Unusual metrics and templates in proficloud: Seeking clarifications

Michel Baas · January 2024

Hello,

I've been encountering some perplexing issues within Proficloud that I've seen repeatedly, and I'm hoping to get some insight or explanations.

While using the app.proficloud.io under Device Management Service > Service > Assign Metric, I consistently come across a metric named "auto~con_TrafficLightColor". This particular metric doesn't seem to relate to any of my projects and appears to be a remnant from a default Phoenix Contact example project. Additionally, there are other metrics like "auto~con_LogLevel" and "con_logs" available for assignment to my dashboard, but these do not match any variables in my project list. I'm curious about the origin and purpose of these metrics.

Furthermore, on tsd.proficloud.io under Dashboards > Manage, there's always an "EMpro Template" visible. This template, which I did not create, features metrics we do not use in our projects. Consequently, the trends/metrics/graphs are empty due to that there's no data available. This template seems related to energy monitoring. Although it can be deleted by an Admin, it reappears every time I log out and back in. The same issue occurs when renaming the "Device Template" to something more project-relevant; it reverts to "Device Template" after relogging.

I'm looking for clarification on why these metrics and templates appear by default and why we can not remove them, their intended use, and how to manage or better delete them effectively within/from our projects. Any insights or advice from the community would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Michel

[Deleted User] · January 2024

Hello Michel,

the metrics you mentioned are metrics that are used in the Device Management Service when a device changes to a different health state. Currently there is only the option to ignore them in the Time Series Data Service.

You do not have to activate these metrics, the health status, the logs and the priority of the logs also work without activation. You can also see these metrics in the device template in the Time Series Data Service.

In the Time Series Data Service, the two templates cannot be changed, as you will have noticed. Because we want every user to see data immediately, we have created the Device and EMpro templates. These cannot currently be changed or deleted.

However, you can make use of the device template by opening it and saving it as a new dashboard.

All you have to do is open the dashboard, click on the cogwheel at the top right and click on "Save As" in the column on the left. The newly saved version will not be reset and can be changed to your needs.

I would generally suggest creating a new folder in the dashboards for your own projects so that you know exactly where to find the right dashboards.

Kind regards

Florian

Product Owner/ UI/UX Designer

Proficloud.io, Phoenix Contact Smart Business GmbH

Michel Baas · January 2024

Hello Florian,

Thank you for the clear explanation regarding the default metrics and templates in Proficloud.

Since I have the opportunity to communicate with a UI/UX designer of Proficloud, I'd like to suggest an enhancement for the Grafana trends interface. It would be greatly beneficial to have a more user-friendly horizontal scrolling capability in the Grafana trends. A smooth scrolling experience with easily accessible and persistent navigation buttons (scroll bar) would significantly improve usability, especially when analyzing long-term data trends while scrolling back and forth -- while maintaining the set relative time range.

Any improvements in this area would be highly appreciated by users who frequently interact with trend data.

Thank you once again for your assistance and for considering this suggestion.

Best regards,