---
title: "Creating IOWs"
slug: "creating-iows"
updated: 2026-10-27T23:11:33Z
published: 2026-10-27T23:11:33Z
canonical: "ims-handbook.cenosco.com/creating-iows"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://ims-handbook.cenosco.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Creating and Defining IOWs

When IOWs are defined, variables with their limits and instruments are added to the Corrosion Loop (PEI Equipment) or System (PLSS Equipment).

## Defining IOWs

You can define a IOW (and link to its CL/System) either via the IOW Main Screen on the CL/System Details Page:

### From the IOW Main Screen

To define an IOW and link to its CL/System:

- Go to the IMS Main Menu.
- Click **IOWs** to go to the [IOW Main Screen (grid list)](/v414/docs/iow-main-screen).
- Click **+** to create a new IOW.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/pic%201(420).png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T12%3A42%3A26Z&se=2026-10-28T13%3A42%3A26Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=sxNpnhIEWdTVy01xB5i7%2BZDfr4PlJmMyI%2FIx3AOmyvg%3D)Go to the IOW main menu and click **+**. 

- Enter the required data in the pop-up window. For more information on the different fields refer to the [IOW Record](/v414/docs/iow-main-screen#iow-record).
- Click **Save** when done.

### From the CL/System Details Page

To define an IOW and link to its CL/System:

- Open the CL/System Details Page (see [IMS Details Page](/v414/docs/ims-details-page-options)) and either:
  - scroll down to the Integrity Operating Windows section; Or
  - scroll to the Degradation Management section, open the P- or C-type Barrier to which you want to link the IOW, click the fold-out bar, and click the search in the Barrier IOW field. See [Defining Barriers (and linking to IOWs)](/v414/docs/defining-the-barriers-and-linking-to-iows).
- Click **+** and then either:
  - Select a Suggested IOW (if shown). The IOW will be added to the list, where you can edit it further; or
  - Click **+** to create another variable; or
  - Click the *edit* button and start edit an existing IOW.![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/defining-the-iows-image-owo46gy5.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T12%3A42%3A26Z&se=2026-10-28T13%3A42%3A26Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=sxNpnhIEWdTVy01xB5i7%2BZDfr4PlJmMyI%2FIx3AOmyvg%3D)Select a suggested IOW or click **+** to add others or edit an existing variable.
- Enter the required data in the IOW fields. For more information on the different fields refer to the [IOW Record](/v414/docs/iow-main-screen#iow-record).

Note: The Barrier Types / Assigned Barriers will automatically be displayed when the IOW is linked to a Barrier (see [Defining Barriers (and linking to IOWs)](/v414/docs/defining-the-barriers-and-linking-to-iows)[](/v414/docs/defining-the-barriers-and-linking-to-iows)).

### Importing in Bulk

You can also import IOWs in bulk via the export and import buttons in the grid toolbar. See also [Importing Data via Settings](/v414/docs/importing-data-via-settings).

## Adding the PI/Virtual Tag

To add a PI Tag:

- Click in the PI Tag field and enter the PI name or use the search function to find the PI Tag. Note: You can narrow you search by using [wildcards](/v414/docs/virtual-tags#pi-tags-search-using-wildcards).
- The Expression, PI Eng Unit, and PI Value are populated automatically based on the PI Tag selected.
- To refresh the PI value click on **Get PI Values** in the upper right corner of the grid.![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/pic%201(421).png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T12%3A42%3A26Z&se=2026-10-28T13%3A42%3A26Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=sxNpnhIEWdTVy01xB5i7%2BZDfr4PlJmMyI%2FIx3AOmyvg%3D)To refresh the PI values, click **Get PI Value**.
- The PI Status will be one of the following (listed form best to worst):
  - Interfaced with PI and connected to Barrier.
  - Connect to Barrier. Note: This means it is interfaced with PI Service, but not yet connected to a Barrier.
  - Not Interfaced with PI Service.
  - Fill in Recommended Fields.

To rather add a Virtual Tag see [Defining Virtual IOW Tags](/v414/docs/virtual-tags).

## Copying IOWs to other CLs/Systems

In addition to the normal editing functions, the Corrosion Loop's IOW grid also has a **Copy IOW** button, which can be used to copy one or more IOWs directly to another Corrosion Loop:

- Select the IOW to be copied.
- Click the **Copy IOW** button.![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/defining-the-iows-image-syhk5e42.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T12%3A42%3A26Z&se=2026-10-28T13%3A42%3A26Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=sxNpnhIEWdTVy01xB5i7%2BZDfr4PlJmMyI%2FIx3AOmyvg%3D)The Copy IOW button.
- Select the destination CL/System in the pop-up.
- Click **OK**.

## Linking the IOW to a Barrier

IOWs can be linked to P- or C-type Barriers. This way they can be used to indicate the Barrier Status. To see how this is done go to [Defining Barriers (and linking to IOWs)](/v414/docs/defining-the-barriers-and-linking-to-iows).

## IOW demo video

If interested, you can watch the demo that we did.

[Embedded content](https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZiNTDLQR9js?&wmode=opaque&rel=0)