Building Automation Knowledge Base

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.

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 What is the best order to update software and firmware from very outdated sites? Should we update the controller's firmware or Security Expert client/Server software first? Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Controller Cause Controller, firmware, Client, Server, Software Resolution Update the controller's OS to 2.0.27 Then update the controller's firmware to the "interim-build" v2.08.1287 Then update to release build 2.08.1295. Firmware is located on the EcoExpert Extranet  There is no importance of installation order between controller firmware and Client/Server software

Issue Building Operation WorkStation freezes and crashes. The stack trace shows: System.ComponentModel.Win32Exception: Not enough quota is available to process this command Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation WorkStation Cause This is an error from Windows system: Not enough quota is available to process this command There are two potential causes for this error: Windows does not have enough virtual memory for all of the processes that are currently running on the machine or Windows is running out of other resources such as: disk space, handles, GDI resources, process message queue or something else. This error turns up on a lot of programs in Windows intermittently, such as Windows File Explorer. WorkStation freezes (usually because its waiting on the server) and the user tries to do a 'soft' shutdown (not a kill process) of WorkStation in the Task Manager. The Windows OS then sends instructions via the message queue (to simulate a user press on the "red cross" button on upper right in caption bar) which in turn leads to this quota error. Resolution If this error is seen, Microsoft recommends closing some applications and trying again. If you still get this message, increase the size of your paging file.   In the Taskbar Search, type “Advanced System“. You will see View Advanced System Settings. Click on it. Or you can navigate to it via Control Panel In System Properties, click the Advanced tab In the Performance section click the Settings button Performance Options will open. Click the Advanced tab Here, under Virtual memory, select Change Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives Highlight your Windows system drive Select Custom size Change the Initial size value and the Maximum size value to a higher value Click Set Finally, Click Apply/OK all the way  

Issue TAC Vista reports an error in the Alarm view that no more threads can be created and remote workstations cannot connect to the Vista server. Product Line TAC Vista Environment TAC Vista Workstation Cause This issue occurs when the TAC Vista remote computer that connects to the TAC Vista Server computer is left logged in and the Remote computer goes into hibernation. This causes the TCP/IP Thread between the TAC Vista remote computer and the TAC Vista server PC's to remain in use. Then once the TAC Vista remote computer is taken out of hibernation another TCP/IP Thread is created. Eventually this will use up the allocated thread count and generate an error. Resolution Restarting the TAC Vista Server PC will fix the issue until the TCP/IP Thread count increase to the limit again. The TAC Vista Remote Workstation computer can be setup so it doesn't go into hibernation and remains on, then the TAC Vista log off function works correctly and closes down the TCP/IP Thread. Alternatively change the TAC Vista Remote Workstations to TAC Vista Servers and configure them to look at the mastern TAC Vista server. This configuration uses a different communication setup for Server to Server communications. See the Creating TAC Vista multi-server network Knowledge Base article for further information on this configuration

Issue There are some differences between Bypassing/Clearing the Bypasses of Inputs and Trouble Inputs when Arming Security Expert Areas Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Controller Security Expert Keypad Arming Areas Cause Both Inputs and Trouble Inputs can be easily Bypassed when attempting to Arm an Area in Security Expert.  However, while Input Bypasses can also be cleared from the Keypad, Bypasses of Trouble Inputs cannot. Resolution The Bypassing and Clearing of Bypasses on Inputs can be carried out from the keypad.  However, whilst a Trouble Input can be Bypassed from the keypad the Bypass can only be cleared by restarting the controller from the web interface.   The following video will illustrate how to: Bypass and Clear the Bypass on an Input via the keypad Bypass a Trouble Input via the keypad Clear the Trouble Input Bypass via the Web Interface  

Issue Is there a way to bring an unresponsive/offline Security Expert module back online after a Firmware Upgrade has failed? Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Controller Security Expert Module Cause If there is an interruption/issue when upgrading firmware on a Security Expert module, the module itself can go offline and become unresponsive. Resolution There is a 'hidden menu' in the Security Expert controller's web interface on the Application Software tab that can be used to 'Force Upgrade' an unresponsive module to 'try' and bring it back online.   The following video will illustrate how to: Attempt to bring a Security Expert module back online after a failed firmware upgrade

Issue CSV file that has been edited with Excel does not import. There is no error given but the import has no effect. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation Cause This problem can occur if the application used to edit the CSV file adds hidden characters. Resolution Make sure the file contains ONLY plain text. Use a simple text editor such as Notepad to avoid this issue

Issue Have the VZ22, VZ32, VZ42 valves been replaced by the VZ219, VZ319, VZ419 series? Product Line Field Devices Environment Vista Satchwell Continuum Micronet Sigma Cause VZ*19* zone valves now available with equal or better specification than the older VZ*2 valves Resolution As per PA-00911 the VZ22, VZ32, VZ42 series valves are no longer available for sale.  The alternative is the standard catalogue zone offer, either the VZ*08* with MZ140 for thermal (low cost, silent) solutions, or the VZ*19* with MZ20 for a Motoric actuator solution. The alternative range VZ*08E or VZ*19*, is lower in cost and would be a suitable replacement in most applications. For high pressure applications, the VP228E PIBCV would be a suitable alternative. There should be no technical concern with changing over a PIBCV from a zone valve if the system pressure is above 25 kPa. There will be slight dimensional differences in the zone valve body length but for most installations the existing pipework should be able to accommodate the difference. A cross reference from the discontinued offer to the new offer is detailed PA-00911.   Datasheets for all valves and actuators can be found here or here for MZ18A, MZ18B, MZ20A, MZ20B, VZ*19*

Issue What is Life Reporting? Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Schindler Elevator HLI Integration Cause What function does the Life Reporting feature in a Schindler Elevator HLI Integration perform Resolution Life Reporting is a feature in the Security Expert Schindler Elevator HLI Integration. The life reporting interface is how Access Events from the Schindler system are reported back to Security Expert via TCP port. When enabled, you can receive "floor unlocked" events. Multiple loggers can be configured for the life reporting interface using the same IP address. Up to 32 loggers can be configured for the life reporting interface. You can also use Schneider Electric card readers for elevator access control alongside the Schindler system. For more details including prerequisites and configuration, please read AN - 196 - Security Expert Schindler HLI Integration    NOTE: Security Expert Software v 4.1.180 or higher is required. SX Controller Firmware v 2.08.919 or higher is required. One Security Expert Schindler Elevator High Level Interface License (SX-ELV-HLI-SC) per controller is required.

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 Note: To enable Windows Authentication login in Security Expert, the following are required:   SX-AD-USR: Active Directory User Integration License. During Security Expert installation, "Enable Windows Authentication on Data Service / Client Communications" must be enabled. In Security Expert Client: enable "Use Windows Authentication" Found in Global | Operators| Configuration section. A site has the domain abc.xyz.com (Where ABC is the domain and XYZ is the sub-domain) When Windows Authentication is enabled, users on the sub-domain (i.e: XYZ\username) are not visible in AD Search (found in  Security ExpertX Client: Global | Operators| Username field| ellipsis [...]). Because of this, It is not possible to directly connect operators with AD sub-domain users. Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Server Cause This is an Active Directory design. The Search feature for Active Directory users will have the same visibility as the machine it's installed on. (In this case, the machine was joined to the ABC domain and this is the domain Security Expert is able to pull information from). XYZ Sub-domain users might have permission to access the ABC domain but they are not on the domain. Therefore, Security Expert can't search for them. Resolution Security Expert, the machines and the users must be on the same domain: Solution 1: Manually adjust the domain on the login page ex: "XYZ\username" The XYZ sub-domain users must have ABC privileges.   Solution 2: Create duplicate users on the ABC domain This is a temporary solution because you will be left with duplicate users   Solution 3:  Change the domain structure in Active Directory to match the users, workstations and Security Expert client/server on the same domain  

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 I/NET transitioned User ID Credentials that have non-numerical characters (like a dash "-") cannot be modified in the Security Expert Client Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert,TAC INET Environment Security Expert Controller Cause Security Expert Client does not allow User ID Credentials with non-numerical characters with a dash (-) to be modified Resolution Method 1: Delete the dash from the User ID Credential the first time you need to make any other edit to that user in SX. Click Save.   Method 2: Make a backup of the existing SX database in case you want to restore what you had. Use the latest version of the INET Database Transition Tool to re-transition ONLY Users. Note: Any adjustments you've made to the User's Access Levels in SX since the original transition from INET will be lost. You will need to make those adjustments again.

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 Using DSS to import PhotoIDTemplate (Users | Photos | Card Templates in SX) requires that you use the Database ID for the object you wish to use. Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Server Cause This information is not readily visible in Security Expert, but it is found in the Card Template's Database ID (dbo.FloorPlanID | FloorPlanID) Resolution Use the template's name instead of the Card Template's Database ID   Modify the appropriate column in the CSV file to specify the name of the template rather than its ID In the Data Sync application, where you are mapping that CSV column (i.e. column 14), go to the Advanced Column and click the ellipsis button [...]. A dialogue window will pop up. Go to the Find ID section and enable the Target Field Record Type option. Next to this option, use the drop-down list to select "Floor Plans". Click "OK" button to close the dialogue window. Click Save. This will save the modified Settings.xml file. Sync the CSV file and confirm by checking the results.

Issue Cannot find documentation on how to use the new Graphic components release with EBO 2.0 Getting the following errors when previewing my graphic page: "Script error in function "onLoad" .... ReferenceError: "_firstRun" is not defined "Script error in function "onChange" ... ReferenceError: "_setVisuals" is not defined The component added to the graphic shows no binding label in the WorkStations edit bindings window Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation. Environment Building Operation Graphic Editor 2.0 and above GlobalScripts V2.0.0262 and above Cause With the release of EBO 2.0, a set of new components/snippets have been released, which are different from those issued in earlier releases, although there is very little change visually. The scripting, in most cases but not all, has been removed from the components themselves and put into single scripts. This means we can take advantage of the functionality of the global script. This requires the user to set the UseGlobalScripts attribute to True within the TGML graphic editor, which can be on a per-graphic basis and ensures that existing graphics will still function. Once turned to True, all components with scripts and requirements for other global scripts to function correctly can function as designed. For example, the setpoint box requires global scripts to ensure units and decimal places are displayed as designed/required due to the scripts. There are also two binds available on the box, one for reading and one for writing. Both need to be bound to enable the component to function correctly.  The components are designed this way to allow use in BACnet, where it may require reading the resultant Value but Writing at a specific Priority. Without the scripts added to the graphic, the component cannot function. For further details/questions, refer to the following Community Posts, which also include the current PDF documentation: Help-with-an-EBO-2-0-component EcoStruxure-Building-Operation/Graphic-Component-Library-Rev-AB1-002-pdf NAM Standards Team TGML Component Library - Communities (se.com) This article provides the necessary steps required to enable and get these new components working and does not provide in-depth functionality. Resolution Within Graphics Editor, enable UseGlobalScripts. To do this: Select the -Tgml object shown in the Objects pane In the Properties pane Change the UseGlobalScripts from False to True In the Global Graphic Snippets: Drag the GlobalScripts V2.0.xxxx onto the -Tgml object.  GlobalScripts then appends as shown below. Note: This must be done before adding any components and ONLY once on each Graphic page. Add a Component by dragging it into the Design window. Example showing the Component: Analogue Single Line Text, 100W Add Snippets to allow the relevant Bindings to be added to this component.  To do this: Select the Snippets tab, Select Select Global Bind Snippets Drag the appropriate snippet onto the Component. EcoStruxure Analog Value bind snippet is added to the Analogue Value component Save the graphic Preview - no errors should appear.  If there are errors: Ensure that the scripts/components have been added in the correct order Ensure the correct Snippet has been added to the correct Component.  Refer to the Graphic-Component-Library-Rev-AB1-002-pdf documentation for the tested snippets/component combinations. Open WorkStation and Edit Bindings on the saved graphic page Note: The default binding name displayed View the graphic page   Example: Showing forced value      

Issue Unable to Access Access Expert after converting from V2 to V3 Product Line EcoStruxure Access Expert Environment Access Expert Hosted software V3 Cause Used the same Password as V2 Resolution When a site is converted from V2 to V3, Feenics sends out an email with a new username and password that can only be used within AX Version 3.   *Note* These new credentials cannot be used in V2. Once the conversion to V3 occurs, the V2 instance will be retired and you will only be able to use the V3 AX client to access your instance.

Issue After a PIN Duress Event at a door, the Duress Trouble Input stays "ON" and is unable to reset or restore the trouble input until a Valid Access Event occurs at the door. Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Controller Cause Attempting to restore Duress Trouble Input remotely after an accidental PIN Duress Entry by Card Users Resolution This is the intended design and function of the PIN Duress Trouble Input. It is considered an extremely-high priority issue and must be restored by a specific physical action. Remotely restoring (via Keypad in another location) would defeat the purpose of the PIN Duress Trouble Input. This is intentional to prevent a real duress event from going unnoticed.