Add and configure a PI data connection
- Last UpdatedJul 15, 2025
- 2 minute read
A PiConnection is an item that you add to a PI data source in the Project Explorer. It specifies connection settings to PI server; such as the PI server name, authentication details, and timeout settings.
The data connection uses pinging, which is a mechanism to monitor the health of the connection to verify valid connectivity. AVEVA Production Management displays the connection status in the ConnectionState property of the data connection.
A project can have multiple data sources and connections. The connection with the lowest DisplayOrder property value is the primary connection, while others serve as backups. If the primary connection fails, the backup with the next lowest DisplayOrder value takes over. If multiple backups have the same DisplayOrder value, the system selects one based on the connection’s full name in alphabetical order.
Important: Make sure the backup PI servers use the same tags as the primary, so the tags reconcile when a backup server starts.
Prerequisite
Add the data source before adding the data connection.
To add a PI connection
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In the Project Explorer, right-click the data source, and then select Add Connection. A PiConnection item appears.
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Rename the item with a meaningful name.
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Configure the properties. For guidance in configuring the properties, refer to PI data connection properties.