New historian
The Core Historian is built in and needs no external database setup. The SQL Historian module keeps history in your own SQL database.
Event Streams
A configured pipeline that takes events from a source, filters and transforms them, and sends them to a handler, such as Kafka or an HTTP endpoint.
Deployment modes
One gateway holds separate settings for development, staging, and production, such as a simulator in development and a real PLC in production.
File-based configuration
Gateway configuration is stored as files, so it can go into Git with the projects.
Gateway REST API
A documented REST API for gateway configuration makes scripted deployment possible.
Secrets management
Passwords and keys can come from a secrets provider instead of plain configuration.
Perspective additions
New drawing tools and offline-capable forms for operator data entry.
New gateway web interface
A redesigned interface with search and bulk editing for large systems.
Inventory
Collect a gateway backup, the module list, third-party modules, integrations, and the scripts that use system functions.
Compatibility review
Confirm 8.3 versions of each third-party module, find scripts and settings that need changes, and choose a history strategy.
Staging upgrade
Restore the backup on a separate 8.3 gateway. Test screens, scripts, alarms, history, and integrations there, not in production.
Cutover plan
Agree on a downtime window, the verification checklist, and a rollback plan with the 8.1 backup.
Upgrade and verify
Upgrade production, then verify tags, device connections, history, alarms, reports, and clients against the checklist.
Not always. If your 8.1 system is stable and does not need 8.3 features, a planned upgrade at a later date can be the correct decision.
An upgrade is a good step when you need the new historian, Event Streams, Git-based change control, or deployment modes, or when you plan a large expansion.
Licensing
Upgrade eligibility depends on your Inductive Automation support plan. Confirm it with your Inductive Automation account representative before you schedule the work.
Start with an upgrade review of your 8.1 gateway. It gives you the compatibility findings and a cutover plan before any change to production.