Do I Have to Create Tags in the TOP Server?

The TOP Server lets you create and organize tags in the Server User Interface.  There are advantages to this in some cases that can save you time and money. In other situations it can be best not to configure tags in the TOP Server.  The TOP Server gives you the option to configure tags in the Client Application without requiring any tag in the TOP Server User Interface. 

Some companies call this direct tag addressing; others use the term dynamic tag addressing.  Whatever the particular vendor documentation calls it, what you are doing, is using the device or PLC file addressing in your HMI to create the Tag on the fly.  You can find more information in the TOP Server Help file under Dynamic tags on how to add tags from your Client Application.  Below we give you some examples to help you choose which is best for your application
 

Multiple Tag Generation Utility:

Starting with TOP Server V5.5, a new utility is available for editing your tag configuration for a device to add many tags much more efficiently, making it easier when you want to have a static tag database but have many tags to add

When Should You Configure Tags in the TOP Server? 

1. Some OPC Clients are built so it’s easiest to browse the OPC Server tags and add them to the HMI then it would be to type in the PLC file address.
2. It can also be best to add the tags in the OPC Server if you need to insulate the HMI configuration from PLC configuration changes. 
• For Example: if you’re working on a project where the final PLC project is not complete, but you need to work on the HMI configuration at the same time, it can be easier to modify the tag in the OPC Server to point to a different PLC address then to have to make any changes to the HMI.
• This can be particularly true if you want to test an HMI view station without having to open up the HMI development environment.  Since the HMI is always pointing to the same tag name in the TOP Server all you have to do is change the PLC address this tag refers to in the TOP Server without making any change to your HMI. 
• Tags in the TOP Server can also be useful to OEM’s who want to insulation their project from PLC model changes.  When you’re creating an HMI interface to the same basic equipment over and over again, you can simply call the tag name something like Pump1Running or Valve3 alarm.  If you have some customer using Allen-Bradley PLC’s and others using Siemens or GE PLC’s all you have to do is change the addressing to match the tags in the OPC Server without having to modify the HMI at all.  These same idea’s apply if you need to make changes without an HMI development license on the PC.
• Having tags in the OPC Server can help make cookie cutter HMI project rollout possible, which can have major business benefits. 

When Should You Use Dynamic Tags with the TOP Server.

1. Some Client Applications require tags configured in their HMI database.  It can save you time not to have to configure the addresses twice and maintain two lists. 
2. If you can’t take advantage of the tag naming ideas in item 2 above, don’t waist the time.
3. Retrofitting can also be a case for not configuring tags.  You have an existing HMI configuration and the HMI’s driver isn’t supported in the new Operating system, but you can use the TOP Server.  All the tags in the HMI are pointing to the PLC file addresses.  You can avoid re-configuring all the HMI tags and just change the place the information is coming from.  The Alias Map can also be helpful in this situation.
4. Some companies also have standards that say you don’t want your tags created in the OPC Server and that the tags  should be configured in the HMI.

The TOP Server supports tagging or not tagging in the Server, so you can take advantage of the method that best meets your business needs.