Ignition SCADA Basics – Cheat Sheet

Master Ignition SCADA with this bite-sized cheat sheet! Learn installation, PLC integration, Designer setup, alarming, and Vision vs. Perspective quickly and effectively.

1. Introduction to Ignition

• Core Concepts:
  • HMI, SCADA, MES applications.
  • Key Components: Gateway, Designer, Vision, and Perspective.
• Start Here:
  • Install Ignition and launch the Gateway.
  • Explore the web-based Gateway interface.

2. Installation & Activation

• Steps:
  1. Download from inductiveautomation.com.
  2. Run the installer and start the Gateway.
  3. Activate a trial or enter your license key.
• Gateway URL: http://localhost:8088
• Troubleshooting: Check service status if Gateway doesn’t start.

3. Connect to PLCs & Databases

• PLCs:
  • Use OPC UA Module.
  • Add a device under Gateway → Config → OPC UA → Devices.
• Databases:
  • Supported: MySQL, MSSQL, PostgreSQL, etc.
  • Setup: Gateway → Config → Databases → Create New Database Connection.
• Key Tip: Test connections to ensure proper communication.

4. Launch Designer & Create Projects

• Launch Designer:
  • Access Designer Launcher from the Gateway interface.
  • Login with Gateway credentials.
• Create Project:
  1. File → New Project.
  2. Add components from the toolbox.
  3. Save and publish changes.
• Tip: Enable autosave in Designer for efficiency.

5. Tags and Historian

• Tags:
  • Types: OPC, Memory, Expression, Client Tags.
  • Create under Tags Browser.
• Historian:
  • Setup: Enable Tag History in Gateway → Config → Tag History.
  • Use: Display trends and analyze data in charts.
• Shortcut: Right-click tags to add to Historian.

6. Alarming and Security

• Alarming:
  • Configure tag alarms: Right-click tag → Edit Alarming.
  • Notification: Setup pipelines in Gateway → Config → Alarming.
• Security:
  • Roles: Gateway → Config → Security → Users, Roles.
  • Authentication: Add users and assign roles.
• Best Practice: Test alarms with dummy data.

7. Vision vs. Perspective

• Vision (Desktop):
  • Add windows → drag-and-drop components like buttons, labels.
  • Best for: Traditional industrial PCs.
• Perspective (Web):
  • Add views → configure responsive layouts.
  • Best for: Mobile and modern web-based dashboards.
• Tip: Use bindings to link tags to components dynamically.

Shortcut Commands

• Designer Launcher: Ctrl + D
• Save Project: Ctrl + S
• Toggle Preview Mode: F10
• Publish Project: File → Publish or Ctrl + Shift + P

Key Links

• Documentation: docs.inductiveautomation.com
• Forum: Inductive Automation Forum
• Support: Support Policy

Quick Practices

1. Create a Tag:
   • Add → OPC Tag → Bind to live data.
2. Trend Chart:
   • Add a Time Series Chart in Perspective.
   • Bind it to a historical tag.
3. Alarm Notification:
   • Create a tag alarm and send email alerts.
4. Build a Dashboard:
   • Use buttons, charts, and tables in Perspective.