scale, technical expertise, and long-term data management strategy. Exploring these alternatives can reduce infrastructure complexity and cost while maintaining effective data capture for analysis and compliance.
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