Learn about the AF Import utility

The AF Import utility is a command line application that you can use to restore PI AF objects into a database. You can also use Import from File in PI System Explorer to restore database objects. See Restore databases from exported XML files.

The AFImport.exe utility is located in the \PIPC\AF folder.

To run the AF Import utility, you open a command window and navigate to the PIPC\AF folder. Use the following syntax: AFImport.exe and choose from the parameters listed in List of AFImport utility parameters. To display all parameters, type:

AFImport /?

Example--Import XML file into PI AF and create or update PI point configuration

To import database objects from an XML file into a PI AF database and create or update PI point configuration for newly created elements, enter:

AFImport "\\AFServer\database" /File:"C:\Filename.xml" /P

Note: Using the /P (/CreateUpdatePIPoints) parameter may significantly impact import performance.

Example--Import XML file into PI AF and disable validation of configuration string settings for data references

To import database objects from an XML file into a PI AF database and disable the validation of configuration string settings for data references and delivery channels, enter:

AFImport "\\AFServer\database" /File:"C:\Filename.xml" /D

Note: Use the /D (/DisableConfigStringValidation) parameter to improve the speed of an import operation. Keep in mind that using this parameter bypasses looking up PI points, which corrects or adds server IDs and point IDs to configuration strings.

Example--Import database objects from XML file into a sub-element

To import database objects from an XML file into a sub-element under a PI AF database, enter:

AFImport "\\AFServer\database\element" /File:"C:\Filename.xml"