Represent assets with templates

PI AF allows you to base similar objects on a single template. Templates essentially define a set of base attributes for all the objects that use that template. Create the template once and you can create as many elements based on the template as needed. If you make a change to a template, the change is automatically reflected in all the elements that use that template.

For example, suppose you have 100 pumps with the same three attributes. You can create a template for one pump and then base all the other pumps on that one template. The attributes in the template are automatically created for you in the pumps that are based on that template.

Now, suppose you need to make a change to the pump objects. You simply make the change in the template, and PI AF automatically propagates the change to all the pump objects that are based on that template. Templates are a powerful tool, not only for creating new objects, but for keeping existing objects consistent and up to date.

A further advantage is that visualization tools can provide special features for objects based on templates. For example, suppose you build a trend for a pump based on a template. A visualization tool might let you swap or add in any other pump that is based on the same template. Assets based on the same template are sometimes called related assets.

Note: You can also create templates for event frames, transfers, models, and notifications.