Request for Guidance on Ignition Upgrade Strategy

Ignition
1

I’m seeking your expert guidance on the best approach for upgrading our plant’s Ignition system. Currently, we are running version 8.1.23, and I am considering whether to proceed with an upgrade to version 8.1.48 during the upcoming shutdown, or wait for the release of version 8.3 and plan the upgrade during next year’s annual shutdown.

Our current setup includes DeviceWise, MariaDB, and OPC servers (such as Kepware) integrated with Ignition. The system operates on Red Hat Linux, and we extensively utilize the Perspective module throughout the plant. Given this environment, I would appreciate your input on the following:

  • Key considerations when upgrading Ignition in conjunction with DeviceWise, MariaDB, and OPC server integrations.
  • Any specific precautions or adjustments required for Java dependencies or other supporting files on Red Hat Linux.
  • Potential risks, challenges, or post-upgrade issues to be aware of, especially since this will be my first time performing a live upgrade in a production environment.

Your insights would be invaluable in helping me plan a smooth and reliable upgrade.

Thank you in advance for your support.

2

I'm not IA developer, but upgrading to 8.3 would not be as easy as to upgrade to 8.1.+.
Also, 8.3 doesn't really have an official release date.

Talking for our personal project, we upgraded from 8.1.08 to 8.1.2X (from memory) without much problem. We had to fix some connections and I think that was it. IA does a great job mantining compatibility with older version.

I see upgrading to 8.3 as a "small project" wheter upgrading to sub-versions as an "afternoon project".

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3

Honestly, I would stay with the current 8.1.X branch until IA has released 8.3.X and you have had a chance to test your entire system in a development environment for breaking changes, bugs, etc.

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4

If you have a redundant gateway system, it is very easy to upgrade. Just failover to the backup and upgrade the primary and then upgrade the backup and clients will switch over. The main thing to look out for is updating the clients themselves (at least for Vision client launchers)

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