UNS Asset Tree (Reference): 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.
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)
Ontology metadata on folders (10.1.5 note)
Asset Tree folders did NOT gain ontology columns in 10.1.5. All ontology metadata (DisplayText, Labels, SourceIri, BaseUserType, Attributes) lives on the typed Tag, not on the containing folder. When an OWL individual imports with typed members or a class IRI, it becomes a Tag named <folderPath>/<entityName>/Attr. The folder structure auto-creates from the slashes but carries no ontology properties of its own.
On export, the /Attr suffix is stripped so each OWL entity IRI reflects the entity's identity, not its FX storage leaf. Folders emit containment edges only (hasChild by default, or the policy's ordered ContainmentPredicates by depth).
See Industrial Ontology Integration How-to for the full model.
User Interface
Layout
- Left Panel: Tree structure with toolbar
- Right Panel: Details of selected node and children
Toolbar Actions
| Icon | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reload Tree | Refresh structure |
| 2 | New AssetFolder | Create container |
| 3 | New Tag | Add tag to tree |
| 4 | New TagProvider | Create connection |
| 5 | Insert Provider Data | Link external data |
| 6 | Edit Element | Modify properties |
| 7 | Rename | Change element name |
| 8 | Create Template | Generate DataTemplate |
| 9 | Collapse All | Close all folders |
Configuration Workflow
Creating Folders
- Navigate to Unified Namespace → Asset Tree
- Options to create:
- Click New AssetFolder toolbar icon
- Right-click existing folder
- Right-click root level
Adding Tags
- Select target folder
- Options to add:
- Click New Tag toolbar icon
- Right-click folder → New Tag
- Use main toolbar New Tag button
- Configure tag properties
- Tag appears in selected folder
Tags created without selecting a folder are placed in the RootTags folder. You cannot create sub-folders within RootTags.
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
// Full path including folders @Tag.Area1/Line1/Temperature @Tag.Plant/Boiler1/Pressure |
Asset() Function
// 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
- Create TagProvider Connection
- Folder auto-created in Asset Tree
- Right-click folder → Insert from TagProvider
- Select data to import
- 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:
- Go to Displays → Draw
- Find AssetTree under Modules
- Drop onto display
- Configure properties
Asset Folder Properties
| Property | Description | Options |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Folder identifier | Any valid name |
| Alias | Display name override | Custom text |
| Visibility | External access control | Private/Protected/Public |
| LinkedTo | TagProvider connection | Connection name |
| Path | Full tree path | Auto-generated |
Best Practices
- Plan hierarchy - Mirror physical/logical structure
- Use meaningful names - Clear identification
- Group related tags - Logical organization
- Limit depth - 3-5 levels maximum
- Document folders - Add descriptions
- Regular cleanup - Remove unused elements
- 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