Getting Started with AVEVA Edge: A Step-by-Step Installation Guide

If you're new to AVEVA Edge or looking for a better way to set up your SCADA project, you're not alone. Many people find it hard to get started with industrial software, especially when things seem technical. Confusing steps, system errors, and unclear guides can waste hours. Its frustrating when you're just trying to connect devices and get your HMI working.

Thats why we created this easy-to-follow setup guide. Whether youre setting up your first AVEVA Edge SCADA system or just want a smoother install process, this guide will help you move from download to running in minutes. Pima Industrial has helped hundreds of engineers set up industrial systems, and in this post, well show you how its donestep by step.

What Is AVEVA Edge?

AVEVA Edge is a full-featured HMI/SCADA software used to monitor and control machines, systems, or entire plants. It works well with a wide range of industrial devices and supports multiple protocols like Modbus, OPC, and MQTT.

Its built for edge deviceswhich means its light, fast, and doesnt need powerful hardware to run. Many industries use it on Panel PCs, industrial tablets, or IoT gateways for local data collection and control.

Main Features

• Runs on Windows and Linux

• Works with small or embedded systems

• Supports remote access via web and mobile

• Includes scripting, alarms, trends, and reports

• Scales up to larger SCADA systems

System Requirements for AVEVA Edge

Before installing, make sure your system meets the following:

Minimum Requirements:

• OS: Windows 10 (32/64-bit), Windows Server 2016 or later

• RAM: 2 GB

• Disk Space: 1.5 GB free

• CPU: 1 GHz or higher

• .NET Framework: 4.7.2 or newer

Recommended Setup:

• RAM: 4 GB+

• SSD drive

• Network: Stable Ethernet or Wi-Fi

• Admin rights to install software

If you're using Linux, AVEVA Edge runs on distributions like Ubuntu and CentOS, but some features may be limited.

How to Download AVEVA Edge

1. Visit the official AVEVA website

2. Navigate to AVEVA Edge under HMI/SCADA products

3. Click on Download Free Trial (or login to your account if youre a customer)

4. Choose your version (32-bit or 64-bit) depending on your OS

5. Save the .exe file to your desktop or a known folder

? Tip: Make sure antivirus software is not blocking the download or installation.

Installation Guide: Step-by-Step

Follow these steps carefully to install AVEVA Edge without problems:

Step 1: Run the Installer

• Double-click the downloaded file (AVEVA_Edge_Setup.exe)

• Click Yes when prompted by Windows User Account Control

Step 2: Accept License Terms

• Read and agree to the license agreement

• Click Next

Step 3: Choose Installation Type

• Select Complete if youre new

• Choose Custom if you want to pick components manually (not needed for most users)

Step 4: Select Destination Folder

• Default path is usually fine (e.g., C:\Program Files (x86)\AVEVA Edge)

• Click Next

Step 5: Finish Installation

• Click Install

• Wait 23 minutes for the files to be copied

• When done, click Finish

? You now have AVEVA Edge installed!

First Time Launch: What to Expect

After installing, launch the program:

• Open the AVEVA Edge shortcut from the Start Menu

• Youll see the Development Environment

• Start a new project or open a sample

Here's what the main interface includes:

• Project Explorer: Organizes screens, tags, scripts

• Graphics Editor: Build your HMI

• Database: Manage PLC tags and I/O points

• Runtime: Simulates your system

How to Create Your First Project

Lets walk through the process of creating your first AVEVA Edge SCADA project.

Step-by-Step Project Setup

1. Click "File" ? "New Project"

2. Give your project a name and select a folder

3. Choose your target platform (usually "Windows")

4. Select a screen size (like 1280x720 or 1920x1080)

5. Click OK to start

Youll now have a blank canvas where you can:

• Add buttons and meters

• Connect PLC tags

• Set alarms and data logging

• Write logic in the scripting tab

How to Connect a PLC to AVEVA Edge

Now that your project is ready, it's time to connect it to a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) or another industrial device.

Common PLCs Supported by AVEVA Edge

• Siemens S7

• Allen-Bradley (Rockwell)

• Schneider Electric

• Mitsubishi

• Modbus TCP/IP or RTU

Steps to Set Up Communication

1. Go to "Project" ? "Communication"

2. Click "Add Driver"

3. Choose the correct driver for your PLC (e.g., ModbusTCP, ABTCP, etc.)

4. Enter the IP address or COM port used by the device

5. Save and compile the project

You can test the communication by creating a tag and linking it to a device address like 40001 or DB1.DBW0 depending on the PLC brand.

? Tip: Always make sure your device is online and reachable on the network before testing.

Creating Tags in AVEVA Edge

Tags are how you define and read values from your devices. Heres how to create and use them:

1. Open the Tag Database

2. Click New Tag

3. Choose a name like Motor_Status

4. Select the Data Type (e.g., Boolean, Integer, Float)

5. Link the tag to a device address (like 40001 for Modbus)

You can use these tags to display data, trigger alarms, or write values from the screen.

Setting Up Alarms and Trends

Alarms notify you when something goes wrong, like a temperature getting too high. Trends show how a value changes over time.

How to Set Alarms

• Go to "Tasks" ? "Alarm Worksheet"

• Add a new alarm

• Choose the tag and the condition (e.g., Temp > 80)

• Set a message like High Temp Alert

How to Add Trends

• Go to "Tasks" ? "Trend Worksheet"

• Add a new trend

• Select one or more tags

• Set how often to record values (e.g., every 1 second)

You can now display these trends and alarms on your HMI screen.

Accessing AVEVA Edge from a Web Browser

AVEVA Edge supports HTML5-based web access, so you can view your HMI from any device with a browserlike phones, tablets, or remote PCs.

Steps to Set Up Web Access

1. Enable Web Server in the project settings

2. Go to Project ? Web ? Enable Web Thin Client

3. Build and run your project

4. Open a browser and enter the IP address of your HMI device (e.g., http://192.168.1.50:8080)

You should now see your HMI screen on any device in the same network.

Example: Simple Water Pump Control Project

To show how this works in real life, heres a simple project many engineers build when testing AVEVA Edge for the first time.

Project Goal:

Control and monitor a water pump using a Modbus device

Steps Taken:

• Created tags for Pump_Start, Pump_Status, and Water_Level

• Set up a ModbusTCP driver

• Made a screen with:

  • Start/Stop button

  • Water level gauge

  • Pump status indicator

• Added an alarm when water level goes below 20%

Result:

Using AVEVA Edge, the system updates in real time, and the pump status is shown instantly. The same screen works on both desktop and mobile.

AVEVA Edge Licensing & Trial

When you first install AVEVA Edge, you get a free 40-hour trial of the full version. This lets you:

• Test all features

• Build and run complete projects

• Connect real devices

After Trial:

You can buy a license from official AVEVA partners like Pima Industrial. Licenses are based on the number of tags and features you need.

Backup & Project Deployment Tips

Before sending your project to a device or sharing it with your team:

Always:

• Save your project often

• Use the Backup Project option under File

• Keep a version history in case you need to roll back

• Export your tag and screen list for reference

When moving to another PC or panel, copy the full project folder and activate the runtime there.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can use AVEVA Edge?
Anyone working with machines or plant automationengineers, technicians, or integratorscan use AVEVA Edge to build HMI/SCADA systems.

What is AVEVA Edge used for?
Its used to create and run operator screens, connect with PLCs, track data, and control industrial equipment.

Where do I download AVEVA Edge?
You can download it from the official AVEVA website. Search for AVEVA Edge download to find the latest version.

Why choose AVEVA Edge over other HMI software?
Its lightweight, runs on edge devices, and offers a wide range of drivers and tools at a lower cost than many others.

How long is the free trial?
The trial lasts 40 hours of runtime, which means it only counts when the project is running.

Will AVEVA Edge work on Linux?
Yes, AVEVA Edge runs on Linux-based systems like Ubuntu, though some tools may be limited.

Can I access my project on a phone or tablet?
Yes. With Web Thin Client enabled, you can access it from any device using a browser.

Does AVEVA Edge support Modbus?
Yes, Modbus TCP and RTU are supported. You can easily connect to most Modbus-ready devices.

How many tags can I use?
It depends on the license. The trial allows full access. Paid licenses vary by tag countcontact Pima Industrial for exact options.

Whats the best way to learn AVEVA Edge fast?
Start with a small project, follow this guide, and check sample projects included in the software.