Link to data on a 64-bit PI AF server

To link to data in an Access database on a 64-bit PI AF server, you must use the 64-bit Access Database Engine (ACE) data provider; there is no 64-bit Jet data provider.

Important: We do not recommend using Excel files for linked tables. See the KB article: Do not link AF tables to Excel files.

1. In PI System Explorer, navigate to the PI AF table or create one as described in Create PI AF tables.

2. In the Library pane, expand the Tables node, and click the desired PI AF table.

   The table details display in the right pane.

3. Click Link.

   The corresponding window opens.

4. Enable the Impersonate Client option.

5. In the Connection field, enter a valid connection string for the Access database, using the Microsoft Office 12.0 Access Database Engine OLE DB Provider (must be installed on the PI AF server), as in the following example:

   • Microsoft Access example:

     Provider=Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0;Data Source=c:\example.accdb;Persist Security Info=False;

6. To define the data to be returned from the spreadsheet, enter an SQL query in the Query field. To dismiss the window, click OK.

   • Microsoft Access example: SELECT * FROM Table1

7. To review the resulting data, examine the Table tab. If the query is specified correctly, the tab contains a table displaying the results.

8. To save your changes, right-click the table node and choose Check In.