PI Web API: Is this essential for data collection between a PI Adaptor and a PI DA server?

Question

A consultant has come up with a system architecture that includes a PI Web API between a PI Adaptor (OPC-UA) and a PI server. Our current architecture is using a PI Interface OPC-DA direct to a PI server. I've been questioning what function the Web API actually does and they are telling me it is because the Web API facilitates the comms between the adaptor and the PI Server. Is that correct? In order the use a PI adaptor you must have a Web API to facilitate the data transfer to the PI server?

I'm used to interfaces talking direct to servers so I'm not 100% convinced I'm getting the full picture.

Any help greatly appreciated!

Mike horrocks · Accepted Answer

Yes, the PI Web API is required to facilitate data collection from adapters to AVEVA PI.

The adapters send data to an OMF endpoint and are agnostic to what is behind the OMF endpoint. In this way, the adapters can be configured to send data to Edge Data Store, PI, and/or CONNECT Data Services using the same mechanism.