UNS Asset Tree (Reference) provides a hierarchical organization structure for solution data, enabling intuitive navigation, management, and visualization of tags and assets representing industrial systems.

The Asset Tree provides:

  • Hierarchical data organization
  • Visual tag management
  • TagProvider integration
  • Runtime value monitoring
  • Drag-and-drop organization
  • Dynamic folder linking

The Asset Tree serves as the central hub for organizing the Unified Namespace, creating a logical structure that mirrors your physical assets or functional areas.


  

UNS →  Tutorial | Concept | How-to Guide | ISA-95 | Reference


Key Concepts

  • Asset Tree: Hierarchical representation of real-time data variables
  • Asset Folder: Container nodes for organizing tags and sub-folders
  • RootTags Folder: System folder containing unorganized tags
  • Linked Folder: Folder dynamically connected to TagProvider data
  • Element: Any item in the tree (folder or tag)

User Interface

Layout

  • Left Panel: Tree structure with toolbar
  • Right Panel: Details of selected node and children

Toolbar Actions

IconActionDescription
1Reload TreeRefresh structure
2New AssetFolderCreate container
3New TagAdd tag to tree
4New TagProviderCreate connection
5Insert Provider DataLink external data
6Edit ElementModify properties
7RenameChange element name
8Create TemplateGenerate DataTemplate
9Collapse AllClose all folders

Configuration Workflow

Creating Folders

  1. Navigate to Unified Namespace → Asset Tree
  2. Options to create:
    • Click New AssetFolder toolbar icon
    • Right-click existing folder
    • Right-click root level

Adding Tags

  1. Select target folder
  2. Options to add:
    • Click New Tag toolbar icon
    • Right-click folder → New Tag
    • Use main toolbar New Tag button
  3. Configure tag properties
  4. Tag appears in selected folder

<ac:structured-macro ac:name="info"> ac:rich-text-body Tags created without selecting a folder are placed in the RootTags folder. You cannot create sub-folders within RootTags. </ac:rich-text-body> </ac:structured-macro>

Working with Elements

Common Operations

Moving Tags:

  • Drag from source to destination folder
  • Cut/paste using context menu
  • Maintains all tag configurations

Copying Elements:

  • Copy entire folders or individual tags
  • Preserves alarm, historian, device settings
  • Paste to any valid location

Renaming:

  • Right-click → Rename
  • Updates all references automatically
  • Maintains data connections

Deleting:

  • Right-click → Delete
  • Removes tag and configurations
  • Cannot be undone

Tag Access Methods

Direct Tag Syntax

csharp

// Full path including folders
@Tag.Area1/Line1/Temperature
@Tag.Plant/Boiler1/Pressure

Asset() Function

csharp

// Dynamic path resolution
Asset("Area1/Line1/Temperature")

// Relative path
Asset(@Client.Context.AssetPath + "/Temperature")

// TagProvider access
Asset("/OPCServer/Device1/Status")

TagProvider Integration

Linking External Data

  1. Create TagProvider Connection
  2. Folder auto-created in Asset Tree
  3. Right-click folder → Insert from TagProvider
  4. Select data to import
  5. Browse real-time values

Customizing Linked Folders

Right-click linked folder → Edit Asset Folder:

  • Alias: Custom display name
  • Visibility: Control tag exposure
  • Access: Read/Write permissions

Runtime Features

Value Monitoring

When solution running and Designer connected:

  • Values display in right panel
  • Real-time updates
  • Quality indicators
  • Timestamp information

Display Integration

Add AssetTree Control to displays:

  1. Go to Displays → Draw
  2. Find AssetTree under Modules
  3. Drop onto display
  4. Configure properties

Asset Folder Properties

PropertyDescriptionOptions
NameFolder identifierAny valid name
AliasDisplay name overrideCustom text
VisibilityExternal access controlPrivate/Protected/Public
LinkedToTagProvider connectionConnection name
PathFull tree pathAuto-generated

Best Practices

  1. Plan hierarchy - Mirror physical/logical structure
  2. Use meaningful names - Clear identification
  3. Group related tags - Logical organization
  4. Limit depth - 3-5 levels maximum
  5. Document folders - Add descriptions
  6. Regular cleanup - Remove unused elements
  7. Consistent naming - Follow conventions

Example Structures

By Location

/Plant
  /Area1
    /Line1
      /Motor1
      /Sensor1
    /Line2
      /Motor2
      /Sensor2
  /Area2
    /Tank1
    /Pump1

By Function

/Production
  /Mixing
    /Ingredients
    /Temperature
  /Packaging
    /Counter
    /Weight
/Utilities
  /Power
  /Water

By Equipment

/Motors
  /Motor001
  /Motor002
/Pumps
  /Pump001
  /Pump002
/Valves
  /Valve001
  /Valve002

Troubleshooting

Tree not updating:

  • Click Refresh button
  • Check runtime connection
  • Verify tag creation
  • Review folder permissions

Cannot move tags:

  • Check source/destination validity
  • Verify not moving to RootTags subfolder
  • Confirm user permissions
  • Check if tag is locked

TagProvider data missing:

  • Verify connection active
  • Refresh tree structure
  • Check provider configuration
  • Review access rights

Display not showing tree:

  • Confirm AssetTree control added
  • Check control bindings
  • Verify runtime active
  • Review display security


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