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
Import Wizards
Importing Tags from .NET Classes
The Import Tag Wizard facilitates importing tags .NET Classes from DLL files into solutions developed on the software platform. To use it, go to Solution/Import Tags on the Designer workspace, double-click on the .NET Classes import wizard, or click to select the .NET Classes and press the Execute button to open the configuration dialog.
Importing Tags from CanaryLabs
The Import Tag Wizard facilitates importing Canary Labs tags into solutions developed on the software platform. Users configure Canary Labs connection parameters by specifying the IP address, port, version, and authentication parameters. To use it, go to Solution/Import Tags on the Designer workspace, double-click on the Canary Labs import wizard, or click to select the Canary Labs and press the Execute button to open the configuration dialog.
Importing Tags from Codesys PLC Handler
The Import Tag Wizard facilitates importing Codesys PLC Handler tags into solutions developed on the software platform. Users configure Codesys PLC Handler connection parameters by specifying the IP address, port, version, and authentication parameters. To use it, go to Solution/Import Tags on the Designer workspace, double-click on the Codesys PLC Handler import wizard, or click to select the Codesys PLC Handler and press the Execute button to open the configuration dialog.
Importing Tags from ControlLogix
The Rockwell ControlLogix import wizard integrates Rockwell ControlLogix PLC data into solutions. This tool automates the creation and mapping of tags from the L5K file or directly from the PLC memory. It covers data types, User-Defined Types (UDTs), and Add-On Instructions (AOIs).
To begin the process, the wizard requires configuration details such as Station IP, Port, and Slot. It defines a channel for the device. Upon clicking 'OK', the software opens the 'Sync Device Node' popup window. This step utilizes the NodeStation configuration (Station IP, Port, and Slot) to establish a node. Users can load the L5K file by selecting 'From file' and providing the file path, or they can choose 'From device' to map tags from the PLC address.
Importing Tags from CSV files
This CSV File import wizard simplifies the process of importing tags from a CSV file into your solution.
The core of the import process involves selecting a source file that contains the information to be imported. During the import process, the system automatically creates tags or other necessary solution components based on the source file data.
Importing Tags from GE Proficy
The Import Tag Wizard facilitates importing GE Proficy tags into solutions developed on the software platform. Users configure GE Proficy connection parameters by specifying the IP address, port, version, and authentication parameters. To use it, go to Solution/Import Tags on the Designer workspace, double-click on the GE Proficy import wizard, or click to select the GE Proficy and press the Execute button to open the configuration dialog.
Importing Tags from LineMonitor
The LineMonitor Import Wizard facilitates tag import from the GE Proficy Historian Database. It supports a flexible hierarchy of Plant, Area, Line, Equipment, and Variable. The tool enables users to import tags from devices without extensive configuration. The software platform establishes a connection through a Node Station. Users input the connection parameters the external database requires in the configuration dialog. This approach allows LineMonitor to integrate tags dynamically.
Importing Tags from MQTTspB
Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is a standard protocol for monitoring and managing network devices. The Import Tag Wizard facilitates importing SNMP tags into the solutions developed on the software platform. Users configure SNMP settings by specifying the IP address, port, version, and authentication parameters. To use, on the Designer workspace, go to Solution/Import Tags, double-click on the SNMP import wizard, or click to select the SNMP and press the Execute button to open the configuration dialog.
Importing Tags from OPC Servers
The software framework can create tags and map communication based on the OPC server's connections. To commence this, select the created OPC node and choose the "Import" option.
After you create an OPC communication node, you can select the node and click "Import" to import the OPC items to the solution.
Importing Tags from PI System
The Import Tag Wizard facilitates the integration of tags from OSIsoft's PI System or PI AF into user-developed solutions. Users access the wizard in the Designer workspace, configure connection parameters such as the server type and IP address, and execute the import by selecting the data source, testing the connection, and confirming the import to begin data integration.
Importing Tags from PrediktorAPIS
The Import Wizard for tags from the Prediktor APIS Historian provides a user-friendly interface to facilitate the import of tags into a user's application. This wizard supports two distinct components of the Prediktor APIS Historian: Hive and Honeystore, each catering to different data storage and access methodologies.
Importing Tags from Siemens
You'll use the Import Siemens Address Configuration wizard to import tags from a Siemens PLC into the software platform. Start by providing the PLC's IP address, rack, slot, and other connection details. Choose to import tags from a file or directly from TIA Portal. For S7-1200/1500 PLCs, ensure that TIA Portal is configured to allow remote communication and that "Optimized Block Access" is disabled. Finally, select your XML file or connect to TIA Portal and click "Refresh" to import the available tags.
Importing Tags from SNMP
Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is a standard protocol for monitoring and managing network devices. The Import Tag Wizard facilitates importing SNMP tags into the solutions developed on the software platform. Users configure SNMP settings by specifying the IP address, port, version, and authentication parameters. To use, on the Designer workspace, go to Solution/Import Tags, double-click on the SNMP import wizard, or click to select the SNMP and press the Execute button to open the configuration dialog.
Importing Tags from TwinCAT
This page explains how to import TwinCAT tags from TMC, TPY, and XML files, allowing for the quick creation of tags, templates, and device configurations. By double-clicking on TwinCAT and executing it, users can choose the option to import tags, thereby creating communication configurations for either the ProtocolDriver or the TagProvider. When importing tags for the TwinCAT, it is possible to set up the device configuration enabling communication with Beckhoff devices and facilitating the direct import of TwinCAT tags.
Importing Tags from Other Solutions
This import wizard makes the configuration process faster. This tool allows you to set the solution configuration like another '.dbsln' or '.tproj' file with just a few clicks. The Import Solutions feature is available at Solution / Import Tags / Solution.
When selecting the Import Solution icon, a dialog window will open with options to customize the import process. The following section will explain the options.
Importing Tags from UnityPro
The Import Tag Wizard facilitates importing UnityPro tags into solutions developed on the software platform. Users configure UnityPro connection parameters by specifying the IP address, port, and authentication parameters. To use it, go to Solution/Import Tags, double-click on the UnityPro import wizard, or click to select UnityPro and press the Execute button to open the configuration dialog.
Importing Tags from WirelessHart
The Import Tag Wizard facilitates importing WirelessHart tags into solutions developed on the software platform. Users configure WirelessHart connection parameters by specifying the IP address, network ID, and authentication parameters. To use it, go to Solution/Import Tags, double-click on the WirelessHart import wizard, or click to select WirelessHart and press the Execute button to open the configuration dialog.
Importing Tags from XML File
The Import Tag Wizard facilitates importing tags from an XML file into solutions developed on the software platform. Users configure the import process by specifying the XML file path, schema, and mappings. To use it, go to Solution/Import Tags, double-click on the XML File import wizard, or click to select XML File and press the Execute button to open the configuration dialog.
In this section: