AVEVA PI System 

The AVEVA PI System is one of the most established and widely adopted data historians across the life sciences industry. Known for its performance, scalability, and compliance-ready design, it is a preferred solution for global pharmaceutical and biotech companies. The PI System is capable of capturing real-time data from a wide range of equipment and systems, including SCADA, PLCs, and DCS networks. It stores this data in a structured and easily retrievable format, enabling everything from process monitoring to historical batch analysis. The PI System can also retrieve batch information from Batch Execution Systems and store it in its Event Frames database.

One of its major strengths lies in its ability to contextualise data through PI Asset Framework (AF), and present it using powerful visualisation tools such as PI Vision. These features support faster root cause analysis, better deviation management, and improved process visibility. Another key strength of AVEVA PI System is its openness. Data can be retrieved from a PI System using multiple third party applications SQL queries, OPC protocol or custom code etc…

For life sciences manufacturers operating under stringent regulatory requirements, PI provides native support for 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11, including electronic signatures, audit trails, and secure user access. Its reliability and accuracy make it a valuable asset for maintaining data integrity and ensuring audit readiness.

Réalta Technologies is proud to be an Endorsed System Integrator for AVEVA. This recognition represents the highest level of AVEVA partnership and is a direct reflection of Réalta’s technical expertise, proven delivery track record, and commitment to service excellence. As an Endorsed System Integrator, Réalta Technologies delivers customised PI solutions that help life sciences companies extract maximum value from their data infrastructure, ensuring that they meet compliance needs while unlocking opportunities for innovation.

Ignition 

Ignition is a modern industrial application platform that includes a capable and flexible data historian module. It is valued for its open architecture, modular design, and cost-effective licensing model, which allows organisations to scale deployments without incurring exponential costs.

Ignition collects real-time data from PLCs, sensors, and devices via standard industrial protocols, storing it in an SQL-based historian for easy access and integration. It offers comprehensive scripting capabilities, API access, and dashboard development tools, making it ideal for companies looking to build custom interfaces or analytics applications.

In the context of life sciences, Ignition is increasingly being used to manage data in single-site operations or specialised production lines. It supports integration with MES platforms and other enterprise systems, enabling a more holistic view of operations. When deployed correctly, it can meet compliance needs through secure data handling, access control, and reliable data retention policies. For companies focused on agility and innovation, Ignition offers a versatile and powerful alternative to traditional historians.

DeltaV Continuous Historian

The DeltaV Continuous Historian is an integral component of Emerson‘s DeltaV Distributed Control System, which is widely deployed in GMP-regulated environments. The historian is designed to store time-series data from process operations, making it highly suitable for both batch and continuous manufacturing in the life sciences sector.

Its tight integration with DeltaV control hardware and software ensures a seamless experience from data capture to analysis. It simplifies system validation and provides an audit-ready platform that helps meet 21 CFR Part 11 requirements. The historian can be configured to support electronic records and signatures, secure data storage, and change control protocols, all of which are critical in regulatory audits.

DeltaV Historian is commonly used in facilities where Emerson technologies form the core of the automation architecture. Its ability to deliver reliable, structured, and compliant data storage helps life sciences companies monitor production in real time, identify issues early, and continuously optimise performance.

Canary Historian

The Canary Historian is a lightweight, high-performance platform designed to handle fast, efficient data logging and visualisation. It is well-suited to life sciences organisations looking for a cost-effective, easy-to-deploy solution that still meets critical performance and compliance criteria.

Canary’s design prioritises data compression and high-speed throughput without compromising data integrity. It includes native trending tools and dashboard options, reducing the need for third-party analytics platforms. This makes it especially appealing for small to mid-sized facilities or teams seeking rapid time-to-value.

While not as widely adopted in enterprise life sciences environments as AVEVA PI or DeltaV, Canary is gaining traction due to its simplicity, speed, and ease of use. It can be configured to meet the needs of regulated environments with appropriate data security and retention configurations. Its integration capabilities also allow it to function alongside larger enterprise systems as a complementary or pilot solution.

GE Proficy Historian

GE Proficy Historian is a well-established industrial data platform used across various manufacturing sectors, including life sciences. It is designed for rapid deployment, secure data storage, and high-speed querying. Proficy Historian can be implemented as a standalone historian or as part of GE Digital’s wider Proficy suite, which includes analytics and MES functionality.

The platform supports data collection from multiple sources, including OPC, Modbus, and proprietary protocols. It is capable of handling both structured and unstructured data, making it suitable for capturing complex production data in a regulated environment. When configured appropriately, it can support compliance with regulatory standards for electronic records, access control, and data traceability.

In life sciences, GE Proficy is often deployed in facilities that require flexibility and fast implementation. Its user-friendly interface and strong security posture make it a good option for operations looking to improve data visibility without taking on the complexity of larger systems.

Choosing the Right Data Historian for Life Sciences

Choosing the right data historian is a strategic decision that depends on multiple factors, each shaped by the specific needs of the facility and the wider regulatory landscape. 

Regulatory Compliance

One of the most important considerations is regulatory compliance. Life sciences companies must meet stringent data integrity and traceability requirements, so it’s crucial to select a historian that natively supports 21 CFR Part 11 and Annex 11, including features like electronic signatures, audit trails, and secure access control.

Scalability & Integration

Scalability and integration are also key. Some facilities require an enterprise-wide solution capable of collecting and contextualising data across multiple production sites, while others may only need a site-specific platform that integrates seamlessly with existing SCADA, MES, and ERP systems. The historian should also be able to support long-term growth, allowing for additional users, higher data volumes, and future integration with analytics or cloud platforms.

Ease of Use

Another important factor is ease of deployment and validation. In GMP environments, the ability to validate systems quickly and efficiently can reduce risk and shorten timelines. Some platforms, like DeltaV Historian, are tightly integrated into control systems, which can simplify the validation process.

Costs

Cost and licensing flexibility are often overlooked but can have a major impact on long-term return on investment. Platforms like Ignition are known for their modular, unlimited licensing models, while others follow more traditional licensing structures. Each model comes with its own trade-offs in terms of scalability, support, and total cost of ownership.

Capabilities & Strategy

Finally, companies must consider their internal capabilities and long-term digital strategy. Some organisations prefer out-of-the-box solutions with minimal configuration, while others benefit from platforms that allow for greater customisation through scripting, APIs, or third-party integrations.

At Réalta Technologies, we work closely with life sciences clients to evaluate all these factors and select the best-fit historian for their needs. Our platform-agnostic approach and hands-on experience with systems like AVEVA PI, Ignition, DeltaV, Canary, and Proficy ensure that we can recommend solutions that align with both operational goals and regulatory obligations.

Conclusion

Data historians are foundational to modern life sciences manufacturing. From supporting real-time visibility to enabling detailed batch analysis, they underpin many of the industry’s critical functions. As regulatory expectations and digital transformation initiatives continue to evolve, having the right historian in place — and making full use of its capabilities — is essential.

Réalta Technologies partners with clients to design, deploy and optimise data historian solutions that deliver real value. Whether you are exploring new systems or looking to get more out of your current setup, we’re here to help you turn data into decisions.

Learn more about our solutions here: https://realtatechnologies.com/services/

Or contact us to discuss your challenges, and let us tailor a solution for you. 

Phone: +353 21 243 9113

Email: [email protected]