In addition to the database-driven CDA and SCADA exports, Asset Backup Scheduler collects four categories of configuration files from the configured Network Share folder: OPC Integrator Files, Graphic Files, Asset Files, and History Files. These file-copy job types complement the database exports to form a complete Configuration Collection snapshot.
Each file collection job type can be independently enabled or disabled in Settings. All four job types follow the same pattern: locate the specified source files on the network share, copy them to a temporary folder, and then transfer the result to the corresponding sub-folder in the Network Share output location.
Note: All four file collection job types require the Network Share Folder to be configured and accessible from the host workstation. Valid network share credentials (Domain, Username, Password) must be entered in Settings if the share requires authentication.
OPC Integrator Files
What Is Collected
The Copy OPC Integrator Files job copies the OPC Integrator online configuration definition files. These tab-separated value (TSV) files define the OPC integration configuration used by the control system to communicate with external OPC DA servers.
File Name
Description
OPCI_Online_Groups.tsv
Defines the OPC Integrator online group configuration — the grouping structure used to organize OPC item subscriptions.
OPCI_Online_Items.tsv
Defines the OPC Integrator online item configuration — the individual OPC item paths and associated properties for each subscribed data point.
Output Location
Destination
Details
Network Share Sub-Folder
[Network Share Folder]\OPC Integrator Files\
Graphic Files
What Is Collected
The Copy Graphic Files job copies display graphic configuration files from the network share to the asset collection output folder. These files contain the graphical display definitions — process displays, overview screens, and faceplates — used by operator workstations.
The source path for graphic files is derived from the configured Network Share Folder. All applicable graphic configuration files found in the designated sub-directory are copied to the output location.
Output Location
Destination
Details
Network Share Sub-Folder
[Network Share Folder]\Graphic Files\
Asset Files
What Is Collected
The Copy Asset Files job copies the core asset and alarm configuration XML files. These files capture the plant asset hierarchy, alarm group definitions, and network configuration that are essential for reconstructing the system asset model within a Configuration Collection snapshot.
File Name
Description
Alarm Groups.cnf.xml
Defines the alarm group hierarchy and membership configuration for process alarm management.
Assets.cnf.xml
Defines the plant asset hierarchy, equipment structure, and asset associations within the control system.
Network.cnf.xml
Defines the network configuration including server and node definitions within the control system network topology.
System Alarm Groups.cnf.xml
Defines the system-level alarm group configuration used for system diagnostic and health alarm management.
Output Location
Destination
Details
Network Share Sub-Folder
[Network Share Folder]\Asset Files\
History Files
What Is Collected
The Copy History Files job copies historian configuration files from the configured network share path. These files capture the historian tag configuration, collection parameters, and archiving definitions required for a complete system snapshot.
The source path is derived from the configured Network Share Folder. All applicable history configuration files found in the designated sub-directory are copied to the output location.
Output Location
Destination
Details
Network Share Sub-Folder
[Network Share Folder]\History Files\
Common Failure Causes
Issue
Likely Cause
Resolution
File not found warnings
Expected source files are not present in the network share location
Verify the source file paths in the network share and confirm that the control system has exported the latest versions to the share location.
Access denied errors
Network share credentials are incorrect or insufficient
Verify the Domain, Username, and Password in Settings. Ensure the account has read access to all required sub-folders within the network share.
Network share unreachable
The Network Share Folder UNC path is incorrect or the server is offline
Verify the Network Share Folder path in Settings. Confirm the share server is online and reachable from the Asset Backup Scheduler host.
Job skipped
The job type is not enabled in Settings
Enable the relevant job type checkbox in Settings and re-run the backup.
Tip: File collection job types generate Warning status (rather than Failed) when source files are not found, allowing the backup run to continue collecting the remaining enabled job types. Review the Activity Messages panel after each run for any missing file notifications.
