A virtualized PlantPAx architecture provides a flexible and highly available platform for FactoryTalk View SE and supporting automation services. By hosting critical applications on VMware ESXi, organizations can simplify maintenance, improve system recovery capability, and extend the lifecycle of the automation system.
1. Architecture
The PlantPAx system is deployed as virtual machines (VMs) running on a redundant VMware ESXi infrastructure. The main architecture consists of redundant FactoryTalk View SE servers and ThinManager services to provide continuous HMI availability.
Typical virtualized components include:
- FTView SE Server – provides supervisory HMI applications and visualization services.
- ThinManager – manages thin clients, terminal sessions, and centralized HMI deployment.
- Domain Controller – provides centralized user authentication and Windows domain services.
- Historian – stores process data for reporting, analysis, and performance monitoring.
2. Software Components
The software layer contains the core PlantPAx applications required for operation, security, and data management. Virtualization allows these services to be maintained independently from physical server hardware.
3. Licensing
The required licenses depend on the redundancy design and number of connected users. Typical licensing includes:
- FactoryTalk View SE Server Redundant
- FactoryTalk View SE Client
- ThinManager Redundant
- Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS) CAL Device
4. Key Benefits
- Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Reduces dependency on dedicated physical servers and simplifies hardware refresh activities.
- Faster HMI Replacement: New operator stations can be deployed quickly with minimal local software installation because applications are centrally managed.
- Centralized Maintenance and Recovery: Backup, restore, patching, and system monitoring can be performed from the virtual infrastructure.
- Improved Availability: Redundant FTView SE and ThinManager services reduce the impact of server failures and support continuous plant operation.
Conclusion
A virtualized PlantPAx architecture combines industrial automation reliability with modern IT infrastructure advantages. It provides a scalable platform that supports future expansion, easier maintenance, and improved operational availability.
Virtualization + ThinManager provides a more resilient, scalable, and maintainable PlantPAx HMI platform.
#RockwellAutomation #PlantPAx #ThinManager #FactoryTalkViewSE #VMware #ESXi #IndustrialAutomation #HMI #Virtualization
