ConduitvsAVEVA PI System
Federated Queries vsCentralized Data
AVEVA PI is a powerful historian. Conduit is a query layer that adds meaning without moving data. See how they compare - and how they work together.
Key Differentiator
Conduit adds meaning to your existing PI data without replacing PI. Use both together - PI as your historian, Conduit as your semantic query layer.
Feature Comparison
A detailed look at how the two solutions differ
| Aspect | AVEVA PI | Conduit |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Centralized data store - all data copied to PI server | Federated mesh - data stays in place at the source |
| Data Movement | All data must be replicated to PI server | Zero data movement - queries execute at the source |
| Query Language | PI SQL, AF SDK, PI Web API | Natural language queries + CQL (Conduit Query Language) |
| Deployment | On-premise or AVEVA Cloud | Edge, on-premise, cloud, hybrid - any combination |
| Time to Value | Months of configuration, asset framework setup | Hours to first query - connect and start asking |
| Scaling | Vertical scaling - requires bigger servers | Horizontal scaling - add edge connectors as needed |
| Cost Model | Per-tag licensing with tier pricing | Query-based, predictable pricing |
| Existing Investments | Standalone system | Complements PI - query your PI data without replacing it |
Architecture
AVEVA PI
Centralized data store - all data copied to PI server
Conduit
Federated mesh - data stays in place at the source
Data Movement
AVEVA PI
All data must be replicated to PI server
Conduit
Zero data movement - queries execute at the source
Query Language
AVEVA PI
PI SQL, AF SDK, PI Web API
Conduit
Natural language queries + CQL (Conduit Query Language)
Deployment
AVEVA PI
On-premise or AVEVA Cloud
Conduit
Edge, on-premise, cloud, hybrid - any combination
Time to Value
AVEVA PI
Months of configuration, asset framework setup
Conduit
Hours to first query - connect and start asking
Scaling
AVEVA PI
Vertical scaling - requires bigger servers
Conduit
Horizontal scaling - add edge connectors as needed
Cost Model
AVEVA PI
Per-tag licensing with tier pricing
Conduit
Query-based, predictable pricing
Existing Investments
AVEVA PI
Standalone system
Conduit
Complements PI - query your PI data without replacing it
Why Add Conduit to Your PI Stack?
Conduit complements PI, extending its value across your organization
Keep Your PI Investment
Conduit doesn't replace PI - it enhances it. Query your existing PI data alongside other sources without migration.
Faster Insights
Natural language queries mean anyone can access data, not just those who know PI SQL or AF.
Rapid Deployment
Connect Conduit to PI in hours, not months. No need to rebuild your asset framework.
When to Use Each
AVEVA PI is Best For
- -Long-term time-series data archival
- -Complex asset framework hierarchies
- -Organizations heavily invested in AVEVA ecosystem
- -Regulatory compliance requiring centralized storage
Conduit is Best For
- +Querying across multiple data sources (PI + others)
- +Natural language access for non-technical users
- +Avoiding data duplication and movement
- +Rapid deployment without infrastructure changes
Have Questions?
Our team can help you understand how Conduit works with your existing PI infrastructure.
Ready to add meaning to your data?
See how Conduit can transform your industrial data operations. Get a personalized demo from our team.