CompactLogix - Import new Tags while on-line?

Is there anyway to do this short of creating new tags one at a time while online? PLC cannot be brought off-line nor are downloads allowed. I need to import several hundred tags that are currently not read by any clients but will be in the future. AB allows on-line edits, but I don't see a way to import tags while on-line. Any rhyme or reason for this restriction while keeping in mind that these are brand new tags that are not yet used in logic nor being read by any external clients?


Cheers.

Tags, along with their descriptions, can be created online if you import a program that uses them. When importing programs, I recommend importing them into the unscheduled task area. After examining that every thing looks good, the program can be easily scheduled into a running task. I also recommend trying it offline first so that you get idea of the final result.

Note: local tags are imported with the program without regard to use, controller tags have to be used in the program and are not overwritten if they already exist. Offline you have the choice to overwrite.