Check-in of database changes

Whenever you make a change to an object, including whenever you create a new object, PI System Explorer checks that object out from the database. You need to save these changes in the database, although you can apply a change to a selected object by clicking in the toolbar and then check in your changes later.

• Unsaved changes are indicated by a red check mark icon.

• Changes that have been applied, but not saved to the database are indicated by a dark red check mark icon.

As you work, you can choose from these options to save your changes:

• Click File > Check In.

• On the toolbar, click Check In.

• In the browser, right-click an object and click Check In to save changes in the database for that object only.

The first two options allow you to save changes for all modified objects. The Check In window opens and displays objects that have been modified. You can select them all in or select some to check in, and allow others to remain checked out. Click Session to select objects modified only in the current session. You can still check in objects modified in other sessions.

Undo Check Out

If you decide not to save your changes, you can use the File > Undo Check Out option. In the Undo Check Out window, you clear any items in the list you do want to check in, and click Undo Check Out.

Undo Check Out for all users

Occasionally, you may be unable to modify a PI AF object because the element is checked out to another user. You see the following message types that inform you that an object is locked by a user:

• In notifications, when you attempt to stop, rename, delete, or otherwise change a notification, the error message Notification 'Notification_name' with Unique ID 'ID' is locked by user Windows_account is displayed.

• In PI AF, when you attempt to work with an object, the error message AF Object Name 'Object_name' with UniqueID 'ID' is locked by user Windows_account is displayed.

To undo the lock, a user who has the Admin permission on the object set to Allow can select Show All Users in the Undo Check Out window, select All and then click Undo Check Out. For more information, see List of access permissions.

Videos

For information on the check in/check out mechanism of a PI AF object, watch this video:

For information on how to check in modifications to PI AF objects, watch this video:

For information on how to undo check out of PI AF objects, watch this video: