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      FIN Framework 5 - since summer 2019  

      The FIN 5 release contains  many new features and additional benefits, including an all-new database, and system configuration UI, to enable faster engineering.  A new template creation wizard also makes integrating controllers faster and easier, further reducing configuration time for systems integrators and OEMs. Numerous changes have been made to enhance product robustness. We also added additional open APIs to help OEMs and developers extend the framework, as well as improving the connector framework to make it even more open for third-party system and device integration. 

      This webpage is to help those who need to migrate from 4.5 or earlier versions of FIN Framework. 

       

      New Migration diagram

      Easy migration and enhancements

      It is easy to upgrade existing projects from FIN 4 to FIN 5; nearly everything was automatic until the Flash EOL in Jan 2021. Now a few more steps are required - see help below.

      Graphics, control logic, alarm logic, schedules, connectors, integrations, web services, and templates all transfer without any effort.

      The new database requires that a script is run to convert data to the new database format, which takes some time, but is easy to do. The Flash EOL now means  a few more steps are required  - see below for help.

      J2 release regular updates (e.g. for fixes or cyber-security) and extensions (with new functionality). Upgrades to next platform version occur every 18 to 24 months.

       

      The benefits of FIN Framework 5

      OPEN

      Designed to be open, FIN 5 supports all the major protocol standards used in buildings today, to enable integration with multiple building systems and IoT deployments. It utilizes several open source libraries, including AM Charts for dashboards and React UI tools to enhance functionality, and to provide great resources for OEM developers. FIN leverages the Haystack open source project by using semantic tagging

      ROBUST

      FIN 5 is more secure than ever, having passed ISTS penetration testing and having been designed to comply with the IEC62443 security standard. J2 Innovations is now part of Siemens cyber security initiative to ensure all aspects of the framework are continually monitored for vulnerabilities and threats, with regular updates as necessary.

      FIN 5 development  followed new software quality processes and has enhanced documentation for both users and developers.

      FAST

      Based on a fast flat-file database optimized for time series data sets, which offers much faster large query performance than is possible with relational databases like SQL. It's UI tool has multiple tree views, drag & drop selection for much greater engineering efficiency. There is also auto-generated configuration, enabling the creation of an entire project from a spreadsheet using our import utility wizard.

      Expanded templating in FIN simplifies device configuration and delivers huge time saving for all aspects of a project, including points, control logic, graphics, summary, O&M manuals and OEM specific features.

      EXTENSIBLE

      With FIN 5, it is faster than ever for OEMs to customize and develop additional features and functionality on top.

      The API documentation has been enhanced with a new developer UI reference document system to make it easier to find specific information.

      FIN Framework 5 - Flash Update

       

      Adobe has announced they will no longer support Flash Player after December 31, 2020 and blocked Flash content from running in Flash Player beginning January 12, 2021. It will no longer be possible to run Flash in the newer versions of most Web browsers. The major browser vendors (Google, Microsoft, Mozilla, Apple) have announced they will stop supporting Flash Player.

      FIN 5 is the current version of FIN. This version does not have a dependency on Flash since it is entirely HTML5. Legacy FIN versions have Flash dependencies that vary depending on the FIN version and will need to be upgraded to FIN 5. Upgrading requires that the legacy license be current in maintenance and also requires that the legacy databases be migrated in order to be compatible with FIN 5. J2 will provide database migration support services to help complete the upgrades transitioning from FIN 4 to FIN 5. FIN 3 will require re-engineering and should be discussed with the sales team. See below for additional legacy version details:


      • FIN 4.5 works with current browsers except for the DB Builder and Folio applications which do require Flash, therefore only those two system integrator apps are affected.
      • FIN 4.0 does not work with current browsers as all apps require Flash, therefore the end users apps and system integrator apps are affected.
      • FIN 3.0 does not work with current browsers as all apps require Flash, and the database cannot be migrated and requires re-engineering of the project.

      If you have an older version of FIN we can help you get upgraded to the current version, please contact us:


      CONTACT THE FIN TEAM


      For a detailed pdf guide on the FIN Legacy to FIN 5 Upgrade Process, download the PDF below

      Download upgrade process
      Please note: There may be workarounds online to make Flash work, but as these may not be authorized by the software manufacturer, J2 Innovations does not recommend or support them

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      J2 Innovations Headquarters, 535 Anton Blvd, Suite 1200, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA. Tel: 909-217-7040