Initial Value is the value the Tag will be set to before any communications takes place when the SCADA Node starts. This is the value the Tag will initialize to when the SCADA node is restarted. The first read of data from the automation device will update this value.
If the Tag is a Constant Point, when the SCADA Node starts, the constant Point will be set to Initial Value. Initial Value must be set in Configuration. There is no way to change Initial Value from VIEW, as a standard feature.
If the Tag is an IO Tag, AND Keep Previous Value = Yes, AND communications="Failed" then when the SCADA Node starts, the IO Tag will be set to Initial Value and will hold that Value.
If the Tag is an IO Tag, AND Keep Previous Value = Yes AND communications="OK" then when the SCADA Node starts, the IO Tag will be set to Initial Value very briefly (until the first SCAN), and then the IO Tag will display the value in the PLC register (or field device).
If there is a communications error on start-up, and KEEP PREVIOUS VALUE is YES, this Initial Value will remain until communications is restored or an operator changes the value.