Project Reference
This reference guide covers backup and restore operations, project encryption, and troubleshooting common issues.
Backup and Restore Runtime Data
AI SCADA separates configuration (project structure) from runtime data (historical values, alarms, logs). You can back up runtime data independently.
Backup Runtime Data
- Locate the project in the list
- Click Backup Data in the operations menu
- Enter a backup file name
- (Desktop only) Choose a storage path or use the default
- Click Confirm
A .cmsback file is created containing:
- Historical tag values
- Alarm records
- Data table records
📷 [Screenshot: Backup Data dialog with name and path fields]
Restore Runtime Data
- Locate the project in the list
- Click Restore Data in the operations menu
- Browse and select a
.cmsbackfile - Click Confirm
⚠️ Caution: If the backup file is from a different project, a warning appears. Proceed with caution.
Restore Rules:
- Matching is based on table ID and field ID
- If a table/field exists in the config but not in the backup: data is deleted, structure remains
- If a table/field exists in the backup but not in the config: treated as dirty data and skipped
- If a table/field exists in both: old data is deleted and replaced with backup data (no type conversion)
💡 Tip: On the Web client, backup and restore operations use browser download/upload.
Backup Strategy
- Configuration backups: Use Create Copy monthly or before major updates
- Runtime data backups: Use Backup Data weekly or daily (depending on data criticality)
- Store backups off-site: Export projects and backup files to a separate server or cloud storage
Encrypt Projects
Prevent unauthorized access to project configurations:
- Locate the project in the list
- Click Encrypt in the operations menu
- Set a password
- Click Confirm
When encryption is enabled:
- Users must enter the password before opening the project in the Editor
- The password does not affect Vision runtime (projects run normally)
⚠️ Caution: Store passwords securely. There is no password recovery mechanism.
Troubleshooting
"Project version mismatch" Error
Cause: The project was created with a different AI SCADA version.
Solution:
- Upgrade the project when prompted
- If downgrading is needed, use the matching software version
"Project already exists" Warning
Cause: A project with the same ID is already in the list.
Solution:
- Choose Add as New Project if you want both versions
- Choose Replace if you want to update the existing project
Data Restore Shows "Different Project" Warning
Cause: The .cmsback file is from a different project (different project ID).
Solution:
- Verify you selected the correct backup file
- If intentional (e.g., migrating data), proceed with caution and validate results
Cannot Update Project in Vision
Cause: Project file version does not match the Vision software version.
Solution:
- Check the project version in the Editor (Help > About)
- Check the Vision version (Help > About)
- Upgrade the project or Vision to match versions
Next Steps
- Understanding Projects: Review the Project Manager interface
- Working with Projects: Learn project creation and version management
- Managing Tags: Configure data points for your project