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FactoryTalk VantagePoint Getting Results Guide

FactoryTalk VantagePoint provides dashboards, trends, and reports that work with a broad range of real-time and historian data sources.
VantagePoint software consists of server and client components. The server has three components: the System Server, the Portal Server,
and the Database Server (or IncuityStore). The client components include the VantagePoint Portal, Trend, XY Plotter, VantagePoint Manager,
and the Office Excel Add-in.
Please check http://www.rockwellautomation.com/rockwellsoftware/performance/vantagepoint for updates to this document.

Contents
Preface
System Requirements
Installing FactoryTalk VantagePoint
Step 1: Installing the VantagePoint Server
Preparing the VantagePoint Server Machine
Before You Begin
Installing the VantagePoint Server
Step 2: Activating the FactoryTalk License
Initializing the License on VantagePoint
User Licenses
Step 3: Configuring Connectors
Connecting to Data Sources
VantagePoint Simulator
Configuring FactoryTalk Data Sources
Connecting to FactoryTalk Data Sources
Step 4: Installing Client Applications
SSL Support in VantagePoint
Step 5: (Optional) Installing the Dashboard Builder
Upgrading VantagePoint
Uninstalling VantagePoint
VantagePoint Features
Portal
Trend
XY Plotter
Excel Add-In
Dashboard Builder
Manager
Next Steps

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Preface
Contact Customer Support Telephone 1.440.646.3434
Rockwell Online Support http://www.rockwellautomation.com/support

Copyright 2012 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Notice This document and any accompanying products are copyrighted by Rockwell
Automation Technologies, Inc. Any reproduction and/or distribution without prior
written consent from Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. is strictly prohibited.
Please refer to the license agreement for details.

Trademark FactoryTalk, Rockwell Automation, Rockwell Software, the Rockwell Software logo are
Notices registered trademarks of Rockwell Automation, Inc.

Other Microsoft, SQL Server, Internet Explorer, Excel, SharePoint, Windows, and Windows
Trademarks Server 2008 are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation
in the United States and/or other countries.
Adobe, Acrobat, and Reader are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe
Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders and are hereby
acknowledged.

Warranty This product is warranted in accordance with the product license. The products
performance may be affected by system configuration, the application being
performed, operator control, maintenance and other related factors. Rockwell
Automation, Inc. is not responsible for these intervening factors. The instructions in
this document do not cover all the details or variations in the equipment, procedure,
or process described, nor do they provide directions for meeting every possible
contingency during installation, operation, or maintenance. This products
implementation may vary among users.
This document is current as of the time of release of the product. However, the
accompanying software may have changed since the release. Rockwell Automation,
Inc. reserves the right to change any information contained in this document or the
software at any time without prior notice. It is your responsibility to obtain the most
current information available from Rockwell Automation, Inc. when installing or using
this product.

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System Requirements
Before installing VantagePoint, ensure your system meets the following requirements.

System Server

Operating Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 with SP1 (only available in 64-bit);
System Also requires IIS, part of the Web Server Role, with IIS version 6
compatibility. Note that IIS is set to 32-bit mode only.

Software Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 SP1

Microsoft Office 2010 (32-bit only)
Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 or 9
Microsoft .Net Framework 4.0 full version (included with install)
Note: The .NET Framework 4.0 Client Profile is not supported.
Microsoft StreamInsight 1.2 (for Eventing)
Note: FactoryTalk VantagePoint uses a StreamInsight instance named
VantagePoint. If no StreamInsight instance with this name exists on your
computer, you need to install Microsoft StreamInsight during the
installation of FactoryTalk VantagePoint. If a StreamInsight instance with
such a name already exists, the installation is not required. See
StreamInsight Instances in the online help for more information.

Hardware 2.5 GHz CPU

(minimum) 2 GB Hard Drive Space
2048 MB RAM

Note: The VantagePoint server cannot be installed on the same machine where SharePoint is installed.

Full Client

Operating Microsoft Windows XP Professional with SP3 (32-bit or 64-bit)

System Microsoft Windows Vista Business with SP2 (32-bit or 64-bit)
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional with SP1 (32-bit or 64-bit)
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 with SP2 (32-bit or 64-bit), Server 2008
R2 with SP1 (64-bit)
Note: Embedded versions are not supported.

Software Microsoft Office 2007 SP2 or 2010 (32-bit only)

Note: For Dashboard Development only, the Professional Edition or higher
is required. Any Microsoft Office edition that does not support XML maps
(such as Microsoft Office Small Business Edition) is not supported.
Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 or 9
Microsoft .Net Framework 4.0 Extended version (can be downloaded from
the Portal if not installed)
Note: The .NET Framework 4.0 Client Profile is not supported.
Xcelsius 2008 SP5 (for Dashboard development)
Adobe Flash Player (for Dashboard viewing)
Adobe Reader (for viewing Eventing/ReportSet reports)

Hardware 1.5 GHz CPU

(minimum) 100 MB Hard Drive Space
512 MB RAM

Browser Client

Operating Microsoft Windows XP Professional with SP3 (32-bit or 64-bit)

System Microsoft Windows Vista Business with SP2 (32-bit or 64-bit)
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional with SP2 (32-bit or 64-bit)
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 with SP2 (32-bit or 64-bit), Server 2008
R2 with SP1 (64-bit)
Note: Embedded versions are not supported.

Software Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 or 9

Microsoft .Net Framework 4.0 Extended version (can be downloaded from
the Portal if not installed)
Note: The .NET Framework 4.0 Client Profile is not supported.
Adobe Flash Player (for Dashboard viewing)
Adobe Reader (for viewing Eventing/ReportSet reports)

Hardware 1.5 GHz CPU

(minimum) 100 MB Hard Drive Space
512 MB RAM

Installing FactoryTalk VantagePoint

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To start using FactoryTalk VantagePoint, you will need to complete the following steps:
1. Install the FactoryTalk VantagePoint Server on a suitably configured machine. See Step 1: Installing the VantagePoint Server for more
information.
Note: SQL Server must exist before installing the VantagePoint Server. You can use an existing SQL Server installation, or the
Standard Edition is available for VantagePoint users. The Standard Edition requires an additional licensing cost and is recommended
for large application deployment.
2. Complete the FactoryTalk Activation process. See Step 2: Activating the FactoryTalk License for more information.
3. Configure connectors to the data sources that you want to use with VantagePoint. See Step 3: Configuring Connectors for more
information.
4. From a client machine, browse to http://ServerMachineName/Incuity or http:// ServerMachineName/VantagePointPortal and install
the VantagePoint Client Applications. See Step 4: Installing Client Applications for more information.
5. (Optional) Install the Dashboard Builder. See Step 5: (Optional) Installing the Dashboard Builder for more information.
This guide will help you with your initial configuration of VantagePoint. Detailed information about VantagePoint can be found in the online
help, which is installed with the server.

Step 1: Installing the VantagePoint Server

Note: The VantagePoint server cannot be installed on the same machine where SharePoint is installed.

Preparing the VantagePoint Server Machine

Network Considerations
The VantagePoint Server should be installed on a server that:
Has network access to the plant data sources (Control systems, HMI systems, and historians) that VantagePoint will be configured to
access data from.
Is accessible to the intended FactoryTalk VantagePoint users.
In environments where control networks have been separated from business networks, the Server will require a network card attached to
each network.
This figure shows a typical architecture with the
server running VantagePoint having access to
several data sources. VantagePoint users
connect to the VantagePoint Portal (which runs
on the server) to begin working with the
system.

Server Platform Considerations

Production installations of FactoryTalk VantagePoint Server require:
Windows Server 2008 R2 with SP1 (64-bit running IIS in 32-bit mode)
Note: The Windows Server should be configured as an Application Server and a member of the domain (if applicable to your
organization). If you are using a domain, it is recommended that you be logged onto the server where you will be installing
VantagePoint as a domain user that has local administrator rights on the server.
SQL Server 2008 R2 SP1 Standard Edition
Microsoft Excel 2010 (32-bit only)
These products, in addition to all applicable service packs and updates, should be installed prior to the installation of the VantagePoint
Server.

Before You Begin

Ensuring that the Office User Account is Valid
The VantagePoint Server requires Microsoft Office to render reports created with the Excel Add-In, and this copy of Excel needs to run under
a valid Windows user account referred to in VantagePoint as the System/Office user account. The account is required to enable running Excel
in an automated fashion. The user on this account must be a "real" Windows account user with normal user level permissions. The Domain
Name is expected to be the same as the Domain Name for the VantagePoint Server. For more information, see Modifying VantagePoint
Server Accounts in the online help.
Note: This copy of Excel must be launched at least once prior to users generating any Excel reports in the Portal. The installer launches Excel during
the install process.

Installing and Configuring IIS

To avoid interruptions during the install process, please make sure that Internet Information Service (IIS) is installed and configured as
follows:

To install and configure IIS under Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1

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1. In Server Manager, expand Roles, and then right-click Web Server (IIS) and select Add Role Services.
2. Under Application Development, select ASP.NET.
3. Under Security, select Windows Authentication.
4. Under Management Tools > IIS 6 Management Compatibility, select IIS 6 Metabase Compatibility.
If the above roles are not installed, the following message displays during the install process.

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Installing the VantagePoint Server

Important: You can install recommended components listed on the Install FactoryTalk VantagePoint page in the wizard at a later time;
however, make sure you perform the following:
The FactoryTalk Services Platform must be installed before installing FactoryTalk VantagePoint.
After installing a recommended component at a later time, you must open the command prompt on the target machine and execute
the following command:
C:\Inetpub\wwwroot\Incuity\Download\IncuityManager.exe /IsConfigMode
Beginning in version 4.5, VantagePoint now includes an optional SQL CLR feature. This feature is not installed by default, and can
only be installed using the Custom Setup option described in Step 9 below. SQL CLR lets you query the VantagePoint model using T-
SQL commands, uses SQL Server Reporting Services to author and publish reports to a report server, integrates Reporting Services
reports to the VantagePoint model/Portal, integrates Reporting Services reports into Composite reports, and launches Report Builder
from the Portal. For more information, see SQL CLR in the online help.

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To install the VantagePoint server:

1. Run the setup program (setup.exe) from the VantagePoint installation DVD. The FactoryTalk VantagePoint wizard appears.

2. Select Install FactoryTalk VantagePoint.

This is the screen for installing

prerequisite software,
VantagePoint, and optional
features.
Important: You can install
recommended components listed on
this page at a later time; however,
make sure you perform the following:
The FactoryTalk Services
Platform must be installed
before installing FactoryTalk
VantagePoint.
After installing a recommended
component at a later time, you
must open the command
prompt on the target machine
and execute the following
command:
C:\Inetpub\wwwroot\Incuity\Download\IncuityManager.exe /IsConfigMode

3. Select Install Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0 (if it is not installed), and complete the installation of the .NET Framework, which is a
prerequisite for installing VantagePoint.
4. Select Install FactoryTalk Activation Manager, and install the following components, which are prerequisites for installing
VantagePoint:
o HASP USB dongle drivers (After clicking Continue, a dialog box prompts you to optionally install these drivers.)
o FactoryTalk Diagnostics
o FactoryTalk Activation Manager
o Windows Firewall Configuration Utility
Note: You do not need to restart your computer for this step.
5. (Recommended) Select Install FactoryTalk Services Platform to install common components used by the FactoryTalk connector, and
complete the wizard.
6. (Recommended) Select Install OPC Core Components to install common components used by OPC connectors.
7. (Recommended) Select Install FactoryTalk Historian SDK to install common components used by the FactoryTalk Historian connector,
and complete the wizard.
8. Select Install Microsoft StreamInsight to install components used by the Eventing feature. Eventing sends email notifications when
tags exceed their threshold or change states, when a batch completes, and so on.
9. If you do not have a copy of Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 installed:
a) Select Install SQL Server 2008 R2 or Dashboard Builder.
b) Select Install SQL Server 2008 R2.

Note: The VantagePoint DVD includes a copy of the Standard Edition of Microsoft SQL Server. This edition requires an
additional licensing cost and is recommended for large application deployment. It is also possible to use an existing Microsoft
SQL Server for deployment of VantagePoint. During installation of VantagePoint, you will be asked to provide the details of this
SQL Server installation.

The VantagePoint Server requires Microsoft SQL Server for deployment of the IncuityStore database. The IncuityStore
database is where all items in the model are stored. This copy of SQL Server can exist on the host machine of the
VantagePoint Server, or on a different domain machine.
c) Review the following for additional information:

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Important:
The
VantagePoint
Server only
requires
installation of
the SQL
Server
Database
Services
component of
SQL Server. If
you are using
the SQL CLR
feature in
VantagePoint,
you must also
install
Reporting
Services.

d) Complete the wizard. For detailed SQL Server 2008 R2 installation instructions, see
http://rockwellautomation.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/279061/kw/sql%202008%20vantagepoint.
e) Select Install SQL Server 2008 R2 SP1, and complete the service pack installation.
10. Select Install FactoryTalk VantagePoint to install the product. Review the following for additional information about this wizard:

Choose Setup Type Page Select one of the following:

ExpressInstalls all features on the same machine, including the VantagePoint
Server, IncuityStore database, and Portal.
CustomAllows you to:
o Specify the name of the VantagePoint Portal. Note that you cannot use the
following non-alphanumeric characters in the Portal name or it will not launch:
`~!@#$%^&*()_+=-{}|\][:"';<>?/.,
o Install Client applications (required if using Portal reports) and Sample content.
Sample content includes all the items created under MyEnterprise.Samples v4.
The simulators created to support these items are also part of the sample
content. The Simulator Connector type, however, will still exist as a data source
under System.Sources in VantagePoint Manager.
o Install ActiveX Trend support (ActiveX Trend installation registers Trend and XY
Plotter ActiveX controls on the client machine, enabling the controls to be used in
ActiveX containers.)
o Install Type Builder. The Type Builder helps you create and edit VantagePoint
package files
o (*.itp). Package files contain information about base types in the model, allowing
you to customize a specific model. Package file contents are XML based. The
Type Builder abstracts the user from the details of the XML structure and
presents the data in an intuitive user interface.
o Install VantagePoint SQL CLR. If selected, a VantagePointCLR database that hosts
the SQL CLR stored procedures and functions is installed in SQL Server, SQL CLR
is enabled in SQL Server, and the Incuity System User is added to the
VantagePointCLR database and to the SQL Server Reporting Services Admin /
Users security group.
o This feature lets you query the VantagePoint model using T-SQL commands, uses
SQL Server Reporting Services to author and publish reports to a report server,
integrate Reporting Services reports to the VantagePoint model/Portal, integrate
Reporting Services reports into Composite reports, and launch Report Builder
from the Portal.
o Important:
You must install SQL Server Reporting Services before installing this
feature.
This feature can only be installed using the Custom Setup option, and is
disabled by default.
Database Connection Enter database connection information.
Information Page The user running the installer must be a local machine administrator. To access the SQL
Server database, this user can use integrated security to the database server if they have
sys admin rights on the database server. Otherwise, SQL Server credentials with sys admin
rights (such as sa) must be specified.
The IncuityStore database credentials are used by the VantagePoint Server to create and
access the IncuityStore SQL Server database, the IncuityHistory database, and the
IncuitySample database. The System user is granted ownership of all three databases.
System/Office User Page The VantagePoint system needs a user account to operate under as it configures the three
system web sites: the VantagePoint Server, Portal Server, and Office Server. Usually, the
Server machine belongs to a Domain with a normal user name and password.
This user should be a normal Domain user with only the most basic permissions.
This user should not be added to any other local user groups such as PowerUser or
Administrator.
The password for this user should never expire.
This account enables the Excel report-renderer to run. The VantagePoint Server renders
reports published to the Portal by running an automated copy of MS Office. This installation
of Office needs to run with a pre-existing, valid Windows user name and password. User level
permissions are usually adequate. The installer will launch Excel to create the user profile
(Office user). Should you later decide that this user needs greater permissions than those
automatically created, you can create a new Office user with the necessary permissions, and

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then change the Office user in Manager. See Modifying Server Accounts in the online help for
more information.
Note: If you select Local account, all users added to the system must be added from the
system machine console. An administrator cannot browse to the server from a client machine
to add users.
When the installation of VantagePoint completes, the Portal will automatically open. From the Portal, you can launch the other
applications that are part of the VantagePoint System using links on the Home page or from the Portal menu. These applications
typically run on a client computer and will download on demand.
On the VantagePoint Server, the VantagePoint applications can also be found under: Start > All Programs > Rockwell Software >
FactoryTalk VantagePoint.

Step 2: Activating the FactoryTalk License

In order for your VantagePoint System to be operational, you must complete the FactoryTalk Activation Process. If your VantagePoint Server
has access to the Internet, you can complete the activation process via the Activation Wizard which is accessed from the FactoryTalk
Activation Manager (Start > All Programs > Rockwell Software > FactoryTalk Activation > FactoryTalk Activation Manager). If
using the Activation Wizard, the FactoryTalk Activation Manager needs to be run on the VantagePoint Server.
If you do not have access to the Internet from the VantagePoint Server, you can complete the activation process from a computer with
access to the Internet via the website https://licensing.software.rockwell.com. See the FactoryTalk Activation online help or the Activate
Rockwell Software Products booklet for additional information.

The FactoryTalk Activation Manager is used

to complete the activation process. You will
need the information on the license
certificate to complete the process (Serial
Number & Product). If you do not have
access to the Internet from the
VantagePoint Server, you will need to
complete the process via the licensing
website.

VantagePoint utilizes capacity based licensing which requires the FactoryTalk Activation Manager. The FactoryTalk Activation Manager is
installed as part of the VantagePoint Server installation and runs on the same server. When completing the activation process, the generated
license file(s) must be located in the folder searched by the activation server.

If you complete the activation process via

the website (rather than use the Activation
Wizard), you will need to copy the
downloaded license file (yyy.lic) to a folder
that is being searched by the local
activation server.
On Windows Server 2008 R2, the default
folder is:
c:\Users\Public\Documents\Rockwell Automation\
Activations\

Initializing the License on VantagePoint

After you have completed FactoryTalk Activation, VantagePoint Manager (Manager) is used to update VantagePoint with the licensing
information from the FactoryTalk Activation Manager (Start > All Programs > Rockwell Software > FactoryTalk VantagePoint >
Manager). This step must be completed on the VantagePoint Server (not by running Manager from a remote client). Select Reactivate
License from the Configuration menu in order for the VantagePoint Server to check for new FactoryTalk Activations. This menu item is only
available in Manager when it is run on the VantagePoint Server.

Manager is used to administer the entire

VantagePoint System. Select
Configuration > License Activation to
update the license used by VantagePoint.
This step is done after the FactoryTalk
Activation process has been completed.

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Click Reactivate on this dialog

for VantagePoint to request
licenses from the FactoryTalk
Activation Manager. If no valid
VantagePoint licenses are
available from the FactoryTalk
Activation Manager, an error
message displays. Adding a new
license to VantagePoint will
cause the server to stop/restart
briefly.

Using Manager, you can confirm what

license is being used by VantagePoint.
Select the License node under the
System folder. You should see the License
Type specified as Permanent. If you are
running under a Grace Period license, the
License type should display as Grace
Period.

Notes:
When first installed, VantagePoint will use a Grace Period License if the FactoryTalk Activation has not been completed. The Grace Period
License allows the system to run for 7 days from the time of the initial installation. The expiration date of the Grace Period License is
displayed in Manager and in the Help | About dialog box on each of the VantagePoint applications.
A Grace Period License activates VantagePoint functionality and sets the capacities to
o 5x Named Users
o 5x 3rd Party Historian Connector Instances
o 5x 3rd Party Real-time Connector Instances
o 5x Database Connector Instances
There is no restriction on the number of FactoryTalk Live and FactoryTalk Historian connectors that can be configured. In addition, a
Grace Period License does not place any limits on tag creation for Calculation tags, Incuity tags, or Storage tags.
The FactoryTalk Activation Manager will not start if a valid VantagePoint license is not found.
The FactoryTalk Activation Manager runs as a service. After the activation process is completed, you can close the FactoryTalk Activation
Manager.
The reactivate process from VantagePoint Manager needs to be completed each time you add additional capacity to the system through
FactoryTalk Activation.
Additional licenses for VantagePoint can be purchased to:
o Add additional Named and Concurrent User Licenses

o Add 3rd Party Real-time Connector Instance(s)

o Add 3rd Party Historian Connector Instance(s)

o Add Database Connector Instances(s)

User Licenses
VantagePoint supports both Named and Concurrent User Licenses. Named User Licenses are automatically assigned to users as they connect
to the VantagePoint Server. It is also possible for an administrator to delete and add a named user manually.

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If the VantagePoint System detects a Concurrent User License, this license will be temporarily assigned to users as available.

Step 3: Configuring Connectors

Connecting to Data Sources
To view and analyze your manufacturing data, you will need to configure the VantagePoint Server to connect to your production data
sources. This configuration is done using VantagePoint Manager. (Manager is used to manage the entire VantagePoint System including
configuration of the model and security.)

To connect to a data source:

1. Click the Manage link on the Portal Home page to open Manager. You can also select Tools > Manager in the Portal menu.

2. In the Model Browser, select the System > Sources nodes to list the available connector types.
3. Right-click the desired connector, select New > Item, and let the wizard guide you through the installation process.
Connectors can be configured to access data from:
o FactoryTalk Live Data Sources (Logix controllers, PLC, SLC, etc.)
o FactoryTalk Historian
o FactoryTalk Alarm & Events History
o 3rd Party Real-time Sources (through FactoryTalk Live Data-OPC DA connector)
o 3rd Party Historian Sources (through OPC HDA, Industrial SQL Server, GE Proficy Historian, OSI PI)
o Database Connectors ( including SQL Server, Oracle, OLEDB, ODBC)

VantagePoint Simulator
A simulator is installed with VantagePoint so that you can begin learning the product before you have it attached to your plant data sources.
Several instances of the simulator are created during the installation. Additional instances can be created by right-clicking the Simulator
node (under the System > Sources node), and selecting Create Instance.

Configuring FactoryTalk Data Sources

FactoryTalk VantagePoint supports connection to FactoryTalk Live Data, FactoryTalk Historian, and FactoryTalk Alarm and Event data
sources. FactoryTalk data sources must be configured appropriately prior to referencing the data in VantagePoint.
The flow chart below illustrates how to configure FactoryTalk data sources such that the data can be referenced by VantagePoint. This

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example uses LinxNG Enterprise which is the recommended and preferred data server for communicating with Rockwell Automation
controllers (Control Logix, PLC-5, SLC-5 etc.). LinxNG Enterprise installation files can be found in the Redist\LinxNG folder on the
VantagePoint DVD.

Configuring FactoryTalk Data Sources Flowchart

Notes:
FactoryTalk VantagePoint does not support browsing the online folder of RSLinx Classic or connectivity to a PI collective.
When using the VantagePoint FactoryTalk Historian connector, the following two conditions must be met:
o A Trust needs to exist between the VantagePoint Server and the machine hosting the Historian before creating this connector.
o The machine hosting the target Historian must be added to the PI-SDK on the VantagePoint Sever machine.
If your environment requires RSLinx Classic, please consult the product documentation or contact Rockwell Technical Support at (440) 646-
3434 for further assistance.

Connecting to FactoryTalk Data Sources

To ensure that VantagePoint selects the correct FactoryTalk Directory, you must use the Specify FactoryTalk Directory Location tool to
change directories prior to creating a data source connection in VantagePoint. See the FactoryTalk Connector topic in the online help for
more information.

Browse to the type of connector you would

like to create an instance of. The
connectors available on your system are
found under the System > Sources node.

The configuration wizard for each type of

connector is different based on the
requirements of the data source.
The first step in creating a FactoryTalk
Connector is to confirm the FactoryTalk
directory location for the items you want to
import. This name appears in the
Directory host text box. If necessary, you
may need to use the FactoryTalk Directory
Server Location Utility to ensure that
VantagePoint points to the correct
FactoryTalk Directory.

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VantagePoint requires a FactoryTalk User account to connect to the FactoryTalk Directory. VantagePoint can create a new user for this
purpose and automatically assign necessary rights within FactoryTalk Security to operate correctly. If you choose an existing FactoryTalk
User account, that user account must be a member of the FactoryTalk Administrators and FTHAdministrators groups for VantagePoint to
operate.

Once the credentials have been verified,

the new connector is created. In
VantagePoint Manager, the structure for
the new connector has been created with
the default name of the FactoryTalk
Directory machine name. Finishing at this
point will leave the connector configured
and you can import data at later time.

The FactoryTalk Import Wizard provides

three choices for importing:
FactoryTalk Live Data Tags
FactoryTalk Historian Tags
FactoryTalk Alarms and Events
Information

For the purpose of this Getting Results Guide, we will choose to import Live Data.
When importing FactoryTalk Live Data tags, you can choose to import structures from a Logix controller as VantagePoint Types or just import
controller tags as simple data items. When importing structures from a Logix controller, the import wizard will search the associated
controller offline file (.ACD file) and locate structures which VantagePoint can map to existing pre-defined types or create new user types to
map to the selected User Defined structures in the controller program. The advantage of importing these structure definitions is for using
them when building report templates and leveraging the context of the data within the structures as a single entity. Refer to the
VantagePoint Online Help for additional information.
If you choose to import the FactoryTalk Live Data as simple data items, you will be able to create your own Trends, Dashboards, and other
reports that work these items in VantagePoint. These "simple" items are not associated with any Type structures in VantagePoint but still can
be referenced as data elements in custom built reports.

VantagePoint makes it relatively easy to

import simple tags from Logix controllers
and other data servers. These items are
brought into the VantagePoint model with a
flat structure.

The first step is to browse the FactoryTalk

Directory for the device items you want to
import. Move the selected item to the right
pane and determine whether sub-folders
should be included.
In this example we have selected to import
simple items associated with a Counter and
a Timer.

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You can specify a filtering condition to limit

what is imported.
Click Finish to complete the import wizard.

You have now successfully configured your

VantagePoint System to provide data from
a Logix Controller. You can find the items
that you imported into VantagePoint under
the MyEnterprise > FactoryTalk folder.
This view of the VantagePoint model is
available from each of the Applications.
Notice the simple data items that were
imported with CIPCounter[0].

Step 4: Installing Client Applications

After the VantagePoint Server has been installed and the FactoryTalk Activation process completed, everything can be done from a remote
client. VantagePoint has been designed so that all of the administration tasks including connector configuration and building your model can
be done from a remote client. You do not need to work on the computer that is running the VantagePoint Server.
Casual users will be able to begin by browsing to the Portal. The URL for browsing to the VantagePoint Portal is
http:\\ServerMachineName\VantagePointPortal. From the Portal, they can view any reports, trends, dashboards, etc. that have been saved to
the model. They can start using the Trend and XY Plotter by starting them from the Portal (through links on the Home page or from the
menu items) and using them for ad-hoc analysis of the data that VantagePoint exposes.
The client install is required to install the Excel Add-in on your computer so you can create Excel-based content for the Portal. The install
also:
Establishes a Full Trust between the client computer and the VantagePoint Server (this is required to use Manager to perform
certain administration functions remotely)
Adds Start menu items for each of the VantagePoint applications
Enables the NScript scripting environment
Installs Type Builder

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Depending on your network configuration, you may also experience improved performance of the VantagePoint applications if the client
install has been completed.
Important: You must do the following:
1. VantagePoint only supports clients located in the Local Intranet Zone, so you must add the Portal URL to this zone. To add the URL to
the Local Intranet Zone: in Internet Explorer, select Tools > Internet Options > Security tab > Local Intranet. Click Sites, then
click Advanced and add the Portal URL.
2. You must install the .NET 4.0 (Extended) Framework on any computer where the VantagePoint client is installed. Note that the .NET
Framework 4.0 Client Profile is not supported.

To install client applications:

1. Click the Install link on the Portal Home page.

You can also select Tools > Install Clients from the Portal menu.
2. Click Next on the Installation wizard page.
3. Select the installation type.

4. For a custom installation, select the features to install:

VantagePoint for Office Installs the Excel Add-In.

Scripting Enables the NScript scripting environment.
ActiveX Trend Registers VantagePoint Trend and VantagePoint XY Plotter ActiveX controls on the
client machine enabling the controls to be used in ActiveX containers.
Type Builder Is a licensed application for building VantagePoint type packages.

5. Complete the wizard.

Tip: You can click the Install link at a later time to modify, repair, or remove client installation options.

SSL Support in VantagePoint

Securing your server when it is accessed across the Web is a valid concern, especially when users will potentially access VantagePoint from
outside of a network domain. Most firewalls are capable of screening packet-level, circuit-level, and application-level traffic. Other services
might also include managing Web cache stores, reducing network traffic, and providing faster access to frequently-accessed Web pages. The
balance between security and efficiency is a necessary. SSL (secure sockets layer) is a widely used cryptographic protocol for secure
communications on the Internet.
Firewalls employing SSL can be configured to work in either of two modes: SSL tunneling or SSL bridging. VantagePoint is designed to
function using either method. When employing a firewall with SSL bridging, VantagePoint users may discover that they are challenged for
credentials more often than when they are operating on the enterprise domain.

Step 5: (Optional) Installing the Dashboard Builder

VantagePoint uses a third-party application named Business Objects Crystal Xcelsius to create dashboards. Xcelsius is required if you want to
create new dashboards and add them to the VantagePoint system. VantagePoint includes a library of pre-built dashboards. You do not need
to install Xcelsius to view dashboards published in the Portal.

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Xcelsius is purchased as an optional component of a VantagePoint system and has a separate installation program. When you purchase
Xcelsius, you will be provided with an installation code. You may try the application using the following 30-day trial installation code:
2014CR518-8UCBCPA-MF0MPU3-X277

To install the Dashboard Builder:

1. Run the setup program (setup.exe) from the VantagePoint installation DVD on the target machine.
2. Select Install FactoryTalk VantagePoint, and then select Install SQL Server 2008 R2 or Dashboard Builder.
3. Select Install Xcelsius 2008 SP5 (Dashboard Builder).
4. Complete the installation wizard.
Tip: You can copy 30-day trial installation code from the VantagePoint Installer.
5. Launch Xcelsius once the wizard completes to begin using the product.
Note: The Dashboard Builder:
Does not use FactoryTalk Activation. The Dashboard installation code is located on a separate piece of paper inside the DVD
sleeve.
Requires a version of Microsoft Excel that supports XML Maps. Versions of Microsoft Excel that support XML Maps include MS
Office Professional 2010.

Upgrading VantagePoint
You can only upgrade from VantagePoint 4.0 to 4.5. If you have an earlier version of VantagePoint, you must upgrade that version to
VantagePoint 4.0.

To upgrade VantagePoint:
1. Ensure that you are running VantagePoint 4.0.
2. Ensure that the SQL Server where the IncuityStore database is running is SQL Server 2008 R2 SP1. See the Microsoft SQL Server
documentation for information about upgrading to this version.
3. Ensure that the machine where the VantagePoint Server will be installed is running Microsoft Office 2010 (32-bit only). See the
Microsoft Office documentation for information about upgrading to this version.
4. Run the setup program (setup.exe) from the VantagePoint installation DVD on the machine where VantagePoint 4.0 is installed. The
FactoryTalk VantagePoint wizard appears.

5. Select Install FactoryTalk VantagePoint. The Install FactoryTalk VantagePoint page appears.

6. Install any optional or required components on this page that need to be updated prior to installing VantagePoint.
Note: If a dialog about Files in Use appears while installing the FactoryTalk Historian SDK, click Ignore and continue the installation.
7. Select Install FactoryTalk VantagePoint.
Note: If the following dialog box about Excel running appears, you will need to end any hidden Excel processes. To do so, open
Windows Task Manager, select the Processes tab, locate any EXCEL.EXE processes, and click End Process.

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Once the installation completes, the Portal launches and should display version 4.5.xxxx.0 in the top right corner.
8. To preserve the configured state of existing systems, if sample content was installed on a VantagePoint 3.1.5 system, and you did not
install the new sample content when upgrading to VantagePoint 4.0, you must complete the following steps to display the
VantagePoint 4.0 sample content in the 4.5 release.
Note: The following instructions will configure the IncuitySample database with the same database owner that is used by the
IncuityStore database. This is consistent with the behavior of sample content on clean installations of VantagePoint 4.5, however it
strongly recommended that after the sample content is deployed, a new database owner is established for the IncuitySample
database. For more information, see:
http://<ServerName>/VantagePointPortal/PortalInfoPages/IncuitySampleDB/DBConnectorSecurity.html
a) Ensure that you have file access to the VantagePoint Server and SysAdmin access to the SQL Server that is used by VantagePoint.
b) Run the follow commands via an elevated command prompt:
net stop "Incuity System Service"
net stop "Incuity Office Service"
iisreset /stop
c) Copy the Samples folder to the Import folder. Manually copy the contents of C:\inetpub\wwwroot\Incuity\Import\Sample to
C:\inetpub\wwwroot\Incuity\Import

-or-
From a command prompt, type:
xcopy /Y C:\inetpub\wwwroot\Incuity\Import\Sample\*.* C:\inetpub\wwwroot\Incuity\Import\*.*
d) Create a new IncuitySample database.
Caution: This process will delete any existing database called IncuitySample. If you have such a database that has valuable
data in it, please backup or rename that database before continuing.
With SQL Server SysAdmin rights, execute the SQL Script IncuitySampleDB.sql. This script will be located in
Windows 64-bit system: C:\Program Files (x86)\Incuity\bin\SampleDB\
e) Execute the following SQL via SQL Management Studio. The following script will attempt to configure the IncuitySample database
with the same database owner that is currently used by the IncuityStore database. This script must be run with SysAdmin rights.
USE [IncuitySample]
GO

DECLARE @IncuitySystemUserFullName NVARCHAR(256)

, @IncuitySystemUserLoginSid AS VARBINARY(85)
, @OldLoginSid AS VARBINARY(85)

SELECT @IncuitySystemUserLoginSid = sid FROM [IncuityStore]..sysusers WHERE name = 'IncuitySystem'

SELECT @IncuitySystemUserFullName = loginname FROM master..syslogins WHERE sid = @IncuitySystemUserLoginSid

IF NOT EXISTS (SELECT * FROM sysusers WHERE sid = @IncuitySystemUserLoginSid AND name = 'dbo')
BEGIN
SELECT @OldLoginSid = sid FROM sys.database_principals WHERE name = 'IncuitySystem' AND type = 'U'
DECLARE @createUserScript NVARCHAR(4000)
SET @createUserScript = N'CREATE USER [IncuitySystem] FOR LOGIN [' + @IncuitySystemUserFullName + ']'

IF (@OldLoginSid IS NULL)
BEGIN
EXEC sys.sp_executesql @createUserScript
END
ELSE IF (@OldLoginSid <> @IncuitySystemUserLoginSid)
BEGIN
DROP USER [IncuitySystem]
EXEC sys.sp_executesql @createUserScript
END

EXEC sp_addrolemember 'db_owner', 'IncuitySystem'

END

f) Run the follow commands via an elevated command prompt:

net start "Incuity System Service"
net start "Incuity Office Service"
iisreset /start

Uninstalling VantagePoint
To uninstall VantagePoint:
Open the Windows Control Panel, select Add/Remove Programs, and then select VantagePoint System Server.

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VantagePoint Features
Portal
The Portal is where users can go to see what is in their VantagePoint System. Users can browse to the portal via the address:
http://YourServerName/VantagePointPortal. The Portal has preconfigured reports generated by the analytic tools; Trend and XY Plotter, as
well as preconfigured reports and dashboards.

This is the default Portal

Homepage. It can be easily
modified through a rich text editor
that is built into the Portal. If you
have Portal Administrative rights,
there will be a link to modify the
Homepage.

You can browse the Portal

content from the Reports menu.
Some sample content based on
the built-in simulator is included.
There are also components that
can be used to build your own
reports in the Report Library
folder.

The data displayed in a report

can be modified through the
Parameters tab.

Trend
Trend is a client application that runs in a Web Browser and allows you to query data and plot them on a graphical display. Trend relies on
the VantagePoint Server to present data from multiple sources in an orderly fashion, allowing you to navigate to specific data, and then plot
that data.
Key features include:
Data can be trended over a historical period of time, a pre-set period of time, or in real time.
Can display and compare multiple tags concurrently independent of the data source of the tags.
Can be saved as time-periods, or batches, and used to compare trends over different time periods.
Once you have selected a tag, or multiple tags, you can manipulate the data in a graph in a variety of ways, including panning, zooming, and
scaling. Trends that are configured can be published to the VantagePoint model and available to other users through the Portal.

Trend can be used

as a desktop
application and will
download on
demand from the
VantagePoint
Server. After trends
have been
configured they are
Published to the
model. The trends
can be re-opened in
Trend or used via
Portal.

After a Trend has

been published to
the model, users can
access the Trend
through the Portal.

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XY Plotter
XY Plotter is a client application that can run in a Web Browser and displays the relationship between two items selected from the model. It
supports analyzing data from multiple tag pairs over multiple time periods.
Key features include:
Users can easily identify the boundaries that define normal or optimal conditions for a trace, by employing user-defined shapes.
Determine if a Tag Pair is outside of a defined boundary.

XY Plots that are configured can be published to the VantagePoint model and available to other users through the Portal.

XY Plotter can be used as a desktop

application and will download on demand
from the VantagePoint Server. After plots
have been configured, they are Published
to the model. The published plots can be
re-opened in XY Plotter or used via the
Portal.

After a plot has been published to the

model, users can access it through the
Portal.

Excel Add-In
The Office Excel Add-In will help you:
Create powerful reports that use data from anything in the VantagePoint model.
Build content for the VantagePoint Portal available to anyone in your organization with access to a browser.
When working on a client machine, it is necessary to install the Office Excel Add-in. This can be done from a menu item on the VantagePoint
Portal.

The Office Excel Add-in requires installation

on the client computer. The install can be
launched via the Portal. A new
VantagePoint tab will be added to your
instance of Excel.

The Office Excel Add-in provides a series of

wizards for adding any of the data that is
available from the VantagePoint model into
Excel.
Reports and analysis created in Excel can
be Published to the VantagePoint Model.
These reports are available to other users
through the Portal.

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This is the same report shown in the

previous screenshot when it is viewed from
the Portal. From the Portal, a user can
open and update the report without
needing anything more than a browser.
Depending on how the report is created in
Excel, Parameters can be created allowing
the same report to be used to analyze data
for a different time period, piece of
equipment, process variable, etc.

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Dashboard Builder
The VantagePoint Dashboard Builder adds a rich visualization on top of the reports and analysis that can be created with Excel. VantagePoint
uses Xcelsius for creating dashboards. You will need to install Xcelsius if you want to create new dashboards and add them to your
VantagePoint System. Once the dashboards have been created, they are available for anyone to use through the Portal. VantagePoint
includes a library of pre-built dashboards.

Dashboard Builder allows rich visualization

to be added to the data that is available
from VantagePoint. When creating a
dashboard, data is first brought into Excel
and manipulated as required. A library of
controls is available to display the data.
Excel is used with Xcelsius and requires
that the Office Excel Add-In has been
installed.

After dashboards have been created in

Dashboard Builder, they are available for
anyone to use through the Portal. Generic
dashboards can be created using the
model.

Manager
VantagePoint Manager is the tool used to configure and manage a VantagePoint Server. The targeted audiences of this application are people
who will develop and maintain the VantagePoint model, the VantagePoint Server, and associated services such as Security Management.

Next Steps
This guide has given you a quick introduction to the VantagePoint EMI functionality. Use the online help for more information about:
Trend
XY Plotter
Office Excel Add-in
Portal Customization
Using the Type Builder
Building Your Model
Managing Security
Visit www.rockwellautomation.com for more information.

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