Virtual tag
A virtual tag represents a calculated data point that does not come directly from a physical device but is generated within the platform using existing tag and telemetry data.
Raw data coming into the platform may not always produce meaningful outputs on its own. Virtual tags transform this data into more useful analytical values through formulas, conversions, comparisons, or aggregation logic.
For example, consumption values from multiple meters can be combined to calculate total energy consumption, or temperature values from several sensors can be used to generate an average temperature value.
A virtual tag is a logical tag structure used to generate new calculated data points from existing platform data.
What is a virtual tag?
A virtual tag is a calculated data field derived from existing tag values rather than a value received directly from a physical sensor or device.
This structure allows additional analytics layers to be created without adding new physical hardware. Raw telemetry data can therefore be transformed into meaningful indicators that support operational decisions.
- Calculated data generation → Existing tag values can be transformed into new data points through formulas or processing logic.
- Data aggregation → Values from multiple devices or tags can be combined under a single virtual tag.
- Unit conversion → Measurement values can be converted into different units to make them easier to read and compare within the platform.
- KPI creation → Operational indicators such as performance, efficiency, or consumption can be calculated using virtual tag structures.
- Alarm and analytics support → Calculated virtual tag values can be used in alarms, reports, dashboards, and analytics workflows.
How does a virtual tag work?
A virtual tag uses existing tag and telemetry values already available in the platform. These values are processed according to a defined formula or rule and become available as a new calculated data point.
A virtual tag does not receive data directly from a physical device. Instead, it references existing values, making it a flexible and scalable way to extend the platform data model.
Energy data
Energy data
Energy data
Virtual Tag Engine
Processes existing tag values with formulas and rules.
Calculated Virtual Tag
Total Energy = Meter A + Meter B + Meter C
Displayed in KPIs and charts.
Monitored with thresholds.
Used in trend analysis.
Included in report outputs.
- Tag and telemetry values are collected from physical devices
- A formula or processing rule is defined within the platform
- Related tag values are calculated through this rule
- The result is generated as a new virtual tag value
- The virtual tag value becomes available for dashboards, alarms, reports, and analytics screens
Virtual tags expand the platform’s analytics and decision-support capabilities by reinterpreting existing data.
Role within the platform
Virtual tags play an important role in the platform’s data processing and analytics layer. They make raw telemetry data more meaningful, comparable, and actionable.
Formula-based calculation → New data points can be generated using operations such as summation, subtraction, ratio calculation, or averaging.
Data transformation → Raw measurement values can be converted into different units or standardized platform data formats.
Dashboard enrichment → Calculated values can be presented as more meaningful indicators in charts, cards, and table components.
Alarm and rule support → Virtual tag results can be compared against thresholds to trigger alarms or automation workflows.
Usage scenarios
Virtual tags are used to generate new calculated values from existing data, combine different data sources, and create operational indicators.
Total energy consumption → Consumption values from multiple meters can be summed to calculate total energy usage for a facility or section.
Average temperature calculation → Temperature values from multiple sensors can be combined to generate an average temperature value for an environment or process.
Efficiency indicator → Production quantity and energy consumption values can be evaluated together to calculate performance or efficiency ratios.
Unit conversion → Values such as kWh, Wh, m³, or temperature measurements can be converted into different units for clearer reporting and dashboard usage.
Calculated alarm value → Results derived from multiple data points can be compared with thresholds to create more advanced alarm scenarios.
Next step
After understanding virtual tags, continue with the dashboard and widget system to explore how calculated data is visualized in the user interface.