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Creating Internal Tags

This guide covers creating and configuring Memory Tags, I/O Mapping Tags, Logic Tags, and System Tags.

Memory Tags​

Purpose: General-purpose storage for calculations, user inputs, and temporary data.

Create a Memory Tag Channel​

  1. Navigate to Internal Channels tab
  2. Click Add → Internal Variable
  3. Enter channel name
  4. Select Memory Tags type
  5. Click Confirm

Configure Memory Tag Properties​

PropertyDescriptionOptions
Tag NameUnique identifierProductionCount, UserInput_Speed
DescriptionHuman-readable labelDaily production counter
Data TypeValue typeBool, Int8-64, Float32/64, Date, Time, DateTime, String
Initial ValueValue on system startupSet Value, Saved Value, None
HistorianEnable historical loggingEnabled / Disabled

Initial Value Modes​

ModeBehavior
Set ValueLoad a predefined value on startup
Saved ValueRestore the last value before shutdown
NoneReset to default (0, false, or empty)

Data Type Ranges​

Data TypeMin ValueMax Value
Int8-128127
UInt80255
Int16-32,76832,767
UInt16065,535
Int32-2,147,483,6482,147,483,647
UInt3204,294,967,295
Int64-9,223,372,036,854,775,8089,223,372,036,854,775,807
UInt64018,446,744,073,709,551,615
Float32-3.402823E+383.402823E+38
Float64-1.7976931348623157E+3081.7976931348623157E+308

I/O Mapping Tags​

Purpose: Decouple views and scripts from physical device addresses. Change the underlying device without reconfiguring views.

Use Cases​

  1. Pre-configuration: Design views before PLC addresses are finalized
  2. Address Changes: Update one mapping instead of hundreds of view bindings
  3. Device Swaps: Replace a PLC without touching view configurations

Create an I/O Mapping Channel​

  1. Navigate to Internal Channels tab
  2. Click Add → I/O Mapping
  3. Enter channel name
  4. Click Confirm

Configure I/O Mapping Tag Properties​

PropertyDescription
Tag NameUnique identifier (e.g., Oven_Temperature)
DescriptionHuman-readable label
Data TypeMatches the linked external tag (auto-filled)
Link to I/OSelect the external tag to map
Access ModeRead/Write, Read Only, Write Only
HistorianEnable historical logging

Workflow Example​

If the PLC address changes from 400001 to 400050, you only update the mapping - the view remains unchanged.

Logic Tags​

Purpose: Perform calculations and transformations on tag values.

Create a Logic Tag Channel​

  1. Navigate to Internal Channels tab
  2. Click Add → Logic Variable
  3. Enter channel name
  4. Click Confirm

Configure Logic Tag Properties​

PropertyDescription
Tag NameUnique identifier
DescriptionHuman-readable label
Data TypeResult type of the expression
Logic ExpressionFormula using tags and operators
HistorianEnable historical logging

Expression Examples​

Use CaseExpression
Temperature conversionTemperature_C * 1.8 + 32
Average of sensors(Sensor1 + Sensor2 + Sensor3) / 3
Conditional logicTemperature > 80 ? 1 : 0
String concatenation"Batch_" + BatchNumber

💡 Tip: Click the Expression Builder button to access a visual formula editor with tag picker and function library.

System Tags​

Purpose: Predefined tags providing system information.

Available System Tags​

Tag NameTypeDescriptionScope
System_DateStringCurrent date (YYYY-MM-DD)Server
System_TimeStringCurrent time (HH:MM:SS)Server
System_DateTimeStringCurrent date and timeServer
System_ShiftStringCurrent shift nameServer
System_ShiftDateStringCurrent shift dateServer
Client_LoginUserStringLogged-in usernameClient
Dev_<ChannelName>_StateBoolDevice communication statusServer

⚠️ Caution: System tags are read-only and cannot be modified. They are automatically created and updated by the system.

Scope Explanation:

  • Server: Value is the same for all clients (e.g., system time)
  • Client: Value is unique per client session (e.g., logged-in user)

Batch Operations​

Batch Create Tags​

Quickly create multiple similar tags:

  1. Select an existing tag
  2. Click Batch Create
  3. Enter the number of tags to create
  4. Click Confirm

The system creates copies with auto-incrementing names (e.g., Temperature_01, Temperature_02, Temperature_03).

Batch Edit Tags​

Modify properties of multiple tags at once:

  1. Select multiple tags (Ctrl+Click or Shift+Click)
  2. Click Batch Edit
  3. Choose properties to modify:
    • Tag name pattern (find/replace)
    • Address offset (increment addresses)
    • Poll interval
    • Access mode
    • Historian settings
  4. Click Apply

📷 [Screenshot: Batch edit dialog with find/replace and offset options]

Import/Export Tags​

Export Tags:

  1. Select a channel or group
  2. Click Export
  3. Choose file format (CSV or Excel)
  4. Save the file

Import Tags:

  1. Select a channel or group
  2. Click Import
  3. Choose the file
  4. Select import mode:
    • Update: Modify existing tags, add new ones
    • Replace: Delete all existing tags, import new ones
  5. Click Confirm

⚠️ Caution: Replace mode deletes all tags in the selected channel/group. Use Update mode to preserve existing tags.

Best Practices​

Use I/O Mapping for Flexibility​

Always use I/O Mapping Tags in views and scripts. This allows you to:

  • Change PLC addresses without touching views
  • Swap devices without reconfiguring the application
  • Test with simulated tags before connecting real devices

Mark Poll Mode on Views​

Enable Poll Mode Markers in the view editor to visually identify which components use "Page Usage" tags. This helps verify that critical tags are set to "Service Running".

📷 [Screenshot: View editor with poll mode markers showing colored borders on components]

Next Steps​

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