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Tags

In the context of this platform, the term "tag" refers to real-time variables and their associated historical data.

Tags are accessible for read, write and subscription by the various Modules. For example, the Devices Module can map the value of the Tag with field equipments , such as PLC registers; or the Datasets Module can connect tags with SQL databases tables and queries;  or the Scripts Module can perform calculation and analytics with the tags. The graphical Operator Displays shows values mapping to the Tags, independently of the data source for its value.

The Tags can be created in the project (Local Tags) or remote tags from other systems can be dynamically accessed using the Tag Provider connectivity. 

Real-time Tag Types

A typical HMI-SCADA system has only basic tag types, such as numeric and message tags. As the platform targets IT and MES systems, it goes far beyond basic tag types and supports real-time entities that match every SQL type and many .NET Framework entities, including images and a complete DataTable in a single real-time tag.

Dynamic Arrays and References

The platform was the one and only real-time system with built-in support for three-dimensional dynamic arrays, lists, and type-safe reference tags with dynamic assignments. This creates reusable components on displays, symbols, reports, calculations, and in any part of your project.

Import and Synchronize

Tags and templates can be imported and automatically synchronized from various data sources, including XML and CSV files, OSIsoftTM PI SystemTM and PI AFTM, Rockwell™ ControlLogix program files, and OPC servers.

SQL Databases and .NET

Built-in tag types allow direct mapping to any SQL database or .NET variables. 

Assets

The Tags in the projects can be organized in a tree structure, allowing the grouping of variables that are related in the same folder and creating a hierarchical representation of the process. The term asset also refers also to the physical equipment in the production environment. This equipment will relate with a group of Tags, or a Template, that represents the real-time state of that equipment. 

Assets and Categories

Organize your project with categories and assets. An asset has tags and other application objects connected to your process hierarchy. The platform allows the implementation of ISA 95 modeling specifications, which can be essential in large systems.

Templates

Templates are user defined data structures, also known as UDTs (User Data Types). 

Typically, the equipment on the field will have various variables for real-time monitoring. Instead of creating one Tag to each variable, it is possible to create a Template with those variables, then create one Tag with that Template type.  

Templates allow composition and hierarchy. Besides the built-in basic types, it is possible to create real-time tags based on templates that reflect physical assets, speeding up and simplifying application development.<screenshot>

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