Advanced PI System Management Tools

A comprehensive expert-level deep-dive into every tool within the PI SMT suite. Master PI Server administration, Point Builder, Buffering Manager, Security Editor, PI Notifications, PI Web API, and PI Connectors through step-by-step walkthroughs with real-world examples and code.

Sections

PI SMT Overview & Navigation

Connecting to servers, understanding the tree structure, and managing subsystems

What Is PI System Management Tools (PI SMT)?

PI System Management Tools (PI SMT) is the primary administrative console for managing every component of an AVEVA PI Server installation. It is a Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-in that provides a unified, tree-based interface to configure, monitor, and maintain the PI Data Archive, PI AF Server, PI interfaces, security, and all associated subsystems.

Step-by-Step: Connecting to a PI Server

1Open PI SMT from Windows Start Menu under AVEVA > PI System Management Tools.
2Right-click Connections in the left panel and select New Connection.
3Enter the hostname or IP address of your PI Server (e.g., PISERVER01).
4Select Windows Integrated Security (recommended) or PI Trust for legacy setups.
5Click Connect. A green icon confirms successful connection.
6Expand the server node to reveal all management plug-ins.

PI SMT Tree Structure

Node	Purpose
Points	Create, edit, delete, and search PI tags
Interfaces	Monitor and configure PI Interface instances
System Management Tools	Subsystem health, tuning, archive management
Security	Identities, mappings, trusts, and database security
Operation	Message logs, archive status, backup management
Connections	Manage PI Server connections

Step-by-Step: Restarting a PI Subsystem

1Navigate to System Management Tools > Services in PI SMT.
2Right-click the target subsystem (e.g., PI Archive Subsystem).
3Select Stop and wait for the status to change to Stopped.
4Right-click again and select Start.
5Monitor the Message Log under Operation > Message Logs for errors during restart.