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
In this section: