I recently received an email from a potential system integrator customer that wanted to see how the Canary data historian and trending software would meet their client's needs. After addressing all concerns, I thought it would be worthwhile to share as it demonstrates how well the Canary system works in comparison to other products like Pi, GE, or Rockwell software.
Want to know the best part?
Process Historian Wishlist
The original request
From: XXXXXXXXXXXX [mailto:XXXXXXXXXX@XXXXXXXX.com]
Sent: Monday, May 23, 2016 10:46 AM
To: Jeff Knepper
Subject: RE: Canary Feedback
Hi Jeff,
The application we are looking for ideally is a bolt on solution that can be installed into any online PC or even HMI. It will collect approx. 200 tags and have the ability to both chart the information real-time and the ability to display historical data. The preference would also be for a one off cost for the solution/application software etc. One other thing to mention is also the confidentiality of the information/data collected. This is highly sensitive and would need to be managed accordingly.
Once again I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you and your team for both the professionalism and commitment shown in exhibiting the Canary Labs solutions.
Thank you
Kind Regards
XXXXX XXXXXXXXX
Senior Controls Engineer
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My response
Thank you for your feedback XXXXXX. I would like to address each of your points one by one to show you how well Canary will fit your needs.
The application we are looking for ideally is a bolt on solution that can be installed into any online PC or even HMI.
The Canary data historian can be installed into any online PC, we even have a cloud solution available. The historian’s logger easily installs in less than 30 minutes on an OPC server and connects to HMI or PLC.
It will collect approx. 200 tags and have the ability to both chart the information real-time and the ability to display historical data.
We are extremely scalable. 200 tags can easily be handled, in fact, nearly 30% of our business is comprised of systems under 1,000 tags. Our Axiom software will allow any user to chart both real time data as well as historical data (see attachments). You can run Axiom from any desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, either as a “thin client” or browser session.
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| Axiom Trending Software Screenshot |
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| Axiom Trending Software on Multiple Platforms |
The preference would also be for a one off cost for the solution/application software etc.
I can customize a system that would feature 200 tags and an Axiom license for less than $3,500.
One other thing to mention is also the confidentiality of the information/data collected. This is highly sensitive and would need to be managed accordingly.
We currently are installed on nuclear submarines for the Navy, used by NASA, and serve other major global corporations such as Exxon Mobile, B Medical Systems, BP, Chevron, Fluke, Texas Instruments, and the European Southern Observatories. All data is encrypted and meets the most stringent of security and confidentiality requirements.
I know that Canary would be the best solution for your endeavor. Not only is the initial cost extremely affordable, but the long term benefits of not having to manage a relational SQL database will save hundreds of manpower hours. Just this morning I was preparing a case study on a major Florida water facility, the City of Boca Raton, that uses our product.
This is what the head of their operations, Mike Tufts, had to say:
“We are very pleased with the Canary product. It is very efficient. We have been collecting 20,000 tags at one second intervals since 2006. It still runs flawlessly. We are just now taking the first 10 years of data offline to store it to the side, not because we have to, but because we can. We haven’t had any issues with databases. The customer support is by far the best we deal with, there is always someone available immediately if or when there is every any issues.”
I would like to supply you with a complimentary 90 day demo license for 200 tags and the Axiom software so you can see for yourself, first hand, why so many other companies have chosen Canary. I would love to hear constructive feedback once you have tried the system. Kindly reply with permission to proceed.
Sincerely,
Jeff Knepper
(814) 793-3770
Time and time again we are surprised by how many potential customers have been frustrated by other data and process historian software packages not meeting their expectations or living up to their requirements. The secret behind the Canary system is simple, we have developed our technology based on what our existing users have expressed as their needs and desires. Every time we further our software product, we speak to our actual user base, and make improvements based on their feedback.
Seems simple enough right? That's where you are wrong.
As companies get larger and larger, they have a hard time communicating throughout the organization. Divisions are formed, and upper management and middle management positions are appointed. Now all communications moves vertically, from the top to the bottom, and occasionally from the bottom to the top. A smaller company communicates horizontally, that means the rigid corporate structure does not exist and interdepartmental discussions are frequent and accessible.
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When this vertical communication format begins, creative collaboration and idea exchange gets severely limited. If internal communication is being impeded, then so is the company's ability to communicate externally. As a data historian software firm, we rely heavily on our end user's feedback. Keeping open communication is imperative to our success. In speaking with Mike Tufts from City of Boca Raton, I couldn't help but smile when I heard him say:
"The customer support is by far the best we deal with, there is always someone available immediately if or when there is every any issues.”
There is no better testimony. One of the best things we have done as a company is to ensure that we are easy to reach anytime a customer needs us. That is why we have more engineers and customer support staff than sales staff. We recognize that the most important customer is the one we already have. We believe in supporting our clients, so we developed an educational YouTube channel called "Canary U" that is full of 3:00 long video tutorials.
Like this one:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k34I4AM-hvs?list=PLHA9dNcm-XSE_fQ9j7JvG2ZDXG-ZoCPd_]
Looking for a data historian and trending software provider with this mentality? Let us show you how easy to use the Canary solution is.
