FactoryTalk View is a comprehensive HMI/SCADA software application developed by Rockwell Automation. It provides powerful and reliable tools for designing, developing, and managing process monitoring and supervisory control systems. FactoryTalk View is primarily used to create intuitive operator interfaces and real-time process visualization solutions for industrial automation environments.
This software is essential for building scalable HMI applications that enhance productivity, ensure safety, and improve operational efficiency. FactoryTalk View allows engineers and developers to create and test applications that mirror real plant operations through dynamic graphics, alarms, trends, and data logging features.
FactoryTalk View comes in two main editions: FactoryTalk View Site Edition (SE) and FactoryTalk View Machine Edition (ME). Site Edition is designed for large-scale, distributed, multi-user systems, ideal for plant-wide SCADA applications. Machine Edition is tailored for local, standalone machine-level control and is typically used with PanelView Plus terminals.
Using FactoryTalk View Studio, developers can create Network Distributed, Network Station, or Local Station applications depending on the architecture and project needs. FactoryTalk View Studio Enterprise provides a unified development environment to create both SE and ME applications from a single platform.
In this article, we explore the key features, differences, and applications of FactoryTalk View SE and ME, including real-time data handling, alarm and event management, SQL Server connectivity, and secure system design.
FactoryTalk services by Rockwell Automation provide the foundational architecture for scalable, secure, and high-performance industrial HMI/SCADA applications. These services enable connectivity, control, and visualization across enterprise systems.
FactoryTalk View Site Edition (SE) is a robust, scalable HMI and SCADA software developed by Rockwell Automation for monitoring and controlling industrial processes across entire plants or distributed systems. Designed for multi-user and network-distributed environments, FactoryTalk View SE is ideal for supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) applications in large-scale manufacturing, processing, or utility operations.
FactoryTalk View SE allows multiple users across different terminals to access a centralized application hosted on one or more servers. With features such as real-time data visualization, alarm and event handling, historical trending, data logging to SQL Server, and secure user access, it provides a comprehensive platform for enterprise-level process control.
SE integrates seamlessly with FactoryTalk Services, OPC servers, FactoryTalk Linx, and third-party data sources to support high-performance operations and redundancy. Its distributed architecture supports FactoryTalk ViewPoint for web-based HMI access, allowing operators and engineers to interact with the system through a browser.
Key Features of FactoryTalk View SE:
FactoryTalk View SE is the preferred solution when you need centralized control, real-time visibility, and scalability across large industrial automation systems.
FactoryTalk View Machine Edition (ME) is a localized, embedded HMI software platform from Rockwell Automation used primarily for machine-level control applications. It is specifically designed to run on PanelView Plus terminals and Windows-based operator interface terminals in standalone environments.
FactoryTalk View ME is ideal for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), machine builders, and production units requiring reliable and compact control interfaces. It allows engineers to build real-time operator displays, control panels, and alarm screens directly on the device, reducing the need for external control or networking.
ME applications are typically created in FactoryTalk View Studio and then downloaded to the PanelView Plus device. It supports basic alarms, data logging to local memory, trending, macros, and parameter passing to provide rich HMI functionality without requiring a networked infrastructure.
Key Features of FactoryTalk View ME:
FactoryTalk View ME is the best choice when you need a durable, cost-effective solution for controlling and monitoring a single machine or unit without requiring a centralized SCADA system.
| Feature | FactoryTalk View SE | FactoryTalk View ME |
|---|---|---|
| Target Platform | Windows-based computers (multi-client/server) | Windows-based PCs and PanelView Plus 7 terminals |
| Web-Based Access | FactoryTalk ViewPoint allows unlimited web clients | Limited to PanelView Plus terminals with built-in ViewPoint |
| Display Capacity | 25 or unlimited displays with unlimited web clients | Options: 15, 30, 75, 250, or 500 displays |
| OPC Server Support | Full OPC Client support (OPC DA, UA, etc.) | Limited (PanelView Plus or remote OPC support) |
| Network Support | Supports both Local and Network FactoryTalk Directory | Local-only FactoryTalk Directory |
| Alarm Handling | FactoryTalk Alarms and Events system-wide | Controller-based alarms with basic log and acknowledge |
| Data Logging | 20+ models, each logging up to 10,000 tags via ODBC or proprietary database | 1 model, up to 100 tags, 1,000,000 records max; exports to .DBF format |
| Trending Tools | TrendX and TrendPro (advanced) | TrendX only (basic subset) |
| Security | Granular security on displays, macros, commands, tags, and objects; Windows integration | Display-based local or Windows security |
| Advanced Features | Event detectors, derived tags, scripting (VBA), parameter passing | Macros, test mode, parameter passing |
| Communication Protocols | RSLinx Classic, FactoryTalk Linx, KEPServer, 3rd-party OPC | FactoryTalk Linx, KEPServer, limited RSLinx Classic (desktop only) |