I’m on the road again. This time visiting Sacramento, Calif. and the offices of Inductive Automation. In the past I’ve had some indepth technical discussions about SQL databases, Java, SCADA and MES with the software developers there. We decided to record one of the discussions. In this wide ranging discussion with President Steve Hechtman and senior software developers Colby Clegg and Carl Gould, we touch on the importance of database knowledge for new engineers, how databases are the underlying technology for enterprise connectivity, OPC UA’s future and Linux in manufacturing.
Database and SQL Knowledge Important for Automation Engineers
by Gary Mintchell | Mar 15, 2011 | Automation, Data Management, Software | 7 comments
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Interesting conversation Gary. I worked for a company that tried to launch some Linux-based factory automation packages and know of a couple of OEMs that had nice Linux-based operator interface devices. Ultimately none were successful long term. It surprises me, but there are a lot of competitive elements (well funded by giants in our industry for that matter) that prevent Linux from gaining a foothold with most users.
Now that everyone is learning SQL, now NoSQL is the hot approach (in the web world; I suspect most enterprises will stick to SQL).
I've heard of NoSQL, but I haven't had time to explore. At first I thought it was an "anti-SQL" but the latest I've heard is that it's a version of it. Can anyone illuminate us?
They said they'd discuss Linux. I wasn't sure what direction. Linux for servers is close to a "no-brainer". I've followed the Linux PLC project on Source Forge for many years. It seems to have lost steam, but they have a working PLC on a couple of hardware platforms.
Gary,
NoSQL is generally viewed as a pox on the database world… worse (if you can imagine it) than Microsoft Access. Here's a good (and fair) feature comparison from a SQL Server MVP: NoSQL Basics for Database Administrators He lists two instances where NoSQL is a legitimate substitute for a "real" database, and you'll notice that one of them fits with many situations we see in automation.
Wikipedia has a quick overview. Basically, classic relational databases (including SQL-based ones) aren't ideal for all tasks, especially those required by a lot of new internet companies. I doubt NoSQL will have a lot of impact in the factory automation world, since factory needs typically doesn't resemble those of a hot, over-hyped internet company.
Thanks for the reference, Tony. Jon, you got my attention with "worse than Microsoft Access." I wasn't sure that was possible. It's been almost 10 years (I think) since I last tried to set up a database in Access and gave up in disgust. Excel was better (but not good, but quick).