Troubleshooting Context Switching in PI Vision Collections

Context switching within PI Vision collections, while not explicitly documented, is an essential feature that allows users to seamlessly navigate and compare different data sets or views based on a selected reference framework or "context". However, issues where collections switch back to their original context after a few seconds can indicate potential configuration issues rather than a software bug.

Understanding Context Switching in PI Vision

In PI Vision, context switching allows users to change the data reference from a default context to another, usually by selecting a different element or asset within the Asset Framework (AF). For collections that rely on such functionality, ensuring they retain the correct context is crucial for accurate data visualization and analysis.

Common Causes and Solutions

Here are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve issues with context switching in PI Vision collections:

1. Collection Configuration

Make sure that:

• The collection is configured to support context switching. Verify that the template and attribute filters within the collection are configured to recognize and adapt to the new context.
• There are no configurations that might hard-code the collection to a default context unless explicitly required.

2. Context Switching Elements

Investigate if:

• The parent element or any nested elements that play a role in context switching are set to default back to a specific reference.
• There are attributes or settings overriding the context switch, potentially due to organizational policies or security measures.

3. Data Access Restrictions

Consider:

• Permissions or access restrictions that might be affecting your ability to successfully switch contexts. It’s important to verify that all elements and assets used in the context switching have the necessary read/write permissions.

4. PI Vision and AF Configuration

Ensure:

• The version of PI Vision you are using supports the type of context switching you need. Review any recent updates or patches and ensure they are applied as per OSIsoft’s recommendations.
• The configuration settings within PI Vision and your AF are congruent and do not conflict with expected context switching operations.

Conclusion

If context switching in your PI Vision collections still doesn't operate as expected after following the above steps, it’s advisable to reach out to OSIsoft's technical support for a deeper dive. They can provide assistance with detailed configuration analysis or address any software-specific questions to guide you towards a resolution.

By addressing these factors, organizations can enhance their use of context switching within PI Vision collections, leading to more accurate, dynamic, and meaningful data representations.