For each measuring instrument or control device on your system, you need to create and configure a corresponding Point of the appropriate type within the ClearSCADA database (see Types of Point used in ClearSCADA). The point configuration allows the corresponding plant to be measured or controlled from the ClearSCADA server. It also allows you to define how that point data is displayed and used within ClearSCADA. For instance, whether the raw value is scaled for use within ClearSCADA, and whether ClearSCADA logs an event or raises an alarm if the point goes into a particular state.
To create and configure a point in the database, you need to be logged on via a User Account that has the Configure Database feature enabled, and has the relevant permissions (see Creating a User Account, in the ClearSCADA Guide to Security). You also need to have carried out any necessary Preparation, to enable you to configure the point(s) successfully in the database.
You configure each point by entering data into fields on a Point Form. The fields on the Form vary, depending on the type of point, and the driver with which it is associated.
Within ClearSCADA:
- You can configure each point independently to other points on your system (for instance, create and configure one Modbus digital point, and then create and configure another Modbus digital point).
- You can configure Internal Points that exist only within the master station software and can be used by ClearSCADA to store data at the server, for instance, for use within Logic programs. Such points are not associated with any physical devices on your system (see Internal Points).
A Calculation Point is a type of internal point that derives its data by evaluating an expression (see Calculation Points).
- If the physical structure of your system can be split into ‘modules’, you may want to consider using Group Templates to produce the base configuration for a generic ‘module’. Within the Templates, you can create driver-specific points, internal points and/or Abstract Points that have the base configuration for the points in each module.
You can then use Group Instances to include the configuration that is specific to each ‘module’ and convert the Abstract points into specific point types (for instance, an Abstract Simple Analog Point into a Modbus Analog Point).
Regardless of the type of point that you want to configure, you use the same basic procedure for creating and configuring the point (see Create and Configure a Point).
Further Information
Types of Point used in ClearSCADA.
Group Templates and Group Instances in the ClearSCADA Guide to Core Configuration.
Abstract Item in the ClearSCADA Guide to Core Configuration.