Metasys System Configuration Tool (SCT) Basics
The System Configuration Tool (SCT) is Johnson Controls' engineering software for configuring, programming, and commissioning Metasys systems. This guide covers the essential features and workflows for SCT.
SCT Overview
What is SCT?
- Windows-based engineering application
- Database design and configuration
- Control logic programming
- Commissioning and diagnostics
- Archive and restore functions
SCT vs MUI
| Function | SCT | MUI |
|---|
| Engineering | ✓ | - |
| Programming | ✓ | Limited |
| Commissioning | ✓ | Limited |
| Operations | Limited | ✓ |
| Day-to-day use | - | ✓ |
Installation and Setup
System Requirements
- Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
- 8GB RAM minimum
- SSD recommended
- Network connectivity to NAE
Installation Steps
- Obtain SCT installer from JCI
- Run installer as Administrator
- Accept license agreement
- Choose installation path
- Complete installation
- Apply license/activation
First Launch
- Start SCT
- Configure network settings
- Create or open archive
- Connect to site
SCT Interface
Main Window Layout
Navigation Tree
Hierarchical site structure:
- Site level
- NAE/Server level
- Trunk level
- Device level
- Object level
Work Area Views
- Summary view
- Detail editor
- Logic view
- Graphics editor
- Trend viewer
Archive Management
What is an Archive?
- Complete site database
- All configuration data
- Graphics and logic
- Historical settings
- Portable file format
Archive Operations
Create New Archive
- File → New Archive
- Name and location
- Configure site properties
- Save archive
Open Existing Archive
- File → Open Archive
- Browse to .SCT file
- Open for editing
Upload to NAE
- Select NAE in tree
- Right-click → Upload
- Select archive
- Confirm overwrite
- Monitor progress
Download from NAE
- Select NAE in tree
- Right-click → Download
- Choose location
- Save archive
Object Configuration
Adding Objects
- Navigate to target location
- Right-click → Insert
- Select object type
- Configure properties
- Save changes
Common Object Types
Hardware Objects
- NAE definition
- Trunk configuration
- Device mapping
- I/O points
Application Objects
- Analog Value (AV)
- Binary Value (BV)
- Multistate Value (MV)
- Schedule
- Trend
Control Objects
- PID Loop
- Equipment Controller
- Sequence logic
Object Properties
Every object has:
- Name (unique identifier)
- Description
- Present Value
- Status flags
- Configuration parameters
Point Configuration
Analog Points
Configuration:
Name: AHU1_SAT
Description: Supply Air Temperature
Engineering Units: Deg F
Resolution: 0.1
Min/Max: 32 / 120
Binary Points
Configuration:
Name: AHU1_SF_STATUS
Description: Supply Fan Status
Active Text: Running
Inactive Text: Stopped
Polarity: Normal
Alarm Configuration
Alarm Setup:
High Limit: 85
High Alarm: Enable
Low Limit: 50
Low Alarm: Enable
Deadband: 2
Alarm Class: HVAC
Control Logic
FBD (Function Block Diagram)
Visual programming environment:
- Drag-and-drop blocks
- Wire connections
- Standard function library
- Custom functions
Common Function Blocks
Math Functions
- Add, Subtract, Multiply, Divide
- Average, Min, Max
- Absolute Value
- Scale/Normalize
Logic Functions
- AND, OR, NOT, XOR
- Select (if/then)
- Compare
- Timer, Counter
Control Functions
- PID Controller
- Sequence
- State Machine
- Equipment Enable
Creating Logic
- Open equipment in Logic view
- Add function blocks
- Wire inputs/outputs
- Configure parameters
- Compile and test
Scheduling
Schedule Types
- Weekly Schedule
- Exception Schedule (holidays)
- Calendar (date-based)
Schedule Configuration
Weekly Schedule:
Monday-Friday:
06:00 - Occupied
18:00 - Unoccupied
Saturday-Sunday:
Unoccupied
Exception:
Christmas Day - Unoccupied
Thanksgiving - Unoccupied
Schedule Outputs
- Binary (Occupied/Unoccupied)
- Analog (Setpoint values)
- Multistate (Operating modes)
Trending
Trend Configuration
Trend Setup:
Name: AHU1_SAT_Trend
Source Object: AHU1_SAT
Sample Interval: 5 minutes
Samples to Store: 2000
COV Enable: Yes
COV Increment: 0.5
Trend Types
- Interval trending
- Change of value (COV)
- Combined (COV + interval)
Viewing Trends
- Navigate to trend object
- Right-click → View Trend
- Select time range
- Analyze data
Commissioning Tools
Online Mode
Connect live to NAE:
- Real-time values
- Point forcing
- Status monitoring
- Command execution
Point Forcing
Override point values:
- Select point
- Right-click → Force
- Enter value
- Apply force
- Release when done
Diagnostic Tools
- Communication status
- Device diagnostics
- Network traffic
- Error logs
Backup and Restore
Backup Best Practices
- Download before any changes
- Name with date/version
- Store multiple copies
- Document changes made
- Test restore procedure
Restore Procedure
- Verify backup integrity
- Upload to NAE
- Monitor transfer
- Verify operation
- Test critical functions
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
Cannot Connect to NAE
- Verify IP address
- Check network connectivity
- Confirm credentials
- Check NAE status
Upload Fails
- Check archive compatibility
- Verify NAE disk space
- Review error messages
- Try smaller chunks
Objects Not Updating
- Check communication status
- Verify addressing
- Review trunk configuration
- Check device status
Error Logs
- SCT application logs
- NAE system logs
- Communication logs
- Audit trail
Best Practices
Organization
- Use consistent naming conventions
- Organize objects logically
- Document all customizations
- Version control archives
- Maintain change log
Safety
- Always backup before changes
- Test in offline mode first
- Verify changes after upload
- Document forced points
- Release all forces when done
Efficiency
- Learn keyboard shortcuts
- Use templates when possible
- Copy/paste similar objects
- Use global edits carefully
- Work offline when possible
References
- Johnson Controls SCT User Guide
- Metasys Technical Training Materials
- JCI Product Documentation
SCT is powerful but can be intimidating at first. Start with simple tasks and build up your skills—the investment in learning pays off quickly.