Adding OPC UA Parameters¶
An OPC UA parameter maps a single node on an OPC UA server to a trackable data point in Enture. Once added, the platform reads the node value continuously and makes it available for dashboards, reports, alerts, and real-time views.
Before you begin¶
- The Virtual Device for the OPC UA server must already exist and have a valid connection configured — see Creating a Virtual Device.
- You need the Node ID of the data point you want to monitor. Obtain this from the OPC UA server's address space browser (e.g. UA Expert, or the server's own tooling).
Node ID format¶
OPC UA nodes are identified by a namespace index and an identifier. Common formats:
| Format | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Numeric | ns=2;i=10005 |
Namespace 2, numeric identifier 10005 |
| String | ns=2;s=Temperature |
Namespace 2, string identifier "Temperature" |
The namespace (ns) and identifier (i or s) values come from the OPC UA server's address space.
Steps¶
1. Open the Virtual Device¶
In the left sidebar, go to Digital Twin → Devices and open the vDevice that represents the OPC UA server.
2. Add a parameter¶
Click Add Parameter and select OPC UA Parameter from the options.
3. Fill in the parameter details¶
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | A descriptive name for this data point (e.g. Motor Speed, Inlet Temperature) |
| Unit | The engineering unit (e.g. rpm, °C, bar). Optional. |
| Node ID | The OPC UA node identifier (e.g. ns=2;i=10005) |
| Data Type | The data type of the node value. Select from the available options. |
| Data Processing | How the collected values are processed: Average (mean of samples over the period) or Difference (change in value over the period, useful for counters) |
| Correction Factor | A multiplier applied to the raw value before storing (default: 1) |
| Addition Constant | A value added to the raw value before storing (default: 0) |
| Idle Latency | How long a parameter is considered inactive if no new data arrives. Options: 5 min, 15 min, 30 min, 1 hr, 6 hr, 12 hr, 24 hr |
| Entropy | Sensitivity threshold for detecting meaningful value changes (default: 1) |
4. Optional settings¶
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Restrict User Access | When enabled, limits visibility of this parameter to engineers only |
| Aliasing | Enables the parameter to be referenced under a machine alias |
| Calculate Consumption | When enabled, the platform also tracks cumulative consumption for this parameter |
5. Save¶
Click Create. The parameter is added to the vDevice.
What happens next¶
The edge device receives the updated parameter list within approximately 30 seconds. It subscribes to the node on the OPC UA server and begins reading values.
Viewing live data¶
To see the current value and recent history for a parameter:
- Navigate to Digital Twin → Devices → open the vDevice.
- Click on the parameter name.
- The parameter detail page shows the current value and a real-time chart.
Tip
If you do not see data arriving after a few minutes, verify that:
- The vDevice URL and credentials are correct.
- The Node ID matches exactly what the OPC UA server exposes (check with a UA browser tool).
- The edge device is online and connected to the platform.