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2. Setup Manual

Last modified by Iaroslav Platonov on 2026/06/08 09:28
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1. Introduction

CENTO is a multifunctional software platform for data collection, processing, and display. It can be used to build various automated systems: dispatching, control, accounting, diagnostics, and more.

This guide describes the general steps for setting up CENTO software, as well as links to other relevant instructions.

1.1 Devices, Tags, Channels

Configuration is performed from the Settings drop-down menu at the top of the CENTO graphical interface.

Fig. 2.1 – Settings drop-down menu

Fig. 2.1 – Settings drop-down menu

1.1.1 Creating a Device Tree

Configuration begins with creating a tree of devices (information sources). The device tree reflects either the physical structure of the facility or the logical grouping convenient for further work.

Go to Settings → Devices, tags, channels to configure the structure.

Fig. 2.2 – Devices, Tags, Channels Page

Fig. 2.2 – Devices, Tags, Channels Page

By default, CENTO has a Root Object preset. Under the root object you can specify the name of a company or a separate facility. To rename a tree element, hover over it and use the edit icon.

Fig. 2.3 – Editing an object

Fig. 2.3 – Editing an object

⚠ Warning
There must be no attached devices in a facility object before it can be deleted.

The sequence and nesting of objects can be adjusted by dragging objects while holding the left mouse button.

Fig. 2.4 – Dragging a New Object Inside the Tree

Fig. 2.4 – Dragging a New Object Inside the Tree

Fig. 2.5 – Dragging a New Object Inside the Tree

Fig. 2.5 – Dragging a New Object Inside the Tree

✔ Tip
Adding and configuring facilities is also possible through Excel files. See Section 2 — Configuring CENTO via Excel.

1.1.2 Creating Devices

Create or edit devices (information sources) on the Settings → Devices, tags, channels page.

Fig. 2.6 – Devices Page

Fig. 2.6 – Devices Page

On this page you can: add, edit, copy, and delete devices; download or upload device configuration to an Excel file.

Click the Create a device button to open the device creation form.

Fig. 2.7 – Device Creation Page

Fig. 2.7 – Device Creation Page

To edit an existing device, click its name on the Devices page.

Fig. 2.8 – Device Editing Page

Fig. 2.8 – Device Editing Page

The General settings block contains fields common to all devices: name, template, identification number, IP address, serial number, associated object, notes, and information model binding.

To replace an existing device while preserving metering data, use the Replace device function.

Fig. 2.9 – Window: Replacement of the metering device

Fig. 2.9 – Window: Replacement of the metering device

After filling in the required fields, click Save, then apply changes with the Update Configuration button.

1.1.3 Set Up Tags and Channels

Tags and accounting channels are configured on the same Devices, tags, channels page. Tags represent individual data points read from devices; channels aggregate tag values for metering purposes.

Fig. 2.10 – Tags and Channels Page

Fig. 2.10 – Tags and Channels Page

1.1.3.1 Adding a Protocol Tag

A protocol tag reads a value directly from a device via its communication protocol (Modbus, IEC 60870-5-104, IEC 61850, etc.). To add a protocol tag, select the device in the tree and click Add tag → Protocol tag.

Fig. 2.11 – Adding a protocol tag

Fig. 2.11 – Adding a protocol tag

Fig. 2.12 – Protocol tag parameters

Fig. 2.12 – Protocol tag parameters

1.1.3.2 Add a Calculation Tag

A calculation tag derives its value from a formula applied to other tags. Select the device and click Add tag → Calculation tag, then define the formula expression.

Fig. 2.13 – Calculation tag setup

Fig. 2.13 – Calculation tag setup

1.1.3.3 Setting Up Calculation Formulas

Formulas use standard mathematical and logical operators, and can reference other tags by their code. The formula verification window shows the argument code, current value, and status for debugging.

Fig. 2.14 – Formula verification

Fig. 2.14 – Formula verification

1.1.3.4 Configuring Calculation Channels

Calculation channels aggregate tag values over time intervals (hourly, daily, monthly). They are used for metering data analysis and reports. Configure them on the Metering channels sub-tab of the Devices page.

Fig. 2.15 – Calculation channel configuration

Fig. 2.15 – Calculation channel configuration

2. Configuring CENTO via Excel

CENTO supports bulk configuration import and export via Excel files. This covers devices, tags, channels, information model objects, and other settings. Use Settings → Import/Export to upload or download configuration workbooks.

ℹ Note
Excel import is the recommended approach for large deployments with many devices. Always validate the Excel template version before importing.

3. Events

Events are triggered when tag values cross defined thresholds or match configured conditions. Go to Settings → Events to define event rules, priorities, and associated notifications or control actions.

See the Events Setup manual for detailed configuration steps.

4. Mnemonics

Mnemonic diagrams (SCADA screens) are interactive visual representations of equipment state. They are created and configured in the Settings → Diagrams section.

See the Diagrams Development Manual for detailed instructions.

5. Information Model

The Information Model defines the hierarchy of facilities, systems, and equipment objects, and links them to devices and tags. Configure it under Settings → Information Model.

See the Structure and Modules Description manual for architecture details.

6. System Settings

Global system parameters including user accounts, access rights, server connection settings, and license management are configured under Settings → System Settings.

7. Transfer Kits

Transfer kits (transmission sets) define packages of tag data to be sent from one CENTO server to another via the S2S (Server-to-Server) protocol. Configure under Settings → Transfer kits.

8. Lighting Control

Automated lighting control allows switching lighting circuits based on tag states or schedules. Configured via Settings → Lighting control using IEC 60870-5-104 remote control commands.

⚠ Warning
Lighting control requires the appropriate IEC-104 control configuration on the connected device. Confirm correct tag binding before enabling automated switching.

9. Tooling

Tooling utilities provide diagnostic and maintenance capabilities: protocol web logs, VKT-7 device configuration output, and system information panels. Accessible from Settings → Tooling.

10. Other Settings in Interfaces

10.1 Analysis of Real-Time Data

Column visibility, tag display order, chart defaults, and aggregation presets for the real-time data analysis interface can be configured per user in Analysis → Real-time data → Settings.

10.2 Analysis of Metering Data

Report period defaults, channel display options, and Excel export format settings are available in Analysis → Metering data → Settings.

10.3 Logs

Custom log views — combining specific event types, devices, and filter criteria — are created per user in Logs → Custom logs. Column width and sort preferences are saved automatically.

11. Basic Concepts and Abbreviations

TermDefinition
TagA named data point read from a device or computed by a formula.
ChannelA metering channel that aggregates tag values over time intervals.
DeviceA physical or virtual information source connected to CENTO via a protocol.
IMInformation Model — the hierarchy of facility objects linked to devices and tags.
S2SServer-to-Server — data exchange protocol between CENTO instances.
RMBRight Mouse Button — used for context menus throughout the interface.
IEC 104IEC 60870-5-104 — communication protocol for remote terminal units.
ModbusStandard serial communication protocol for connecting devices.
Parent topic: CENTO Manuals