Manage resources in the library

Resources in the Resource library can be added to multiple flows. To add a new resource to the Resource library, follow these steps.

1. In Flow manager, select Resources to open the Resources panel.

2. Select the (+) icon.

   The Create Resource dialog opens.

3. Fill out the following fields:

   1. Resource Name: Enter a name for the resource

   2. Type: Enter the resource type

   3. Category: Assign a category

   4. Path: Enter a file path for the resource.

4. Select Create.

   The new resource is created and added to the library.

   Note: To add a resource, you must have permissions to manage resources. However, all users have access to existing resources when they create flows.

Once created, edit the resource to provide the relevant content:

5. Select the Edit icon next to the resource in the Resource list.

   The View Resource window appears.

6. Provide a Description for the current draft version.

7. Provide resource content:

   • Upload a file from local storage

   • Enter resource information or code directly in the window.

8. Select Save Draft to save the current draft for further editing, or select Save as Version to complete editing and version the Resource.

To manage an existing resource:

9. Select the menu icon next to the resource in the Resource list, and select Manage Resource.

10. Select the Administration tab.

    • Change the resource name or category and select Update to update the resource with new metadata.

    • If a resource is not used by any deployed flows, select Delete to remove it from the system.

    • If the resource is used by flows that have been deployed, you can archive the resource. Archiving blocks the resource from being used in new flows or versions, but existing flows can still download the resource.

Additional properties of resources

• All resources have names and should be referenced by name in Flow Studio.

• Resources downloaded into flow runtimes, such as file and script resources, also have a local name. The local name is the name of the local instance of the file, and is used to refer to the file from inside a module.

• Resources can be version controlled.

• Once created, the content cannot be changed or removed. Since any resource may be used in a flow, changing or removing a resource can have undesirable effects on running flows.

• Resources can be archived. An archived resource cannot be used in new flows or versions, but will remain available to pre-existing flows that use the resource.

• Custom metadata can be added to resources for these systems: OPC UA, S7, Modbus, or Rockwell.

• Resources can be downloaded to your local computer for modifications before you upload as a new version. Files larger than 10 MB cannot be downloaded.

• Small resources (<1 MB) can be viewed in Flow Studio and the content can be copied into a new resource.

• Resources created from the CONNECT flows Resources page must be added later to any flows that need them in Flow Studio.