How do I use PI DataLink in Excel?

How do I use PI DataLink in Excel?

PI DataLink is an Excel add-in that lets you pull PI System data directly into spreadsheets for analysis and reporting.

Installation

PI DataLink is installed as part of the PI System client tools. After installation, you'll see a PI DataLink tab in Excel's ribbon.

Core Functions

Current Value

Returns the latest value of a PI tag:

=PICurrVal("sinusoid", 0, "piserver")

Compressed Data

Returns recorded (compressed) values over a time range:

=PICompDat("sinusoid", "*-1d", "*", 100, "piserver", ...)

This fills a column with up to 100 archived values from the last 24 hours.

Interpolated Data

Returns evenly-spaced interpolated values:

=PITimeDat("sinusoid", "*-1d", "*", "1h", "piserver", ...)

Gives you hourly values — great for consistent time-aligned reporting.

Calculated Data

Runs PI performance equations:

=PICalcVal("TagAvg('sinusoid', 't', '*')", "*", "piserver", ...)

Working with AF

Use AF-aware functions to query by attribute path:

=PIArcVal("\\AFServer\Database\Element|Attribute", "*-1h", ...)

Tips for Effective Use

Use named ranges for tag names and time parameters to make reports dynamic
Set up auto-refresh (PI DataLink > Settings > Recalculate) for live dashboards
Use PIAdvCalcVal for advanced calculations (time-weighted averages, totals, std dev)
Freeze timestamps before sharing — otherwise recipients see different data

Common Issues

"Calc Failed" usually means a tag name or server is wrong
Large arrays can slow Excel — limit row counts or use summary functions
Time zones follow the PI DataLink settings, not Excel's locale

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Related Questions

What's the difference between snapshot and archive values in PI?How do I optimize PI Data Archive performance?

Dive Deeper

Filter PI DataLink Data by Time of Day and Weekday: A Tutorial Mastering Time Zones in PI DataLink: A Deep Dive into Display Discrepancies Troubleshooting PI DataLink's PIAdvCalcExpVal Expression Length Limits

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