Optix Migration Readiness Assessment
Before migrating to FactoryTalk Optix, you need to know what you have. This comprehensive checklist covers current system assessment, hardware evaluation, team readiness, and architecture planning. Document your ME application systematically to identify gaps and ensure a successful migration.
Current System Assessment
Application Inventory
Document your existing FactoryTalk View ME applications to establish a baseline for migration planning.
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Total number of ME applications | Count: |
| ME version documented (e.g., v13.00) | Version: |
| All .MER files backed up | Location: |
| Application runtime tested and validated | Last test date: |
Screen Analysis
Catalog all screens in your ME application and categorize them by complexity to estimate migration effort.
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Total screen count documented | Count: |
| Screens categorized by complexity | Simple:____ Medium:____ Complex:____ |
| Popup/overlay screens identified | Count: |
Complexity Rating Guide:
- Simple: Display-only, minimal animations, standard objects
- Medium: Data entry, navigation, basic animations, trend charts
- Complex: Custom VBA scripts, complex animations, heavily customized objects and many global objects
Component Inventory
Identify all components used in your ME application, paying special attention to VBA scripts and global objects.
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| VBA scripts documented | Script count: |
| Global objects cataloged | Count: |
| Trend displays counted | Count: |
Migration Considerations:
- VBA scripts will need refactoring into Optix Studio or conversion to C#. Assess if functionality is still needed
- Global Objects should be refactored into Templates during your Optix conversion. Think of Templates like Global Objects with a foundation that can be slightly modified for individual use cases within your application.
- Complex animations can be recreated using Optix's built-in features
Tag Database
Document your complete tag database structure and naming conventions for proper migration planning.
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Total tag count | |
| Tag database exported | File: |
| Naming convention documented | Convention: |
Alarm Configuration
Review your current alarm setup to plan the transition to Optix's alarm system.
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Alarm setup documented | Y/N |
| Alarm priorities defined | Priority levels: |
| Alarm History Screen | Y/N |
| Alarm banner usage | Y/N |
| Alarm suppression rules | Rules documented: |
Hardware & Network Evaluation
Hardware
For discrete deployments, Optix panels are your best bet. More complex deployments could benefit from IPCs.
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Screen sizes needed: | |
| IPC deployment? | Y/N |
| Remote Access? | Method: |
Industrial PC Requirements
If deploying Optix on industrial PCs, document the hardware specifications needed.
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| PC specifications determined | CPU/RAM/Storage: |
| Windows (or Linux) version selected | Version: |
| Monitor resolution chosen | Resolution: |
| Touch screen requirements | Touch: Y/N |
PLC Communication
Document your PLC communication setup to ensure seamless integration with Optix.
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| PLC model(s) documented | Models: |
| Communication protocol | Protocol: |
| PLC program version | Version: |
Migration Scope Definition
Screen Migration Strategy
Choose your migration approach based on your needs: direct port, full redesign, or hybrid.
Migration Approach Decision:
- Screen-by-screen port: Faster, less improvement, maintains familiar UX
- Full redesign: Slower, modernized UX, better long-term maintainability and efficiency gains
- Hybrid: Port simple screens, redesign complex ones (Balanced approach)
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Migration approach selected | Screen-by-screen / Full redesign / Hybrid |
| Screens for direct port identified | Count: |
| Screens for redesign identified | Count: |
| New functionality planned | Features: |
Feature Requirements
Identify advanced features and integrations needed in your Optix application.
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Web/mobile client needed | Y/N |
| Multi-language support | Languages: |
| External Database integration required | Y/N |
| MES/ERP connectivity | System: |
| Recipe management needed | Recipe system: |
| Advanced reporting | Report types: |
| Custom scripting required | Use cases: |
Custom Logic Development
Estimate the effort needed to convert VBA scripts and complex UI interactions to Optix.
Note: Many OEM applications can be accomplished through template configuration without custom scripting. Optix's built-in features (dynamic links, converters, built-in methods) handle most common scenarios.
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Custom logic requirements identified | Y/N |
| Complex UI interactions documented | Y/N |
Team Readiness & Training
Personnel Assessment
Identify your development team and ensure they have the necessary resources and licenses.
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Development team identified: | Y/N |
| Optix Studio Pro licenses obtained (for version control) | Y/N |
| Development PLCs configured: | Y/N |
| Roles and responsibilities assigned | Y/N |
Skills Assessment
Evaluate your team's current skill levels to plan appropriate training.
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| FactoryTalk View ME experience | Experience level: |
| Object-oriented design familiarity | Experience level: |
| Version control understanding | Experience level: |
Experience Levels: None / Basic / Intermediate / Advanced
Note: Optix Studio's built-in version control simplifies collaboration. Optix Studio handles commits, pulls, pushes, and history through intuitive buttons.
Training Plan
Schedule comprehensive training to ensure your team masters Optix's architecture and capabilities.
Recommended Training:
- Rockwell Automation: "FactoryTalk Optix Fundamentals" course
- Custom training: Contact ASQI for hands-on, project-specific training
- Architecture Resource: See blog post here
- Version Control Resource: ASQI's "Using Optix Studio Version Control" guide (coming soon)
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Optix Studio fundamentals training | Y/N |
| Template & Type creation training | Y/N |
| Architecture principles training | Y/N |
| Advanced Optix topics training | Y/N |
| On-the-job mentorship planned | Y/N |
Development Environment Setup
Software Installation
Install and configure Optix Studio on all development workstations.
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Optix Studio installed | Version: |
| Visual Studio (for scripting) | Version: |
Version Control Setup
Configure version control in Optix Studio to enable collaboration and change tracking.
Optix Studio Version Control:
- Built-in version control through intuitive UI
- Commit, Pull, Push, History buttons (no command line needed)
- Integrated with GitHub/GitLab through Studio interface
- Reference: ASQI will publish "Using Optix Studio Version Control" guide
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Team setup with GitHub or other VC | Y/N |
| Repository created in Optix Studio | Y/N |
| Backup strategy documented | Y/N |
Development Best Practices
Establish standards and processes for consistent, maintainable Optix development.
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Naming conventions established | Y/N |
| Folder structure standardized | Y/N |
| Testing procedures and documentation planned | Y/N |
Integration Points
Data Connectivity
Plan connections to historians, databases, and communication protocols.
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| External Historian integration | Y/N |
| External DB connections | Y/N |
| Other connections (MQTT, REST, etc.) | Y/N |
Enterprise Systems
Document integrations with MES, ERP, CMMS, and authentication systems.
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| MES connectivity | MES system: |
| ERP integration | ERP system: |
| Authentication (LDAP/AD) | Auth method: |
Architecture & Template Strategy
Understanding the Reusable Option Methodology
Optix's template system allows configuration options to live at the template level. If a machine doesn't have an option enabled, it simply isn't used. When that option is needed again, it works without additional HMI or PLC programming.
See this article for a detailed analysis on design and architecture.
Architecture Assessment & Time Savings
Master Optix's type system, template inheritance, and configuration-driven approach for maximum ROI.
Key Insight: Most machines have 1-2 options not currently in the template. In legacy ME workflows, combining these options creates conflicts and requires significant integration work. With proper Optix architecture, once an option is built into the template (even if it's 10% more effort to abstract it), it's plug-and-play forever.
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Types vs Instances concept understood | Y/N |
| Template inheritance mastered | Y/N |
| Alias usage for parameterization | Y/N |
| Machine configuration options cataloged | Y/N: |
| Which options can be template-driven? | Percentage: % |
| Current time per machine | Hours: |
| Estimated time for first Optix machine | Hours: (expect +100%) |
| Estimated time for subsequent machines | Hours: (configuration only) |
| Break-even point calculated | Machine count: |
Are You Ready?
If you've worked through these sections and documented most items, you're ready to begin planning your migration execution. The areas where you have gaps should guide your next steps:
Critical items before proceeding:
- Architecture training completed (Section 7)
- Template strategy defined (Section 7)
- Development environment set up (Section 5)
- Team identified and licensed (Section 4)
Use the Migration Execution Guide to plan timelines, manage risks, and coordinate the actual migration work.
Get Expert Help
Need assistance with your readiness assessment or migration planning?
ASQI LLC specializes in FactoryTalk Optix migrations, offering:
- Migration readiness assessments
- Architecture design and template strategy consultation
- Hands-on development and implementation
- On-site commissioning support
- Ongoing training and knowledge transfer
This assessment may be distributed freely for non-commercial use. Attribution to ASQI LLC is appreciated.
Related Articles
Assessment Phase: Know What You Have — Deep dive into the discovery process this checklist builds on.
When to Migrate to Optix (And When to Wait) — Not sure if now is the right time? This guide helps you decide.
Migration Execution Guide — Ready to go? Use this project-planning checklist for execution.