Overview

he Asset Tree is a graphical tool on the software platform for organizing  solution data within a customizable hierarchy. It enhances navigation, data management, and visualization of complex industrial systems. Users can create folders, add tags, and associate metadata (e.g., alarms, historians). During runtime, the AssetTree Control displays the hierarchy, allowing interaction with elements and viewing relevant data. The ASSET() syntax allows programmatic access to asset elements for integration with other system components and processes.

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Key Concepts and Terms

Asset Tree

Hierarchical representation of the solution’s real-time data variables, composed of tags and nodes.

Element 

Any item in the Tree, whatever is a Node or a final branch

Asset Folder

Nodes in the tree that are containers for other objects or partial paths for TagNames.

BaseTags Folder

Pre-defined node holding all tags not in any Asset Folder, helping manage large solutions.

Linked Folder 

Dynamically linked to data from a TagProvider Connection.

Understanding the Asset Tree

The Asset Tree is the main centralized location for configuring your Unified Namespace, tags, and assets organization. In this interface, you can create AssetFolders, new tags, move elements within the tree, and create TagProvider Connections.

When the solution is running and the Designer is connected to the runtime, the Asset Tree also displays the current values for the tree elements.

Asset Tree User Interface

  • Left Side: Shows the Asset Tree with a toolbar for localized actions.
  • Right Side: Displays detailed information about the selected node and its children.

Asset Tree Toolbar

  • Create a New Folder: Organize and group your assets by clicking the new Asset Folder icon or right-clicking the Asset Tree.
  • Create New Tags: Select a folder, then use the New Tag toolbar button or right-click menu to create a new tag within that folder.
  • Move Tags to Selected Folders: Drag tags from the BaseTags folder or other locations to the desired position in the tree.
  • Link Remote Data: If a TagProvider connection is defined, insert specific data from the external system into the Asset Tree.

Configuring the Asset Tree

Configuration Workflow

The Asset Tree configuration is located at Unified Namespace → Asset Tree.

The Asset Tree has pre-defined folder:

  • RootTags: Contains all local tags not placed in any other folders.

Typical Actions:

  1. Create a New Folder: Organize and group assets by clicking the new Asset Folder icon or right-clicking the Asset Tree.
  2. Create New Tags: Select a folder, then use the New Tag toolbar button or right-click menu to create a new tag within that folder.
  3. Move Tags to Selected Folders: Drag tags from the BaseTags folder or other locations to the desired position in the tree.
  4. Link Remote Data: If an TagProvider connection is defined, insert specific data from the external system into the Asset Tree.
  5. Rename Folders or Tags: Right-click any folder or tag to rename it directly from the Asset Tree.
  6. Copy/Paste Folders or Assets: Copy an entire folder or just one asset to another folder. All tags (including alarms, historian, and device configurations) will be copied as well.
  7. Duplicate Tag Names: The same tag name can be used in more than one folder.
  8. Monitor Tag Values: Once the solution is running, monitor tag values directly from the Asset Tree through the Value column.

The image below describes an example of a solution's hierarchy.

  • Add New Asset Folders

  • Add New Tags

If you don't specify a folder, the new tag will be placed in the 'Base Tags' section of the tree.

Working with the Asset Tree

Show the Asset Tree on displays

At Displays → Draw, under the Modules components, you can find the AssetTree control. Simply drop this control onto your display, and the AssetTree will be available in Runtime Displays for operators.

Go to AssetTree Control for more information 

Accessing Variables on the AssetTree

Tag Syntax

Access a tag directly using its full name, including folders.

Example: Tag.Area1/linha1/state

Asset Path Syntax

Use the ASSET keyword for dynamic mapping or TagProviders.
Example: Asset("/Area1/linha1/state")
Useful for dynamic mapping or accessing values from TagProviders.
Example: Asset(client.SelectedAssetFolder + "/state")

In this example, the expression combines the selected folder with “/state” to display the corresponding element from the AssetTree.

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