I often struggle with knowing when to utilize online and offline tags in my files. If I label something as offline and then accidentally delete the file from my computer, will the tags still be accessible?
Offline tags serve as the offline counterpart to the tags used in your PLC online. By utilizing offline tags, you can carry out HMI programming without requiring a live system connection. It is crucial to ensure that the offline tag file selected matches the one in the live system to prevent errors in the HMI interface. Typically, I prefer to use online tags when the live PLC is accessible, switching to offline tags when disconnected from the live system. The key is to maintain consistency between the offline file and the live PLC. Failure to do so may result in browsing errors until the correct offline file is selected. In the event that the offline file is deleted or moved, browsing offline will not be possible until the offline file is chosen again. However, this does not affect the tag names assigned to objects. Whether a tag is selected online or using offline tags, the tag name in the PLC remains the same. Deleting the offline file does not impact any objects that have already been assigned a tag. For those unfamiliar, the "Offline tags" file refers to the full project file (.ACD) loaded into the Logix PLC. This file includes tags, logic, and documentation (documentation available for v21 and newer Logix systems). In FT View, it is known as the Offline Tag File.
The function of offline and online tags usually depends on the specific software you're using. However, in most cases, if you delete a file from your computer that has been tagged as offline, the tag will also be removed since it's associated with that specific file. You've raised a great point though - to prevent accidental file loss, it could be useful to employ a backup system, such as a cloud-based service, where your tags and file organization could be preserved even if deleted from your local storage.
That's a great question! Often, the actions you take on a file depend on the system you're using. However, typically, if you delete a file from your computer system that was tagged as offline, the tag won't stay as it is directly associated with the file. The best way to ensure that your tags stay intact is by backing up your files regularly. I also recommend using a cloud storage service so that even if you delete something locally, you will still have a version saved online with all of the appropriate tags.
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Answer: - Online tags are used for real-time communication with the PLC, while offline tags are typically used for simulation or testing purposes.
Answer: - If you delete the file containing offline tags, you will lose access to those tags as they are stored within the file.
Answer: - Yes, offline tags are useful for troubleshooting and testing scenarios as they do not directly interact with the PLC during runtime.
Answer: - Yes, you can typically convert offline tags to online tags in FactoryTalk View, but the process may vary depending on the specific software version and configuration.
Answer: - It's recommended to clearly document and label your tags based on their intended usage (online vs. offline) to prevent any confusion or errors during development and maintenance.
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