Embedding data source names within individual displays in Proficy Portal is a time consuming process; development time is further increased when you alter the default look and configuration of objects within Proficy Portal. By embedding data source names in analysis displays, you make it harder to maintain them should one or more data sources become unavailable, particularly if you have a large number of displays to modify.
Symbols and templates are intended to reduce development time, by helping you access common configurations quickly. Symbols are used to store data source names, properties, or parameters for use by other displays. Templates hold common appearance and configuration, and deploy them in displays throughout your Proficy Portal system tree.
Both templates and symbols are invaluable for maintaining displays; by editing the values in a symbol or template file, a change is made globally across all displays using them.
