Learn about Data Archive connections

You can set the default Data Archive, also referred to as the default data server, at the PI AF server and PI AF database level. Setting the default data server points PI System Explorer to the location of PI point data references. By default, any database without a default data server set inherits the PI AF server's default data server.

The %Server% substitution parameter resolves to the default data server. See Find the default Data Archive server for more information. The following diagram shows the order that the default data server gets resolved using the %Server% substitution parameter:

• 1. Current AF database

• 2. PI AF server

• 3. Local client machine

1. PI AF checks to see if the current PI AF database's default Data Archive is specified. If specified, PI AF looks there for stored templated attributes that are tied to PI point or PI point array data references. See View or edit properties of PI AF databases for more information.

2. If one is not specified for the current database, it resolves to the PI AF server's default Data Archive setting. See View properties of the connected PI AF server for more information.

3. If none is specified at the PI system level, it resolves to the local default Data Archive.

You can view the default data server for the database and PI AF server using the following methods:

• Use the Database Properties window to view and set the default PI AF server for the database.

• Use the PI AF Servers Properties window to view and set the default Data Archive server for the system.

  Note: If the default Data Archive is not specified on the PI AF server or PI AF database, it can resolve to a different Data Archive for different client machines depending on their configuration.