Applies to: OnCAFE

Summary

I/O Groups in OnCAFE are used to organize system Inputs and Outputs. These groups simplify automation, enhance response logic, and allow for schedule-based activation of sensor behaviors or output commands. 

This article provides the instruction for creating an I/O Group.

Creating an I/O Group

To create an I/O Group:

1. Log in to OnCAFE.
    
2. In the navigation bar on the left, navigate to Devices > I/O Groups.
   
   
    
3. Click Create Group and select either Input or Output from the drop-down menu.
   
   
    

4. Enter Group Information. 
   
   
   
   Group Name – a descriptive name for the group (required)
   Location – the location the group is associated with (required)
   Description – any context or notes about the group’s function (optional)

   NOTE: I/O Groups cannot extend to controllers outside their 
   assigned location. The Location selection defines which 
   controller hardware is accessible within the I/O Group.

5. Add Inputs or Outputs.
   
   For Input Groups:
   
   
   
   Type – select the input type (e.g., Beam Sensor, Battery Sensor, Door Lock Sensor)
   Input – select the input source from connected hardware (e.g., NHP-P100, NHP-P200, IC2, RI2M-S, IO168)
   Name Your Input – enter a unique description for the input for easy identification
   
   If needed, click Add Input to add additional Inputs.

   NOTE: The type selection serves as a label to help the operator 
   identify the input’s purpose. It does NOT alter functionality 
   or behavior within the platform.

   
   For Output Groups:
   
   
   
   Output – select the output(s) from available controller hardware within a location.
   Name Your Output – enter a name for each output

   NOTE: Controller hardware is configured on a per-location basis. 
   I/O Groups cannot contain controllers from different locations.

6. In the Advanced Options section, set the Reactivation Threshold. This is how long the system should wait before reactivating the same input/output zone (e.g., 5 seconds).
   
   
    

7. If needed, click Set Schedule and select either a predefined schedule or create a new one.
   
    

   If no schedule is assigned, the group will remain disarmed 24/7.
    

8. Review all the settings then click Save.
   
   To manually interact with I/O Groups in OnCAFE, navigate to Operations > Desired Location > Groups. A list of all I/O Groups associated with that location will be displayed. From this list, groups can be manually activated or deactivated or Shunt as needed.
   
   Additionally, I/O Groups can be incorporated into event automation, working with alarm triggers and other event-to-action configurations.