In VTS, software objects that replicate their real world counterparts are called "tags". In the simplest of terms, tags are software components that define and represent each item that makes up the physical system. Each tag has a unique identity that is defined by the characteristics or "properties" that have been assigned to it.
Tag properties are ultimately maintained in a database. This database can be managed on-line within the VTS environment using a series of straight-forward dialogs. Any changes made to the configuration of a tag from the VTS environment while VTS is running are automatically updated in the database. The database can also be directly managed offline if you so choose.
VTS applications may optionally use databases that are stored in any format other than the default of Microsoft Access, provided that the database is ODBC compliant. VTS uses ODBC data sources to provide a connection from the appropriate ODBC driver to the tag properties database. This allows standard database manipulation tools to be employed to maintain the database.