In this article we will outline how scaling factors are applied across the IXON Cloud and we will provide best practice for applying factors. A factor can be used to convert raw PLC integer values (e.g. 230) into meaningful, real-world units (e.g. 23.0 °C). It can also be used to convert from one unit to another (e.g. kg to g).

A factor can be configured at two locations: at the variable itself in your data source in the Fleet Manager and at the (visual) components in the Studio.

The factor at the variable itself in the Fleet Manager is automatically used in most places throughout the IXON Cloud:

• When you are testing your variables in the Fleet Manager with Run test.
• When you visualize the variable in a Live Data component in the Studio.
• When you visualize a tag, which corresponds to the variable, in a Historical Data component in the Studio.
• When you export data from one of these components or from the Data Export component.

Additionally, you can also enter a factor (Live data components) / formula (Historical data components) at in the component settings in the Studio. That will then be used for that specific variable or tag in that specific component instead of the factor from the variable in the Fleet Manager. This then also applies to any data you export from that specific component. If the factor / formula in the component settings is empty (default), the factor from the Fleet Manager will automatically be used. Note that this is not visible in the settings of the component.

The following features do NOT use the factor:

• In visualization components if the aggregator "Count" is selected in the component settings. This aggregator counts the amount of logged data points. The factor does not play a part in this.
• In alarm triggers. Take the raw value into account when configuring the value for the alarm trigger condition.
• In log triggers. Take the raw value into account when configuring the value for the log trigger condition.
• When you log data to a custom MQTT broker. You'll need to apply the factor yourself after receiving the data.
• When you retrieve data via the API. For Historical Data, you need to include the factor in your data request. For Live Data, you'll need to apply the factor yourself after receiving the data.

In general, it is recommended to configure the desired factor at the variable in the Fleet Manager, so it is automatically used everywhere that it can automatically be used.