Data Explorer (Reference):
DataExplorer provides unified data discovery and monitoring across multiple protocols:
- MQTT Brokers
- OPC-UA Servers
- PLCs (ControlLogix, others)
- SQL Databases
Introduction to Track Changes
The Track Changes tools provides additional features for logging and tracking the engineering solution changes, covering the following: Recent Changes, Version Control, Cross-Reference, Use Count, and Unused Objects.
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TrackChanges Tables
Recent Changes
Presents the list objects modified in the Solution Configuration. See Recent Changes.
Version Control
Presents the summary of all configuration tables and its version. See Version Control.
Cross-Reference
Presents the list objects in use and its usage locations. See Cross-Reference.
Use Count
Presents the list objects in use, and the number of times it has been used. See Use Count.
Unused Objects
Presents the list objects created but not used in the configuration. See Unused Objects.
Key Concepts
Connection Target
Three connection types available:
| Type | Description | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Local | Solution-defined connections | Testing existing configuration |
| TagProvider | Dynamic data sources | Connected tag providers |
| Remote | External sources | Discovery and exploration |
Connection Status
- Automatic connection establishment for field devices
- Real-time updates in Data Browser tree
- Manual query execution for SQL sources
Data Browser Window
| Protocol | Display Type | Update Method |
|---|---|---|
| MQTT | Hierarchical tree | Subscribe (real-time) |
| OPC-UA | Hierarchical tree | Poll (1 second) |
| PLCs | Hierarchical tree | Poll (1 second) |
| SQL | DataGrid table | On query execution |
Typical Workflow
1. Data Discovery
Verify data consistency across:
- MQTT topics
- OPC-UA nodes
- PLC tags
- Database tables
2. Configuration
Create from discovered data:
- DataTemplates
- Local tags
- TagProviders
- Device connections
3. Validation
Monitor and test:
- Connection stability
- Data quality
- Update rates
- Value accuracy
Tool-Specific Features
MQTT Tools
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Mode | Client subscriber |
| Updates | Real-time via subscription |
| Export | Topics to tags |
See MQTT Tools (Reference) for details.
OPC Tools
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Mode | OPC-UA client |
| Updates | 1-second polling |
| Export | Nodes to tags |
See OPC Tools (Reference) for details.
PLC Finder
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Discovery | Network scan |
| Updates | 1-second polling |
| Export | Controller tags |
See PLC Finder (Reference) for details.
SQL Queries
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Mode | Query executor |
| Updates | Manual execution |
| Export | Column configurations |
See SQL Queries (Reference) for details.
Export Options
To Solution Configuration
| Source | Export Target | Result |
|---|---|---|
| MQTT | TagProvider | Dynamic connection |
| OPC | Device Channel | Communication setup |
| PLC | Device Points | Mapped addresses |
| SQL | Dataset | Query definitions |
Quick Actions
- Create Tags: Single-click tag creation
- Build Templates: Structure to DataTemplate
- Add Connection: Remote to solution
- Configure Points: Bulk mapping
Performance Considerations
Explorer Limitations
| Aspect | Explorer | Runtime |
|---|---|---|
| Update Rate | 1 second fixed | Configurable |
| Parallel Requests | Single | Multiple |
| Method | Polling only | Poll/Subscribe |
| Volume | Limited display | Unlimited |
Runtime Capabilities
- Parallel request processing
- Subscribe mode (where supported)
- AccessType prioritization
- High-volume data handling
Best Practices
Discovery Phase
- Start local servers/simulators
- Verify network connectivity
- Test with small data sets
- Document findings
Configuration Phase
- Create templates before tags
- Use bulk import for large sets
- Organize with categories
- Test incrementally
Validation Phase
- Compare explorer vs runtime
- Monitor communication logs
- Verify data types
- Check update rates
Common Tasks
| Task | Tool | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Find PLCs | PLC Finder | Network scan |
| Browse OPC | OPC Tools | Connect and explore |
| Monitor MQTT | MQTT Tools | Subscribe to topics |
| Test queries | SQL Queries | Execute and review |
| Create tags | Any tool | Right-click export |
| Build templates | Any tool | Structure export |
Troubleshooting
Connection Issues
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Can't connect | Wrong address | Verify endpoint |
| No data shown | Security | Check credentials |
| Slow updates | Network | Test connectivity |
| Missing nodes | Permissions | Check server config |
Export Problems
| Issue | Check | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Tags not created | Name conflicts | Use unique names |
| Template incomplete | Selection | Select all levels |
| Connection fails | Settings | Verify parameters |
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