Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue When WebReports is installed, two users called "appuser" are created. One is a local Windows user, and one is a SQL user. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment WebReports User accounts Cause These users are or have been needed by WebReports Resolution EBO version 2.0 and above: the Windows user account "appuser" is no longer required to operate WebReports.  It is only a requirement during installation. SBO/EBO version 1.8 and above:  In SQL, the "appuser" user account has been removed as it's not essential for the Web Reports to operate correctly. In these versions, if an upgrade from an earlier version is performed and this user account is still present, it can be safely deleted /disabled.     In all other versions: The local Windows user account ([PC_NAME]\appuser) is used for importing report packs (RDL files) and synchronizing between WebReports and Microsoft Reporting Services.   For more information about this account, refer to SmartStruxure WebReports Installation Errors (1001 while importing report pack). To change the password for this Windows user, refer to Changing Report Server "appuser" password.    

Issue Moving from Webreports going to Postgres/TimescaleDB instead, leaves us without a reporting engine. SSRS can supposedly utilise a PostgreSQL database, but SSRS is a licensed part of MSSQL. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Timescale Database Cause From EcoStruxure Building Operation version 4.0 (2022) the Building Operation Report Server is no longer supported. Instead, we support PostgreSQL/TimescaleDB, using Dashboards and Excel from within EBO, to make reports, using Notification reports to start Excel and reports. Resolution EBO 3.2 introduced Enhanced Reporting, based on the current feature Notifications in combination with Notification Report Template, which also supports report data such as Alarms, Groups, Multi Log list, Relative events and Users. The Notification result can also be presented in XLSX format and converted to PDF with signing capabilities. If External Log Storage is configured and connected (PostgreSQL/TimescaleDB), then historical report data can be fetched from there.   EBO 2023 introduced External Log Storage support for Microsoft SQL Server in addition to PostgreSQL/TimescaleDB   Information  and examples of Enhanced Reporting and Dashboards can be found in EBO Webhelp, My LearningLink and the Automation Experts Community.   NOTIFICATION REPORTS : EBO Webhelp: Notification Reports  Community: Reporting in EcoStruxure Building Operation 3.2 Community: Reports showcase - share your reports! Community: Get more data out of the system with Notifications! EcoXpert Extranet Video: Community Video : Fusion Fridays - Session 20 Community: Change Control and Enhanced Reporting Lab Guides Community: Example Report Templates  Community: Forced Values Report Example My LearningLink: EcoStruxure Building: Enhanced Reporting and Dashboards 3.2 My Learning Link: EBO 2022: Enhanced Reporting and Dashboards   DASHBOARDS : EBO Webhelp: How Dashboards Work EcoXpert Extranet Video: Dashboards EcoStruxure Building Operation 3.0 - Informational Video Community: What Custom Types have to do with Dashboards Community: Public vs Personal Dashboards Community: Graphics in Dashboards [Advanced] Community: Dashboards: Share your screenshots! EcoXpert Extranet: PA-00701 EcoStruxure™ Building Operation 3.0 Captures the Spotlight

Issue When using the Modbus RTU X Driver to communicate to multiple Socomec Diris A20 electric meters it has been found only 2 or 3 devices can be networked together, even using a b-Link to boost the signal does not resolve the issue. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Modbus RTU X Driver on bCX1 or Netcontroller II B-Link repeaters Cause The Socomec Diris A20 meters require a minimum of 4V RS-485 signal to communicate reliably, but the EIA RS-485 standard only calls for a +/- 1.5 volts signal and the Receiver Input sensitivity should be +/- 200mV. When using a bCX1 with the X Driver on Comm1 you will require a b-Link to provide the RS-232 to RS-485 conversion, although the B-Link fully conforms to the EIA RS-485 standard it does not have the drive levels required by the Socomec products. Resolution To resolve the non standard electrical requirement of the Socomec Diris meters use a Socomec RS-422/ RS-485 Repeater this will output the required electrical levels required by the Diris meters, the Socomec  part reference is 48990120.  Please refer to SOCOMEC Communication accessories or RS-422/485 Repeater Operating Instructions   If a B-Link is to be used each RS-485 output that is used will require a separate Socomec repeater.  

Issue When binding Output points in the script editor to the desired outputs, the bindings are not working. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment EcoStruxure Building Operation All Versions Automation Server Central I/O Modules Cause When bindings to the output points the incorrect attribute is being used. Resolution Open binding editor for the desired program. In the right hand pane, choose the desired output to be bound. Expand the point and select Requested Value. Drag the Requested Value to the desired output in the program. Save settings.

Issue Sometimes the availability count for license features are displayed as double the actual available count for Entitlements. The problem has no functional effect on the system other than that the visual indication of the feature count is wrong. Issue seen in Entitlement View - Features inside a License Product are doubled. Issue seen in Server View. -The issue can be seen temporarily during activation on the server line. -The number of features inside the License Products available for activation under the server are doubled permanently. Server line view after activation. - After the license product has been activated the features on the server are shown correctly. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server Premium (AS-P) Secure Boot Building Operation Automation Server Bundled (AS-B) Scalable Cause AS-P Classic and AS-B Classic licenses are NOT affected. None of the Windows licenses are affected.   EBO releases affected: All EBO versions up to and including 4.0.3. The EBO systems that are already running licenses are Not affected. Customers that for any reason reinstall an Entitlement in DA will be affected by the issue. EBO 5.0.1 Resolution This issue is planed to be resolved in the following EBO versions: EBO 4.0.4 EBO 5.0.2

Issue Is it possible to use a TAC Xenta 1.8 kOhm thermistor on an RTD-16 Central I/O module? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation. Environment Building Operation I/O Module 16 Ch RTD Cause Wants to use existing modules instead of adding new modules. Resolution The RTD-16 module is designed to interface with linear resistive inputs such as PT100, PT1000. Thermistors generally have logarithmic scales, therefore it will be hard to program a correct curve function to get an acceptable sensor accuracy. Using a universal input that is made for thermistor readings will give a more accurate reading without additional programming.

Issue What is required to control command priorities in 3rd party controllers using Plain English? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Cyberstation BACnet Controller (BCX, B4920, B3) BACnet command priority Plain English Cause Need to understand how to control command priorities and point values with Continuum workstation programs or controller infinity programs. Resolution Command Priority is a BACnet mechanism to decide the control hierarchy of a point, with 1 being the highest priority and 16 being the lowest.  Consider the following:   Default setting for a workstation program priority level is ManualOperator priority 8 Programs located in the workstation default command priorities can be controlled through Bacnet Preferences Controller InfinityPrograms will need to use the WriteProperty function to set a different priority other than priority 10 To relinquish a priority level use Relinquish(pointname, priority level)   The WriteProperty function is written in the format: WriteProperty (object_name, value, priority, index) object_name  Includes a full pathname, followed by a property name. The object identifier and property identifier are combined as one argument value   This actual value to which the property is set. This is optional.  If it is not present, then the next argument, priority, must be present to perform a Relinquish command.  (See the example in Relinquish.)  priority  The priority  number, ranging from 1 (highest) to 16 (lowest).This is optional.  It applies only to a set commandable property.  For controllers:  If it is not present, priority 10, if applicable, is used.  For CyberStation: The value, based on the priority in the BACnet Preferences dialog, is used.  index  This is optional.  It applies only to an array-type BACnet property.  The index is ignored whenever it is not applicable.   Infinity controller samples: This line will write the value of 22 to priority 10 BACnetDevices\BNet_4444\B3_885\B3Num1 = 22 This line will write the value of 33 to priority level 4 WriteProperty(BACnetDevices\BNet_4444\B3_885\B3Num1, 33 , 4 ) This line will relinquish the value for priority level 4 setting the value back to NULL Relinquish(BACnetDevices\BNet_4444\B3_885\B3Num1 , 4 )

Issue Is it possible to use both Modbus/IP and BACnet/IP on the same AS-P Ethernet Port 2? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation. Environment Building Operation Automation Server Premium Cause There is a need to have both Modbus TCP as well as BACnet/IP devices on the same AS-P secondary Ethernet port. Resolution This is not a common configuration so it has not been tested extensively. With regards to the architectural guidelines, consider the Modbus/IP as BACnet/IP devices. For example, where the maximum number of SpaceLogic BACnet/IP devices per private IP field-bus is 200, adjust this limit to 190 if you have 10 Modbus/IP devices on the secondary Ethernet port.

Issue When connecting MP-C controllers in a daisy chain, do they act as a repeater and boost the signal thus allowing total network distances of greater than 90 meters. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation. Environment Building Operation Multi-purpose Controller. Cause Each MP-C acts as a switch and decodes and generates a new fresh packet. Resolution Maximum 100 meters between each device when using daisy chain when connecting MP-C.

Issue After configuring SSL certificates manually, having an incompatible Host Certificate and Key file can cause the import to EBO to fail. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Central Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Automation Server Cause Host Certificate provides the public key for which the private key is paired. An unmatched Host Certificate and private key will cause the certificate import to fail. Resolution While managing certificates manually, it is recommended to check that the Host Certificate and Key files are a matching pair.   Using the provided Host Certificate (.pem) file and private key (.key or .prv) file Download OpenSSL v1.1.1 Light choosing the EXE file type and correct version (Win64 or Win32), as the latest version letter will be posted to Win32/Win64 OpenSSL Installer for Windows - Shining Light Productions (slproweb.com) or OpenSSL installed with EBO If using Shining Light installer, it is recommended to open command prompt from where certificates are stored on the desktop and substitute openssl with "C:\Program Files\OpenSSL-Win64\bin\openssl.exe". Working with certificate files on the Windows desktop ensures the user will have the correct permission to run the commands, unlike putting certificate files in the Program Files directory where openssl.exe resides. Open PowerShell or Command Prompt Obtain the host certificate md5 hash with this command: openssl x509 -noout -modulus -in filename.pem | openssl md5 Obtain the private key md5 hash using the command below. Use the correct command based on the key file file type openssl rsa -noout -modulus -in filename.prv | openssl md5 openssl rsa -noout -modulus -in filename.key | openssl md5   In this example, the Host Certificate is HostCert.pem and the private key is EcoStruxure.key. The private key was converted to EcoStructure.prv using Step 12 of Installing an SSL Certificate from an External CA - Communities (se.com) These commands make the hash more readable to human eye. We use openssl to inspect the x509 for Certificate and encryption type rsa for the key to produce the modulus (-modulus), which is a long string. You then use (-noout) to prevent the full modulus from printing to the screen. You then create a shorter md5 hash so the human eye can easily compare them. If the md5 hashes match, that indicates that the modulus is a match and proves that the certificate/key is a pair.

Issue By design, the Continuum system cannot delete personnel objects until all the distributed copies can be first removed from the controller(s). In some cases the distributed copies cannot be removed from the controllers, such as when a controller is permanently offline or has been deleted. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation Cause Communication failure between CyberStation and controllers. Resolution Starting in CyberStation version 1.94 a new feature has been added that allows the user to force a delete of personnel objects even if the distributed copies cannot be removed. In CyberStation 'Delay Distribution' dialog, a new button has been added; the button is only enabled when CyberStation is in offline edit mode. Make a backup of the Continuum database as a precaution. Close ALL CyberStation workstations. Put CyberStation in Offline edit mode to enable the 'Clean up failed personnel delete distribution' button Click on the button, the system will provide the following warning Click OK to force all personnel deletions that are pending or have failed distribution to complete; any distributed copies in the controllers will be left orphaned. If offline controller returns online orphan distributed personnel records in controller can be removed by one of the following methods: Cool start the controller.  (For controllers that support access control and backup to flash such as the CX9680, ACX5720, ACX5740 . Note that personnel objects ARE NOT saved to flash memory, the controller requests a personnel distribution from CyberStation on cool start). See Restart modes of the second generation Infinity controllers for more information on cool start. Reload the controller from the CyberStation, this will perform a cold start and re-send all objects to the controller followed by a personnel distribution.

Warning Potential for Data Loss: The steps detailed in the resolution of this article may result in a loss of critical data if not performed properly. Before beginning these steps, make sure all important data is backed up in the event of data loss. If you are unsure or unfamiliar with any complex steps detailed in this article, please contact Product Support for assistance. Issue How to combine multiple Continuum DBs into one DB Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Cyberstation Cause Multiple Continuum site databases need to be combined into a single site database Resolution Guideline for combining Multiple sites to one Database Executing this procedure requires a technician who thoroughly understands Continuum and how it works with SQL Server. This procedure does not encompass BACnet controllers. There is a multitude of decisions related to efficiencies and site preferences that are not documented here. The following procedure is intended for use as a guideline for combining multiple databases. This work must be done offline on a development database and validated on a test bench before Note:Before proceeding with this procedure you must do the following. Backup the Continuum database in SQL. Backup all the files and folder structure under New Graphic Files. Note that these files may be on the SQL Server or elsewhere on a mapped drive. Back all Cyberstation Profiles. Steps 1 – 11 must be done before any of the site exports are done. Preparation All sites must have the same revision software and CX firmware. NO EXCEPTIONS! Make sure that all the Alarm Enrollments and Event Notifications have unique names between all sites as these will wind up together in a single database. Make sure that all the Graphics in the Root directory have unique names between all sites. Make sure each Schedules in the Root directory has a unique name across all sites. Make sure each Custom ListViews in the Root directory has a unique name across all sites. Make sure each Groups in the Root directory has a unique name across all sites. Make sure each Reports in the Root directory has a unique name across all sites. Once steps 1-5 are completed, export each class in the root individually. Import files from step 6 into the new site The Local Site name on all the sites that will be combined must be named LocalSite. All workstations must have unique names and ACC IDs between the sites. All CX, ACX and BCX controllers must have unique names and ACC IDs between the sites. Note: The safest way to do steps 9 & 10 is to create a new controller in offline mode with the changed ID, then drag and drop copy from the original controller to the new controller. Panels, reports, and programs then must be edited to bind to the new controller. Another way to merge the panel, reports, and programs that are in the root is to copy all the panels, programs, and reports to their corresponding controller then export the controller. Doing this will keep all the bindings linked. Then once the controller is imported into the merged database they can be copied back up to the root. All Commports on all controllers and workstations must be named Comm1, Comm2, etc… Each site must have the default “ACC” user and password. All graphic files (.pin) under the New Graphic Files folder must have unique names between the sites. Merging the databases Install a standard multi-user Continuum system being sure to size the database big enough to accept all the other databases combined into one database.  After a clean installation is done, shut down the new workstation and the SQL server. Copy the empty database files to an area where they won’t get corrupted. Do a complete site export from each of the sites that will be combined. Back up all the Graphic files (.Pin) files from the site so that they can be transferred to the new server. Copy all the backed up Graphic files (.Pin) from each site onto a New Graphics Files folder in the location of choice. Note these files can reside on the SQL server or elsewhere on a mapped drive. Import each of the site text exports from the old systems into the new system. After each import check to make sure that each import went cleanly. Check all the Graphics, Programs, Alarm Enrollments, and Event Notifications to make sure that all the links were made during the import process.

Warning Potential for Data Loss: The steps detailed in the resolution of this article may result in a loss of critical data if not performed properly. Before beginning these steps, make sure all important data is backed up in the event of data loss. If you are unsure or unfamiliar with any complex steps detailed in this article, please contact Product Support for assistance. Issue Cybersecurity vulnerability scans are flagging the Building Operation License Server because it is using HTTP rather than HTTPS Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Enterprise Central Building Operation License Server Cause The Building Operation License Server contains a web portal for diagnostics and administration. By default, the Building Operation License Server Administration web portal is configured to use HTTP Resolution It is possible from the Administration area of the Building Operation License Server Administration web portal to configure HTTPS communications. Note: this does not change how Ecostruxure Building Operation connects to the license server.   The following process configures the Building Operation License Server Administration web portal to use HTTPS   From a web browser open the Building Operation License Server Administration web portal by typing http://localhost:8888 Once the web portal opens, select Administration at the top right. You will be prompted to log on, use "admin" as the user name. If you have logged in before, use the password you have defined. If not, enter "admin" as the password, and you will then be prompted to create a password. Once signed in Select the Server Configuration tab. Under the Secure Web Server Configuration section, select Enable HTTPS Change HTTPS Port to a unique number e.g. 8443 Select Redirect Non-Secure Web Access to Secure Web Access At the bottom of the page click the Save button and close the web browser tab. Restart the Building Operation X.X License Server from the Windows Services app (services.msc) If the license server is opened using http://localhost:8888 it will now redirect to HTTPS using the port specified in step 4 above

Issue How can I find out whether the EBO 2022 multi-version support applies to AS Classic module?  Does it apply to all the AS, AS-P, and AS-B modules? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Automation Server Cause The EBO 2022 Release Note describes that the EBO 2022 Device Administrator software is not supported on the original AS classic (part number SXWAUTSVR10001) but there is no description of the software backward compatibility of the EBO on AS classic. Resolution An AS classic can continue to exist in a multi-version system; the maximum version an AS classic can operate at is 3.1.2. It is nowhere implied that it is not supported under a multi-version setup. The statement “EBO 2022 does not support AS classic” in the EBO 2022 Release Note is misunderstood. It simply means that one cannot install EBO 2022 on an AS Classic, the same as the previous EBO 3.2 version. Note that the AS Classic will not inherit any features introduced in later EBO releases when operating in a multi-version system.

Issue When performing a backup of all Servers and All Data on an Enterprise Server the backup fails and generates an error in Software Administrator indicating the backup is corrupt although the backup is not corrupt. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment EcoStruxure Building Operation Workstation EcoStruxure Building Operation Enterprise Server Cause There is not enough free disk space on the Enterprise Server to save the backup file created.  The error generated in Software Administrator is a generic error. Resolution Check the Trace Log for Internal Server Error: Insufficient_Space_For_Backup If this is evident free up additional space on the Enterprise Server and re-try saving the backup.

Issue One or more inputs on the SP-ACX will randomly report as open for a brief moment (a second or less), This can result in unauthorized door access if for example the input is associated with a door Exit Request. Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment SP-ACX Cause Electrical noise in wiring Resolution Increase the Alarm input speed, issue has been seen with Alarm input speed set to 0, increasing the input speed to 1 second typically resolves the problem.

Issue A system with multiple WebRequest calls appears to become erratic after upgrading the AS-P to EBO 2022 and above. After a reboot, multiple scripts execution are hanging.   In previous EBO versions, the script would be stopped and return an Unknown Exception error message.   Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server Premium Building Operation Automation Server Bundled Building Operation Enterprise Server Cause The Architectural Guidelines always recommended a maximum of 5 concurrent WebRequest calls. In EBO 2022, this limitation is enforced to limit the impact on the system resources and prevent scripts stopping due to Unknown Exception errors.   Architectural Guidelines    Web requests exceeding this number will be queued, and the scripts doing these calls will hang on that function as the queue is emptied. This will directly impact the execution of other scripts.   Resolution 1. Enforce a good scripting practice to prevent more than 5 concurrent Web Request calls. 2. Cascade the execution of scripts to make sure that after a reboot, the scripts are executed in a sequence to prevent simultaneous calls filling the queue and causing scripts to be stopped.  

Issue At times it is necessary to programmatically disable a program from another program Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment EcoStruxure Building Operation Workstation EcoStruxure Building Operation Server (ES/ASP/ASB) Cause A program will not just stop another program without some additional steps. In Continuum there was an ability to just name another program stop it. Resolution A program can stop itself,  however, here is a way for one program to stop another program. The user can declare an input variable in a program, check it and stop the program, based on the value of that variable. That input variable would be set from outside the program. Example: Prog1 stops Prog2 ======================== ‘Prog1 Numeric Output OutStopProg    ‘bound to the input variable InStopProg of prog2 ‘Stop program Prog2 OutStopProg = true        ‘this statement sets the input variable InStopProg  of Prog2 to true ======================== ‘Prog2 Numeric Input InStopProg     ‘bound to the OutStopProg variable of Prog1 If InStopProg = true then Stop   ‘this statement stops prog2 if InStopProg  is true  

Issue A site configured a schedule to have 2 different holiday durations during a spring break holiday week. The schedule is not working as expected. The Holiday week is set up as a range for Monday - Friday and assigned to a single Holiday group.   Two new schedule durations have been added with the respective days selected that they would like the durations to activate on. On the 2 new durations, they added the Holiday group in the "Always Active On" area.   Product Line EcoStruxure Access Expert Environment Access Expert V3 Hosted Access Expert V3 Premise Cause Holiday and special date durations will activate on the holiday dates regardless of the day(s) of the week selected in the scheduled duration. The day(s) of week checkboxes in each duration is only used for setting a recurring weekly activation on those days and are not required for Holidays. For durations that will only be used during holidays, do not select any day(s) of the week. Resolution In this case, since you need two different durations during your holiday week, you will need two new durations but with different holiday groups for each duration. Set the M, W, and F duration as holiday group A and T, R for holiday group B. Now apply the Holiday Groups to the right dates via the Holidays Menu.      

Issue When configuring the in-built Visitor Management System (VMS) there is no report mechanism under the Visitor tab to show visitor access. Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Client Visitor Management System Cause Reports for visitors are part of the list of the Report types under the more general User reports Resolution Visitor reports for visitors using the in-built VMS can be generated with a User Report by selecting one of the following Report Type options: All current visitors All overdue visitors All visitors by date Visitor user report setup This can then be further configured to your requirements by editing the report filter. Launch the event report view in a new window by pressing the Edit in report view button. The report can be run and filters can then be configured as required and saved as the default report filter.