Import Tags provides wizards for bringing tag definitions from external sources including CSV files, PLCs, OPC servers, and other systems.
Access: Solution → Import Tags
Parent Page: Solution Settings & Tools (Reference)
Import Sources
Available Wizards
| Wizard | Source Type | Data Format |
|---|---|---|
| CSV Import | Spreadsheet files | CSV, TXT |
| ControlLogix | Rockwell PLCs | L5X export |
| OPC Server | OPC DA/UA servers | Browse tree |
| Modbus | Modbus devices | Address ranges |
| IEC 61850 | Power systems | SCL files |
| BACnet | Building automation | Device discovery |
| SNMP | Network devices | MIB files |
CSV Import Wizard
File Format Requirements
| Column | Required | Type | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| TagName | Yes | Text | Tank1_Level |
| Type | Yes | DataType | Double |
| Description | No | Text | Tank 1 Level |
| InitialValue | No | Value | 0 |
| Min | No | Number | 0 |
| Max | No | Number | 100 |
| Units | No | Text | meters |
| Category | No | Text | Tanks |
Import Process
- Select File - Browse for CSV
- Map Columns - Match to tag properties
- Preview - Review import data
- Options - Set import behavior
- Import - Execute import
Import Options
| Option | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
| Skip Duplicates | Ignore existing tags | Checked |
| Update Existing | Overwrite properties | Unchecked |
| Create Devices | Auto-create channels | Checked |
| Apply Template | Use tag template | None |
ControlLogix Import
Requirements
- L5X export file from RSLogix/Studio 5000
- Controller tags exported
- Proper file encoding (UTF-8)
Tag Mapping
| ControlLogix | Platform Tag | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BOOL | Digital | Direct map |
| INT | Integer | 16-bit |
| DINT | Integer | 32-bit |
| REAL | Double | Float point |
| STRING | Text | String type |
| UDT | Template | Creates template |
Import Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Preserve Structure | Maintains UDT hierarchy |
| Create Templates | Converts UDTs |
| Map Arrays | Creates array tags |
| Import Comments | Uses as descriptions |
OPC Import
Server Types
| Type | Protocol | Discovery |
|---|---|---|
| OPC DA | COM/DCOM | Local servers |
| OPC UA | TCP/HTTP | Network browse |
| OPC XML | HTTP/SOAP | Web services |
Browse Options
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Browse Depth | Levels to explore |
| Filter | Name patterns |
| Include System | System tags |
| Flat List | Remove hierarchy |
Tag Creation
| OPC Property | Tag Property | Mapping |
|---|---|---|
| ItemID | Name | Modified for validity |
| DataType | Type | Type conversion |
| Description | Description | Direct copy |
| AccessRights | ReadOnly | Based on rights |
| EU | Units | Engineering units |
Modbus Import
Address Ranges
| Range | Type | Tags Created |
|---|---|---|
| 1-9999 | Coils | Digital |
| 10001-19999 | Discrete Inputs | Digital ReadOnly |
| 30001-39999 | Input Registers | Integer ReadOnly |
| 40001-49999 | Holding Registers | Integer |
Import Configuration
| Setting | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Start Address | First register | 40001 |
| Count | Number of tags | 100 |
| Prefix | Tag name prefix | MB_ |
| Device | Target device | ModbusDevice1 |
Import Results
Success Tracking
| Metric | Description |
|---|---|
| Total Processed | Rows/items examined |
| Tags Created | New tags added |
| Tags Updated | Existing modified |
| Tags Skipped | Duplicates/errors |
| Errors | Failed imports |
Error Handling
| Error Type | Cause | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| Invalid Name | Special characters | Auto-cleaned |
| Type Mismatch | Wrong data type | Use default type |
| Duplicate | Tag exists | Skip or update |
| Template Missing | Unknown template | Create basic tag |
Post-Import Tasks
Verification
| Task | Purpose | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Review tags | Check accuracy | UNS → Tags |
| Check devices | Verify channels | Devices → Channels |
| Test communication | Confirm data | Devices → Monitor |
| Validate templates | Review structure | UNS → Templates |
Best Practices
Preparation
- Clean source data first
- Standardize naming
- Remove duplicates
- Validate data types
- Document sources
During Import
- Use preview feature
- Start with small batch
- Check error log
- Verify mappings
- Save import settings
After Import
- Validate all tags
- Configure devices
- Set up alarms
- Test communication
- Document changes
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Import fails | File format error | Check encoding/format |
| Tags missing | Filter too restrictive | Adjust filter settings |
| Wrong types | Mapping error | Review type mappings |
| No devices created | Option unchecked | Enable device creation |
| Duplicates created | Skip option off | Enable skip duplicates |
See Also
- Solution Settings & Tools (Reference) - Parent section
- UNS Tags (Reference) - Tag configuration
- Devices (Reference) - Communication setup
Overview
The software platform offers a suite of import wizards that transform how users integrate diverse components into their solutions by facilitating the automatic creation and mapping of tags.
The wide range of tools includes .NET Classes, CSV files, OPC Server, OSIsoft PI Historian and PI AF, Prediktor Historian, Rockwell ControlLogix, Siemens, SNMP, SQL DataTable, Tundra, TwinCAT, UnityPro, WirelessHART, and XML files.
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