This topic walks you through the initial configuration of Asset Backup Scheduler from first launch through to your first successful automated backup run. Follow each step in sequence to ensure the application is correctly set up for your environment.
Prerequisite: Before proceeding, confirm that all items listed in System Requirements are satisfied, including an active licensed installation of Control Architect, an accessible SQL Server instance, and a configured MongoDB environment.
Initial Setup Steps
Step 1 — Launch Asset Backup Scheduler
Run the Asset Backup Scheduler application from the Start Menu or installation directory. The application requires local administrator privileges. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow elevated execution.
On first launch, the application will create its configuration and data storage folder at:
Navigate to the Settings tab in the main window. This is where all connection strings, network share credentials, enabled job types, and integration options are configured. See Configuring Settings for a full description of each option.
Step 3 — Configure the SQL Server Connection (CDA)
In the SQL Server Connection section, enter or build the connection string for the Honeywell PKS ps_erdb database. Use the SQL Connection Builder dialog to interactively specify the server name, database name, and authentication details. Click Test Connection to verify connectivity. A green indicator confirms a successful connection.
Step 4 — Configure the SCADA SQL Server Connection
In the SCADA SQL Server Connection section, enter the connection string for the SCADA QBDB database. This is a separate connection from the CDA database. Click Test SCADA Connection to validate. A tooltip will confirm the connection status.
Step 5 — Configure the Network Share
Enter the UNC path to the Network Share Folder where collected asset files will be deposited. This is the location that the Control Architect Backup File Monitor Service monitors for new asset collections. Supply the Domain Name, Username, and Password for the share if network credentials are required.
Step 6 — Select Enabled Backup Job Types
In Settings, use the check boxes to enable or disable each of the available backup job types:
CDA Configuration
SCADA Configuration
OPC Integrator Files
Graphic Files
Asset Files
History Files
Only enabled job types will be executed during a backup run. At minimum, enable the job types that are relevant to your PCN environment. See Backup Job Types for details on what each job collects.
Step 7 — Configure Control Architect Integration
Enter the Control Architect Host API Address in Settings. This address is used to notify Control Architect when a new asset collection is ready for snapshot generation. Enable the Enable Snapshot Auto Generation option to activate the automatic post-collection snapshot trigger.
Step 8 — Run the Watchdog Test
Before scheduling your first live backup, use the Watchdog Test function to verify that end-to-end communication between Asset Backup Scheduler and the Control Architect Backup File Monitor Service is working correctly. See WatchDog Testing for full instructions.
Step 9 — Create a Backup Schedule
Navigate to the Scheduler tab and create one or more scheduled backup jobs. For each job, specify:
Start Time — the time of day the backup should begin
Duration (End Time) — the maximum allowed time window for the backup to complete
Days of the Week — the days on which the schedule should trigger
Save the schedule. The scheduler will automatically detect the next upcoming job and execute it when the scheduled time arrives. See Configuring the Scheduler for full details.
Step 10 — Run a Manual Backup (Optional)
To run a backup immediately without waiting for the schedule, click the Start Backup Task button on the main view. Monitor job progress in real time using the Step Progress Bar and Activity Messages panel. When the run completes, the result will be recorded in the Job History.
Tip: If LCN Data Collection from Honeywell LCN nodes is required for your site, enable the LCN Backup option in Settings and complete the LCN Wizard configuration before running your first backup. See LCN Data Collection for setup instructions.
Important: The Control Architect Backup File Monitor Service (Windows service named Control Architect Backup Monitor) must be installed and running before Asset Backup Scheduler can signal Control Architect to generate snapshots. Confirm the service is in a Running state before executing any backup task.
