Managing Time Zone Settings in OSIsoft PI AF System Explorer

Understanding and Managing Time Zone Settings in OSIsoft PI AF System Explorer

Time management within the PI System can be a critical aspect for ensuring data accuracy and consistency, especially when dealing with data from multiple geographical locations or when integrating with other enterprise systems. One area where users often encounter challenges is managing time zone settings within the OSIsoft PI Asset Framework (AF) System Explorer.

Prerequisites for Changing Time Zones in OSIsoft PI AF

Time zones in the PI AF System Explorer are tied to the settings of the PI AF server, not the system where the AF client is running. Therefore, understanding this dependency is crucial for troubleshooting any issues you might face when these settings appear to be "greyed out".

Common Issues and Misunderstandings

One common misconception is that having administrative privileges on the PI AF client or even on the server itself would allow a user to change the time zone settings directly within the AF System Explorer. However, this is not the case. The settings reflect those of the PI AF Server and possibly the broader time settings implemented at your organization.

Steps to Change Time Zone Setting

1. Check the PI AF Server Settings: Since the AF System Explorer derives its time zone setting from the PI AF Server, alterations must be made at the server level.

2. Server Host Adjustments: If changes need to be made, they could be executed by adjusting the time zone on the server hosting the PI AF Server. This setting is usually managed by the IT department or a system administrator.

3. Company Time Server Configuration: If your organization utilizes a company-wide time server, ensure that it is set to the correct time zone reflecting your organizational needs. This time server will typically override local settings to ensure system-wide consistency.

Resolving Discrepancies

In cases where there is a discrepancy between what is displayed in AF System Explorer and the actual time zone settings of the server, verify the following:

• Consistency Across Systems: Verify that all systems involved (e.g., PI AF Server, the server's host, and any time servers) have synchronized settings.
• Server Property Configuration: Inspect the server properties and adjust as necessary to ensure they align with the desired time zone.

Misalignment of time zones can lead to data inconsistencies, causing issues with data processing and reporting. Ensuring that all systems are configured consistently is fundamental to maintaining the integrity of the PI System's time-based operations.

Conclusion

Understanding where and how time zone settings are managed within the PI system environment is an important task for any system administrator or engineer working with OSIsoft PI. By ensuring time alignment across all relevant systems, users can prevent data inconsistencies and maintain the reliability of the data management infrastructure. Always conduct thorough checks and collaborate with IT and network teams to achieve the desired configuration.