Attribute-value updates from PI point data references

When you create an attribute based on a template with a data reference, PI AF does not automatically create the PI point data references associated with that element. To create the data references, you must right-click the element in the Elements (or Event Frames) browser and click Create or Update Data Reference. PI AF replaces all substitution parameters with the corresponding values at that moment, and creates and locks in the data reference.

Data reference lock-in

When a data reference is locked in, changes to the attribute template no longer affect instances of the attribute. Substitution parameters are also no longer evaluated. However, the following fields are exceptions:

• An attribute value reference is entered in the Relative Time field, as noted in References to attribute values.

• Any point attribute change made in the Tag Creation Settings window.

For example, if a point attribute change is made or a point attribute is defined by substitution parameters, the data reference of derived attributes will still be affected whenever you right-click an element and click Create or Update Data Reference.

Data reference reset

After an attribute value has been locked in, you can use the Reset to Template feature to reset an element to its template's original properties, as described in Reset attribute values.