Rockwell FactoryTalk AssetCentre Getting Results Guide
Getting Results
Original Instructions
FactoryTalk AssetCentre Getting Results Guide
Rockwell Automation Publication - FTAC-GR002G-EN-E - March 2021
Rockwell Automation Publication - FTAC-GR002F-EN-E - September 2020
FactoryTalk AssetCentre Getting Results Guide
WARNING: Identifies information about practices or circumstances that can cause an explosion in a hazardous environment, which may lead to personal
IMPORTANT
Identifies information that is critical for successful application and understanding of the product.
BURN HAZARD: Labels may be on or inside the equipment, for example, a drive or motor, to alert people that surfaces may reach dangerous temperatures.
ARC FLASH HAZARD: Labels may be on or inside the equipment, for example, a motor control center, to alert people to potential Arc Flash. Arc Flash will
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Important User Information
Read this document and the documents listed in the additional resources section about installation, configuration, and
operation of this equipment before you install, configure, operate, or maintain this product. Users are required to familiarize
themselves with installation and wiring instructions in addition to requirements of all applicable codes, laws, and standards.
Activities including installation, adjustments, putting into service, use, assembly, disassembly, and maintenance are required to
be carried out by suitably trained personnel in accordance with applicable code of practice.
If this equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be
impaired.
In no event will Rockwell Automation, Inc. be responsible or liable for indirect or consequential damages resulting from the use
or application of this equipment.
The examples and diagrams in this manual are included solely for illustrative purposes. Because of the many variables and
requirements associated with any particular installation, Rockwell Automation, Inc. cannot assume responsibility or liability for
actual use based on the examples and diagrams.
No patent liability is assumed by Rockwell Automation, Inc. with respect to use of information, circuits, equipment, or software
described in this manual.
Reproduction of the contents of this manual, in whole or in part, without written permission of Rockwell Automation, Inc., is
prohibited.
Throughout this manual, when necessary, we use notes to make you aware of safety considerations.
injury or death, property damage, or economic loss.
ATTENTION: Identifies information about practices or circumstances that can lead to personal injury or death, property damage, or economic loss.
Attentions help you identify a hazard, avoid a hazard, and recognize the consequence.
Labels may also be on or inside the equipment to provide specific precautions.
SHOCK HAZARD: Labels may be on or inside the equipment, for example, a drive or motor, to alert people that dangerous voltage may be present.
cause severe injury or death. Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Follow ALL Regulatory requirements for safe work practices and for
2 Rockwell Automation Publication - FTAC-GR002G-EN-E - March 2021
Introduce FactoryTalk
AssetCentre
Navigate the FactoryTalk
AssetCentre client
FactoryTalk AssetCentre system
architecture
About FactoryTalk AssetCentre
Web Client
Quick Start 1: Configure the
system
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Activation..................................................................................................... 7
About the documentation set ..................................................................... 7
FactoryTalk AssetCentre Help .............................................................. 8
About this book ............................................................................................ 8
Contact Technical Support ......................................................................... 8
Chapter 2
Run the FactoryTalk AssetCentre client ................................................... 11
Elements of the FactoryTalk AssetCentre client window ....................... 11
Asset view .............................................................................................. 12
Asset ................................................................................................ 12
Design mode .................................................................................. 12
Asset catalog ......................................................................................... 13
About asset types ............................................................................ 14
Workspace pane ................................................................................... 16
Toolbar .................................................................................................. 17
Menu bar ............................................................................................... 18
Right-click menus ................................................................................ 18
Status bar .............................................................................................. 18
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Access FactoryTalk AssetCentre Web Client............................................23
Chapter 5
Quick Start steps for configuring the system ......................................... 25
Step 1: Add users to the FactoryTalk Directory ................................. 25
Step 2: Add client computers .............................................................. 27
Step 3: Configure security for FactoryTalk AssetCentre .................. 27
Policy settings and their meanings ............................................. 28
Step 4: Add contacts to the Address Book ......................................... 30
Step 5: Set up FactoryTalk AssetCentre database limitations ......... 30
Step 6: Configure the SSL protocol .....................................................32
Create an SSL certificate ...............................................................32
Export the created SSL certificate for FactoryTalk AssetCentre
client and agent computers ........................................................... 34
Configure a site binding ................................................................ 36
Rockwell Automation Publication - FTAC-GR002G-EN-E - March 2021 3
Table of Contents
Quick Start 2: Design the asset
tree
Quick Start 3: Set up Disaster
Recovery schedules
Quick Start 4: View and search
logs
Configure SSL settings for Management of Change, FactoryTalk
AssetCentre Client and Agent, and FactoryTalk AssetCentre
Web Client ...................................................................................... 39
Turn on secure communication between the server, client(s),
and agent(s) .................................................................................... 41
Import the SSL certificate to client and agent computers ........ 42
Configure a firewall rule and web services URL if the default
port is modified ............................................................................. 49
Step 7: Configure Windows Authentication ..................................... 52
Turn on Windows Authentication mode in Internet
Information Services (IIS) ............................................................ 53
Chapter 6
Quick Start steps for designing the asset tree ......................................... 55
Step 1: Plan the organization of your asset tree ................................. 55
Step 2: Add assets to the asset tree...................................................... 57
Use Asset Inventory to add assets to the asset tree .................... 58
Step 3: Change security settings for an asset ..................................... 61
Chapter 7
Quick Start steps for setting up schedules.............................................. 64
Step 1: Set up Agent Groups and agent computers in them ............ 64
Create an agent group ...................................................................65
Create an agent computer .............................................................65
Step 2: Create a schedule for the desired Disaster Recovery
operation .............................................................................................. 66
Step 3: Set up recipient lists for schedule results ............................... 67
Send an End of Schedule report ................................................... 67
Send an operation-specific report ............................................... 68
Step 4: Run schedules.......................................................................... 68
Run schedules by making them active ........................................ 68
Run schedules manually ............................................................... 69
Chapter 8
Quick Start steps for viewing and searching logs .................................. 72
Step 1: View logs .................................................................................. 72
Step 2: Create a search ......................................................................... 73
Step 3: Set search security ................................................................... 76
Step 4: Run searches ............................................................................ 77
Make a search active ..................................................................... 78
Run searches manually ................................................................. 78
Step 5: View and print search results................................................. 78
4 Rockwell Automation Publication - FTAC-GR002G-EN-E - March 2021
Quick Start 5: Open and edit files
in Archive
Quick Start 6: Manage Rockwell
Automation hardware life cycle
Troubleshoot
Table of Contents
Chapter 9
Quick Start steps for managing files in Archive ...................................... 81
Step 1: Set a working folder ................................................................ 82
Step 2: Check out a file for editing ..................................................... 83
Step 3: Check in a file .......................................................................... 84
Step 4: Get a read-only version of a file ............................................. 86
Step 5: Open a file for viewing ............................................................ 87
Step 6: Initiate a Management of Change workflow to check out a
file for editing ...................................................................................... 88
Chapter 10
Quick Start steps for managing Rockwell Automation hardware life
cycle ............................................................................................................. 91
Step 1: Synchronize life-cycle status ................................................... 91
Step 2: Refresh life-cycle status .......................................................... 92
Step 3: View detailed life-cycle status ................................................. 93
Chapter 11
Troubleshoot the FactoryTalk AssetCentre client ...................................95
If the client fails to start .......................................................................95
If the client cannot communicate with the server............................ 96
If you cannot enter Design Mode ....................................................... 97
If you cannot connect to PanelView Plus devices .............................. 97
If you cannot connect to MobileView devices ................................... 98
Troubleshoot Schedules ............................................................................ 98
If a schedule did not run ..................................................................... 98
If a schedule no longer appears on the Schedules tab ...................... 98
If an asset is missing from a schedule ............................................... 98
My schedule contains extra devices that I don't want in the schedule
.............................................................................................................. 99
If you are prompted to install agents when creating a Disaster
Recovery schedule ............................................................................. 100
If you see the message "Failed to create RSLogix 5 [or 500] data [or
program ladder] file list" ................................................................... 100
If the scheduled Disaster Recovery operation never completes .... 100
Troubleshoot e-mail notifications........................................................... 101
If e-mail notifications do not reach their recipients ....................... 101
Troubleshoot Logs .................................................................................... 101
If you cannot view a log ..................................................................... 101
If no data appears in a log ................................................................. 102
If you cannot refresh a log ................................................................. 102
If you cannot show a previously viewed log ..................................... 102
Rockwell Automation Publication - FTAC-GR002G-EN-E - March 2021 5
Table of Contents
Legal Notices
Index
Troubleshoot Archive ............................................................................... 102
If you cannot check in a file ............................................................... 102
If you cannot open a file .................................................................... 102
If the wrong program opens a file .................................................... 103
If a button is not available ................................................................. 103
If you performed a recursive check out and the subfolders didn't
copy ..................................................................................................... 103
Legal Notices ............................................................................................ 105
6 Rockwell Automation Publication - FTAC-GR002G-EN-E - March 2021
Activation
About the documentation
Chapter 1
Introduce FactoryTalk AssetCentre
FactoryTalk® AssetCentre monitors your factory automation system, provides
centralized tools to minimize downtime due to unauthorized actions or
failing devices, and manages the life cycle of Rockwell Automation hardware
devices in the system. It does this by:
• securing access to actions within the FactoryTalk AssetCentre system.
For information about security, see
system on page 25.
• managing device configuration files. For more information about
configuration files, see Quick Start 2: Design the asset tree on page 55
• providing a disaster recovery system that verifies your devices'
program and configuration files against protected master files,
ensuring quick and accurate recovery if a problem should occur. For
information about Disaster Recovery, see
Disaster Recovery schedules on page 63.
• monitoring FactoryTalk-enabled software products and logging
system events and user actions (recorded in the Event log and Audit
log respectively). For information about logs, see
and search logs on page 71.
• providing version control and archiving of program files and
documents. For information about Archive, see
and edit files in Archive on page 81.
• synchronizing life-cycle information in the FactoryTalk AssetCentre
server and client with the data on the
website. For information about life-cycle management, see Quick Start
6: Manage Rockwell Automation hardware life cycle on page 91.
Quick Start 1: Configure the
Quick Start 3: Set up
Quick Start 4: View
Quick Start 5: Open
Rockwell Automation life cycle
.
set
Rockwell Automation Publication - FTAC-GR002G-EN-E - March 2021 7
FactoryTalk AssetCentre software is activated on two criteria:
• capacity (number of devices)
• capability (purchased functionality)
In addition, the FactoryTalk AssetCentre server must be activated. For more
information on activation, refer to the Activation in FactoryTalk AssetCentre topic
of Help.
The documentation set includes:
• FactoryTalk AssetCentre Installation Guide (Document ID FTAC-
IN005). Use this manual to install the FactoryTalk AssetCentre system.
This manual is also available on the FactoryTalk AssetCentre
installation package in 11.00.00-FTAssetCentre\Docs. The file name is
Chapter 1 Introduce FactoryTalk AssetCentre
FactoryTalk AssetCentre
About this book
Contact Technical Support
This manual is intended to give a general overview of the software. For more
detailed information, please refer to FactoryTalk AssetCentre Help.
FactoryTalk AssetCentre Help is available from the Help menu, by pressing F1
or clicking the Show Help button, or by clicking the Help button in any dialog
Help
box in the FactoryTalk AssetCentre software.
FTAC-InstallGuide.pdf. You can find it in Rockwell Automation
Literature Library.
• Help. Use the comprehensive Help for assistance while using the
FactoryTalk AssetCentre system.
• FactoryTalk AssetCentre Getting Results Guide (Document ID FTAC-
GR002). Use this manual to get started with the FactoryTalk
AssetCentre system. You can find it in
Rockwell Automation Literature
Library.
• FactoryTalk AssetCentre Utilities User Manual (Document ID FTAC-
UM001). Use this manual for assistance while using an array of utilities
whose capabilities are not present in the FactoryTalk AssetCentre
system. You can find it in Rockwell Automation Literature Library
.
This manual provides you with information on how to get started using your
FactoryTalk AssetCentre system. It is not intended to be a comprehensive
users guide. For complete information on all features, tasks, and interface
elements, refer to Help.
This book is written for FactoryTalk AssetCentre users. We assume you are
familiar with:
• Microsoft® Windows® operating systems including basic Windows
networking and administration tasks
• RSLinx® Classic and FactoryTalk® Linx™ communication software
• Rockwell Automation programing tools for programmable logic
controllers
• control networks such as DeviceNet and programmable logic
controllers such as ControlLogix® processors
If you cannot find answers to your questions in this manual, Help, or on the
Technical Support Web site, call Technical Support.
• Phone—440-646-3434 in the USA
• Technical Support hours of operation—8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
If you are not located in the USA and want to contact Rockwell Automation
Support by telephone, go to
https://www.rockwellautomation.com/global/support/overview.page
, choose
language as needed, click Local and Contact Support, click Call us, and then
select your region and country for information about contacting your local
support organization.
8 Rockwell Automation Publication - FTAC-GR002G-EN-E - March 2021
When you call you should be at your computer and be prepared to give the
following information:
Chapter 1 Introduce FactoryTalk AssetCentre
• the product version number
• the type of hardware you are using
• the exact wording of any messages that appeared on your screen
• a description of what happened and what you were doing when the
problem occurred
• a description of how you tried to solve the problem
Tip: Select Help > About from the Menu bar to show the product serial number and product
version number.
For information about all of the products available from Rockwell Automation
or for technical support, go to one of the following sites:
• https://www.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/products.html#software
https://www.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/products.html#software
• https://www.rockwellautomation.com/global/support/overview.page
• https://rockwellautomation.custhelp.com
Rockwell Automation Publication - FTAC-GR002G-EN-E - March 2021 9
Run the FactoryTalk
Elements of the FactoryTalk
Chapter 2
Navigate the FactoryTalk AssetCentre client
All actions in FactoryTalk AssetCentre take place in the FactoryTalk
AssetCentre Client. Changes you make in the client window are stored on the
FactoryTalk AssetCentre Server.
AssetCentre client
AssetCentre client window
To start the FactoryTalk AssetCentre Client
• Using Windows Search, find FactoryTalk AssetCentre Client, and then
double-click the name.
If the client fails to start properly, see If the client fails to start on page 95
.
Rockwell Automation Publication - FTAC-GR002G-EN-E - March 2021 11
The screen includes the following items:
1. Menu bar
2. Toolbar
3. Asset view
It shows an assets tree that you create to represent your plant.
4. Workspace pane
It shows the information and controls of the tools:
• Address Book
• Agent Groups
• Archive
• Assets Lifecycle
Chapter 2 Navigate the FactoryTalk AssetCentre client
Asset view
Asset
Design mode
• Logs
• Schedules
• Searches
5. Asset catalog
Available in the design mode, it lists all the types of assets that you can
add to the assets tree in the asset view.
6. Status bar
It shows the following information:
• The currently logged on user
• The status of the connection to the server
• The number of connected agent computers in the system
Everything that you do in FactoryTalk AssetCentre begins with an asset. The
Asset View shows the asset tree, a representation of your plant. In the asset
tree, you can include all of the assets (anything from a device to a program to a
procedure document) that you want to control, back up, or monitor.
An asset in FactoryTalk AssetCentre represents items of value in your
automation system — things you want to control and to which you want to
monitor access. Assets can be automation device items and legacy device
items (including controllers, drives, robots, E300 Overload Relay, Asset
Inventory, FactoryTalk Directory, FactoryTalk View Site Edition, and more),
files (program files or even drawings or word processing files), folders, or
containers of other assets. While FactoryTalk AssetCentre is intended to
handle files for automation projects, any kind of file can become an asset in
FactoryTalk AssetCentre.
In this mode, you can:
• Set up or modify the asset tree in the Asset View so that it represents
your system.
• Add devices to the asset tree from the Asset Catalog or edit devices
already in the asset tree. The Asset Catalog is only shown in Design
mode.
• Set up or modify the agent group tree in the Agent Groups plug-in.
To enter Design mode, click the Design button in the Asset View. The Design
button toggles Design mode on and off. You can also, on the Menu bar, select
12 Rockwell Automation Publication - FTAC-GR002G-EN-E - March 2021
Catalog, see If you can’t enter Design Mode on page 97.
Asset catalog
Chapter 2 Navigate the FactoryTalk AssetCentre client
Edit > Design Mode or press F3. Only one user in your system can be in Design
mode at a time.
Tip: You must have Switch to Design mode permission to enter Design mode. See Step 3: Set Feature
Security for FactoryTalk AssetCentre on page 27.
If you have Switch to Design mode permission and still cannot enter Design mode to view the Asset
The Asset Catalog lists all the types of assets that can be added to the asset
tree. The Asset Catalog is only available when the Asset View is in Design
mode. In Design mode, you will use the Asset Catalog to select and add assets
by dragging them from the Asset Catalog to the asset tree. For information
about adding assets to the asset tree, see Step 2: Add assets to the asset tree
on
page 57.
The Asset Catalog can be positioned either below the Asset View or beside the
Asset View.
Rockwell Automation Publication - FTAC-GR002G-EN-E - March 2021 13
Chapter 2 Navigate the FactoryTalk AssetCentre client
About asset types
• To position the Asset Catalog below the Asset View, select View >
Layout > Split Horizontally.
• To position the Asset Catalog beside and to the right of the Asset View,
select View > Layout > Split Vertically.
Assets fall into these categories:
• Device Items
• Files and Folder Items
• Legacy Device Items
• Organizational Items
Device Items
Devices can be placed in the asset tree in the root or in a container. Device
assets, except for Asset Inventory and Generic Device, count toward capacity
activation.
Most device assets are used with the Disaster Recovery capability. A device is a
physical automation device. Available device assets are Rockwell Automation
controllers; Rockwell Automation PanelView operator interfaces; PanelView
Plus operator interfaces; Stratix Managed Switches; Rockwell Automation
drives; E300 Overload Relays; and MobileView operator interfaces.
The following asset types also belong to the Devices Items category:
14 Rockwell Automation Publication - FTAC-GR002G-EN-E - March 2021
• Asset Inventory
Use this asset type to scan physical automation devices on the network.
When you run a backup or backup and compare schedule on an Asset
Inventory asset, the Asset Inventory agent service scans the connected
devices and computers on the network and stores unique
identification information about hardware, firmware, and software in
the backup data. You can open the backup data in grid view to see the
detailed scanning result of devices and associated software. You can
also add the scanned assets to the asset tree or update assets in the
asset tree with different properties.
• FactoryTalk Directory
Use this asset type to run a schedule that backs up the FactoryTalk
Directory of your system on a regular basis.
• FactoryTalk View Site Edition
Use this asset type to run a schedule that backs up FactoryTalk View
Site Edition network applications, including HMI server, FactoryTalk
Directory, FactoryTalk Linx, and FactoryTalk Alarms and Events data.
• Generic Device
Chapter 2 Navigate the FactoryTalk AssetCentre client
Use this asset type to add unsupported devices to the asset tree.
• Generic FTP Device
Use this asset type for devices that use FTP, like robots and drives that
host a FTP Server, such as FANUC or ABB robots. The Generic FTP
device replaced the vendor-specific robot asset type, Fanuc Robot and
ABB Robot, in version 7.00 and later
• Remote Computer
Use this asset type with the Disaster Recovery capability to back up and
verify the contents of a specified shared folder on a computer in the
system. A binder asset is used to specify which files within the shared
folder should be operated on. For more information click Help in the
dialog boxes that are shown when adding a remote computer and
binder to the asset tree.
• Custom Devices
Use this asset type to perform Disaster Recovery capability for a
physical automation device which has no corresponding asset type in
FactoryTalk AssetCentre. When configuring your backup tool and
compare tool in Tools > Options, you can perform Disaster Recovery
capability for your device automatically.
Files and Folder Items
These types of assets can be placed under any device or container in the asset
tree.
Rockwell Automation Publication - FTAC-GR002G-EN-E - March 2021 15
Chapter 2 Navigate the FactoryTalk AssetCentre client
Tip:
or asset inventories can ONLY contain files, links, binders, and other folders.
Workspace pane
• A Binder is a collection of files and folders that is treated as a unit. For
example, when you check out a binder all the contents of the binder are
checked out and placed in your working folder.
• A File in the asset tree can be any type of data file, from a device's
configuration file, to a text file, to a CAD drawing.
• A Folder is simply a container in which to place files. You may want to
organize files within a folder if you have many files associated with a
component or area of your plant, such as a procedure document, an
inventory spreadsheet, CAD drawings, and so on. Folders can only
contain Files, Binders, and Links, not Devices.
• A Link to a binder or file is similar to a shortcut in Microsoft Windows.
It is not a second copy of the file or binder, but rather a link to an
existing file or binder in the asset tree. Including the same file or
binder in several locations in the asset tree would compromise version
control for that file or binder. Instead, place a link to the file or binder
in the additional locations.
Legacy Device Items
Legacy Devices Items, the same as Devices Items, can be placed in the asset
tree in the root or in a container. Legacy device assets include ABB Robot,
FANUC Robot, and RA Drive.
Organizational Items
An organizational asset can be placed in the root or in another container in
the asset tree.
• A Generic Container provides a means of representing a functional
area of your plant that is comprised of multiple devices. For example, a
wash rack might be comprised of a processor, a robot, valves, flow
meters, and so on. (Valves and flow meters are not included in
FactoryTalk AssetCentre. Additional device types will be added in
future releases. For the time being, they could be represented by a
Generic Device.)
While containers and folders both contain assets, they are not
interchangeable. Containers can hold ANY type of asset (including folders).
Use a generic container to hold devices and other associated assets. Folders
16 Rockwell Automation Publication - FTAC-GR002G-EN-E - March 2021
The Workspace Pane shows the information and controls for the FactoryTalk
AssetCentre tools: Archive, Schedules, Logs, Searches, Agent Groups, and
Button
Description
Adds a new item such as an asset, schedule, search, or Address Book contact
Asset View has focus, but is not in Design mode).
Available only when information (such as a schedule or search) has been
edited, but not yet saved.
Available only when viewing a log. Prints either the selected records or all
records listed.
until it is pasted in the new location.
Toolbar
Chapter 2 Navigate the FactoryTalk AssetCentre client
Address Book. After a tool is selected, it appears on a tab in the Workspace
Pane:
1. Click a button to show a tool in the Workspace Pane.
Alternatively, you can choose a tool on the View menu.
2. Tabs appear on the Workspace Pane for each tool that is open.
3. Users can get the severity of the logs and take the corresponding
actions.
Use the Workspace Pane to:
• Set up and run schedules. See
Quick Start 3: Set up Disaster Recovery
schedules on page 63.
• View and search logs. See Quick Start 4: View and search logs on page
71.
• Manage file versions in Archive. See Quick Start 5: Open and edit files
in Archive on page 81.
The following table lists the FactoryTalk AssetCentre client toolbar buttons
and provides a brief description of each button’s functions:
New
or group, depending on what is selected and has focus in the rest of the
window. This button is unavailable if nothing can be added (for example, if the
Rockwell Automation Publication - FTAC-GR002G-EN-E - March 2021 17
Save
Print
Cut
Combined with the Paste button, the Cut button moves an asset from one
location in the tree to another. Select the asset, then click the Cut button. Click
on the container in which you want to place the asset, then click the Paste
button. The asset that was cut does not disappear from its original location
Chapter 2 Navigate the FactoryTalk AssetCentre client
Combined with the Paste button, the Copy button duplicates an asset in the
in which you want to place the asset, then click the Paste button.
Combined with the Cut (or Copy) button, the Paste button moves (or copies) an
asset, then click the Paste button.
Deletes the selected asset (if in Design mode), search, schedule, or Address
Asset View toolbar, Search toolbar, and Schedules toolbar.
Opens or shifts focus to the Asset View. This view contains the asset tree that
Opens the Agent Groups tab on which you can manage the agents into groups.
If the tab is open, it brings the Agent Groups tab to the front.
Opens or shifts focus to the Archive tab. Archive is FactoryTalk AssetCentre’s
information, see Quick Start 5: Open and edit files in Archive on page 81.
Opens the Assets Lifecycle tab on which you can synchronize life-cycle
the AssetCentre client with the AssetCentre server.
Opens or shifts focus to the Logs tab. This tab allows you to view any of the
information, see Quick Start 4: View and search logs on page 71.
see Quick Start 3: Set up Disaster Recovery schedules on page 63.
logs on page 71.
Shows the properties of the selected item: an asset in the Asset View or a
properties if the Asset View is in Design mode.
Shows the online help related to the part of the software you are currently
using.
Menu bar
Right-click menus
Status bar
Copy
Paste
Delete
tree. First select the asset and click the Copy button. Next select the container
asset from one location in the tree to another. Select the asset, then click the
Cut (or Copy) button. Click on the container in which you want to place the
Book contact or group. This has the same function as the Delete button on the
you create to represent your system. For more information about the asset
tree, see Quick Start 2: Design the asset tree on page 55.
source control tool that you will use to manage file versions. For more
information in the FactoryTalk AssetCentre server and client with the data on
the Rockwell Automation life cycle website, or refresh life-cycle information in
logs -- the Audit Log, the Event Log, and the Diagnostics & Health Log. For more
Properties
Show Help
Opens or shifts focus to the Schedules tab where you can set up scheduled
operations such as Backup and Backup and Compare. For more information,
Opens or shifts focus to the Searches tab where you can search the logs or
the Archive history. For more information, see
contact in the Address Book, for example. For an asset, you can only edit the
Quick Start 4: View and search
Any menu can be clicked or opened by holding down the Alt key and pressing
the underlined letter in the menu name. For example, to show the Tools
menu, press Alt-t. For information on any menu command, refer to the About
the Menu Bar topic of the FactoryTalk AssetCentre Help.
Right-click menus provide access to most functions in the FactoryTalk
AssetCentre client and are available throughout the software. For example,
right-click in the Asset View, on an asset in the Asset View, or in the
Workspace Pane to see a list of functions particular to that item.
For information on a particular command on a right-click menu, refer to Help
and search for the command.
The Status Bar at the bottom of the FactoryTalk AssetCentre window shows
the currently logged on FactoryTalk user and the status of the connection to
the server. It also shows the number of FactoryTalk AssetCentre agents
running in the system.
18 Rockwell Automation Publication - FTAC-GR002G-EN-E - March 2021
Chapter 2 Navigate the FactoryTalk AssetCentre client
If the server status is Disconnected, see If the client cannot communicate with
the server on page 96.
Rockwell Automation Publication - FTAC-GR002G-EN-E - March 2021 19
Chapter 3
FactoryTalk AssetCentre system architecture
The following graphic shows the FactoryTalk AssetCentre system architecture
and relationship of user permission, networking, license management, and
version control within the architecture.
Rockwell Automation Publication - FTAC-GR002G-EN-E - March 2021 21
Tip:
as
MYSERVER:PortNumber
.
Tip:
password are used to log on to FactoryTalk AssetCentre Web Client.
Access FactoryTalk
Chapter 4
About FactoryTalk AssetCentre Web Client
FactoryTalk AssetCentre supports the accessing of a FactoryTalk AssetCentre
client through a web interface on computers and mobile devices. FactoryTalk
AssetCentre Web Client supports several FactoryTalk AssetCentre client
functions. The new capability allows you to:
• View archives and schedules in the asset tree
• View, run, and stop schedules
• View dashboards of the Backup and Backup and Compare schedule
results
• View Event Log, Audit Log, and Diagnostics and Health Log
• View and run searches
• View agent groups
AssetCentre Web Client
It is required that you use the SSL protocol with FactoryTalk AssetCentre
Mobile Client. See Step 6: Configure the SSL protocol on page 32
.
To access FactoryTalk AssetCentre Web Client
1. Open the device's browser, and type the following address:
https://FQDN/RockwellSoftware/AssetCentreWebClient
FQDN is the fully qualified domain name (FQDN) of the FactoryTalk
AssetCentre Server computer.
If you are changed the default port in site binding on page 36
include the self-defined port number in the computer name part in the form
2. On the FactoryTalk AssetCentre Web Client page, type the user name
and the password.
Make sure to create a FactoryTalk Service Platform account and its password
on the computer running FactoryTalk AssetCentre server. The account and
3. Tap or click Log in.
, you need to
Rockwell Automation Publication - FTAC-GR002G-EN-E - March 2021 23
Tip:
FactoryTalk Administration Console.
Quick Start steps for
Step 1: Add users to the
Chapter 5
Quick Start 1: Configure the system
After installing the FactoryTalk AssetCentre software, there are several steps
you must perform to start using the software. The next several chapters of this
guide take you through the steps required to quickly get results using
FactoryTalk AssetCentre.
The main tasks necessary to begin using FactoryTalk AssetCentre are:
configuring the system
• Quick Start 1: Configure the system on page 25
• Quick Start 2: Design the asset tree on page 55
• Quick Start 3: Set up Disaster Recovery schedules on page 63
• Quick Start 4: View and search logs on page 71
• Quick Start 5: Open and edit files in Archive on page 81
• Quick Start 6: Manage Rockwell Automation hardware life cycle on
page 91
This current chapter will concentrate only on the steps necessary to configure
your FactoryTalk AssetCentre system.
To configure your FactoryTalk AssetCentre system, you must perform the
following steps:
• Step 1: Add users to the FactoryTalk Directory on page 25
• Step 2: Add client computers on page 27
• Step 3: Set feature security for FactoryTalk AssetCentre on page 27
• Step 4: Add contacts to the FactoryTalk AssetCentre Address Book on
page 30
• Step 5: Set up FactoryTalk AssetCentre database limitations on page 30
• Step 6: Configure the SSL protocol on page 32
• Step 7: Configure Windows Authentication on page 52
FactoryTalk Directory
Rockwell Automation Publication - FTAC-GR002G-EN-E - March 2021 25
A user must have a FactoryTalk Directory user account in order to use
FactoryTalk AssetCentre.
This section contains only basic instructions for using the FactoryTalk
Directory and FactoryTalk Security. For background information and
information regarding more advanced procedures, please see the Help for the
By default, all members of the Administrators group on the computers on
which you installed the FactoryTalk Services Platform were added to the
Administrators group in the FactoryTalk Directory. Also, any rights that you
assign to a Windows User Group are assigned to all members of that group.
It is recommended to use a native FactoryTalk Group to which Windows AD
user accounts and groups are added. This practice simplifies the process of
Chapter 5 Quick Start 1: Configure the system
Tip:
If you have users who need similar access to features of FactoryTalk
about grouping users, see the Help for the FactoryTalk Administration Console.
confirming the security configuration as testing is performed on the native
FactoryTalk Group, and policy is written about which Windows user and
groups are added to the native FactoryTalk group.
To add a user to the FactoryTalk Directory
1. Start the FactoryTalk Administration Console:
a. Click Start, and then use search to search for FactoryTalk
Administration Console.
b. Click FactoryTalk Administration Console.
FactoryTalk Administration Console appears.
2. Log on to the Network directory using a FactoryTalk Administrator
account.
3. Open the Users and Groups folder.
4. Under the Users and Groups folder, right-click the Users folder, and
then select New.
5. Specify whether you want to create a new FactoryTalk User or a
Windows-Linked User.
• FactoryTalk user accounts are visible only to the FactoryTalk system
and their access is independent of Windows.
• A Windows-linked user is validated by Windows domain.
A FactoryTalk Security account is the same as a FactoryTalk user
account. For more information, see "Accounts and groups" in the
FactoryTalk Help.
• If you may need to use FactoryTalk AssetCentre while disconnected
from the network, use FactoryTalk Security user accounts.
Windows-linked user accounts will not be able to authenticate with
the domain while disconnected.
• If you choose to use Windows-linked users, consider using
Windows-linked group accounts rather than Windows-linked user
accounts if possible. This simplifies the process if you ever move
your software to a different domain. You cannot move individual
Windows-linked user accounts from one domain to another. You
can move Windows-linked group accounts to a new domain, while
retaining all of the security permissions for the group. If you change
the domain an individual Windows-linked user account belongs to,
you must delete the old account, create the new account, and then
recreate all of the security permissions for the new account.
26 Rockwell Automation Publication - FTAC-GR002G-EN-E - March 2021
AssetCentre, consider grouping users to make assigning security privileges
easier. For example, you can group all of your electricians into an
group, and then provide security access for them as a group. For information
6. Enter the information for the user.
Electricians
http://localhost/rockwellsoftware/assetcentre.
Tip: If you have a significant number of computers for which you need to permit or restrict access,
the automation system directly.
Step 2: Add client
computers
Step 3: Configure security
Chapter 5 Quick Start 1: Configure the system
For more detailed instructions on adding users and grouping users, refer to
the FactoryTalk Administration Console Help.
Before adding a client computer to the FactoryTalk AssetCentre system,
install the FactoryTalk AssetCentre client software on a computer that meets
the system requirements and is connected to the same network as the
FactoryTalk AssetCentre server.
To add a client computer
1. Open Internet Explorer, and in the Address box, type the following:
http://servername/rockwellsoftware/assetcentre
where servername is the name of your FactoryTalk AssetCentre server
computer.
For example, if your FactoryTalk AssetCentre server computer name is
MYSERVER, type the following:
http://MYSERVER/rockwellsoftware/assetcentre
• Tip: If you are using SSL, then start the address with
• If you have changed the default port in site binding on page 36, you need to include the self-
defined port number in the computer name part in the form as
• If you install the FactoryTalk AssetCentre agent software on the FactoryTalk AssetCentre
server computer, type the following in the Address box:
https://
instead of
http://
MYSERVER:PortNumber
.
.
for FactoryTalk AssetCentre
2. Press Enter.
Internet Explorer shows a page from the server that allows you to
install the FactoryTalk AssetCentre client software.
3. Click Install AssetCentre Client on this computer.
The installation automatically starts when the installation package is
downloaded.
During the installation, the FactoryTalk Services Platform will be installed and
the computer will be added to the FactoryTalk Network Directory. If for some
reason the client computer is not in the FactoryTalk Network Directory, use
the FactoryTalk Administration Console to add it. See Help for the FactoryTalk
Administration Console for instructions on adding a computer.
consider grouping them in the FactoryTalk Administration Console to make assigning security privileges
easier. For example, you can group all of the computers used in offices away from the plant floor and
restrict access to features that should be used only from computers stationed where the user can see
By default, all users and the Administrators group in FactoryTalk Directory
can perform any task in the FactoryTalk AssetCentre software. To deny
specific users the right to perform tasks in FactoryTalk AssetCentre, you must
edit the Feature Security settings in the FactoryTalk Administration Console.
Rockwell Automation Publication - FTAC-GR002G-EN-E - March 2021 27
Chapter 5 Quick Start 1: Configure the system
IMPORTANT
rights in all FactoryTalk-enabled products using any FactoryTalk CPR 9 version.
IMPORTANT
here is also a Server Settings object in the FactoryTalk AssetCentre folder. Do NOT
Server Settings.
Tip: As a default, FactoryTalk AssetCentre uses Microsoft Windows file associations. To specify
associations
topic of Help.
This policy setting
Controls whether users can
View Address Book
View the Address Book (which contains addresses for the purpose of sending automatic e-mail notifications).
Edit Address Book
Edit or add contacts and groups in the Address Book (which contains addresses for the purpose of sending automatic email notifications).
Override Archive Check In
Check in a file regardless of who checked it out or from where it was checked out.
Policy settings and their
To configure security settings
Never explicitly deny rights to the All Users or Administrators group in FactoryTalk. Rather,
set up specific user groups of your own and deny rights to those groups. Denying rights
to All Users or Administrators could lock everyone out of the system and would deny
1. Start the FactoryTalk Administration Console:
a. Click Start, and then use search to search for FactoryTalk Administration
Console.
b. Click FactoryTalk Administration Console.
FactoryTalk Administration Console appears.
2. Log on to the Network directory using a FactoryTalk Administrator
account.
3. In the Explorer pane of the FactoryTalk Administration Console,
navigate to System > Policies > Product Policies > FactoryTalk
AssetCentre.
4. Double-click Feature Security.
attempt to change any of the settings in this object. Doing so may render your
FactoryTalk AssetCentre system inoperative. If you need to change server settings
(to use a different mail server, for example), from Windows Start menu, select
All Programs > Rockwell Software > FactoryTalk AssetCentre Server >
5. In the Feature Security Properties window, click the policy you want
to change, and then click the browse button for the policy.
See Policy settings and their meanings on page 28
.
6. In the Configure Securable Action dialog box, select the user or group
for whom you want to assign permissions. If the user or group does
not appear in the list, click Add, click Show all, select the user or group,
and then click OK.
7. Click the appropriate box to allow or deny the user permission to the
selected feature.
8. Click OK.
which software program will open a specific type of file, set file associations. See the
The following table shows the policy settings and their functions.
Set file
meanings
28 Rockwell Automation Publication - FTAC-GR002G-EN-E - March 2021
Configure Database Limitations
Configure the total maximum size of the AssetCentre database, the size warning levels, the maximum number of versions
Configure Archive Options Settings
Turn on or off the function that allows Logix Designer to perform archive activities, such as file check-in, without direct
interaction with the FactoryTalk AssetCentre client.
Clear the Get Writable Copy check box by
Enable or clear the Get Writable Copy check box during get. Denying this permission enables the Get Writable Copy check
check box; a Get retrieves a read-only copy of an Archive object.
Override Archive Undo Check Out
Undo a check out even if a different user checked the file out.
Override Removal of Local Copies
Choose to keep local copies of checked-in files on their computer. If this right is allowed, the user can keep local copies. If
this right is denied, the user is not given this option.
take precedence over the system file association.
Configure System Archive File Associations
Configure which software product launches when opening a particular type of file. This setting applies unless the user has
specified a personal file association.
Configure Personal Archive Working Folders
Set a personal working folder for checking out files.
Configure System Archive Working Folders
Set the system working folder to which all users check out files unless they have a personal working folder.
Run Archive Database Cleanup Wizard
Run the Archive Database Cleanup Wizard to delete unused versions of files.
Allow Empty Comment at Check In
Leave the comment field empty as they check in an asset.
Store latest version only
Choose to store only the latest version in the Archive.
Set maximum versions
Configure the total maximum number of versions stored in the Archive.
Configure Asset Inventory Settings
Configure the settings in the Asset Inventory window.
Configure Assets Lifecycle Sync
Synchronize life cycle information in the FactoryTalk AssetCentre server and client with the Rockwell Automation life cycle
website.
Display Calibration Management Data*
View Calibration Management data in FactoryTalk AssetCentre.
Perform Calibration Management*
Access Calibration Management functionality in ProCalV5 software.
Administer Calibration Users*
Administer users, groups, and permissions in ProCalV5 software. Note that this policy only determines if the user is
policy for an AssetCentre user does not change the user's ProCalV5 security permissions.
Configure Database Maintenance
Configure automatic database maintenance, manually analyze, or rebuild index fragmentation.
Switch to Design mode
Enter Design mode, in which the user can edit the asset tree.
View Event Log
Show the Event Log and run a search on the Event Log.
View Audit Log
Show the Audit Log and run a search on the Audit Log.
View Diagnostics and Health Log
Show the Diagnostics and Health Log and run a search on the Diagnostics and Health Log.
Change Diagnostics and Health Log
Message
Change the status of or add a comment to a Diagnostics and Health Log record.
View Diagnostics and Health Log Status
View a status history for a Diagnostics and Health Log record.
Run Log Database Cleanup Wizard
Run the Log Database Cleanup Wizard to remove old records from the logs. Data can be exported and saved in a separate
file.
Enable or Disable DTMs*
Enable and disable DTMs in the DTM Catalog.
Edit DTM Network*
Show the DTM Networks dialog box to edit the DTM network.
Run PDC Field Edition*
Use the Process Device Configuration Field Edition software.
Create a new schedule
Create a schedule.
Edit a schedule
Change existing schedules.
Delete a schedule
Delete schedules.
View a schedule
Show the Schedules tab.
Command a schedule
Issue commands to a schedule, such as making the schedule active or running the schedule immediately.
Out Status information.
Chapter 5 Quick Start 1: Configure the system
per archive asset, the maximum size of Event, Audit, and Diagnostics logs, and the database capacity status refresh rate.
default
box; a Get retrieves a writable copy of an Archive object. Allowing this permission (by default) clears the Get Writable Copy
Configure Personal Archive File Associations Configure which software product launches when opening a particular type of file. If a personal file association is set, it will
automatically added to the Administrator group in the ProCalV5 software. Once the user is added to ProCalV5, changing this
Create a search Set up a new search to find entries matching specified criteria in one of the logs, in the Archive History, or in Archive Check
* Starting from FactoryTalk AssetCentre version 10.00, process device
capabilities are not supported. The policies marked with asterisk are only kept
for viewing purposes if you have upgraded FactoryTalk AssetCentre from
version 9.00 or earlier.
Rockwell Automation Publication - FTAC-GR002G-EN-E - March 2021 29
Chapter 5 Quick Start 1: Configure the system
permissions. See Step 3: Set Feature Security for FactoryTalk AssetCentre on page 27.
Tip: If in your existing e-mail system you have a group that already has an e-mail address (for
the group will not be added to the Address Book as contacts.
Open the Address Book and click the Modify contacts and groups topic.
Step 4: Add contacts to the
Step 5: Set up FactoryTalk
Use the FactoryTalk AssetCentre Address Book tab to create contact
information that the system uses to notify users about the progress and
Address Book
outcome of FactoryTalk AssetCentre schedules and other system-related
events. You can then add contacts to groups (for example,
allelectricians@myplant.com) if your existing mail system supports groups.
This allows you to inform recipients about system events simultaneously.
To add contacts to the Address Book
Tip: You cannot import groups from another e-mail program. More than one user can create groups at
the same time.
To create contacts and groups, you must be granted View Address Book and Edit Address Book
1. Start the FactoryTalk AssetCentre Client.
2. Select View > Address Book.
3. Select Tasks > Add New Address Book Contact or click the New button
(Keyboard users: Press Ctrl-N).
4. In the New Contact name dialog box, complete the Contact tab. You
must enter a unique name for the contact that is not the same as any
other contact or group name.
5. Click the Internet tab and complete it. You must enter an e-mail
address for the contact to receive notifications.
AssetCentre database
example, a group of electricians with the e-mail address AllElectricians@MyCompany.com), you
can use that group’s existing e-mail address. Simply create a contact and give it a name (for
example, Electricians) and enter the group’s e-mail address (AllElectricians@MyCompany.com)
as the contact’s default e-mail address. The individual e-mail addresses of the electricians in
6. Click OK.
Once you have created Address Book contacts, you can add those
contacts to Address Book groups. Groups cannot be imported from
another e-mail program.
7. Click Tasks > Add New Address Book Group.
Tip: To add members to an existing rather than new group, see Help. Select Help > Contents.
8. On the Group tab in the Group Name field, enter a name for the group.
9. Click Select Members.
10. In the Contacts/Groups list on the left of the New Group dialog box,
select the contact or group to add to the group, and click Select.
11. Click OK.
Tip: To perform additional Address Book tasks (for example, to delete or modify groups or
contacts), see Help. Select Help > Contents, and open the
Addresses Book
topic.
Use the Options: Database Limitations dialog box to specify the settings of
database limitations, including:
limitations
• Total maximum size of the AssetCentre database
• Size warning levels
30 Rockwell Automation Publication - FTAC-GR002G-EN-E - March 2021
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