Clients Class Workbook v5.1 CBT

PI ProcessBook, PI DataLink, PI WebParts

Version 5.1

PI ProcessBook, PI DataLink, PI WebParts Course

How to contact us

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Page i

Conventions

The following conventions are used throughout this book.

Bulleted List

Item 1

Item 2

Item 3

This represents different ideas on a topic.

Numbered lists

1. Item1

2. Item 2

3. Item 3

This represents a list of steps with a specific order to respect.

A bold font is to emphasize user interface element names, including names of buttons, dialog boxes, and

menu items; it also highlights processes, utilities, system components and modules.

A Consolas font is used for code or computer input by the user or output to the display, also for

filenames and path names and formulas.

A Consolas font with a border like the figure below represents a block of code.

' Variables / Objects. Dim myvar as string Myvar = …

A Consolas font with a border like the figure below represents a block of SQL query.

SELECT … FROM TABLE WHERE …

An italic font is used as placeholders for variables or information unknown that will be determined by

you, the reader.

An underlined blue font is used to report URL.

The content you will retrieve in this rectangle is important and requires your attention.

This image represents:

A group recap question to verify understanding of the

material;

A directed exercise (green);

A self-paced exercise (blue).





Page ii

How to Use this Class Workbook

1 Most of these references are to user manuals that can be downloaded from

http://techsupport.osisoft.com > Download Center > Documentation > User Manuals. (Login

to an OSIsoft technical support account is required.) Use the "Product" drop down list box to

choose the correct user manual.

2 You can download solutions to the self-paced exercises at http://training.osisoft.com >

Downloads > Class Downloads. Click on a class and download the .zip file that contains the

class workbook and exercise solutions. (Login to an OSIsoft technical support account is

required.)

Each chapter contains one or more

Heading 2 sections.

Each Heading 2 section contains a list of

your objectives. In most cases, you will be

tested on these objectives.

When a Heading 3 is marked

"Optional" then it is not a critical

objective and can be skipped. In

class we usually skip these.

The book icon refers to a different

document. If you want more info on this

topic, look there.1

The first Heading 3 states the first objective.

Every Heading 3 indicates a new objective,

unless it is marked "Optional."

The second Heading 3 states the

second objective. The third Heading

3 states the third objective etc.

The Question Mark icon indicates an

activity designed to reinforce or

validate a new skill. This could be

something the class does together as a

group, a question, or a solo activity.2

http://techsupport.osisoft.com/

http://training.osisoft.com/





Page iii

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to the PI System ................................................................................. 1

1.1 PI Described, PI Architecture, PI Points and Attributes............................. 1

1.2 How Data Moves through the PI System ..................................................... 5

1.3 Time and PI ................................................................................................... 10

2. ProcessBook: Connecting, Navigating, Trends, and Displays ......................... 13

2.1 Create, Modify Connections to a PI Server ............................................... 13

2.2 Tag Search and Point Attributes Dialogs .................................................. 15

2.3 Navigating, Resizing, and Formatting........................................................ 19

2.4 The Display, Status Report, and Tooltip Statistics ................................... 20

2.5 Details Docking Window, Browser Toolbar, and Playback Toolbar ....... 22

2.6 Navigating Within a Trend, Trend Cursor, Show/Hide Trace .................. 24

2.7 Building a Display, Add Static Elements, the Symbol Library ................ 33

3. ProcessBook: Dynamic Elements and ProcessBook Workbooks ................... 39

3.1 Dynamic Elements, Data Favorites ............................................................ 39

3.2 Build Trends, Linear Regression, the Format Paintbrush, and XY Plots40

3.3 Bars, Values, Multi-State Objects and Buttons ......................................... 44

3.4 Creating Workbooks and Organizing Displays ......................................... 51

3.5 Creating Entries ........................................................................................... 52

4. ProcessBook: Performance Equation (PE) Syntax ............................................ 59

4.1 Performance Equations Basics .................................................................. 59

5. ProcessBook: Calculations .................................................................................. 63

5.1 PI Calculations in PI ProcessBook and Performance Equation Syntax. 63

6. DataLink: Current and Archived Data.................................................................. 73

6.1 Introduction and Installation ....................................................................... 73

6.2 DataLink Settings and Time Formats......................................................... 73

6.3 Simple DataLink Queries ............................................................................. 77

6.4 Multiple Value DataLink Queries ................................................................ 85

6.5 Arrays in PI DataLink ................................................................................... 88

7. DataLink: Calculated and Filtered Data ............................................................... 93

7.1 Graphical Data in DataLink ......................................................................... 93

7.2 Calculations Within DataLink ..................................................................... 98

7.3 Expression Data ......................................................................................... 107





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7.4 Complex Calculations and Other Functions ........................................... 115

8. PI WebParts: PI Gauge, PI Values, and PI TimeSeries ..................................... 127

8.1 Introduction to PI WebParts ...................................................................... 127

8.2 Using and Configuring PI WebParts ........................................................ 135

9. PI WebParts: PI Trend, PI TimeRange, PI Graphic, DLES ............................... 147

9.1 PI Trend and PI TimeRange ...................................................................... 147

9.2 PI ProcessBook Within PI WebParts ....................................................... 150

9.3 Requirements and Configuration of DataLink for Excel Services ........ 155

10. PI ActiveView ....................................................................................................... 159

10.1 Advanced Web Part Possibilities ............................................................. 159

11. AF Element Relative Visualizations ................................................................... 163

11.1 Introduction and Element Relative Displays ........................................... 163

11.2 The AF Database, PI WebParts, and Web Part Connections ................. 170

12. Conclusion ........................................................................................................... 179

12.1 Training ....................................................................................................... 179

12.2 vCampus ..................................................................................................... 179

12.3 Tech Support .............................................................................................. 179

12.4 Further Questions ...................................................................................... 180

13. Exercise – Global Recap Question (optional) ................................................... 181

14. Group Recap Answers ........................................................................................ 183

15. Glossary ............................................................................................................... 185

16. Index ..................................................................................................................... 186





Page 1

1. Introduction to the PI System

1.1 PI Described, PI Architecture, PI Points and Attributes

Objectives

Describe what the PI system is

Draw a diagram of the architecture of a PI System

Describe what a point is

List the basic point attributes and their usage

List the possible data point types

1.1.1 The PI System Described

The PI System collects, stores, and manages data from your plant or process. You connect

your data sources to one or more PI Interface Nodes. The Interface Nodes get the data from

your data sources and send it to the PI Server. Users get data from the PI Server and display it

with client tools (for example, PI ProcessBook, PI DataLink, and PI WebParts).

There are generally four parts involved in a PI System:

Interface

NodePI / AF

Server

`

Client

PCData

Source

Figure 1

Data is collected from the source by the PI Interface program hosted by the Interface Node.

The data is sent to the PI Server (Asset data can be contained in the PI AF Server). It is read

from the PI/AF Servers by the Client tools.

1.1.2 Architecture of a PI System

Sometimes the architecture can be very simple. Some customers have as few as one or two

interfaces feeding data to a PI Server. Everyone reads that PI Server for their data.





Page 2

Figure 2

Figure 1 shows how the PI System architecture can be deployed at the site level and

integrates your manufacturing and corporate networks.

Each part of the PI System can be multiplied or connected to another system. Every

installation is a little unique.

Figure 2 shows how this architecture can be expanded and built up to provide access across

your entire enterprise organization and tie together all of your manufacturing and business

data.

Figure 2

10101

00110

10011

DATA SOURCES MANUFACTURING CONTROL NETWORK DMZ CLIENT APPS / CORPORATE LAN

OTHER DATA

SOURCES

ANALYTICAL TOOLS

CLIENT APPS

PI INTERFACE

NODES

3RD PARTY HISTORIANS

RELATIONAL DATA

MANUAL DATA

PLC / INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS

SCADA / DCS

LIMS SYSTEM

PUMPS

VALVES

PRESSURE SENSORS

ACTUATORS

MOTORS

TRANSFORMERS

PI SERVER

NODES

WEB APPS

CLIENT APPS

CLIENT APPS

OTHER

SYSTEMSOTHER

SYSTEMS

WIRELESS

MOBILE CLIENTS

MORE CLIENT APPS

APPLICATION SERVERS

PORTAL SERVERS

BUSINESS SYSTEMS

PI ENTERPRISE

SERVICES

ENTERPRISE

PI COLLECTIVE

SITE 1

SITE 2

SITE 3

ENTERPRISE DATACENTER BUSINESS NETWORK





Page 3

1.1.3 The PI Point – The Basic Unit in the PI System

What is a PI Tag? It is a unique storage point for data in the PI system. It is simply a single

point of measurement.

1.1.4 Directed Exercise – Data Types

You are invited to watch what the instructor is doing or perform the same steps at the

same time to explore the different concepts presented in this chapter or section.

Problem Description

Identify the type of data that might be associated with each of the following:

Example: a Temperature Sensor ___a floating point value___

A switch position: _______________________________________

A Batch ID: _______________________________________

Operator comments: _______________________________________

The results of a calculation: _______________________________________

Memory available on a server: _______________________________________

Current phase of the reaction: _______________________________________

Current product count: _______________________________________

1.1.5 The Possible Data Point Types

So What Types of Data Can PI Store?

The answer is pretty much everything. Below are the data types:

Digital: Discrete value (On/Off, Red/Black/Green)

Int16: Integer value, 16 bits (0 to 32767, acc: 1/32767)

Int32: Integer value, 32 bits (-2147450880 to 2147483647)

Float16: Scaled Floating Point number, 16 bits (1/32767 times range)

Float32: Floating Point number, 32 bits (single precision)

Float64: Floating Point number, 64 bits (double precision)

String: Text value up to 976 characters

Timestamps: Any Time/Date in the range 1-Jan-1970 to 1-Jan-2038

And for anything that will not fit cleanly into any of the defined types,

Blob: Binary large object up to 976 bytes





Page 4

1.1.6 Some Basic Point Attributes and Why They are Important to You

There are some common tag attributes that are often used in client tools. Most of these

attributes are used for display or informational purposes.

Tag Name

Unique name of the PI point used to search for tags. Most tags are built using a local naming

convention. Sometimes knowing the naming convention this can be helpful in searching for tags. For

example, try to determine what the following tag may refer to:

M03_E1P2_MOTDRV1202_RUNSTAT

________________________________________________________

Descriptor

This is the human-readable description of the PI Tag. It is often used as a search criterion in place of the

tag name when the tag name is not intuitive. Very often the tag name is some sort of abbreviation

convention and the descriptor is used to capture the “full name.”

EngUnits

This field refers to the Engineering Units of the point. Since there is no referential integrity involved

here, this field can be of very limited use in searching. For example, gallons per minute could be written:

Gallons/minute, Gallons per Minute, gals/min, gpm, etc.

PointType

This is the type of variable stored, sometimes used to help in searching (for example when looking for a

string tag).

Zero and Span

These two tag attributes define the minimum and maximum values for a tag. The minimum is the Zero

value and the maximum is derived from taking the Zero point and adding the Span. This affects the

following items:

Default boundaries of a trend

Number of visual states in a multistate symbol

Range of a Bar Graph

The behavior of the Current State item in the PI Values Web Part

How much data is compressed (more on this later)

Note: In most cases, users will not be able to change these attributes.

PointSource





Page 5

All tags are related to their interfaces that collect the data by an attribute called Point Source. This means

that in many cases you can find all of the tags associated with a particular device by searching for all tags

of a certain Point Source. This assumes that the user knows the point sources in use and that will not

be true in most situations.

1.2 How Data Moves through the PI System

Objectives

Explain why it looks like there are holes in the data.

Explain how the Interfaces filter noise and define noise.

Explain how the PI Server applies compression to store only meaningful data and

define meaningful.

Explain default exception and compression values and why they are important to the

end user

1.2.1 Why Does My Data Appear to Have “Holes”?

Often you will experience a situation where one of the following conditions will be true:

You are watching a trend and you can see many values, but when the trend is

refreshed most of them disappear.

Figure 3– Before and After Compression

You query for historical data in Microsoft Excel. You are sure the device is being

scanned every ten seconds, yet you see an uneven recording of data (what appear to

be gaps in timestamps).

This is completely normal behavior. It is a result of two filters that are applied.

1.2.2 Filtering Noise

At the Interface level, a process called the Exception Test is applied. The Exception Test

filters all values that are considered noise.

Noise: Insignificant changes, as defined as those below the instrument‟s accuracy threshold, as set by the

person creating PI Points, and identical values, such as a valve that is reading OPEN over and over again.





Page 6

Exception reporting uses a simple deadband algorithm to determine whether to send events to

the PI Server. For each point, you can set exception reporting specifications that create the

deadband. The interface ignores values that fall inside the deadband.

How do I know what the deadband measurement is?

The deadband is created by applying the tag attribute ExDev in both a plus and minus

direction.

Te

mp

era

ture

Time

ExMax

ExDev

ExDev

A

B

C

D E

F

Figure 4

In the illustration, which values will be sent to the PI Server?

Answer: Values _____, _____, and _____.

Why do we need the previous value?

We send the previous value for a very basic reason: without the previous value it would not

be possible to correctly draw the historical trend.

Consider the series of points below. Draw one trend using just the initial value (Value A) and

the value that jumps out of the deadband (Value B). Then draw a trend line that includes not

only those two points but the value previous (Value C).





Page 7

Te

mp

era

ture

Time

A

B

C

Of the two trend lines you just drew, which trend is more accurate?

But what if my values never go outside the deadband!

No problem. The ExcMax attribute sets a limit on how long the interface can go without

reporting a value to PI. After the ExcMax time period, the interface sends the next new value

to PI, regardless of whether the new value is different from the last reported value.

Note: Some interfaces do not support exception reporting. See the documentation for your interface to

determine whether it supports this capability.

1.2.3 Directed Exercise – Exception Testing



Problem Description

You want to determine from the raw data which values will pass the exception test and which

will be filtered out.





Page 8

Approach

Consider the following parameters:

ExcDevPercent: 2

Span: 200

ExcMax: 180

The current snapshot value and timestamp are:

70.3 10:00:00

Which pass the exception test, not including previous values?

1.2.4 Storing Only Meaningful Data

The PI Server uses a Compression Algorithm to determine what events need to be saved in

the PI Archive, or what is meaningful.

Meaningful: The data required to accurately reproduce the original data from the data source.

But isn’t everything meaningful?

Not necessarily. For example, consider the following illustration. Which values would you

require to accurately represent the movement of the value at a later date?





Page 9

Te

mp

era

ture

Time

CompMax

B

C

D

E

F

A

CompDev

CompDev

Figure 5

In the illustration, which values will be sent to the PI Server?

Answer: Values _____, _____, and _____.

1.2.5 Default Values for Exception and Compression

The default values for exception and compression are as follows:

ExcDevPercent = 1 (% of span);

ExcMax = 600 seconds (10 minutes);

CompDevPercent = 2 (% of span);

CompMax = 28800 seconds (8 hours);

Zero = 0;

Span = 100.

Why are the default values important to me?

Because a deadband that is too wide will filter too much of your data and a deadband that is

too narrow may give you a lot of unnecessary data.





Page 10

On the other hand, there are instances where you would want to capture everything you

collect with no filtering. You might be performing a calculation and want to capture every

result, or you may have regulatory requirements that require you to store every reading.

Everyone‟s situation is unique. We simply present the options.

For more information see the PI Server System Management Guide.

1.3 Time and PI

Objectives

Express absolute time in the proper format

Express relative time in the proper format

Explain how PI handles DST

1.3.1 The Absolute Time Format

Absolute Time (a specific point in time)

My PI client tools will accept any number of different time formats. You should use the one

that is easiest for you – although you will discover that some will be better than others. To

specify a time in PI use one of the following:

A PI Time Abbreviation

A time alone

A date alone

A date and time combined

A date or time can be a either the Windows time format (configured in the Regional Setting

dialog of Microsoft Windows) or the PI Time format (dd-mmm-yy HH:mm:ss.00000)

Note: If no date is specified the system will assume today. If no time is specified then the system will

assume midnight.

What are the Common PI Time Abbreviations?

* represents NOW

T represents today at midnight

Y represents yesterday at midnight

Monday or Mon represents Monday at midnight (or another specified day or its first

three letters)

http://icons.mysitemyway.com/wp-content/gallery/black-white-pearls-icons-culture/024263-black-white-pearl-icon-culture-book3-open.png





Page 11

1.3.2 The Relative Time Format

Relative Time (time is offset from another time)

+ 8h : + 8 hours

Combined Time (using Absolute and Relative Times together)

t + 8h : today + 8 hours

Relative Time Units of Measure:

Hours (h)

Minutes (m)

Seconds (s)

Weeks (w)

Days (d)

Years (y)

Months (mo)

Note: There is no default time unit. Hour, Minute and Second intervals can use fractions (for example

+2.5h or -0.5m).

1.3.3 How does PI Adjust for DST?

The short answer is that we don‟t!

When we collect data we convert it to UTC (Universal Coordinated Time), or what used to be

called Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). This means that each day has exactly 24 hours. Any

adjustments for time, such as time zone or Daylight Saving Time (DST), are made by the

local machine clock of the user looking at the data.

So once a year the day will look like it has 23 hours and another 25, but the PI Server never

knows anything other than 24 hour days.

Also, because the clients and PI Server know what time zone they are in, the data can be

viewed in either Server Time or Client Time. This is determined by a setting in the client

tool.

1.3.4 Directed Exercise – PI Times



Problem Description





Page 12

Determine the times indicated in the table below:

Abbreviation Answer

* - 30m

y + 8h

Tuesday – 2d

Express the following times in valid PI time abbreviations:

Abbreviation Answer

Today at 6:00 AM

Monday at 6:30 am

12 hours ago

1.3.5 Group Recap Question

The following questions are intended to reinforce key information presented in this

chapter or section. The answers can be found at the end of the book.

Questions

1. What are the four parts of OSIsoft‟s PI System?

2. What are the two filtering tests that each event can go through before being archived in the PI

Server?

3. What are the valid relative time units?

Hours _____________

Minutes _____________

Seconds _____________

Days _____________

Weeks _____________

Months _____________

Years _____________





Page 13

2. ProcessBook: Connecting, Navigating, Trends, and

Displays

2.1 Create, Modify Connections to a PI Server

Objectives

Describe the common dialog boxes

Connect to a PI Server and determine what credentials you are connecting with

Modify existing connections using a common dialog window

Cleanup connections in the Known Servers Table

2.1.1 Introduction and Description

There are three dialog boxes that are used in one way or another in every PI application that

you will use. They are common because they address functions that are used regardless of the

specific application. They involve:

Connecting to a PI Server or Collective;

Searching for Tags;

Query for Tag Attributes / Values.

Some applications will use different formats, but they all accomplish the same functions. For

example, the Tag Search function on PI WebParts is based on different web architecture

and thus looks slightly different.

2.1.2 Create New Connections to a PI Server

The PI Connection Manager is invoked from most applications and will control what PI

Server(s) you can communicate with.





Page 14

When the dialog box is invoked it will display all of the PI Servers that have been configured

from that machine.

Note: The first time a PI application is installed a default PI Server is selected. This is why even if you

have never configured a PI Server at least one should appear in your PI Connection Manager.

In this dialog box you can add and remove connections to PI Servers, add PI Server Aliases,

change your default server, or change the user you are currently logged in as.

You will need to know the following when you need to connect to a PI Server:

IP Address or Host Name;

Username;

Password (if any).

2.1.3 Cleanup Connections in the Known Servers Table

All PI Server connections are stored in something called the Known Servers Table (KST).

Each client computer keeps its own serialize list of PI Servers in the registry. Sometimes

there can be duplicate or bad entries. Use this feature of the About PI-SDK application to

clean it out.





Page 15

2.2 Tag Search and Point Attributes Dialogs

Objectives

Search for tags

Examine point attributes

2.2.1 Search for Tags

Tag Search is one of the most common functions that users will perform. There are three

types of search:





Page 16

Basic

Advanced

Alias

Basic and Advanced do the same thing, just in different ways.

Basic allows you to search using common criteria through a defined menu

Advanced allows you to search using a SQL like syntax.

They both produce the same results.

Note: Alias Search uses the PI Module Database.

Most of the tag searches will be filtered in one of three ways:

Tag Mask

This can also be called Tag Name. If your organization has a convenient naming convention

or you are very familiar with the tags in your plant, then you are all set. However, most

people do not have that luxury. Most of us have to use some other criteria.

Descriptor

Descriptor is not a required tag attribute, but it is the one that many people use to find their

tags. For example, a temperature tag might be TC365674A.pv but the descriptor might be

read as Reactor 65 Operating Temp. The downside to searching by Descriptor is that it is

comparing text strings, and so can be fairly intensive on your computer processes.

Point Source

Point Source can be extremely helpful, but it does require certain knowledge of the PI System

and how the interfaces have been set up. Each device interface will be labeled with a specific

Point Source. So if you know what device you want data from, but you are not sure what the

tag names are, you can bring up a list of all of the tags that are associated with that device.

Variations

Remember that wildcards can be used in any of the above searches.

Use * to replace any number of characters like in this example:

flow* = flow_meter1, flow_meter2, flow_meter3

Use ? to replace one character like in this example:

tank?_level = tankA_level, tankB_level

Note 1: Search criteria are not case sensitive, but are case preservative.





Page 17

Note 2: Search criteria can be combined like in this example where we look for Tag Mask: =

flow* and Point Source = o

2.2.2 Search for Points, Advanced

Advanced Tag Search allows those who prefer a SQL Query syntax to find the tags they

need. In certain circumstances it can be more specific than the Basic Search.

Note: Only the AND operator is supported.

2.2.3 Directed Exercise – Tag Search

You are invited to watch what the instructor is doing or perform the same

steps at the same time to explore the different concepts presented in this

chapter or section.

Problem Description

You need to familiarize yourself with the principles of tag searching.

Approach

Answer the following questions using tag search:

How many tags are there that begin with the letters “BA:”? __________________

How many tags appear where he Compression Deviation is greater than 1 and the Point Class

is 'Base' in the Advanced Tag Search?





Page 18

_______________________

Which Tag Search method do you prefer? ______________________________

2.2.4 Look at Point Attributes Using a Common Dialog Window

The way we collect, aggregate, and store data is all determined by a tag‟s configuration –

called tag attributes. Ever wondered how to actually see the tag attributes?

Simply open a tag search, find a tag, and click Pt.Attr.

For more information see PI Point Classes and Attributes (PI Server

System Management Guide, version 3.4.380, pp. 21).






Page 19

2.2.5 Group Recap Question


chapter or section. The answers can be found at the end of the book.

Questions

1. What information needs to be specified when creating a new connection to a PI Server?

2. What are the two wildcard characters available in a Tag Search?

3. Which of the following PI Tag Attributes are not default filtering search criteria in a Basic Tag

Search?

a. Point Type

b. Tag Name

c. Zero

d. Point Class

e. Point Source

f. Typical Value

2.3 Navigating, Resizing, and Formatting

Objectives

Navigate in Run and Build Modes

Resize and reposition elements on a display

2.3.1 Navigate in Run and Build Modes

There are two modes of operation within ProcessBook, Run Mode and Build Mode.

Run Mode has the following properties:

Default mode;

Allows you to browse PI ProcessBook (Workbook) elements;

Visualize previously created displays;

Change to Build Mode at any time by selecting Tools > Build or by clicking on the

Build icon in the Drawing toolbar.

Build Mode has the following properties:

Build or edit PI ProcessBook (Workbook) elements;





Page 20

Add or modify elements within an existing display;

Change mode by selecting Tools > Run or by clicking on the Run icon in the

Drawing toolbar.

2.3.2 Resizing Elements in Build Mode

In Build Mode when you select an object (with a single click) you can resize and reposition it

on the display.

2.4 The Display, Status Report, and Tooltip Statistics

Objectives

Identify invalid elements using the status report

Show statistics information added to tooltips

PI ProcessBook displays one or more ProcessBooks, which are collections of display entries.

For more information, see "What Can You View with PI ProcessBook" in

PI ProcessBook User Guide, version 3.2, pp. 1-2.

Here is an example of what a ProcessBook Display can look like:

2.4.1 The Status Report

A Status icon (labeled 3 in the figure below) is at the bottom of the display in the Status Bar.

A green circle indicates all dynamic elements are good. If the circle is red, at least one

dynamic element is in a Bad Data state. To find out which element(s) is in error, you can






Page 21

double-click on the Status icon to open a pane displaying a list of all dynamic elements and

their individual states.

For more information, see "Status Report for Dynamic Symbols" in PI

ProcessBook User Guide, version 3.2, pp. 161-162.

2.4.2 Other Status Bar Elements(Optional)

There is a Status Bar at the bottom of the display window. This Status Bar shows several

pieces of information about the display(s) that is open. It shows whether the data being

displayed is using the Time Zone for the PI Server or for the Client Time (1). It shows the

Layers of displays that are open (2). Finally, there is an icon representing the Default Line,

Fill, and Background color for an element (4).

2.4.3 Tooltip Statistics

Hovering the mouse cursor over a dynamic element presents the Tooltip Statistics, which

presents the statistics for the longest time range specified by an element in your display.

These Statistics are the average, minimum, maximum, count, range, and population standard

deviation.






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If the data source is unavailable, Trends show nothing, Dynamic Values show "No Data",

Trend Cursors show "No Data", Bar Graphs show diagonal lines, and Multi-state Symbols

show the user defined Bad Data color.

2.5 Details Docking Window, Browser Toolbar, and Playback Toolbar

Objectives

Use the Details docking window to show data in a table

Use the Details docking window to show, add or edit annotations

Use the Details docking window to export data to file

Navigate using the new Browser toolbar, home, and bookmarks

Use the playback functionality to change the timerange

2.5.1 Details Docking Window

It is possible to view the Details about a dynamic element by going to View>Details or right-

clicking and selecting Show Details and Annotations. You can choose Data, Statistics, or

Point Attributes. If you select Data, you can view snapshot and compressed data, and

annotations from a dynamic element selected on your display.

2.5.2 Add Annotations

If you have write privileges to the specified point, it is also possible to write an annotation

directly from the display. Annotations are stored on the PI Server and so will be available to

all users and will be stored with your process history.





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By choosing Statistics, you can view the same statistics as the Tooltip Statistics, but without

having to hover the cursor. And selecting Point Attributes allows you to see the list of

attributes and values for the selected point.

2.5.3 Export Data to a File

Data, Statistics or Point Attributes can be exported to a file or copied to the clipboard. If you

choose to export to a comma delimited .csv file, you can easily import that into Microsoft

Excel.

2.5.4 The Browser Toolbar

It is also possible to navigate between PI ProcessBook Workbooks and Displays using the

Navigation Toolbar. This toolbar, shown below, allows you to easily open recently opened

Workbook and Display files from the drop down menu, use the forward and backward arrows

to switch between displays rapidly, set a Home Workbook or Display, and to Bookmark

several of your favorite displays. This toolbar should hopefully be intuitive as it is

reminiscent of a web browser navigation toolbar.





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2.5.5 The Playback Toolbar

Below the Navigation Toolbar is the Playback Toolbar, shown below. This lets you easily

scroll through the time range of your entire display. You can manually change the time range

included by clicking and dragging the end markers individual, or you can slide the whole

time range by clicking and dragging from somewhere in the middle of the time range. Finally,

there are play, stop, and fast-forward buttons that provide control very similar to a DVR or

other recording device. This allows you to scan the display quickly.

2.6 Navigating Within a Trend, Trend Cursor, Show/Hide Trace

Objectives

Create a Trend in Run Mode

Expand and reduce a trend in Run mode

Use the zoom in and out functionality directly on the trend

Use the Revert button on the time axis

Use forward and backward arrows on the time axis

Show timestamp of a value with the Trend Cursor

Show and hide multiple traces on a Trend

2.6.1 Create a Trend in Run Mode

You can quickly produce a trend of any dynamic symbol on an existing display to

immediately research the history of any symbol on your display.

In Run mode, there are two ways to create a trend.

1. In the current window, select one or many values.

2. Then click on the Trend button, and draw a rectangle to display the trend.

Or:

1. For a trend in a new window, select one or many values.





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2. Then click on the Trend Display button to create an Ad-Hoc Trend. It is possible to save this new

window as a Display using File>Save.

2.6.2 Expand and Reduce a Trend

Certain functions can be used in Run mode only. A full screen trend is activated by double-

clicking on the trend in the display in Run mode. Double-click again to deactivate it and

return to the full ProcessBook display.

2.6.3 Zoom In and Out

You can zoom in and out on a trend by clicking the cursor and drawing a rectangle to

represent the boundaries of the area over which you would like to zoom in on. This will

temporarily change the x- and y-axes.

You can also manually change the vertical axis by selecting the View>Trend Scale or by

double-clicking on the vertical axis. This will open a pop-up window where you can choose

one of three options for the vertical scale. The Autorange option scales to the minimum and

maximum of the tag over the specified time range. The Database option scales to the zero

and span of the tag. Finally, you can select the Absolute option, which lets you specify the

exact minimum and maximum you would like displayed. These three options for scaling are

common within the trends in our client tools, and they will be seen again.

There are also buttons provided on each trend for zoom options. The magnifying glasses

either halve or double the time range currently shown. The arrows move forward or backward

one unit in time as currently shown.

In the example above, the plus magnifying glass will halve the time range specified, in this

case taking it from 8 hours to a time range of 4 hours. The minus magnifying glass will

double the specified time range, in this case going from 8 hours to 16 hours. The forward and

backward arrows will move the trend forward and backward in time, in this case an amount

of 8 hours.

2.6.4 Reverting a Trend

You can use the Revert button to go back to your original configuration. This is an easy way

to return to the configured view after you have zoomed in or out on a specific time range.





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2.6.5 Scroll Forward and Backward through Time

Finally, you can use the menu or toolbar to change the time range of the trend. To change it

from the toolbar, use the Change Time Range icon. To change the time range from the

menu, you must select View> Time Range. Either of these will open a pop-up window that

allows you to specify the start time (the From parameter) and end time (the To parameter) in

either PI Absolute or Combined time. It is important to note that for your trend to receive

automatic updates that the end time must be now (*) and that the time range must be 7 days

or less (24 hours or less for ProcessBook v. 3.0 or earlier).

2.6.6 Trend Cursors

Trend cursors are static indicators that display the timestamp and value(s). You can have

multiple trend cursors per trend, and they can display values for multiple traces (tags). To

activate a cursor, just click on the edge of the trend and drag to the point of interest on the

trend. You can also set them manually from the toolbar by clicking on the Trend Cursor

icon.

2.6.7 Show/Hide Traces

Traces can be shown or hidden by clicking on the tag name in the legend or by right-clicking

on Trend > Trend Traces. Traces can be shown or hidden individually or all at once.

Changes made in View mode are temporary. To make any changes permanent, you must be

in Build mode and save the display.

2.6.8 Exercise – PI ProcessBook Basics

The following exercise is intended to reinforce key information presented in this

chapter or section. The answer can be found at the end of the exercise.

Objectives

Familiarize yourself with the Common Dialog Windows;

Familiarize yourself with the PI ProcessBook environment;

Learn how to manipulate a trend display using an existing ProcessBook file;

Find data, statistics and annotations related to tags.

Problem Description

Open the PI ProcessBook application and establish a connection to a PI server. If you do not

know the name of your PI Server or the username and password you will use, please contact

your PI system manager.





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The default workbook PIDEMO.PIW opens. Open the Main Column Bottom display and

familiarize yourself with the different windows, options and functions. Within the four

different sections below, you will explore all those essential items and will be able to fulfill

the objectives.

A. The PI ProcessBook Environment:

1. Open the different top bar menus to have a taste of the different functions available;

2. Observe the different toolbars that contain the same functions you just saw in the menus;

3. Maximize the Main Column Bottom display.

B. The common dialog windows:

1. Open the Connections window and connect to your PI server (hint: Use the File menu);

2. Open the Tag Search window and find all tags that begin with the letter b, all tags that contain

the word reactor in their descriptor and all tags that have a value of zero (hint: Use the Tools

menu).

C. The Trend display:

1. Maximize the Crude Charge trend;

2. Zoom in and out of the trend;

3. Change the time scale to 1 day;

4. Go backward and forward in time by one or by several time periods;

5. Find when the maximum value was attained for the current time range (Hint: Use the Trend

Cursor);

6. Revert back to the original time scale;

7. Highlight the trace of the trend;

8. Hide the trace of the trend and then make it appear again.

D. The details and annotations:

1. Point the mouse directly on the trend trace and wait until you can observe the ToolTip yellow

window;

2. Point other symbols from the display and wait until you can observe the ToolTip yellow window;

3. Right-click on the trend and click Show Details and Annotations;

4. Observe the Data, Statistics and Point Attributes for the trend;

5. Validate the timestamp you just found for the maximum value;

6. Refresh the Data displayed;

7. Save the Statistics to a file;

8. Copy the Point Attributes and paste them in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet;

9. Add an annotation to the latest value to indicate an out of range value.

Try to do this exercise on your own before proceeding to the step-by-step solution.





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Step-by-Step Solution

A. The PI ProcessBook environment

1. Open PI ProcessBook Application.

2. Click on the Refinery tab.

3. Double-click on the Main Column Bottom display.

4. Open the top bar menus: File, Edit, View, Insert, Tools, Draw, Arrange, Window and Help.

5. Stop your mouse on some of the different icons of the toolbars to observe those with the same

functions that are present in the menus you just opened.

6. Maximize the Main Column Bottom display window by clicking on the ( ) button located on

the upper-right corner.

B. The common dialog windows

1. The Connections window





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· Open the Connections window by selecting File > Connections.

· Select Server > Add Server… to add a PI server.

· Enter the PI server name in the Network Node field and the user name in the Default User

Name field.

Note: Remember that they were specified to you by your trainer

· Leave the Port Number to the 5450 value

· Click on the OK button to add the specified PI server.

· Check the checkbox beside the PI server you want to connect to. If you are prompted for a

password, enter the one that will be specified by the trainer.

2. The Tag Search window

· Open the Tag Search window by clicking on the ( ) button or by selecting Tools > Tag

Search.

· Enter b* in the Tag Mask field and click on the Search button to get all the tags beginning

with the letter b.

· Click on the first tag of the result list. Then, press and maintain the Shift key and click on

the second tag of the list. The first two (2) tags will be selected. Click on the Pt. Attr button to

access the attributes of those tags. You can move from one tag to the other with your keyboard

arrow keys.

· Write * in the Tag Mask field and *reactor* in the Descriptor field, then press on the Search

button to find all the tags containing the string “reactor” for their descriptor attribute.

· Erase the data in the Descriptor field and enter 0 (zero) in the Value field, then click on the

Search button to find all the tags with a snapshot value of 0.





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Note: The more criteria you use for your tag search, the more effective you will be in finding exactly the

tag(s) you need.

C. The trend display

1. In Run mode, maximize the Crude Charge trend to take the entire display window by double-

clicking within the trend. To return to the original time scale, double-click within the trend again.

2. Display a section of the trend display. Click and drag the pointer diagonally to draw a rectangle.

This area will be magnified when you release the mouse button. To return to the original time

scale, use the View > Revert or use this button ( ).

3. Modify the time range by using the View > Time Range and set it to 1 day to now (*-1d and *).

4. Use the time forward and backward buttons ( ) to scroll the time range forward or

backward on the trend. Try to playback the last week of data by clicking six (6) times on the

Move backward in time button and then return to the current time by using the Move forward

in time.

5. Return to the original time scale (See step 2).

6. Use a Trend Cursor to find when the maximum value of the last day occurred ( ).

7. Return to the original time scale (See step 2).

8. Alter the Y-axis scale of a trend by double-clicking on the Y-axis. Use the Trend Scale dialog

box to change the vertical scale for the tag in the trend. You do not have to be in Build ( )

mode to edit the trend.

9. Move the mouse cursor over the SINUSOID trace or the SINUSOID tag label in the legend area

and click to hide this trace. You can notice that when the mouse cursor is over the trace or the tag

label are highlighted. Click again to display them again.

D. The details and annotations

1. Maximize the Crude Charge trend.

2. Point the mouse directly on the trend

trace and wait until you can observe the

ToolTip yellow window.

3. Minimize the trend.

4. Point the mouse directly on any other

symbols and wait until you can observe

the ToolTip yellow window.

5. Right-click on the trend and click Show Details and Annotations. The Show Details and

Annotations window will appear on the right. The Data option should be presented to you.





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6. Observe the Data, Statistics and Point Attributes for the selected tag by changing the Option

field.

7. Validate if the maximum value you have found in part C is the same returned by the Statistics

window.

8. Refresh the tag‟s data from Data option by clicking on the Refresh Data button ( ).

9. Choose the Statistics option and click on the Save to file button ( ). Enter the filename and

choose the extension: .TXT or .CSV.

10. Using the Windows Explorer locate the file you just saved and open it.

11. Open a blank MS Excel spreadsheet.

12. Choose the Point Attributes option and click on the Copy to clipboard button ( ). Switch to

MS Excel application, select the cell which will receive information and select right-click >

Paste. The Point Attributes information will be copied from the clipboard to MS Excel.

13. Choose the Data option. Select the last event in the data grid by clicking on it once. The

Annotations section will no longer be grayed out.

14. Click in the Value field of the first row and enter: This value is out of range.

15. Click in the drop-down list of the Value Type field and choose String. Leave the description field

empty.

16. Click on the Save all changes button to save the annotation with the event.

17. You can try to visualize the annotation from the trend object. An annotation takes the

representation of a white sheet above the trace area as shown in the figure below. If you move

your mouse cursor over and leave it there for a moment you can read the added comment.





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18. Exit PI ProcessBook without saving.





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2.7 Building a Display, Add Static Elements, the Symbol Library

Objectives

Create new independent displays

Create and edit static elements

Insert Symbol Library images

2.7.1 Create a Display

To create a new ProcessBook file use File > New or the New icon. From here, you can create

new ProcessBook Displays, ProcessBook Workbooks, or ProcessBook Entries. The easiest

ways to conceive of ProcessBook Displays are that they are individual sheets, similar to

memos. Workbooks are entire books that are composed of many of these sheets, but to put

these sheets in the book, we need to create individual Entries. For now, we will focus on

Independent Displays and return to Workbooks and Entries later.

A display can contain a wide variety of elements, both static and dynamic. To add any of

these elements to a display, you must be in Build mode, and then select the desired element.

Draw it on the display and define its configuration when prompted. For now, we will focus

on the static elements.

2.7.2 Add and Edit Static Elements

The static objects available include shapes, lines, and text boxes. ProcessBook does come

with its own Symbol Library that includes many familiar process symbols. These include

things like tanks, values, and heat exchangers.

The majority of the static elements have options similar or identical to many Paint programs.

Things like grouping, alignment, stacking, rotation, and attachments. Just like these Paint

programs, you can do multiple object selection by clicking and dragging, using the Control

key, or using the Shift key.

If this Symbol Library (described below) is insufficient, you can also import graphics from

files. Use Draw > Graphic to insert a graphic file. This provides you greater options for

customization.

2.7.3 The Symbol Library

The symbol library button allows access to a rich library of symbols. To access the symbol

library, use the Symbol Library icon from the toolbar or Draw> Symbol Library from the

menu. Similarly, to import an image file into a display, use the Graphic button in the toolbar

or select Draw > Graphic from the menu.





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2.7.4 Group Recap Questions


chapter or section. The answers can be found after the questions.

Questions

4. What two user interface elements allow you to change the start time and end time of a Trend or XY

Plot in Run mode?

5. Which one of these statements is false:

· In Run mode, both the vertical scale and the time scale of a trend element can be changed.

· After changing the display in Run mode, the modifications will be saved if we do not use the

Revert function before saving the file.

· The status report will indicate all tags used in the display that are in error and their associated

ProcessBook elements.

6. What type of information can be stored within an annotation?

2.7.5 Exercise – Inserting Static Elements into Displays







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Objective

Learn to add static elements to your displays.

Problem Description

The goal is to represent a process as a schematic to make it easy for all personnel to identify

its components. Drawing tools are available to create schematics. In this exercise, you are to

create a simple schematic to represent a tank, an agitator and a valve as presented in the

figure below.

Approach

Create a ProcessBook independent display file called Exercise PB2.PDI. To make it easier to

align items, you can activate the Snap to Grid option by selecting Arrange > Snap to Grid.

Add the following items to the display:

One tank from the Symbol Library. You can use any tank you wish.

One horizontal pipe from the Symbol Library going into the tank and one pipe

going out. If you wish you can draw one long pipe and set the tank over it, so it

appears to pass behind it.

One text box labeling the tank Stirred Tank. Place this near the tank. You may wish

to alter the color and size of the text for visibility.

One mixer from the Symbol Library. Place this over the tank.

One valve from the Symbol Library. Place this over the pipe, so it appears that the

valve is in line with the pipe flow.

There are many possible solutions – yours does not have to look exactly like this. Feel free to

improvise and be creative with your display.





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Page 37


1. Create a new PI ProcessBook independent display using the following steps:

· Click on File > New.

· A new screen appears with three choices:

· ProcessBook (.piw) File;

· ProcessBook Entry;

· ProcessBook Display (.pdi) File.

· Select ProcessBook Display (.pdi) File and name it Exercise PB2.

· Click on the OK button. A new screen will appear with the name Exercise PB2.

· Save this ProcessBook with the name Exercise PB2.PDI.

2. It can be easier to arrange and align objects when the grid is activated. Select Arrange > Snap to

grid option.

3. Draw the tank by selecting Draw > Symbol Library. Once this option is selected, use the left button

of the mouse to select the area where you want to draw the symbol. Select the tank category, then a

tank symbol.

4. Click on Options if you want to change the color or fill pattern of the tank. Note that the color can

only be changed if the fill mode is Shaded, Solid or Hollow.





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5. Draw the pipes by selecting Draw > Symbol Library. Once this option is selected, use the left

button of the mouse to select the area where you want to draw the symbol. Select the pipes category,

then a horizontal pipe symbol. Stretch to fit. Repeat if necessary for the second pipe.

6. Draw the agitator by selecting Draw > Symbol Library. Once this option is selected, use the left

mouse button to select the area where you want to draw the symbol. Select the mixers category, then

a mixer symbol. Click on Options if you want to change the color or fill pattern of the tank.

7. Add a Text item by selecting Draw > Text. Write in the tank: Stirred Tank.

8. Draw the valve by selecting Draw > Symbol Library. Once this option is selected, use the left

button of the mouse to select the area where you want to draw the symbol. Select the valves

category, then a symbol. Click on Options if you want to change the color or fill pattern of the tank.

9. Save the display and exit the display.





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3. ProcessBook: Dynamic Elements and ProcessBook

Workbooks

3.1 Dynamic Elements, Data Favorites

Objectives

Use the Data Favorites docking window to drag and drop items to create dynamic

elements

Import and Export your Data Favorites for consistency

3.1.1 Introduction to Dynamic Elements (Optional)

Dynamic Elements are ProcessBook objects that are linked to PI data and that update in real-

time. The following Dynamic Elements can be added to a display:

Trend

XY Plots

Bar Graphs

Dynamic Values

Multi-State Objects

3.1.2 Drag from Data Favorites to Create a Dynamic Symbol

Data Favorites is a way to store a persistent list of the tags you reference the most often. It is

accessed by View> Data Favorites. This allows you to configure dynamic elements by

dropping a data source from the list onto the display or element. You specify if you would

like to create a Bar, Trend, Dynamic Value or XY Plot elements when a data reference is

dropped. Additional traces are added when dropped onto an existing Trend or XY Plot. You

can also create multiple items at a time.

The Data Favorites pane consists of two sections, the Search and Favorites sections. The

Search section is where you can search for tags based on tag mask or use the Tag Search icon

to open a dialog for increased search options. When the tags are listed, you can drag and drop

individual tags into your Favorites section, or you can select one or multiple tags, right-click,

and then select Add to Favorites.

3.1.3 Import/Export Data Favorites

The list of Data Favorites is local to the machine only. So to propagate a consistent list of

Data Favorites across multiple physical machines, it is possible to import and export your list

of Data Favorites to and from a file. Simply right-click in the Favorites section and choose

the appropriate action. You can import favorite tags from any applications supporting drag

and drop like Excel, Word, etc.





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3.2 Build Trends, Linear Regression, the Format Paintbrush, and XY Plots

Objectives

Build a Trend

Add a linear regression trace to a trend

Use the Format paintbrush

Build an XY Plot

3.2.1 Build a Trend

To build a trend in a display, you must first be in Build mode. There are then three different

ways to build a trend. You can just drag and drop the Data Favorite with the Trend option

selected. Alternatively, you can use the menu option by selecting Draw > Trend or use the

toolbar by clicking on the Trend icon. Then draw a rectangle with the mouse to define the

size of the trend. A design window with four different tabs allows configuration of the trend:

General;

Display Format;

Trace Format;

Layout.

For more information see "Create a Trend" in PI ProcessBook User Guide,

version 3.2, pp. 81-84.

In the Display Format tab, Markers indicate PI archived values. When not checked three

trace markers appear at evenly spaced intervals to help identify individual traces on a

multiple trace trend.

3.2.2 Add a Regression Line

You can also add a regression line in the form y=mx+b, where m is the slope and b is the y-

intercept. Simply check the box in the Trend Definition configuration pane.

3.2.3 The Format Paintbrush

Use the Format paintbrush to copy the formatting properties to another trend. Double-clicking

the Formatting Paintbrush button allows you to apply formatting to more than one symbol.

To turn off the formatting paintbrush selection, click the button again or press the ESC key.

There is a maximum of fifty traces by default, but this setting can be changed. (This change is

made in Procbook.ini. For more information on this see Trend Definition Section in the PI

ProcessBook User Guide, version 3.2, p. 215).






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3.2.4 XY Plots

XY Plots, also known as Scatter Plots, are used to show relationships between value sets. It is

a powerful tool to graphically show the correlation between two or more tags.

Values on the horizontal scale (x-axis) represent the values of a PI point rather than time.

For more information see "XYPlots" in PI ProcessBook User Guide,

version 3.2, Ch. 6, pp. 101-119.

3.2.5 Exercise – Building Trends in ProcessBook



Objectives

Build trends.

Familiarize yourself with the different trend building options.

Problem Description

You are now ready to create a trend with PI tags. You will need a new display in your

workbook to do this. Make sure you create the display inside your workbook.

Approach

Create a ProcessBook independent display file called Exercise PB3.PDI.

Add a trend containing the SINUSOID tag. Use the trend item from the tool bar.

(Hint: Make sure you are in build mode)

Make the trend show the last 5 days of values;

Label the trend so the title reads Exercise PB3.

If the time permits, add a second trend showing all of the tags that begin with the letters BA:.







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1. Create a new PI ProcessBook independent display using the following steps:

· Click on File > New.

· A new screen appears with three choices:




· Select ProcessBook Display (.pdi) File and name it Exercise PB3.

· Click on the OK button. A new screen will appear with the name Exercise PB3.

· Save this ProcessBook with the name Exercise PB3.PDI.

2. In Build mode, use the Trend tool ( ). Drag diagonally to create a rectangular area to contain the

trend. When you release the mouse button, the Trend definition dialog box is displayed.

3. Enter the following information in the General tab:

· Type the trend name in the plot box: Exercise PB3 - Trend;

· Use the Tag Search button to locate and select the SINUSOID tag. To facilitate the query, use a

mask like SIN*;





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· Specify the time range to display the last 5 days in the plot time section by setting the style to

Full time stamp, the Start field to *-5 Day and the End field to *;

· Click on the OK button to create the trend.

4. Save the trend object by saving the display using File > Save.

5. Optionally repeat the steps above except in the Tag Search find all tags with a tag mask of BA:*.

Leave the remainder of the options to their defaults.

6. Save the trend object by saving the display using File > Save.





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3.3 Bars, Values, Multi-State Objects and Buttons

Objectives

Build a Bar Graph

Build a dynamic Value

Create a Multi-State Object

Insert a command button

3.3.1 Bars

A Bar Graph shows the current value of a tag as compared to a specified range of values.

For more information see "Bars" in PI ProcessBook User Guide, version

3.2, pp. 125-127.

A common mistake is to confuse Fill color with Background color when working with Bars.

Typically Fill color is the bottom part that indicates the value of a traditional empty/full

gauge and the Background color is the top part of the gauge.

3.3.2 Values

A Value is the reading obtained at a particular moment in time for a tag in the PI database.

For more information see "Values" in PI ProcessBook User Guide, version

3.2, pp. 121-123.

3.3.3 Multi-State Symbols

A Multi-State symbol is one that changes color to reflect changes in value for a particular

tag. Any object except a trend, graphic, button, or OLE object can be made a Multi-State

symbol by assigning a tag to it.

For more information see "Multi-State Symbols" in PI ProcessBook User

Guide, version 3.2, pp. 127-129.








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3.3.4 Buttons

Buttons are elements that create a link to other applications, such as a calculator or word

processor, or other ProcessBook workbooks or displays. They give you the ability to navigate

to the desired information quickly, efficiently, and logically can mean the difference between

an application that is useful and one that frustrates the user. There are two types of navigation

when using PI ProcessBook, and they are not exclusive.

Using the Workbook hierarchy;

Command Buttons within displays.

For example, if you find you work often with a particular display and frequently need to

update a report with the information you have been monitoring, you can add a Button that

automatically will open a spreadsheet program. You also can use a Button to connect to

frequently used displays, other ProcessBook workbooks, or Web sites.

For more information see "Button" in PI ProcessBook User Guide, version

3.2, pp. 123-125.

3.3.5 Exercise – Inserting Dynamic Elements into Displays


chapter or section. The answers can be found at the end of the exercise.

Objectives

Bar Graph;

Value of a PI Tag;

Multi-State Symbol;

Command Button.

Problem Description

Dynamic elements allow displaying changes of operating conditions in time, which facilitates

the understanding of the use of dynamic elements in schematics. With this exercise, you use

the display created in Exercise 2 and save it under Exercise PB4.PDI, add a level indicator

and an alarm display (low and high). Modify the design of the tank so that it graphically

shows the level.

Approach






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You need to edit the display entry in your ProcessBook display from Exercise 2 to contain the

items found in the list below (all items can be found in the Draw Menu). Try to use the Data

Favorites add-in to speed up the creation of dynamic elements.

One Dynamic Value indicating the level in the tank. You will use the tag

BA:LEVEL.1. Place that near the tank. You may wish to alter the color and size of

the text for visibility.

One Bar Graph to indicate visually the level in the tank. You will use the tag

BA:LEVEL.1. Place that over the tank body and make it slightly smaller than the

tank. This might be easier if you activate the Snap to Grid option by clicking on

Arrange > Snap to Grid. You will have to experiment with the Forward and

Backward options in the Arrange Menu to get the tank on the bottom, the bar

graph, and the mixer to display all at once.

Two Multi-state Symbols will act as visual alarms for high and low level. You will

use the tag BA:LEVEL.1 as the triggering tag. To do this, add two small circles or

squares to the display, off to one side of the tank. They will have the following

parameters:

The upper circle/square will be green if the value is below 50 and red if above

50.

The lower circle/square will be green if the value is above 10 and red if below

10.

One Multi-state Symbol will act as visual indicator of the valve position. You will

use the tag BA:ACTIVE.1. The valve itself will be a multi-state symbol with the

following parameters:

Green if the state is ACTIVE

Red if the state is INACTIVE

Optional (time permitting)

Insert a command button in your display from the button icon. A configuration

dialog box appears. In the text item, enter Calculator. Select Operating system

command as its type. Finally, in the action item, enter the command line that will

start the calculator (Typically: C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CALC.EXE or

C:\WINNT\system32\calc.exe).

Save the display by selecting File > Save.

One possible configuration example of this is shown below.





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Step-by-Step Solution With Data Favorites

1. Open the display created in Exercise 2.

2. Click on View > Data Favorites to make the window add-in appears.

3. Enter this Search Mask: BA:* and click on the left green arrow button ( ).

4. Locate the BA:LEVEL.1 tag from the result list and drag and drop it in the Favorites area.

5. Click on the drop-down list of the Default Symbol of the Data Favorites windows and choose

Value.

6. From the Favorites area, drag and drop the BA:LEVEL.1 tag into the blank display. Write Level (%)

above the value by selection Draw > Text.

7. Add a low and high visual alarm.

· By selecting Draw > Ellipse first, draw two small circles, they will be activated to become visual

alarms;

· In Build mode, select the high-level circle and then click on Multi-State button ( ). Select

BA:LEVEL.1 tag. Set the number of states to 2. Define the limit of the first state to <= 90. Set the

color of the first state to green, and second state to red;

· Repeat the same thing to add the low-level alarm using the same tag. Set the number of states to

2. Define the limit of the first state at <= 10. Set the color of the first state to red and second state

to green.

8. Create a bar graph to replace the tank.

· Click on the drop-down list of the Default Symbol of the Data Favorites windows and choose

Bar.

· From the Favorites area, drag and drop the BA:LEVEL.1 tag into the blank display.

· Resize the bar and make it the same size as the tank body. This might be easier if the option from

Arrange > Snap to Grid is not activated;

· Set the bar graph‟s parameters. Select the BA:LEVEL.1 tag. Keep the default values of upper and

lower limits, and the start value. Click on the OK button to complete the bar graph configuration;

· In Build mode, right-click on the Bar Graph and choose Format Color. Choose the proper fill

color. Use None for the background and line color.

9. Move the agitator drawing on the bar graph. Use Arrange > Bring to front option to move the

agitator out from under the bar graph.

10. Add a calculator command button by selecting Draw > Button. In the Define Button dialog box,





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put in a name for the button: Calculator. In the action item, enter the command line that will start the

calculator. You will find the calculator (calc.exe) in the C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32 or

C:\WINNT\SYSTEM32 according to the operating system used.

11. Save your display with the Save as option under the name: Exercise PB4.





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Step-by-Step Solution without the use of Data Favorites

1. Open the display created in Exercise 2.

2. Insert a level indicator. Select Draw > Value to insert the BA:LEVEL.1 tag value. Write Level (%)

above the value by selection Draw > Text.

3. Add a low and high visual alarm.

· By selecting Draw > Ellipse first, draw two small circles, they will be activated to become visual

alarms;

· In Build mode, select the high-level circle and then click on Multi-State button ( ). Select

BA:LEVEL.1 tag. Set the number of states to 2. Define the limit of the first state to <= 90. Set the

color of the first state to green, and second state to red;

· Repeat the same thing to add the low-level alarm using the same tag. Set the number of states to

2. Define the limit of the first state at <= 10. Set the color of the first state to red and second state

to green.

4. Create a bar graph to replace the tank.

· Use Draw > Bar to create a bar graph. Draw a rectangle over the tank body and make it the same

size as the tank body. This might be easier if the option from Arrange > Snap to Grid is not

activated;

· Set the bar graph‟s parameters. Select the BA:LEVEL.1 tag. Keep the default values of upper and

lower limits, and the start value. Click on the OK button to complete the bar graph configuration;

· In Build mode, right-click on the Bar Graph and choose Format Color. Choose the proper fill

color. Use None for the background and line color.

5. Move the agitator drawing on the bar graph. Use Arrange > Bring to front option to move the

agitator out from under the bar graph.

6. Add a calculator command button by selecting Draw > Button. In the Define Button dialog box,

put in a name for the button: Calculator. In the action item, enter the command line that will start the

calculator. You will find the calculator (calc.exe) in the C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32 or

C:\WINNT\SYSTEM32 according to the operating system used.

7. Save your display with the Save as option under the name: Exercise PB4.





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3.4 Creating Workbooks and Organizing Displays

Objectives

Open workbook entries

Change workbook entry levels in Book or Outline mode

Create a workbook

3.4.1 Introduction (Optional)

There are menu options in ProcessBook such as links and operating system commands that

are easy to miss. In this section we study these and the normal ProcessBook display entries.

Then you will be asked to open displays using different techniques and to create new entries.

A ProcessBook Workbook is a collection of individual displays of data and analysis. It

organizes data from the PI Server and other sources in the same workspace. A ProcessBook

Workbook can organize OS Commands, Hyperlinks to files or URLs, or a linked display. A

Workbook and its displays are stored in a single file (.piw). They are useful because you can

allow easier sharing of displays across the enterprise and manage displays by tasks or by

roles. There are fewer files to manage and they incorporate other needed content.

3.4.2 Open Workbook Entries

The New button opens a display in a new window, and the Open button opens a display in

the last window you viewed.

For more information see "Open a Display" in PI ProcessBook User

Guide, version 3.2, p. 49.

If you double click an entry while in Build mode you will edit the entry instead of opening it.

A common mistake is to confuse the New button with File > New to create a new display.

3.4.3 Change Workbook Entry Levels in Book or Outline Mode

You can choose Book View or Outline View to navigate workbook files. Both views support

a hierarchy of levels that can be modified in build mode.

For more on this topic, see Book View (PI ProcessBook User Guide,

version 3.2, pp. 35-39).







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3.4.4 Create a New Workbook

Consider planning an organizational structure and a naming convention for your ProcessBook

and the entries within it.

For more information see "Create a New ProcessBook" in PI ProcessBook

User Guide, version 3.2, pp. 27-30.

An asterisk (*) beside the name of the file in the title bar means that the document has not

been saved or has been modified since the last save.

The next step in creating a ProcessBook is to add individual entries. By arranging and

combining displays and other entry types, you can create a complete working environment

for plant personnel. You can add the entry titles to the ProcessBook and then complete the

detailed design of the entries later.

3.5 Creating Entries

Objectives

Create text entries

Create display entries

Create linked entries

Create Operating System command entries

3.5.1 Create Text Entries

Text entries provide headings or to provide static information. Useful for organizing PI

ProcessBook documents by adding titles.

For more information see "Create a Text or Display Entry" in PI

ProcessBook User Guide, version 3.2, p. 30.

3.5.2 Create Display Entries

Display entries page that can contain different objects (trends, process mimics, etc.).







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For more information see "Create a Text or Display Entry" in PI


3.5.3 Create Linked Entries

Linked ProcessBook entries link to another PI ProcessBook document.

Linked Display entries link with a display, internal or external, to the current PI

ProcessBook. A Linked Display allows you to link a display title in a ProcessBook to an

entry elsewhere in the ProcessBook or in another ProcessBook. This means that you create

and store only one copy of the entry.

For more information see "Linked Display Entry" in PI ProcessBook User


For more information see "Linked ProcessBook Entries" in PI


3.5.4 Create OS (Operating System) Commands

Operating System Command entries open another application. This can be used to launch

external files, applications, and websites. The icon will usually represent the application. If

that icon is not available, the default icon is the running man.

For more information see "Operating System Command Entry" in PI

ProcessBook User Guide, version 3.2, pp. 32-34.

For websites, just enter the URL.

If you are creating several entries, you may wait to save until the last one is entered.









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chapter or section. The answers can be found at the end of this document.

Questions

1. When creating a new ProcessBook entry in a workbook, what option needs to be set to display that

entry as a separate tab?

2. Name the five dynamic elements that can be created in a ProcessBook display.

3.5.6 Exercise – Organize Your Displays


chapter or section. The answers can be found at the end of the exercise.

Objectives

Learn how to build and modify a PI ProcessBook;

Understand the PI ProcessBook entries hierarchy;

Use the Book and Outline views to visualize and modify a PI ProcessBook.

Problem Description

You need to organize existing displays from your organization to give one access point for

users. You want to publish only the path to this ProcessBook file (workbook) to facilitate the

deployment and security management from the enterprise‟s IT/IS group.

Approach

Create a ProcessBook file called Exercise PB5.PIW and follow these instructions:

Insert a text separator that will appear as a tab in book view and name it Exercises

Book

Create a display named Plant Status that will be put at level 2





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Create a linked display to Exercise PB4.PDI that will be put at level 3 and name

it Batch Reactor.

Create a linked ProcessBook to PIDEMO.PIW file that will be put at level 2 and

name it External Plant. The file PIDEMO.PIW is located under the

PIPC\Procbook\en folder.

Create a link to call the calculator from PI ProcessBook. Browse to select the

calc.exe file from the c:\windows\system32 directory for Windows

XP/ME/2003. This entry will be at level 2.

Modify the hierarchy to follow these instructions.

Leave the text separator as the first item at level 1

Second item is External Plant at level 3

Third item is Plant Status at level 3

Fourth item is Batch Reactor at level 2

Fifth item is Calculator at level 3






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A. Create the ProcessBook

1. Select File > New.

2. A new screen appears with three choices:




3. Select ProcessBook (.piw) File and name it Exercise PB5.

4. Click on the OK button. A new screen appears with the name Exercise PB5.

5. Save this ProcessBook with the name Exercise PB5.PIW.

B. Insert a Text type entry on level 1 and name it Exercises book using the steps below.

1. In Build mode, select Insert > Text. A new screen appears in which you must supply additional

information.

2. Type a label like: Exercises book.

3. As this is your first entry, its hierarchy level is 1 and it may not be modified.

4. Click on the OK button. A title corresponding to Exercise book appears in the ProcessBook file

created earlier.





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C. Insert a Display type entry on level 2 and name it Plant Status.

1. In Build mode, select Insert > Display. A new screen appears in which you must supply

additional information.

2. Type a label named Plant Status.

3. Choose a hierarchy level of 2.

4. Click on the OK button. This will create and open a display. You can add a trend into it or simply

close it by selecting File > Close.

5. Save the display; it will be saved inside the Exercise PB5.PIW ProcessBook file. A title on the

second hierarchy level corresponding to Plant Status appears in the PI ProcessBook file created

earlier.

D. Add a Linked Display type entry on Level 3 and name it Batch Reactor.

1. To link a display from another ProcessBook file, the file must be opened (open the file Exercise

PB4.PDI).

2. In Build mode, select Insert > Link / OS Command. A new screen appears in which you must

supply additional information.

3. Type a label name Batch Reactor.


5. Press the arrow next to the Browse button and select Display Search and select the Exercise PB4

display. (Hint: Do not forget to open the ProcessBook where the display resides.).

6. Click on the OK button. This will link the display and open it. You can close it by selecting File

> Close. A title on the third hierarchy level corresponding to Batch Reactor appears in the PI

ProcessBook file created earlier.

E. Insert a Linked ProcessBook type entry on level 2 and name it External Plant.



2. Type a label named External Plant.


4. Press the arrow next to the Browse button and select ProcessBook file. Browse to and select the

PIDEMO.PIW ProcessBook (this file is located under the PIPC\Procbook\en folder).

5. Click on the OK button. This will link the ProcessBook and open it. You can close it by selecting

File > Close. A title on the second hierarchy level corresponding to External Plant appears in the





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ProcessBook file.

F. Insert an Operating System Command type entry on level 2 and name it Calculator.



2. Type a label named Calculator.


4. Press the arrow next to the Browse button and select Applications. Browse to select the calc.exe

file from the c:\winnt\system32 directory for Windows NT4/2000, or

c:\windows\system32 directory for Windows 95/98/XP/ME/2003.

5. Click on the OK button. This will create the OS command and open the calculator. You can close

it by selecting File > Close. A title on the second hierarchy level corresponding to Calculator

appears in the PI ProcessBook.

G. Modify your PI ProcessBook.

1. Change the order in which the entries appear and modify the hierarchy to follow these directives:

· Leave the text separator as the first item at level 1

· Second item is External Plant at level 3

· Third item is Plant Status at level 3

· Fourth item is Batch Reactor at level 2

· Fifth item is Calculator at level 3

2. In Build mode, select View > Outline.

3. Use the four arrows located in the upper left corner of the window. The signs + and – are used to

expand or collapse the hierarchy level of the selected entry. Numbers 1 – 9 are used to display

different levels of hierarchy in the PI ProcessBook.





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4. ProcessBook: Performance Equation (PE) Syntax

4.1 Performance Equations Basics

Objectives

List the three rules of the PI Performance Equation (PE) syntax

List and be able to find Performance Equation Functions

Explain when to use conversion factors

Note: There is not a specific exercise on these objectives. However, the information from this chapter will

be used in subsequent exercises.


Performance Equations are special tags in the PI Server that perform calculations using other

PI Tags as the data source and record the calculation results as the values of the Performance

Equation tag. These Performance Equation tags require a specific syntax, known as the

Performance Equation Syntax. This syntax is important because, while it originated with the

Performance Equation tags, it is now used in multiple places. These include ProcessBook

Calculation Datasets, DataLink Expressions, and PI WebParts PI Calculation Datasets. They

are also used in filter expressions, found throughout these client tools.

4.1.2 The Three Rules of Performance Equations

The three rules of Performance Equation Syntax are:

Numbers and mathematical operators are written as is: 10, 0.125, 34.56, +, -, *, /, ^

Tag names and timestamps, whether absolute or combined time format, are written

in single quotes: 'cdt158', 'temp_tank_1', 'FIC5821.PV', „*‟, „T+6h‟, ‟13-Jun-2009‟

Strings are written in double quotes: "This is a string"

In many places, the single and double quotes will be automatically filled in for you. This is

most common when using a PI Tag Search window. However, you should always double

check to ensure the proper syntax has been used. Also, when looking at the state of a digital

tag, you will want to use the string value of the tag, not the number from the digital set.

4.1.3 Performance Equation Functions

There is also a rich library of mathematical functions available. These are the typical

mathematical functions like sin(), cos(), log(), exp(), abs(), etc. Aside from the mathematical

functions, there are also many PI functions that apply specifically to PI data. These include

things like:

PctGood() Percent of time tag has good values.





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Range() Range of min to max.

StDev() Time-weighted standard deviation.

TagAvg() Time-weighted average.

TagMean() Event-weighted average.

TagMax() Maximum value in period.

TagMin () Minimum value in period.

TagTot() Time integral over a period.

An expression can use If-Then-Else, relational and logical operators.

Syntax: IF expr0 THEN expr1 ELSE expr2

Example: IF 'Tag1' >= 50 AND 'Tag2' < 125 THEN “under limit” ELSE “good”

Notes: You must include the IF, THEN and ELSE keywords. The NoOutput() PE function can be used in

the THEN or ELSE clause. It is possible to nest if-then-else expressions.

For a complete list of built-in functions that can be used, consult the

PEReference.chm document. It is available at

http://techsupport.osisoft.com. Search for "performance equations" in the

search box at the upper right of the screen. See the file "PI 3 Performance

Equations Help File" in the search results. You will also find it in

\\pipc\help\pereference.chm.

4.1.4 Conversion Factor and Totalizations

The conversion factor is a multiplier used to change a number from one unit of measure to

another.

Ex: 1000 g per kg, 2.54 cm per inch, 24 hours per day, 1440 minutes per day

Because PI is not aware of engineering units, it assumes that rate tags are in terms of units per

day. Typically, this assumption is inaccurate as many tags are measured in terms of units per

second, units per minute, or units per hour. When using the Total function in Calculated

Data, a conversion factor is used to correct PI's assumption that the data is in units per day.

The conversion factor is equal to 1.0 when the source data are in units per day.







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Example: For a flow measured in gallons per min, a conversion factor of 1440 must be

supplied. This is because the PI server assumes all inputs to totalizations are expressed in

units per day, and 1440 represents the conversion between the actual rate tag (units per

minute) and the rate that PI assumes (units per day). This is independent of the interval of the

proposed totalization. For example, the conversion factor of an 8 hour totalization of a rate

tag measured in of units per minute is still 1440.

Normal total = (3 gpm x 3m) + (5 gpm x 2m) + (1 gpm x 3m) = 22 gallons

PI total = ((3 gallons per day x 3m x 1day/1440m) + (5 gallons per day x 2m x

1day/1440m) + (1 gallon per day x 3m x 1day/1440m)) * 1440m/1d = 22 gallons

The total computed by PI must be multiplied by a factor of 1440

When the calculation mode is Total and part of the archived data within the range is bad, the

reported value is equal to the calculated total value divided by the fraction of the time period

with good archived data. This data normalization is equivalent to the assumption that for the

bad data time range, the tag value takes on the average value of the entire range. However,

Rate tag Assumption of Conversion

engineering units the PI Server Factor

Units / day Units / day 1

Units / hour Units / day 24

Units / minute Units / day 1440

Units / second Units / day 86400





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this assumption may not be valid when a large fraction of the time range contains bad data.

Therefore, we recommend that you always look at the percent good value before using the

calculation result.

Since a conversion factor is after all, just a simple multiplication, you can supply a

conversion factor that does double duty by converting for both the rate and the engineering

units. For example, if the rate tag is in thousands of gallons per minutes and you want the

answer in gallons, not thousands of gallons, then you can use the conversion factor of

1,440,000 (which is simply 1440 * 1000).





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5. ProcessBook: Calculations

Data Sets provide a means of displaying some data that was originally derived from raw

process values or other relational data.

Datasets can be:

A PI Calculation (summary or expression)

ODBC Data

AF Data

AF2 Data

We will only be covering the PI Calculation Data Set, as the other topics are more advanced

and covered in other classes offered by OSIsoft.

5.1 PI Calculations in PI ProcessBook and Performance Equation Syntax

Objectives

Create a PI Calculation using Performance Equation Syntax

Use a PI Calculation in a Trend

5.1.1 Creating PI Calculations

The two types of calculated data sets in PI ProcessBook are PI Summary Data Sets and PI

Expression Data Sets. Go to the Tools>Data Sets to define the PI Calculation you would like

to define.

For more details on this see PI Calculation Data Sets (PI ProcessBook

User's Guide, pp. 164-167).

For step-by-step instructions see Create a PI Calculation Data Set (PI

ProcessBook User's Guide, p. 165)

5.1.2 Using a PI Calculation in a Trend

When you define a dynamic element you can specify a PI Calculation Data Set instead of the

common use of a tag. Just click the drop-down arrow next to the Tag Search button and you

are presented with the PI Calculation Data Sets dialog box. Select a Data Set and the desired

column (calculation).

The Stepped Plot is used for calculations as the default. You normally do not wish to

interpolate between calculations. Tag Name can be typed or searched. Interval is the period

to examine. Sync Time is used to offset from other calculations for timing or load balancing.

Elements which include data from a data set are updated automatically. Many elements of a

ProcessBook can use the same Data Set simultaneously. Different ProcessBooks can include






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the same Dataset. Modification of a data set will only affect elements of the current

ProcessBook (.PIW) and display (.PDI). It is important to verify which elements use a Data

Set prior to modifying it. The Show Use button of the Data Sets screen shows the list of

elements using a given Data Set.





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5.1.3 Exercise – PI Calculation Data Sets



Objectives

Learn how to use dynamic elements based on data sets;

Learn how to obtain statistics from PI data archives;

Learn how to define equations with PI points.

Problem Description

You need to see displays not of raw data but showing the results of particular calculations. In

one calculation you need to see a 30 minute running average for CDT158. Also show the

interval maximum and minimum and display all with the live process value.

In a second calculation you want to create a display to illustrate the mixing of two

ingredients: CDT158 and BA:LEVEL.1. Your calculation will solve for the percent of Product

A (CDT158). You will show this graphically in a display. The approaches to solve each

problem with sample illustrations are on the next sections.

Problem Part A Approach

In the ProcessBook file (.piw) you created earlier in the "Organize Your Displays" exercise

above, add a new display entry called Exercise PB7A. Add a new trend on the average value

for the last 12 hours. The trend shows stair step trace. Also, add the live process value to the

trend. Label the trend CDT158 Calcs. The figure below illustrates the resulting trend.





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Problem Part B Approach

Two different products (A and B) feed a tank. You want to illustrate in a trend the product

percentage used per 30 minutes. The synchronization of the calculations starts at 00:00:00

AM (every 30 minutes starting at midnight). The trend will show the results for the last 8

hours in a stair step trace. Use the tag name CDT158 as product A and BA:TEMP.1 as

product B. Define a column named %Product A for the results of the calculation. Use the

following expression: ('CDT158'/('CDT158'+'BA:TEMP.1'))*100

Place the trend in a new display entry named Exercise PB7B in the ProcessBook created in

the "Organize Your Displays" exercise above. Add a tank (static drawing and bar object) that

will show the two products at the inlet and the usage percentage of product A at the outlet.

The figure below illustrates the resulting display and schematic.





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Step-by-Step Solution for Part A

1. Create a new display type entry titled Exercise PB7A in the ProcessBook file you created in the

"Organizing Your Displays" exercise above and open it.

2. Create a data set by following Tools > Data Sets > New > PICalculation.

3. Enter the following parameters in the PI Calculation Data dialog:

· Server: select a server

· Tag name: CDT158

· Name: LEVEL

· Description: TANK LEVEL

· Interval: 1 h

· Synchronization: 00:00:00

· Refresh interval: 1 min

· Step Plot: yes

4. Build a new trend named Tank level. Click on PI Calculation from the dropdown menu to select the

traces.

5. Select the data set you just created. Select the Average, Minimum and Maximum columns by holding

down the ctrl key. Return to the Define Trend dialog by clicking on the OK button.

6. In the Tags in Plot section add the tag CDT158.





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7. Set the plot time:

· Start: *-12h

· End: *

8. Set the display and trace formats as you want

and click on the OK button.

9. Save the display and the ProcessBook file.





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Step-by-Step Solution for Part B

1. First a trend symbol will be added; in the ProcessBook file of the "Organizing Your Displays"

exercise above, create a display type entry named Exercise PB7B and open it.

2. Create a data set by following Tools > Data Sets > New > PICalculation.

3. Enter the following parameters in the PI Calculation Data dialog:

· Server: select a server

· Expression: ('CDT158'/('CDT158'+'BA:TEMP.1'))*100

· Name: PERCENT_PRODA

· Description: % Product A

· Interval: 30m

· Synchronization: 00:00:00

· Column: %ProductA

· Refresh interval: 1 m

· Step Plot: yes

4. Create a new trend named % Product A. Click on PI Calculation on the dropdown menu.

5. Choose the data set PERCENT_PRODA and select the column %ProductA. Return to the Define

Trend dialog.

6. Set the plot time:

· Start: *-8h

· End: *

7. Set the display and trace formats as you want and click on the OK button.

8. A tank symbol will be added; draw a tank with two inlet pipes and an outlet one.





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9. Type the products‟ names and add the CDT158 tag value as product A and the BA:TEMP.1 tag value

as product B.

10. Type %ProductA = at the tank‟s outlet and add the value and the timestamp of column %ProductA

of the Product A data set.

11. Save the display and the ProcessBook file.





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6. DataLink: Current and Archived Data

6.1 Introduction and Installation

Objectives:

Determine when it is necessary to install the add-in in Excel and where it is located


PI DataLink is an OSIsoft add-in for Microsoft Excel. This lets you import data from the PI

System into a spreadsheet. As the name implies, it provides a link between the PI Server and

spreadsheet programs on Microsoft Windows platforms. DataLink allows a user running

Microsoft Excel or Lotus 1-2-3 can exchange information directly with the PI System.

For more information see "Introduction" in PI DataLink User Guide,

version 4.1, pp. 1.

6.1.2 DataLink Installation

It is also important to note that PI DataLink is an add-in for Excel. For versions of DataLink

3.X and less, this means that even after installing the PI DataLink software, you must still

locate the add-in and manually add it in to Excel. The add-in is located in \\PIPC\Excel.

By default, the PIPC directory is in Program Files, but this is customizable, so you will need

to know where it is on each machine. For versions 4.X and later with Excel 2007 and later,

the add-in is automatically installed during the installation process.

For more information see "Configuration" in PI DataLink User Guide,

version 4.1, pp. 4-5.

6.2 DataLink Settings and Time Formats

Objectives

Find your settings and set them to your desired preferences

Perform a manual refresh of the data

Describe Excel time format and choose between it and PI time format







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6.2.1 DataLink Settings

The DataLink settings affect how your data is displayed and refreshed. It is important to

know how you have configured your settings to appropriately understand what information

DataLink is giving you.

You can change all of the settings for DataLink by going to the Settings icon in the

Resources section of the PI Ribbon.

1. Sets how tags selected in the Tag Search dialog window are copied onto the spreadsheet: Columns

(default) or Rows

2. Sets various display functions within PI DataLink reports. None are used by default.

3. Sets the Number and Time formats used by PI DataLink.

4. Sets the method and Interval for the Automatic Update function.





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Note 1: The Calculate option means that values are only recalculated for DataLink functions that

reference Excel time functions and not times in PI time format. The Full Calculate option must be used

to recalculate both DataLink functions based on Excel time functions and on PI time format.

Note 2: The default of 0 for the Interval is considered Auto, which is a 5 second interval.

By default, PI DataLink does not automatically update as new PI data is available in the

Snapshot. With PI DataLink version 4.1, there is a new Automatic Update toggle button on

the PI Ribbon (or choose Update from the PI Menu in Excel 2003) that can be configured to

use either Calculate, which uses Excel Time functions, or Full Calculate, which uses PI

Time functions.

There are also several helpful tricks for each section on the PI Ribbon. You can hover the

mouse over a function to cause a tooltip description to appear.

If you need more assistance, there is DataLink Help documentation available from the Help

icon in the Resources section. Many of the functions have a small triangle near them, which

expands a menu to give you preset functions with specific points in time for you to query.

Just click on one of the desired options to use it.

For more information see "Preference Settings" in PI DataLink User


6.2.2 Refreshing your Queries

By default, each DataLink query is performed on demand. This means that unlike

ProcessBook, your Excel spreadsheet will not be updated automatically as new snapshot

values are sent to the PI Server. As discussed above, one way to enable automatic refreshes is

through the Automatic Update button.

You can also perform a manual, one time, on-demand refresh of the data. This can be

accomplished in several ways. If you want to perform the Calculate function, as described

above, you can simply hit the F9 key. To do a Full Calculate, as described above, you will

need to hit Ctrl+Shift+Alt+F9 keys simultaneously.

6.2.3 DataLink Versus Excel Time

Because PI DataLink is a set of additional functions within Microsoft Excel, DataLink

queries can use either the PI Time format of using absolute and combined times, or it can use

the Excel time format, which is itself a set of functions. Most people who are familiar with

the PI Time format find it easier to use it in these queries and calculations, but many people

in an organization are not necessarily familiar with this time format, and thus use the Excel






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Time format. Any time that can be expressed in the PI Time format can also be expressed in

the Excel time format. For example:

Excel Time PI Time Time signified

=TODAY() T Today at 00:00:00

=Today() – 1 Y Yesterday at 00:00:00

=NOW() * Now

=Now() - 3/24 *-3h 3 hours ago

Note: These Excel functions are in units per day.

There are two other tools that should look familiar from the Common Dialogs section

previously discussed. The first is the PI Connection Manager dialog window. This can be

opened from the Connections icon in the Tools section of the PI Ribbon. As previously

described, this is how you manage your connection(s) to your PI Server(s). The second is the

Tag Search dialog window. This is found from the Tag Search icon in the Tools section of

the PI Ribbon. This tool returns a list of tags that you found during your search. This is

useful to use to retrieve a list of tag names for cell references for later PI DataLink queries.

For more information see "PI Server Connections" in PI DataLink User


OSIsoft recommends that it is best practice to build your spreadsheet using references to cells

for the Tag Name, Start Time and End Time and any other desired parameters. This allows

you to change your functions easily and see how the PI data or calculations change

accordingly.

For more information see "Spreadsheet Construction" in PI DataLink User








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6.2.4 Directed Exercise – PI and Excel Times



Problem Description

Fill in the table converting the desired times into PI and Excel times

Approach

6.3 Simple DataLink Queries

Objectives

Obtain a current value for a tag

Obtain an archived value for a tag

Describe the different retrieval modes

Retrieve Tag Attributes





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6.3.1 Obtain a Current Value

The first DataLink function we will discuss is the Current Value (=PICurrVal). This function

retrieves the Snapshot value for a tag. No timestamp is provided to the query, as it is always

assumed to be now (* in PI time or =NOW() in Excel time). When you click the Current

Value icon in the Single Value section of the PI Ribbon (or select it from the menu in older

versions of PI DataLink), a configuration pane opens.

You can retrieve PI data from any PI Server currently connected to your client machine. The

server chosen is the one designated as your default in the PI Connections Manager.

You can, and it is recommend to, use cell references within your DataLink queries. This can

be quite useful for building a single display that easily transitions between sets of data for

various tags, time ranges, filter expressions, and much more.

For the Current Value query, you will need to provide it with the PI Server name and the

Tagname. You must specify the Output Cell where you would like the PI data to be written

in the spreadsheet. Below this Output Cell designation are radio buttons that allow you to

choose if and how the timestamp is displayed. The default is for no timestamp to be shown.

It is a common error to accidentally mix up cell references within a DataLink query in the

configuration pane. Typically, it is easiest to select the desired output cell first, and then open

the configuration pane from the PI Ribbon. Once in the configuration pane, deliberately select

all cell references to be used.

For more information see "Current Value" in PI DataLink User Guide,

version 4.1, pp. 27-28.






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6.3.2 Obtain an Archive Value

The other DataLink function that returns a single value is the Archive Value (=PIArcVal).

This function retrieves an archived value at a specific timestamp.

Similar to the Current Value function, this function requires you to set the PI Server,

Tagname, and Output Cell, and timestamp location. You must additionally, however,

provide a Timestamp in the past. This timestamp may either be in Excel time or PI time, and

additionally may be a cell reference to a cell containing either of those.

The one additional piece of information required is the Retrieval Mode, which prompts a

discussion of those modes.

6.3.3 Retrieval Mode

When you request a value from the PI Archive, there are several options for how it is returned

to you. The first is Exact Time. This will only retrieve a value from the PI archive for the

specified time if and only if an archived value exists at that exact time.





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Previous and Next retrieves, respectively, the previous or next compressed event from the

timestamp specified. If a compressed event does exist at the exact timestamp, it is retrieved.

The Previous Only and Next Only retrieval modes will retrieve the same compressed events,

except if there is a compressed event at that exact timestamp. In this case, it is ignored and

the previous or next compressed event is retrieved.

The two remaining options are Interpolated and Auto. These two retrieval modes behave

very similarly. The Interpolated retrieval mode behaves as you would expect and

interpolates a value at the exact timestamp you specified, with an error margin based on your

compression settings for that tag.

The Auto retrieval mode, which is the default, has the exact same behavior for any tag in

which the Step attribute is turned to Off. When the Step attribute is turned to On, then the

retrieval mode behaves as the Previous retrieval mode. The graphic below demonstrates the

difference in the Auto retrieval mode based on the Step function being On or Off.

For more information see "Archive Value" in PI DataLink User Guide,

version 4.1, pp. 27-28.

6.3.4 Obtaining Tag Attributes

Because it is possible to retrieve interpolated values, it is important to know the Exception

and Compression attributes for the tag(s) you have retrieved. It is possible to retrieve these

attributes, and any other attributes, for a tag using the Tag Attributes function (=PITagAtt).

The Tag Attributes function is in the Tag Information section of the PI Ribbon. Like the

other DataLink functions discussed, you must specify a PI Server and the tag(s), or cell

references to this information. You must then select the Tag Attribute you would like to

retrieve, or a cell reference with the Tag Attribute listed. Then specify the Output Cell.






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For more information see "Tag Attributes" in PI DataLink User Guide,

version 4.1, pp. 45.

6.3.5 Exercise – Activity Report



Objective

Learn to extract values and attributes from the PI database using the following functions:

Current value;

Archive value;

Tag attributes.

Problem Description

You need to build a basic activity report using data collected in your PI Server. You want this

type of report to show values from the production plant floor before morning meetings. This

report will show current values and ones from a specified time every morning.

Approach

We will use the Current Value, Archive Value and Tag Attributes queries to fill in a

template activity report. We should base our PI DataLink queries on cell references whenever

possible. Open the file Exercise_DL1_Template.xls and fill in data into all of the fields.

Note: Not all of the tags used in this example have engineering units.







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1. Open the file Exercise_DL1_Template.xls.

2. Select on the cell B7.

3. On the Ribbon, click on PI > Tag Attributes.

4. In the task pane click in the Tagname(s) field.

5. Click and drag through cells A7 through A11 to select the cell range.

6. In the Attributes drop-down select descriptor.

7. Click on the OK button.

8. Select the cell C7.

9. Repeat Steps 3 – 7 instead selecting engunits in the Attributes drop-down.

10. Select on the cell D7.

11. On the Ribbon, click on PI > Current Value.



14. Select the time at left radio button.


16. Select on the cell B19.

17. On the Ribbon, click on PI > Archive Value (not on the drop down menu).



20. In the task pane click in the Timestamp field.

21. Select the cell D14.

22. In the Retrieval Mode drop down list select

interpolated.

23. Select the time at left radio button.


25. Repeat steps 17 – 24 for the columns to the

right, changing the Retrieval Mode to the

appropriate selection from the heading (e.g.,

change the Retrieval Mode drop down list to

previous for the Previous column, etc.).





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Note 1: Notice that you can use the PI Datalink functions without the dialog box. Simply type in the

formulas as follows:

Tag attribute:

Syntax =PITagAtt("tagname","NameOfAttributeYouWant","PIServer")

Example =PITagAtt($A$7,"descriptor",)or =PITagAtt("sinusoid","units",)

Current Value:

Syntax =PICurrVal("tagname",Outcode, "PIServer")

Example =PICurrVal($A$7,1,)

Archive value:

Syntax =PIArcVal("tagname","Date",Outcode, "PIServer", Mode)





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Where Mode = "interpolated" or "previous" or "next"

Example =PIArcVal($A$7,$D$13,1,, "Interpolated")

Exact Time Value:

Syntax =PIExTimeVal("tagname","Date","PIServer")

Example =PIExTimeVal($A$7,$H$25,)

Note 2: We have seen that it is possible to enter a formula by entering one tag at a time. However, it is

possible to save time by selecting a range of cells instead of a single cell or using the copy/paste function

of MS Excel. You must edit the formula and remove any unnecessary $ characters (absolute cell

references) before using MS Excel copy/paste function.

Note 3: Note the impact of the point type and step attributes when you use archive value. For digital tags,

the interpolated and previous values are equal and have the same timestamp because no interpolation is

possible between states.





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6.4 Multiple Value DataLink Queries

Objectives

Retrieve Compressed Data for a tag

Retrieve Sampled Data for a tag

Retrieve Timed Data for a tag

There are three types of queries you can perform to return multiple values. They are

Compressed Data, Sampled Data, and Timed Data.

Compressed Data returns all of the values that were actually archived during the specified

time range. This means that you will only retrieve the events that passed Exception and

Compression Testing. If an event was filtered out due to these tests, you will not see them.

You can include the current value in your query, which will not have gone through

Compression.

Sampled Data retrieves values evenly spaced in time. These values are interpolated from the

archived values. As such, you may miss maxima and minima in your overall trends, but each

data point is a valid interpolation (or exact match) of your actual trend at that timestamp. See

the graphic below for a clearer picture.

Finally, there is Timed Data, which retrieves interpolated (or exact match) events that match

a series of timestamps. This is most often used when comparing the Compressed Data of

one tag with the Timed Data values of another tag to determine correlation between

variables.





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6.4.1 Retrieving Compressed Data

The Compressed Data function (=PICompDat) is in the Multiple Values section of the PI

Ribbon. There are two different ways to query for information. You can either choose a

Time Range, or a Number of Values. To choose between these two, there is a radio button.

The default selection is Time Range.

As should be expected, you must specify the PI Server and Tag(s), either explicitly or by

cell reference. You must then provide the Start Time and End Time.

Note: If you switch the timestamps for Start and End Times, the data will be returned in reverse order.

The next field is optional and is the Filter field. We will return to this field later. There is an

associated check box that will show or hide the filtered data zone(s).

The next drop down menu is how to treat data at the beginning and end of the time range.

Similar to the options for retrieving a single archived point, retrieving multiple values can be

obtained differently. These differences, however, occur only at the boundaries.

The default choice is Inside, and will retrieve events that only fall within the specified time

range.

Outside will retrieve all of the events inside the time range specified, plus one more event

before and after, respectively, of the time range specified. The exception is if the end time

specified is now (* or =NOW()), then no future events can be retrieved.

Interpolated will return compressed events within the time range specified, plus an

interpolated event at the exact timestamps of the start and end time specified. As before, Auto

has the same behavior as Interpolated for all tags with the Step attribute turned Off, but will

retrieve data with the behavior of Inside for all tags with Step turned On. You then need to

specify an Output Cell.





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There are several optional checkboxes that will affect what is displayed, none of which are

selected by default. The first is Hide Count. When this box is unchecked, the top line of your

results will return the number of events that were found within that time range. When this box

is checked, this line is not displayed and only the results are shown.

The Timestamps checkbox determines if only the tag values are returned, or if the

corresponding timestamp is also retrieved.

Quality bits and annotations will return additional fields if there are any annotations or

quality bits associated with the compressed events within the time range specified.

Finally, there is a pair of radio buttons that determine if the results are returned in rows or

columns.

The Number of Values option for this query behaves similarly, but rather than a specific

time range, you will specify a Start Time and the Number of Values that you would like to

retrieve. You can also check the box to have this go backwards, rather than forwards in time.

For more information see "Compressed Data" in PI DataLink User Guide,

version 4.1, pp. 29-31.






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6.4.2 Obtaining Sampled Data

Sampled Data (=PISampDat) is also found in the Multiple Values section of the PI Ribbon.

As stated before, this function retrieves evenly spaced interpolated values from the archive.

Much like the Compressed Data query, you must specify PI Server, Tag(s), Start Time,

End Time, and Output Cell. You have the optional parameters of a Filter Expression (to be

covered later) and timestamp display.

The main difference is the Time Interval field. This field requires a PI time, or cell

reference, that will be used to divide the time range you specified into discreet timestamps at

which data events will be interpolated.

For more information see "Sampled Data" in PI DataLink User Guide,

version 4.1, pp. 32-33.

6.4.3 Timed Data

The final Multiple Value query is the Timed Data function (=PITimeDat), which is also in

the Multiple Values section of the PI Ribbon. This function retrieves sampled data

synchronized with an array of time values.

Again the PI Server, Tag name, Data retrieval mode, and Output Cell must be specified.

In this case, the times used to retrieve events must be a range of cells, rather than a hardcoded

time. This is typically done by querying one tag for events, and then using those timestamps

to find the values for other, related tags.

For more information see "Timed Data" in PI DataLink User Guide,

version 4.1, pp. 33-34.

6.5 Arrays in PI DataLink

Objectives

Identify when it is necessary to resize an array

List the ways to resize and edit an array

6.5.1 When to Resize an Array

The Multiple Value functions just discussed actually return an array of values and

timestamps. These values can change in size based on the tag used, the time range specified,

and exception and compression settings. Therefore, it can be necessary to resize the array.







Page 89

There are two signs that you should resize the array. First, if you have too few values in the

array and you have the “Display #N/A instead of Blanks” option checked in your Settings,

then you will see the appropriate rows and columns displaying the #N/A message. If you

have too many values, you will receive the message “Resize to show all values” at the

bottom of the array.

Because the “Display #N/A instead of Blanks” option is not checked by default, it is a

common problem of being unaware of the need to resize your array. This often results in

users attempting to perform new queries or calculations in cells that are believed to be blank.

Excel, however, still considers these to be part of an array, and as such, has locked these cells

and makes them unable to be edited.

6.5.2 How to Resize an Array

If you need to resize the array, there are three options available. First, you can manually

resize the array by selecting the new cell range for the array and pressing F2. Then pressing

CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER simultaneously. The key combination of CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER will

also allow you to edit the values of the array, which you normally cannot do in Excel.

Another method to resize the array is via the dialog window. You should right-click on a cell

in the array, select the name of the function in the contextual menu, do the modifications in

the dialog window, and then click on OK.

Finally, you can right-click on a cell in the array and select the Recalculate (Resize) PIDL

Formula option.

For more information see "Array Management" in PI DataLink User




chapter or section. The answers can be found after the questions.

Questions

1. What is the advantage of having PI DataLink reports using cell references containing Excel

dynamic time functions instead of PI time?






Page 90

2. What are the three ways to resize an Excel array generated with a PI DataLink function?

3. Using one of the Compressed Data functions, what additional information will be provided if the

Show Value Attributes and Show Annotations options are checked?

6.5.4 Exercise – Operational Start Up



Objective

Learn to retrieve process data using the Compressed Data function.

Problem Description

You need to compare the values stored in the PI Server that relate to the startup of a piece of

equipment in your facility. You want to determine if there is any deviation between startup

operations by examining today and comparing it to the same time period from the day before.

The tag you want to use as a metric is CDT158. Your shift begins at 6:30 am in the morning

and you want to gather the first 30 values beginning at that time for today and yesterday, and

do some quick math to determine the deviation. A ten percent deviation in a positive or

negative direction will be considered over / under range. All other outcomes will be

considered nominal.

Approach

We need to create a spreadsheet that will show the first 30 values today using the tag

CDT158. We want to compare these values to the previous day‟s starting 30 values. Open the

file Exercise_DL2_Template.xls and fill in data into all of the fields. Both queries are using

the Compressed Data (Start Time / Number) query. Use cell references for all of the dialog

box fields. The formulas used to compare the two queries are found in the upper right portion

of the spreadsheet. They both have a single quote inserted before the equal sign so MS Excel

will treat them as strings and not formulas. You can copy and paste the contents and then

remove the leading single quotes.





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Page 92



2. Select cell A10.

3. On the Ribbon, Click PI > Compressed Data.

4. In the task pane select the Number of Values radio

button.


6. Click on cell B3.

7. In the task pane click in the Start Time field.


9. In the task pane click in the Number of Values field.


11. In the task pane select the Show Timestamps check box.


13. Select on cell D10.

14. Repeat steps 4-13 but modify the Start Time field for the

today‟s start time (cell B4).

15. Select cell K3.

16. In the Formula Bar select all except the single quote at

the beginning of the expression.

17. Paste the expression without the single quote into cell

G10.

18. Propagate the result down to cell G39 by dragging the cell

by the lower-right corner (cursor will change to a black

cross).

19. Select on cell K6.

20. In the Formula Bar select all, except the single quote at

the beginning of the expression.

21. Paste the expression without the single quote into cell

I10.

22. Propagate the result down to cell I39 by dragging the

cell‟s handle at the lower-right corner.





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7. DataLink: Calculated and Filtered Data

7.1 Graphical Data in DataLink

Objective

Insert and configure a PI Trend with Excel data and PI data

7.1.1 Insert a Trend

You can create trends similar to ProcessBook Trends in your DataLink reports. These Trends

can be based on PI Data and/or Data from the Worksheet. These Trends have the option to

update automatically. You can also modify scales and appearance and zoom in a part of the

trend in much the same way you can within ProcessBook.

The Trend Control is an ActiveX control that can be inserted onto any Excel spreadsheet. To

insert a Trend, select the Trend icon in the Tools section of the PI Ribbon. A trend wizard is

provided to make inserting trends easier, which allows you to define the data source(s) and

how they are displayed. There are two sources of data that the Trend Control can plot:

Worksheet Data and PI Data.

Note: Because the Trend is an ActiveX control, it cannot be displayed through DataLink for Excel

Services. All other DataLink functionality will work. We will cover this in greater detail later.

To use Worksheet Data, you must specify the cell range of the data by typing it manually or

selecting it with the mouse. For ease of use with PI DataLink functions, the Include all cells

in array option is specified as the default, in which case you need choose only one cell of the

array. The Stepped option plots the data in a stepwise manner, much as the Step attribute for

a point.

To use PI Data, you must specify the tag name by typing it manually, searching for it using

the Search… button, or using a reference to a cell. You then click on the Add button. The

last screen of the Trend Wizard is to configure the trend title and the placement of the trend.

If a new worksheet is selected, the trend is placed on a blank worksheet at the top left corner.

If the existing worksheet option is specified, then the cell where the trend is to be placed must

be specified.

Quick changes can be made to the trend by selecting some of the items on the right-click

menu. The right-click menu allows the user to temporarily modify the scales and the time

frame, revert to the original scales and time frame, permanently modify the scales and the

time frame, add a scroll bar for the time frame, add markers, change the trend's appearance,

add or remove traces, and delete, move, or resize the trend. Using the Change Scale… item

allows you to change both trend time range and Y-axis scale. If a change in the scale is

deemed undesirable, the Revert option can be selected to undo the changes made. The

Revert option always reverts back to the settings defined in the Trend Wizard.





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To scroll through time, scroll bars can be enabled with the Scroll Bar option. The scroll bar

appears at the bottom of the trend. Again, the Revert option can be used to undo changes

made by the scroll bar.

To change the format of the trace or the trend itself, use the Format… option. For instance,

this option can be used to change the color or line thickness of a trace. Also it can be used to

add legends to the trend. Define Trend… and Define Trend Time Range… bring back the

Trend Wizard screens.

For more information see "Create a Trend" in PI DataLink User Guide,

version 4.1, pp. 57-63.

7.1.2 Exercise – Tank Level



Objective

Learn to use the Insert Trend function with data from MS Excel worksheet and PI

data.

Problem Description

You have some production limit specifications and you want to be able to see how the

previous day‟s production measured up against those limits. The production tag you need to

use is CDT158 and the limits are as follows:

Upper Limit 225

Target Rate 150

Lower Limit 75

Approach






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Use a PI Trend in MS Excel to display real-time data alongside MS Excel data. We could use

MS Excel‟s graphing capability. However, we would not be able to automatically refresh the

graph. Open up Exercise_DL3_Template.xls and use this template to construct the desired

comparison trend.

(Option) Use the Export option on the trend to export the timestamps and values of the trend

to cell J2.






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1. Open the file

Exercise_DL3_Template.xls.

2. Select cell B7.

3. On the Ribbon, Click PI > Insert

Trend.

4. Select the Data from PI radio

button.

5. Select cells C2 for the Tag name

field.

6. Click on the Add -> button; it will

add the tag data to the trend.

7. Select the Data on worksheet

radio button.

8. Select the First element is trace

name check box.

9. In the Cell range containing data

field, select the cell range

containing the data (dates, limit

names and limit values). Click on

the Add-> button.

10. Click on the Next button.

11. For the Start time and End time,

click on the ( ) button and

select cells C4 and C5,

respectively.

12. Click on the Next button.

13. Click on the Finish button.

14. Right-click on the trend object.

15. Select Export Data from the contextual menu.

16. In the dialog box select cell J2.

17. Check the Use Trace Name as heading check box.





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19. The result should look similarly to the figure below.





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7.2 Calculations Within DataLink

Objectives

Obtain calculated values

Obtain filtered values

Use Excel conditional formatting to improve DataLink report functionality

7.2.1 Calculated Data

The Calculated Data function (=PIAdvCalcDat) returns a single calculated value or evenly

spaced calculated values from the PI Server. Calculation modes are: Total (time-weighted),

Minimum, Maximum, Standard deviation (time-weighted), Range, Average (time

weighted), Mean (non-time-weighted).

To retrieve a single calculated value, do not specify an interval and the PIAdvCalcVal()

function is used. To retrieve evenly spaced calculated data, the specified interval, in relative

PI Time format, determines the spacing of the calculation and the PIAdvCalcDat() function is

used.

You must supply the PI Server name or cell reference, Tag name or cell reference(s) to a list

of tags, and the Start and End Times for the calculation.

The Time Interval is optional and refers to how often the calculation will be performed.

When a Time Interval is specified, the show start time and show end time options become

available. If no Time Interval is specified, the calculation will only be performed once over

the specified time range. The Conversion Factor is typically only applicable to the Total

calculation mode and will be discussed in further detail below.

Check show pctgood if you want DataLink to display the percentage of the time range that

contains good values. We recommend that you always look at the percent good value before

using the calculation result. The percent good value is normally returned to the right of

calculated value cell. Timestamp(s) are returned when the calculation mode is Minimum,

Maximum, or Range.

For more information see "Calculated Data" in PI DataLink User Guide,

version 4.1, pp. 35-39.






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7.2.2 Exercise – Daily Production



Objective

Learn to extract calculated values using Calculated Data function.

Problem Description

You are the production manager and want to create a report showing last week‟s daily

production totals. In this report, you want to display the total production, average, minimum

and maximum and standard deviation for that week. Also, you would like to present this data

on a daily basis.

Approach

We will use the built-in PI Calculated Data functions to show the above statistics for the

entire week (using no time interval) and each day of the week (using a time interval of 24h).

Use the file Exercise_DL4_Template.xls to organize and display this data.






Page 100



2. Select cell B16.

3. On the Ribbon, Click PI > Calculated Data.

4. Make sure the PI Tag radio button is selected near the top of the task pane.





9. In the task pane click in the End Time field.


11. In the Calculation Mode drop-down select total.

12. Enter 1440 in the Conversion Factor field for the total calculation mode only. For all other

calculation modes leave this field to one or 1.


14. Repeat steps 3-14 for columns C through G using the appropriate selection for Calculation Mode

(e.g., select Average in column C). When you get to column G, make sure the show percent good

check box is checked.

15. Select cell A20.


17. In the task pane make sure the PI Tag radio button is selected.






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24. In the task pane click in the Time Interval (optional) field.


26. In the Calculation Mode drop-down select total.

27. Enter 1440 in the Conversion Factor field for the total calculation mode only. For all other

calculation modes leave this field to one or 1.

28. For column A only, check the show end time check box to fill the Time stamp column.


30. Repeat steps 16-30 for columns C through G using the appropriate selection for Calculation Mode

(e.g., select Average in column C). When you get to column G, check the show percent good check

box to fill the Pct Good column.





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7.2.3 Filtered Data

We now revisit the Multiple Value functions that we previously discussed, but now we will

include filter expressions. Before, these fields were optional. Now we will discuss how they

work. The functions are for Compressed Data (=PICompFilDat or =PINCompFilDat) and

Sampled Data (=PISampFilDat).

Filtered Compressed Data

This function returns compressed values from the PI Server based on a start time and an end

time. The number of data points retrieved for the given time period is returned in the first cell.

If the time range option is chosen and a filter expression is not specified, the PICompDat()

function is called. Otherwise, the PICompFilDat() function is called. If the number of values

option is chosen and a filter expression is not specified, the PINCompDat() function is called.

Otherwise, the PINCompFilDat() function is called.

If a filter expression is specified, the specified range of compressed values are retrieved from

the PI Server while a given filter expression is True. If the Mark as filtered option is

selected, a Filtered status is returned for each group of values that does not satisfy the filter

expression.

Filtered Sampled Data

This function gathers evenly spaced, sampled values from the archive. If a filter expression is

not specified, the PISampDat() function is called. Otherwise, the PISampFilDat() function is

called.

If a filter expression is specified, the specified range of compressed values are retrieved from

the PI Server while a given filter expression is True. If the Mark as filtered option is

selected, a Filtered status is returned for each group of values that does not satisfy the filter

expression.

Note: When using a cell reference for your Filter Expression, be sure that if the Filter Expression begins

with a timestamp or tag name that you use two single quotes. The first single quote is used in Excel to

identify a text string, rather than a value, and will not be seen by the filter expression.

For more information see "Time Filtered Data" in PI DataLink User


7.2.4 Excel Conditional Formatting

This topic is not specific to PI DataLink, but the Conditional Formatting found in Excel

2007 can give your DataLink reports a great look and a comprehensive perspective. It is

useful to compare values extracted from PI. Conditional Formatting is found in the Home






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Ribbon in the Styles section. You can use this functionality to provide highlighted maxima

or minima, bar graph backgrounds, and many other visual cues as to the data being displayed.

7.2.5 Exercise – Production Level Report



Objectives

Learn to use the Filter Expression option of the Sampled Data function to

constrain the values that are extracted.

Combine PI values with Excel conditional formatting for more intuitive reports.

Problem Description

As a quality control manager, you want to examine the tank level of product over the last 12

hours for a tag that does not report many values due to its lack of volatility, and thus it has a

high compression rate on the PI Sever. Since there are only a few values passing through the

compression test, it is better to perform a Sampled Data query rather than a Compressed

Data query.

The tag you will use is SINUSOID. You want to build a report that will filter out mean tank

levels, which is defined as a level between 30 and 80. You want to use red conditional

formatting to know when the tank is in danger of overflowing, defined as the highest 10% of

values. You are also interested in the times of low product level, defined as the lowest 20% of

values, which should be highlighted in green. For all values returned, data bars should be

used to visually show the overall level of the product in the tank. Then change the upper and

lower limits to 75 and 25, respectively, to test your report.

Approach

Use PI Datalink‟s Sampled Data function to get evenly spaced data. Since we only want to

see data that are outside of the norm, we will apply filters to show high values, low values,

and a list including both. Use the file Exercise_DL5_Template.xlsx as a template to design

this report.

Note: The MS Excel Today() function returns the serial number of the current date. The serial number is

the date-time code used by Microsoft Excel for date and time calculations. Microsoft Excel stores dates as

whole number of days starting at 1900. Dates and times are values and therefore can be added, subtracted,

and included in other calculations.

Syntax: =TODAY()

Example: =(Today() –10 + 16/24) is today minus 10 days at 4 PM





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When you enter a date in Microsoft Excel 97 and you enter only two digits for the year, Microsoft Excel

enters the year as follows: The years 2000 through 2029 if you type 00 through 29 for the year. For

example, if you type 5/28/19, Microsoft Excel assumes the date is May 28, 2019.The years 1930 through

1999 if you type 30 through 99 for the year. For example, if you type 5/28/91, Microsoft Excel assumes

the date is May 28, 1991.






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1. Open the file Exercise_DL5_Template.xlsx.

2. Select cell A12.

3. On the Ribbon, Click PI > Sampled Data.

4. In the task pane, make sure the PI Tag radio button is selected.

5. In the task pane, click in the Tagname(s) field.


7. In the task pane, click in the Start Time field.


9. In the task pane, click in the End Time field.


11. In the task pane, click in the Time Interval field.


13. In the task pane, click in the Expression Filter field.


15. Check the mark as filtered check box.

16. Check the show timestamps check box.


18. Select all of the cells that contain data in column B.

19. On the Ribbon, Click Home > Conditional Formatting > Data Bars > Blue Data Bar. You should

have a data area scaled with blue bars.





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20. Click on Conditional Formatting >

Top/Bottom Rules > Top 10%... 21. Click on the OK button.

22. Click on Conditional Formatting >

Top/Bottom Rules > Bottom

10%... 23. Change the number to 20%.






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7.3 Expression Data

Objectives

Obtain PI Expressions Values and Summaries

7.3.1 Obtain PI Expressions Values and Summaries

PI Expressions behave much the same way that PI Performance Equations do. They follow

the same expression syntax and can use one or many PI Tags as the data source(s). The

benefit to PI Expressions is that they only calculate on demand. However, the downside is

that, unlike Performance Equations, there is no history of these calculations stored on the PI

Server, so it is more difficult to see historical trends.

There are a number of options available for calculating expressions that contain tags.

Expression calculations can be performed for one specific time in the past using the Archive

Value function (=PIExpVal), for evenly spaced data using the Sampled Data function

(PIExpDat), or for a specific list of timestamps using the Timed Data function

(=PITimeExpDat). Expression calculations can also be performed to obtain statistics or totals

on an expression using the Advanced Calculated Data function.

The difference between PI Calculated Data and PI Expressions is shown in an example

below. The PI Calculated Data computes the maximum of the tag over each 24 hour period

for the last 168 hours (7 days). The PI Expression computes the maximum of the tag for the

most recent 8 hours, every 24 hour period for the last 168 hours (7 days). The format for this

expression would be: TagMax(„tag‟,'*-8h','*') with 1 day interval. If the time interval in the PI

Expression is changed to 1 day, the results of both expressions would be identical.





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For more information see "PI Expressions" in PI DataLink User Guide,

version 4.1, pp. 75-82.

7.3.2 Exercise – Expression Calculation



Objectives

Learn to carry out a calculation for the current value of an expression;

Use MS Excel‟s Conditional Formatting to make your PI Data Link reports more

useful.

Problem Description

As a Shift Team Leader in a bottling plant, you want to produce a real time report that shows

the average speed of the bottle filler for the past hour. You also wish to compare this average

to the average of the 3 hours before, to know whether you are positively impacting

production speed for your shift or not. The speed of the bottle filler is measured by the tag

SINUSOID.

Approach

Using the built-in function TagAvg, calculate and display the average for the filler speed tag

(SINUSOID) for the last hour. Using the built-in functions Sgn and TagAvg, calculate

whether your hourly production rate is better or worse than that for the three hours prior. Use

MS Excel‟s conditional formatting to get a quick view of your performance. Use the file

Exercise_DL6_Template.xls as a template for this report.







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2. In cell B9, Enter this expression: TagAvg('sinusoid', '*-1h', '*')

3. In cell B16, Enter this expression: SGN(TagAvg('sinusoid','*-1h','*')-

TagAvg('sinusoid','*-4h','*-1h'))

4. Select the cell B11.

5. On the Ribbon, Click PI > Archive Value.

6. In the task pane select the PI Expression radio button.

7. In the task pane click in the Expression(s) field.


9. Enter * (PI abbreviation for the now timestamp) in the

Timestamp field.


11. Select on cell B18.


13. In the task pane select the PI Expression radio button.



16. Enter * in the Timestamp field.


18. Select cell H2 in its upper left hand corner.

19. On the Ribbon, Click Home > Conditional Formatting > Highlight Cells Rules > Equal To…

20. Select Custom Format… from the with drop-down option.

21. Choose a green color for the filling of the cell.


23. Repeat steps 18 – 22 while in the same Conditional Formatting window but for the association

between the red color and value -1.





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24. Press CTRL+Shift+Alt+F9 to refresh the spreadsheet.

7.3.3 Exercise – Quality Control Report (Optional)



Objectives

Learn to apply complex filters to extract archived values;

Learn to synchronize data extraction;

Learn to extract the maximum value of a time range using the Calculated data

function;

Use MS Excel‟s Conditional Formatting to make your PI DataLink reports more

useful.

Problem Description

As the person in charge of the quality control of the process, you want to easily identify when

specific characteristics of the process exceed quality threshold values. The process you

analyze takes place in seven (7) phases. During three (3) phases of the process, the

monitoring of physical characteristics is critical at the phase change; these phases are Phase1,





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Phase3 and Phase5. The physical characteristics give indication of the quality of the product

made in the reactor.

The physical characteristics are the electrical conductivity which is measured by the

expression: 'BA:CONC.1' / 100 and the temperature is measured by the expression:

'BA:TEMP.1' * 10. The threshold value for electrical conductivity should not overcome

0.45 Siemens/cm, and temperature in the reactor should not overcome 500 degree Celsius.

Also, it is necessary to determine the conductivity and temperature maximums of the day and

find when these values occurred.

You need to build your report to make it easier to analyze in a short period of time. You

decide to put red visual indicators when threshold values are exceeded and blue indicators

when everything is normal. You need to be able to locate any high values of the day using the

MS Excel Conditional Formatting.

Approach

We will use the Compressed Data function with a filter expression to retrieve when the

different critical phases took place during the day. The filter expression will contain many

criteria tied together with an OR logical operator.

The Archive Value function will be used to retrieve physical characteristic measurements as

the phases change. We will use the built-in PI Calculated Data function to show the

conductivity and temperature peak of the day. Use MS Excel‟s Conditional Formatting to

get a quick view of your performance. Use the file Exercise_DL7_Template.xls as a template

for this report.






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2. In cell B4, enter the tag name 'BA:PHASE.1

3. In cell B5, enter the expression: ''BA:CONC.1' / 100.

4. In cell B6, enter the expression: ''BA:TEMP.1' * 10.

5. In cell B9, build the filter expression to use. Enter the expression: ''BA:PHASE.1'="Phase1" OR 'BA:PHASE.1'="Phase3" OR 'BA:PHASE.1'="Phase5"

6. Select cell A12.

7. On the Ribbon, Click PI > Compressed Data.







14. In the task pane click in the Filter Expression (optional) field.


16. Check the hide count option to remove the number of values extracted.

17. Check the show timestamps option.


19. To extract the conductivity measurement at the phase‟s change, we need to use the individual

timestamps returned by the Compressed Data function as input timestamps for the Archive Value

function. Let us start by selecting cell C12.


21. Select the PI Expression radio button in the task pane.




25. Click on cell A12.


27. Select cell C12. In the Formula Bar, localize the second argument (this will be a cell reference) and

click on the text forming the cell address.

28. Press on the F4 key on the keyboard two (2) times. This will transform the absolute cell reference

into a row relative cell reference. It means the dollar sign in front of the row position will be

removed. You will then see a reference like Sheet1!$A12 instead of Sheet1!$A$12.

29. Propagate the result down to cell C150 by dragging the cell‟s handle at the cell‟s lower-right corner.





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30. To extract the temperature measurement at the phase‟s change, we need to use the individual

timestamps returned by the Compressed Data function as input timestamps for the Archive Value

function. Let us start by selecting cell D12.






36. Click on cell A12.


38. Select cell D12. In the Formula Bar, localize the second argument (this will be a cell reference) and

click on the text forming the cell address.

39. Press on the F4 key on the keyboard two (2) times. This will transform the absolute cell reference

into a row relative cell reference

40. Propagate the result down to cell D150 by dragging the cell‟s handle at the lower-right corner.

41. To extract the conductivity peak we need to use the Calculated Data function and put the result on

cell F13; select cell F13.








49. In the task pane click in the Filter Expression (Optional) field.


51. In the Calculation Mode drop-down select maximum.

52. Check the show min/max time option.


54. To extract the temperature peak we need to use the Calculated Data function and put the result on

cell F17; select cell F17.








62. In the task pane click in the Filter Expression (Optional) field.


64. In the Calculation Mode drop-down select maximum.

65. Check the show min/max time option.


67. We need to make this report more appealing for the verification; we will use the Conditional

Formatting capabilities of MS Excel to make it through. Select cell range from C12 to C150.

68. On the Ribbon, click Home > Conditional Formatting > Data Bars > Blue Data Bar





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69. Be sure to keep the cell C12 to C150 range selected.

70. On the Ribbon, click Home > Conditional Formatting > Highlight Cell Rules > Greater Than

71. Enter the value 0.45 in the Format cells that are GREATER THAN field.


73. Choose a blue color for the filling of the cell.


75. Select cell range from D12 to D150.

76. On the Ribbon, click Home > Conditional Formatting > Highlight Cell Rules > Between

77. Enter the value 0 and 500 in the Format cells that are BETWEEN fields.


79. Choose a green color for the filling of the cell.


81. Be sure to keep the cell D12 to D150 range selected.

82. On the Ribbon, click Home > Conditional Formatting > Highlight Cell Rules > Greater Than

83. Enter the value 500 in the Format cells that are GREATER THAN field.


85. Choose a red color for the filling of the cell.


87. The resulting report should look similar to the one presented below.





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7.4 Complex Calculations and Other Functions

Objectives

Obtain PI Expressions values and summaries

Obtain time filtered values

Resolve PointIDs and Attributes to Tag Names

7.4.1 Advanced Calculated Data

Advanced Calculated Data (=PIAdvCalcDat) returns a single calculated value or evenly

spaced calculated values from the PI archive. Calculation modes are: total, minimum,

maximum, standard deviation, range, average and count.





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If a filter expression is specified, the requested summaries on the source point are calculated

for the time ranges where the expression evaluates to true. To retrieve a single calculated

value, do not specify an interval. To retrieve evenly spaced calculated data, the specified

interval determines the spacing of the calculation.

Please consult PI DataLink's online help for more details about the parameters:

Expression sampling modes for the filter expression;

Expression sampling modes for expression to be summarized;

Expression sampling interval;

Calculation basis;

Minimum percent good parameters.

There are three (3) expression sampling modes for sampling the filter expression:

Pt. Compressed (default) – Evaluates the filter expression at the timestamp of any

compressed value of the source point;

Exp. Compressed – Evaluates the filter expression at the timestamp of any

compressed values of any tags in the filter expression;





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Interpolated – Evaluates the filter expression at evenly spaced sampling intervals.

There are two (2) expression sampling modes for sampling the expression to be summarized:

Compressed (default) – Evaluates the expression at the timestamp of any

compressed values of any tags in the expression;





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Interpolated – Evaluates the expression at evenly spaced sampling intervals.

7.4.2 Directed Exercise – Event and Time Weighted Averages



Problem Description

Perform an event-weighted average that evaluates the filter expression at the timestamp of

every compressed value of the source point. Then perform a time-weighted average that

evaluates the filter at the timestamp of every compressed value of any of the tags in the filter

expression.

7.4.3 Time Filtered Data

The Time Filtered Data function (=PITimeFilter) dialog box returns the amount of time for

which a given expression is true over a specified time range. The Expression must still follow

the PI Performance Equation Syntax. The user can specify multiple time ranges as evenly

spaced intervals as in the Calculated Data dialog box.

Note: If you can enter the expression into a cell on the worksheet and refer to it in the dialog box, begin

the expression with a single quote so that Excel will interpret the expression as a string.

Argument Explanation

Expression (string) The calculation expression.

Stime (string) The start time in PI time format

Etime (string) The end time in PI time format

Interval (string) The time interval in PI time format

Timeunit (string) Unit of time for the result to be displayed. Valid entries are:

s, h, m, d

Outcode (integer) An output code such as 0, 1, 2, or 3.

PIServer (string) The PI Server.





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7.4.4 Exercise – Operating Time with Time Filtered Data



Objective

Calculate an operating time with the Time Filtered function.

Problem Description

As the person in charge of the maintenance program, you want to know the operating time for

a specific pump. Find the amount of time the pump was ACTIVE using the function Time

Filtered. This method performs the calculation in a single step; saving the step of doing the

filtering with the IF function in MS Excel. It returns the amount of time that an expression is

true.

The operating status is measured by the tag BA:ACTIVE.1.

Approach

The Time Filtered function returns the amount of time that an expression is true. Use the

results to perform an analysis of the time that your machine state was ACTIVE. The report

should allow the user to select the time unit to display. Use the file as

Exercise_DL9_Template.xls a template for this report.






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17. For data validation steps write this time unit: seconds in cell I2, and minutes in cell I3, and

hours in cell I4, and days in cell I5.


2. In cell B7, enter the expression: ''BA:ACTIVE.1' =

"Active".

3. Select cell A10.

4. On the Ribbon, Click PI > Time Filtered.









13. In the task pane click in the Time Units field.

14. Press the ( ) button then click on cell C9.

15. Select the show start time check box.






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18. Select cell C9.

19. On the Ribbon, click Data > Data

Validation.

20. In the dialog box, in the Allow

drop-down list, select List.

21. In the Source field below, select

the cell range you just created

(=$I$2:$I$5).






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7.4.5 Resolve PointIDs and Attributes to Tag Names

The PointID to Tag function (=PIPointIDToTag) allows the user to always make reference

to a specific point ID and not the tag name. This is very useful when tag names are expected

to change frequently.

The Attribute Mask to Tag function (=PIAttributeMasktoTag) allows the user to always

have a fresh list of tags based on the specified attribute masks. It allows you to return a list of

PI Tags that meet a certain set of search criteria. This is very similar to doing a Basic Tag

search through the PI SDK, but this allows you to build in cell references into your DataLink

report and search for tags without having to open the Tag Search specifically. Again, this is

useful when you have tags that change names often, or when you want to build a highly

interactive report.

7.4.6 Exercise – Advanced Calculated Data (Optional)



Objective

Learn to perform operations on tags using Advanced Calculated Data.

Problem Description

As the section head of a small sawmill, you are responsible for the quality and the quantity of

board that is produced. You wish to create a PI DataLink report to help your weekly analysis

of shift performance.

The tag BA:CONC.1 represents the length of board produced and each archived value

represents another full board. Boards under 5 feet long are considered scrap. This means they

should not be included as production. Accounting has determined that scrap production costs

$2.00 for every foot.

The plant starts up on Monday at 8:00 am and goes idle at 4:00 pm on Friday. Shifts are 8

hours long and run 24 hours per day.

Produce a report for last week, by shift, of the following:

The number of boards produced, excluding scrap;

The average board length produced, excluding scrap;

The cost of scrap.

Approach





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We will combine a number of functions in the Advanced Calculated Data. We want to

determine how many boards were produced (each archived event represents one board

produced) and the average length of the boards produced (using an event-weighted

expression). These calculations should be done if the boards were over a certain length. Then,

we will run a calculation to determine how much production was lost to scrap. All of this will

be done per interval, which coincides with shift schedule for all last week. Use the file as

Exercise_DL10_Template.xls a template for this report.






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16. Expand the Advanced area.

17. In the Calculation Basis drop-down select event-weighted.

18. Check show start time check box.




22. In the task pane click in the Filter Expression (optional)

field.


24. In the Calculation Mode drop-down select Average.


26. Select on cell D16.

27. On the Ribbon, click PI > Calculated Data.

28. Click on PI Expression radio button in the task pane.









2. Select cell A16.

3. On the Ribbon, click PI > Calculated Data.

4. Select the PI Tag radio button in the task pane.









13. In the task pane click in the Filter Expression (optional)

field.


15. In the Calculation Mode drop-down select Count.





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37. In the task pane click in the Filter Expression (optional) field.


39. In the Calculation Mode drop-down select Total.

40. Expand the Advanced area.

41. In the Calculation Basis drop-down select event-weighted.






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8. PI WebParts: PI Gauge, PI Values, and PI TimeSeries

8.1 Introduction to PI WebParts

Objectives

Explain a web part page

Add a new web part page

Add a new document library


PI WebParts is a set of OSIsoft‟s third party web parts for Microsoft‟s SharePoint server. PI

WebParts pages have these features:

No local installation is required;

No direct connection to the PI Server is required;

Requests and renders data from several data sources (not limited to only PI data);

Repository for files and documents;

Accessible from any computer with internet access and the SVG viewer plug-in.

Because of these features, PI WebParts is considered a thin client. This makes it much more

accessible to members of your organization and means that fewer people need a working

knowledge of PI, while maintaining the visibility of your PI data. You can view your data

from anywhere at any time. The advantages of PI WebParts pages are that you can share files

and documents in online Document Libraries, making it so there is only one version of the

truth because everyone views same data. It also increases team collaboration and

productivity.

8.1.2 Web Part Pages

A web part page is a special type of Windows SharePoint Services page that contains web

parts. A web part page contains WSS zones. A single or multiple web parts are located within

a zone. These web parts can be WSS web parts, PI WebParts, or other third party web parts.

Each zone is configured independently. These zones can be configured to pass parameters

between them to create interactive web part pages. Overall, the display environment offered

by SharePoint and PI WebParts is highly configurable and can be tailored to your specific

needs.





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8.1.3 Directed Exercise – Create a New Team Site



Problem Description

You need a new Team Site for the Web Part Pages for the remainder of the course.

Approach

Create a new Team Site with the same permissions as the parent.

8.1.4 Document Library

A Document Library is an online storage location for Web Part pages and shared documents

and files. The documents stored here can be used as a central point for users needing to view

and edit this material. SharePoint and PI WebParts both support multiple document libraries.

It can also be used to link these documents to specific web parts for display purposes. We

will cover this in more detail later.

To create a new Document Library, click on the Site Actions drop-down menu in the upper

right corner and select the Create link. This will open a new web page with several choices

for the page you are going to create. Click on the Document Library link in the left column

of the Create page and name the library. Finally, click on the Create button to create your

library.

Note: There is no default document library, so when selecting a library, they are presented in alphabetical

order.

You can open a document library by clicking View All Site Content on the Top Bar menu

and then clicking the document library name in the Document Libraries section. If you

chose to add the document library to the Quick Launch bar, you can also click the document

library name there to open it.

8.1.5 Add a Web Part Page

Web Part Pages are where you will add and configure various web parts. It is similar to

ProcessBook, where the Team Site in Web Parts is analogous to a ProcessBook Workbook

and the Web Part Pages are analogous to the ProcessBook Entries.

To create a new Web Part Page, click on the Site Actions drop-down menu in the upper right

corner and select the Create link. This will open a new web page with several choices for the

page you are going to create. Click on the Web Part Page link in the right column of the





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Create page and name the page. You can change which layout you use for this Web Part

Page. While this is configurable, for the demonstrations and exercises, we will be using the

default Web Part Page layout. Select which Document Library you would like to store this

Web Part Page. Finally, click on the Create button to create your library.

Once a web part page has been created, you can start adding web parts to the zones. Adding

web parts is a lot more intuitive in SharePoint 2007. To add, modify, change layout, or delete

web parts you must be in Design mode. You enter Design mode, click Site Actions> Edit

Page. An Add a Web Part button will be available for each web part zone to which you can

add web parts. In Edit mode, click the Add a Web Parts button for the zone you want to

insert the web part into. You can then select one or many Web Parts. Click OK.

Now that you have a web part page with web parts added to zones, you must configure the

web parts. To configure a web part, go to the upper right corner of the specific web part (title

bar) and click the downward triangle (Web Part menu). Select the Modify Web Part

command. The configuration pane is displayed on the right side of the page. From here, the

configuration of each web part varies. We will go into the PI WebParts configuration shortly.

8.1.6 Exercise – Basic SharePoint



Objectives

Navigate a SharePoint site;

Create a web part page;

Insert and modify web parts in a web part page.

Problem Description

You are new to SharePoint. You have your own team site, but you need to be familiar with

how to get around.

Approach

Open a browser and login in to the SharePoint server. If you do not know the name of the

SharePoint server, or the username and password to use, please contact your PI or SharePoint

system manager. Navigate to your Team Site using. Use the Create function to add a new

Document Library. Call this Document Library: ProcessBook Files. Add links to the

default Links web part to the following URLs:

www.osisoft.com;

www.cnn.com;

www.microsoft.com;

Extra Credit

http://www.osisoft.com/

http://www.cnn.com/

http://www.microsoft.com/





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Replace the image in the upper right of your home page. You will have to:

Copy an image to your desktop (make sure before you upload it that it is a correct

size - double-click to open it and resize if necessary);

Upload it to your Shared Documents Library;

Copy the URL;

Edit the web part and add the URL.






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1. Navigate to your SharePoint Team Site.

2. Click on the Site Actions > Create. The menu is located on the upper right side of the page.

3. Click on Document Library at the top of the left hand column.

4. Enter information regarding the name and the layout of the document library page.

· Enter ProcessBook Files as page name;

· Leave the other default settings;

· Click on the Create button to validate your selection.





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5. On your site, click on the Add New Link link.

6. Add a website URL from the list.

www.osisoft.com;

www.cnn.com;

www.microsoft.com;


http://www.cnn.com/

http://www.microsoft.com/





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7. Add a description. This is what displayed on your web page, e.g.

“CNN” would be displayed for www.cnn.com.

Extra Credit Step-by-Step Solution

1. Find an image on the internet and save it to your desktop

(Right-click > Save Picture As…).

2. Resize the image as necessary. The size of the image

displayed is how it will appear on your webpage.

3. Click on Shared Documents on your website.

4. Click on the Upload Document link.

5. Browse to your picture and click on the Open button.

6. Click on your uploaded picture.

7. Copy the URL to your clipboard (Right-click > Copy

Shortcut).

8. Navigate back to your home page.

http://www.cnn.com/





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9. Click on Site Actions > Edit Page.

10. In the Site Image box, click on the Edit > Modify

Shared Web Part link.

11. Paste the URL of your picture to the image link.


13. Click on the Exit Edit Mode link.





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8.2 Using and Configuring PI WebParts

Objective

Configure the PI Gauge WebPart to show PI Data

Configure the PI Values WebPart to show PI Data

Configure the PI TimeSeries WebPart to show PI Data

PI WebParts are third party web parts that can be used to display processes, documents and

information for effective team collaboration based on Microsoft SharePoint technology. The

special features of the web parts included in PI WebParts are that they can request and render

data from PI Data Services (PI, relational, and web service data sources) and that they

update/refresh automatically.

The following configuration section applies to all PI WebParts:

Time Range

Selected Data

Appearance

Layout

Advanced

The PI WebParts Tag Search is similar to PI smart clients tag search. Advanced and default

search modes can be toggled by hitting the More/Less link in the upper right corner.

8.2.1 Configuring the PI Gauge Web Part

The simplest PI WebPart is the PI Gauge. The PI Gauge web part displays an analog style

gauge with a pointer that indicates the real-time value of the configured data point with

respect to the scale around the perimeter. Hovering over the gauge causes a tooltip to appear

indicating the displayed real-time value. Only one data point can be represented per gauge.

Many gauges can be added to the web part in horizontal or vertical format. The following

configuration section applies specifically to the PI Gauge part:

Format

Legend

Zone and Scale

You can open an Ad hoc Trend of the tag over the time range specified in the PI Gauge

configuration by selecting the Ad hoc Trend option from the PI Gauge web part menu.

For more information see "Configure PI Gauge WebParts" in PI WebParts







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8.2.2 Exercise – Configure the PI Gauge Web Part



Objective

Familiarize yourself with configuring a web part.

Problem Description

You are new to PI WebParts. You have your own team site, but you are not sure how to use

it. You want to try to configure a simple web part, and have selected the PI Gauge web part.

Approach

Create a new page in your Team Site called Exercise_R2. If you are not already in Edit

Mode, select Edit Page from the upper right page menu. Add an PI Gauge web part to any

zone. Click on the upper-right menu icon for that web part and select Modify Shared Web

Part. Add the tags BA:CONC.1, BA:LEVEL.1, and BA:TEMP.1. Configure each of the tags

separately based on the table below.

Tag Configuration

Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3

BA:CONC.1 Color Green Red

Label Normal High

Range 80% 20%

BA:LEVEL.1 Color Blue Orange

Label Normal High

Range 90% 10%

BA:TEMP.1 Color Blue Green Red

Label Cold Normal Hot

Range 20% 70% 10%

Orient the PI Gauges horizontally and quit Edit mode.






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1. Navigate to your SharePoint Team Site.

2. Click on Site Actions > Create. The menu is located on the upper right side of the page.

3. Click Web Part Page in the far right column.

4. Enter information regarding the name and the layout of the web part page

· Enter Exercise_R2 as page name;







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5. Add web parts to the newly created web part page.

· Click on the Add a Web Part button located on the header zone.

· Choose the PI Gauge Web Part (scroll down).

· Click on the Add button.

6. In the PI Gauge web part, click Edit > Modify Shared Web Part.

7. In the edit pane, click the Tag Search icon.

8. In the Name mask field, enter BA* and then click on the Search button.





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9. Double click on the listed tags or select the tags and click on the Add button.

10. Click on the OK button at the bottom of the window.

11. In the Modify Shared Web Part pane on the right

· Select the tag BA:CONC.1.

· Change the number of zones to 2.

· Change Zone 1 color to Green.

· Change the Label to Normal.

· Change the Total Scale Percentage to 80.

· Select Zone 2.

· Change Zone 2 Label to High.

· Change Zone 2 Color to Red.

· Change Zone 2 Total Scale Percentage to 20.

· Repeat for the remaining two (2) tags.

· Note that the default setting for the gauge is

horizontal.

12. Click on the OK button at the bottom of the edit

pane.






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8.2.3 Configuring the PI Values Web Part

The PI Values web part presents single events. It can also be configured to present summary

values such as the average, minimum, maximum, or standard deviation. This data is updated

automatically and can be sorted by clicking on the column title.

Clicking on a Dataset will open an ad hoc trend, as will selecting Ad hoc Trend in the PI

Values web part menu.

In the PI Values configuration, the Table Columns section is used to add and remove

columns from the web part.

If you are displaying values for a large number of tags, the Number of Rows to Display

parameter can be adjusted to specify the number you show at one time. The additional rows

are hidden, but can be paged through by using the arrow navigation at the bottom right corner

of the PI Values web part.

Formatting templates can be created and selected in the Behavior Settings dropdown.

Template creation is part of the PI WebParts User and Administration class and is beyond the

scope of this course. For now, we will leave this with the default.

The Summary Parameters section is used to configure the Calculation Interval, Interval

Type, Sync Time and Conversion factor (which is only applicable to Totalizations). You

can also choose to use the web part time range and to display the summary settings.

There are three types of Intervals that can be chosen. The first is type Fixed. If you have an

average that is being calculated over an hour and it is scheduled on the hour, then the Fixed

Interval will only display the last fully run hour and will not update during the hour.

The second Interval type is Running. Using the same calculation as before, this Interval type

will begin the average calculation at the top of the hour and continuously update the average

over the course of the hour as new data becomes available.

The final Interval type is Moving. Again using the concept of an hour average, this Interval

type will calculate the average over the last hour, or, expressed in PI Time, *-1h to *.

For more information see "Configure PI Values" in PI WebParts User







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8.2.4 Exercise – Configure PI Values Web Part



Objective

Configure the PI Values web part.

Problem Description

You understand how to configure a basic web part. You want to try the PI Values web part.

Approach

Create a new page in your Team Site called Exercise_R3. Add one PI Values web part to any

zone. Add all of the tags that begin with BA: to the data area. In the selected columns choose

DataSet, Time, Value, Interval Minimum, and Interval Maximum. The Calculation Interval

should be set to 24h and the sync time to 00:00:00 (this will give yesterday‟s statistics). You

want to display the Summary Settings in the web part. Click on the OK button and on the

Exit Edit Mode link.






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1. On your SharePoint webpage, click on Site Actions > Create.

2. Click on Web Part Page.









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4. In one of the zones, click on the Add Web Part button.

5. Check the PI Values web part, click on the Add button.

6. In the PI Values web part, click Edit > Modify Shared Web Part.

7. In the Modify Shared Web Part pane on the

right:

· Click the Tag Search icon.

· In the Name mask field enter BA* and click

on the Search button.

· Hold down the CTRL key on the keyboard

and select all tags in the list and then click

on the Add button.

· Click on the OK button.

· In the Available Columns area, select

Interval Minimum.

· Click the down arrow just below the list.

· Repeat with Interval Maximum.

· In the Selected Columns area, select the

Current State column.

· Click the up arrow just above the Selected

Columns area.

· Repeat with Dataset.

· Select the entries in the Selected Columns

area and use the up and down arrows just

below to arrange the items in the specified

order.

· Under Summary Parameters in the

Calculation Interval field enter 24h.

· Check Display Summary Settings box.







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8.2.5 Configuring the PI TimeSeries Web Part

The PI TimeSeries web part presents columns and rows of time series data. The configuration

of this web part is similar to that of the PI Values. This web part, however, uses the time

range specified as the bounds of the data that it retrieves.

The data contained in the PI Timeseries and PI Values tables can also be exported to Excel by

selecting the Export to Excel>Open option from the web part menu.

Note: It is a known issue that the Export to Excel>Save function does not work. The work around is to

use the Export to Excel>Open and then save the opened Excel spreadsheet.

For more information see "Create a Trend" in PI WebParts User Guide,

version 3.0, pp. 83.



chapter or section. The answers can be found at the end of this document.

Questions

1. True or False: To obtain their values, the PI WebParts are connecting directly to a PI server.

2. True or False: If you need to display four gauges on your page, you need to insert and configure four

PI Gauge web parts.






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8.2.7 Exercise – Configure PI TimeSeries Web Part



Objective

Familiarize yourself with configuring an PI TimeSeries web part.

Problem Description

You want to see historical data for a tag.

Approach

Create a new page in your Team Site called Exercise_R4. Add one PI TimeSeries web part.

Configure it to show the last 4 hours of data for the tag CDT158.






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5. Check the PI TimeSeries web part, click on the Add button.

6. In the PI TimeSeries web part, click Edit > Modify Shared

Web Part.


· Change the value in the Start Time field to *-4h.


· In the Name mask field enter CDT158 and click on the

Search button.

· Double click on the listed tags or select the tags and

click on the Add button.

· Click on the OK button in the Tag Search window.

8. Click on the OK button at the bottom of the edit pane.






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9. PI WebParts: PI Trend, PI TimeRange, PI Graphic,

DLES

9.1 PI Trend and PI TimeRange

Objectives

Configure the PI Trend to show PI Data

Configure the PI TimeRange web part

9.1.1 PI Trend

The PI Trend web part provides data visualization using an interactive trend graph updating

in real-time. This is very similar to the Trend in ProcessBook and DataLink. The web part

supports trend cursors and zooming. The configuration panel includes Time range selection,

Data selection, Vertical scale, Trends properties and formatting, and Time Scale.

Select the Export to Excel option from the PI Trend web part menu. Data contained in the PI

Trend web part (original configuration or zoomed in area) will be exported in an Excel

spreadsheet.

Note: The Export to Excel > Save is currently a known bug. This should open a save dialogue box to

save the file without opening it, but this is not currently the case. This should be updated in the next

release. In the meantime opening the file and then saving is a simple work around.

For more information see "Configure PI Trend WebParts" in PI WebParts


9.1.2 PI TimeRange

PI TimeRange web part makes an implicit connection to other PI WebParts and it allows the

user to change the start and end times for other web parts on the page. The buttons next to the

text fields open a calendar dialog box for selecting a date and time or timestamps can be

directly entered in the fields. Both PI and Windows time formats are supported. By default,

when you edit the PI TimeRange web part, it will affect all PI Trends on the same page.

These connections can be made explicitly, rather than implicitly. We will cover making

explicit connections later.






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For more information see "Configure PI TimeRange WebParts" in PI

WebParts User Guide, version 3.0, pp. 80.

9.1.3 Exercise – Configure and Export PI Trend



Objectives

Familiarize yourself with configuring a PI Trend web part;

Familiarize yourself with export capabilities of the PI Trend web part.

Problem Description

You want to see a trend with data and so you will create a page and use the PI Trend web

part. You also want to use the PI TimeRange web part to control the trend. Finally, you want

to export the value to Microsoft Excel.

Approach

Create a new page in your Team Site called Exercise_R5. Add one PI Trend and one PI

TimeRange web part to any zone. Add the tag CDT158 to the data area of the PI Trend web

part. Exit the edit mode and test the web part interaction by changing the time in the PI

TimeRange web part to a Start Time of *-24h and notice the effect on the PI Trend. Click on

the upper-right menu icon for the PI Trend web part and select Export to Excel > Open.

Once the file is opened, save it to your desktop. Re-open the file and verify the contents.







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3. Enter information regarding the name and the layout of the Web Part Page





5. Check the PI TimeRange box then click on the Add button.

6. In a different zone, click on the Add a Web Part button.

7. Check the PI Trend box, and then click on the Add button.

8. On the PI Trend Web Part, click Edit > Modify Shared Web Part.



· In the Name mask field enter CDT158.

· Double click the tag or select the tag and click on the Add button.

· Click on the OK button to close the Tag Search window.



12. In the PI TimeRange web part, change the value in the Start Time field to *-24h, click on the Apply

button.

13. To Export the file, click the down arrow in the upper right corner of the PI Trend and select Export

to Excel > Open. Once the Excel spreadsheet has opened, save the file to your desktop.

14. Reopen the saved Excel file and verify the content.





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9.2 PI ProcessBook Within PI WebParts

Objectives

Explain the SVG format and how to download the SVG Viewer

Create .svg files from ProcessBook displays

Insert ProcessBook .svg files in a SharePoint document library

Configure the PI Graphic to show PI Data

9.2.1 SVG Format Explained

Scalable Vector Graphics is an Adobe graphic file format that enables dynamic generation of

high quality graphics from real time data. PI ProcessBook 2.2 and higher has an SVG add-in

that allows the conversion of ProcessBook files into the SVG type and vice-versa.

9.2.2 Download the SVG Viewer (Optional)

The SVG Viewer can also be downloaded from:

http://www.adobe.com/svg/viewer/install/main.html

9.2.3 More on the SVG Format (Optional)

Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) is a graphic file format and web development language

based on XML. SVG enables Web developers and designers to create dynamically generated,

high-quality graphics from real-time data with precise structural and visual control. With this

powerful technology, SVG developers can create a generation of Web applications based on

data-driven, interactive, and personalized graphics.

Because it is based on XML, SVG content can be linked to back-end business processes such

as e-commerce systems, corporate databases, and other rich sources of real-time information.

You can create web-based applications, tools or sophisticated user interfaces with common

Web scripting and programming languages such as JavaScript, Java, and Microsoft Visual

Basic.

Source: http://www.adobe.com/svg/overview/svg.html

9.2.4 Create .svg Files from ProcessBook Displays

The PI Graphic presents ProcessBook displays that are saved in an SVG format. They are

then shared in a document library, making it easier for users to share files.

For more information see "Create a ProcessBook Display Graphic (.svg)"

in PI WebParts User Guide, version 3.0, p. 70.

http://www.adobe.com/svg/viewer/install/main.html

http://www.adobe.com/svg/overview/svg.html






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PI ProcessBook SVG files do not support VBA or ActiveX Scripting, SQC, and Batch trends. The PI

ActiveView web part must be used to maintain all of the functionality of PI ProcessBook PDI displays,

which will be covered later.

9.2.5 Insert.svg files in a SharePoint Document Library

The SVG files that you want to display in PI Graphic web parts must be uploaded to a

SharePoint document library.

9.2.6 Configure the PI Graphic Web Part

The PI Graphic Configuration tool provides the ability to search for SVG files and select

one for display. There is also a button to configure a web part connection that sends a path to

a file. The section is expanded by default, but can be collapsed by clicking its collapse button

(-). This tool part contains two main sections, Selected File and XSL Transform.

The Select File field shows the full path to the SVG file to display in the web part. The path

may be a UNC path to a file share or an absolute or relative URL. Typically, we recommend

uploading the SVG file to the SharePoint Server in one of the Document Libraries associated

with the site and use the URL to the file in that library. The contents of the field can be

changed by typing or by selecting a different file from the File Search dialog box.

The XSL Transform File text field accepts a URL to an XSLT file. By using an XSLT in an

PI Graphic web part, the user can enhance an SVG file that is authored in PI ProcessBook

without permanently altering its contents. The transformation logic can include pattern-based

substitution to change tags or server names, adjust the visual representation of a display, or to

attach JavaScript logic to specific elements.

SVG Displays created in ProcessBook can be edited in the smart clients by:

Edit in PI ProcessBook option in the document library menu;

Launch Analysis Tool in the PI Graphic web part menu.

If you have PI ProcessBook installed on your local machine and you have access to the

PI Server on which the data in the PI Graphic web part relies, it is possible to perform what is

known as a Roundtrip in ProcessBook. This involves launching the SVG file in

PI ProcessBook, making any desired additions, edits, or deletions, and then saving the SVG

file. You can then save it directly the Document Library, or save the file locally and re-upload

it. The PI Graphic should be automatically updated with the changes you made in

ProcessBook. You may have to refresh the screen so that it renders again.

For more information see "Configure PI Graphic WebParts" in PI

WebParts User Guide, version 3.0, pp. 71.






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9.2.7 Exercise – Configure the PI Graphic Web Part



Objective

Familiarize yourself with using PI ProcessBook displays in web parts.

Problem Description

You have some PI ProcessBook displays that your users would like to preserve in web parts.

Approach


Mode, select Edit Page from the upper right page menu. Add one PI Graphic web part to any

zone. Minimize the browser window and open PI ProcessBook. Select the display Main

Column Bottom and open it. Use the Save As function and save it to your desktop in the

.SVG file format. Go back to your browser and navigate to the ProcessBook Files Document

Library you created earlier. Upload the .SVG file there. Finally, go back to the page you

created for this exercise and configure the PI Graphic web part to display your .SVG file.






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1. Before you begin, minimize your browser and open PI ProcessBook. The default workbook

PIDEMO.PIW should open. If it does not, navigate and open that workbook.

2. On the Refinery tab, open Main Column Bottom.

3. Select File > Save As… and save the file to your desktop as a Scalable Vector Graphics (.SVG) file.

4. Close the PI ProcessBook application.

5. Return to your Team Site in your browser and navigate to your document library ProcessBook Files

that you created earlier.

6. Select Upload and use the Browse button to select the Main Column Bottom.svg on your

desktop. Upload the file to the library.

7. Click on Site Actions > Create.


9. Enter information regarding the name and the layout of the

Web Part Page.




10. In one of the Web Part Zones, click on the Add a Web

Part link.

11. Check the PI Graphic web part, click on the Add button.

12. In the PI Graphic web part, click Edit > Modify Shared

Web Part.

13. Click Browse and select your .SVG file. You may have to

use the folder navigation buttons (in the upper left corner of

the browse window) to travel up one level and into a

different document library.







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Optional part Step-by-Step Solution

1. Select Edit > Launch in PI ProcessBook to open the file from the web server.

2. You will have to re-enter your credentials.

3. Edit the display file and save the changes.

4. Close the PI ProcessBook application.

5. Refresh your SharePoint page to observe the changes.





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9.3 Requirements and Configuration of DataLink for Excel Services

Objectives

List the requirements for DataLink for Excel Services

Insert and configure the Excel Web Access web part with DataLink for Excel

Services

9.3.1 PI DataLink for Excel Services (Optional)

Excel Services is brand new server technology that is included with Office 2007. The

downside to Excel historically is that it is not easy to share and that it was difficult to reuse

the data. Excel Services has been introduced to make life easier when it comes to leveraging

important Excel spreadsheets on a large scale. In summary, Excel Services will make it

simple to manage, share, and control spreadsheets.

This new technology is a thin client (no downloads) way to share the output of Excel files

without the need for any client Excel components to be present and loaded on the client

machine. It represents an innovative way to share the contents and calculations in a controlled

manner to end users.

These server-side Excel files can also be used as the basis on which consumers can build

custom applications based on the data and calculations inside of an Excel document by taking

advantage of the newly introduced set of Web services that expose the Excel spreadsheets

data.

9.3.2 Introduction to Excel Services (Optional)

Excel Web Access offers a web view that displays data and charts from an Excel Workbook,

has a similar "look and feel" to Microsoft Office Excel, such as sheet tabs, outline buttons,

and drop-down arrows, and allows you to edit a few cells from the spreadsheet. It provides

browser-based access to spreadsheets that you can incorporate spreadsheets in portals and

dashboards. You can limit access to spreadsheets either for regulatory and audit concerns or

to protect intellectual property in spreadsheets. It also eliminates “multiple versions of the

truth”, or many copies of the same spreadsheet that are out of sync with each other by sharing

them via online document libraries. It also allows you to leverage servers to offload long-

running calculations from desktop machines.

An Excel Web Access Web Part is also available which allows embedded Excel reports into

existing Portal pages. Interaction with other Web Parts is available through the use of

connections, covered later.

9.3.3 Requirements of PI DataLink for Excel Services

The major requirements are Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS) 2007 using

Microsoft Enterprise Client Access License (CAL) and with Excel Services enabled in

SharePoint. To create the worksheets, you need Microsoft Excel 2007, or Excel 2003, XP or

2000 with the latest service pack and Microsoft Office 2007 Compatibility Pack.





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See http://techsupport.osisoft.com > Products > Layered Products > PI WebParts > PI

DataLink for Excel Services > System Requirements for a complete list.

For more information see "System Requirements" in PI DataLink for Excel

Services User Guide, version 3.2, pp. 81-84.

9.3.4 Publishing Reports in Excel Services

Similar to the way you must save and upload an SVG file to a Document Library to display

your independent ProcessBook Displays, you must publish the Excel file to a Document

Library to use it in a Web Part. The Excel Services are installed only with Microsoft Office

SharePoint Server (MOSS), not WSS or SPS.

For step-by-step instructions, see Publish Workbooks (PI DataLink for

Excel Services User Guide, version 3.1.6, pp. 13-20).

9.3.5 Exercise – Configure DataLink for Excel Services



Objective

Familiarize students with using DataLink reports in a web page.

Problem Description

Your manager wants to be able to see reports on the intranet. You decide to use PI DataLink

for Excel Services to post live PI DataLink reports in a web page.

Approach

Open a spreadsheet containing data from the PI DataLink Compressed Data (Start

Time/Number) function (Exercise_DL5_Solution.xlsx if you do not wish to create

your own) and publish it on the SharePoint Server.


Mode, select Edit Page from the upper right page menu.








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Add one EWA (Excel Web Access) web part to any zone on the page. Configure the web part

to use the spreadsheet that you just uploaded to your document library.

Note: The DataLink spreadsheet must be uploaded to the same Document Library as the Web Part Page is

stored.






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1. Navigate to your Team Site in your browser and navigate to your document library Shared

Documents.

2. Select Upload and use the Browse button to find and select Exercise DL5 Solution.xlsx from

where you have saved the class materials. (Alternately, use an Excel 2007 file from a previous

DataLink exercise.) Upload the file to the library.

3. Click Site Actions > Create.

4. Click Add Web Part Page.

5. In the Name field enter Exercise_R7.

6. In one of the Web Part Zones, click Add a Web Part, and then click OK.

7. Check the Excel Web Access (EWA) box, click Add.

8. Click Edit > Modify Shared Web Part.

9. Browse for your workbook you uploaded.

10. Click OK.

11. Click OK to close the edit panel.





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10. PI ActiveView

10.1 Advanced Web Part Possibilities

Objectives

Explain the relationship between PI ProcessBook and PI ActiveView

Configure and use the PI ActiveView web part to display a .pdi file

List the specialty PI WebParts and their purposes.

10.1.1 Introduction to PI ActiveView

PI ActiveView is a rich viewing tool for live and historical data from a variety of sources. It

presents displays of live data from the PI Server as well as information from ODBC sources

(via ADO or VBA). PI ActiveView can be deployed on the Internet or within a corporate

Intranet. PI ActiveView displays may also be inserted as ActiveX controls in existing

spreadsheets or other reporting tools used in your environment. The displays of live data,

called PI Display Documents, are prepared from displays built in the PI ProcessBook

application.

While a user is viewing a PI Display Document in the browser, the display will automatically

be updated with new data that reaches the PI Server. Dynamic symbols such as trends, bars,

or values, will update just as they would in PI ProcessBook. Certain VBA scripting in a

display is also available in PI ActiveView.

In addition to basic PI ProcessBook displays, developers may use displays built with the PI

BatchView and PI SQC add-ins to PI ProcessBook.

For more information see "PI ActiveView WebParts" in PI WebParts User







Page 160

PI ActiveView is a client application that allows users to post .pdi files to their Intranet.

There are a few rules to using PI ActiveView that each user and developer has to keep in

mind. One is that the application will not open a ProcessBook workbook. You must break

your workbook out into individual component display (.pdi) files and insert them as Objects

within HTML (hypertext markup language) files. These can be either .htm files, .asp files, or

any variation on that web standard.

You can do this manually, or you can use a utility that OSIsoft includes in every PI

ActiveView installation. This utility is a small application written in VBA that performs these

tasks. It is possible to find it in: .\PIPC\ACVIEW\WebDev\EXPORT.PDI

Because PI ActiveView connects directly to the PI Server, it does require a direct connection

through port 5450 and a local installation. This does mean that PI ActiveView is a smart

client, not a thin client. Thus, we find it usually better suited to a company‟s intranet

environment, rather than a full web deployment.

Note: Linked ProcessBook buttons do NOT work with PI ActiveView. You must remove them from PI

ProcessBook before you create your display files.

10.1.2 Configure and Use PI ActiveView

The configuration process for the PI ActiveView Web Part is the same as for the PI Graphic.

The primary difference is that the file now is a .pdi file instead of an .svg file. However, you





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still follow the same procedure to upload the file to a SharePoint Document Library and link

the file to the appropriate web part.

For more information see "Configure PI ActiveView WebParts" in PI

WebParts User Guide, version 3.0, p. 52.

10.1.3 Specialty PI WebParts

There are two other specialty PI WebParts that we should mention. The RtBatchTable

interfaces with PI Batch to display batch data. This web part is really only useful if you have

licensed our PI Batch software.

For more information see "The PI BatchTable Web Part" in PI WebParts


The RtMessenger interfaces with Windows Office Communicator to display who in your

organization is online.

For more information see "The PI Messenger Web Part" in PI WebParts


These specialty web parts are covered in more depth in our other training options such as our

PI WebParts User and Administration class and in some of our online webinars.








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11. AF Element Relative Visualizations

11.1 Introduction and Element Relative Displays

Objectives

Describe the AF structure

Build an element relative display in ProcessBook

You can save time by creating element relative PI Displays instead of displays that show data

for specific named PI tags.

11.1.1 The AF Structure Described

AF provides an asset model that allows users to organize and structure PI data and other data

according to objects that users are most familiar with, such as physical objects in their

processes like reactors, transformers and meters.

With AF, the overall PI System evolves from a server-centric approach to a more company-

or enterprise-wide approach. The PI System becomes less focused on PI tags and more

focused on user-centric objects called Elements. AF is based on the Element, the user-

oriented object that contains attributes, which reference PI data, configured data, or data from

other systems.

The PI System Explorer is your access into the databases comprising AF. Use the Explorer to

configure the objects that represent your process, for example, reactors, transformers, meters,

boilers, heat exchangers.





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Figure 6 - PI System Explorer Components

Browser

The Browser displays the PI System objects that you have created or imported into the

database, such as elements, templates, notifications, etc. Elements represent either physical

or logical entities in your process. They can be organized in several hierarchies. The path to a

certain area within the element hierarchy is called a context. If the context (plant, unit, etc) is

changed, the referenced PI points will change without having to search again for their tag

names. The structure of AF allows the information to be stored hierarchically in relation to a

physical model, a business model or an application model.

Element Attributes let you configure common names to access real time information through

references to PI tags. Example: the illustration below shows four reactors each with a

different PI tag that records temperature. The common name "Temperature" can be the name

of the Element Attribute that points to each of those PI tags depending on the Element

context chosen by the user.





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You can search for PI Tags by browsing the PI System explorer browser tree structure or by

specifying search criteria.

11.1.2 Build Element Relative Displays in ProcessBook

PI ProcessBook is able to tie into AF to create Element Relative Displays. It can help you

build displays when you have redundant units.

Problem

A site has 100 units, such as wind turbines, AMI meters, valves, or pumps; each unit is

exactly the same with the same types of tags and properties. It is necessary to build a display

and monitor each one. You would prefer to not have to build 100 displays or to manage the

navigation between them.

Solution

Define the units as elements in AF with the PI Tags referenced as Element Attributes. You

can also build in any additional Attributes that you may want to reference. First, select a

“template” unit. Design the display using aliases from the “template”. Shift the context from

one unit to another. One display can be used to monitor all 100 units.

To add elements to a display, go to View > Element Relative Display. Choose the elements

that you wish to be included in the display. They will then be available in that display for

reference. To add the attributes to a Dynamic Element, you need to do the following:

Click Element Relative in the dropdown list beside the Tag Search button.





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You will see a list of all the elements defined underneath the current element of

interest (i.e. the element selected in the Element Relative Display pane).

Choose the item you want to display and click OK.

You have just created one display for multiple units.

ProcessBook 3.2 also still ties in to the Module Database. The process for creating Module

Relative Displays is similar to creating Element Relative Dipslays, so we will not go into it

further at this time.

11.1.3 Exercise – PI ProcessBook Element Relative Displays


chapter or section. The answers can be found in the next step-by-step instruction

section.

Objectives

Create an element relative display in PI ProcessBook.

Use element relative values and trends in a display.

Problem Description

The assets of the production area have been completely modeled in the AF database. This enables the PI

client tools to access it. The operators on the floor will need to use various PI ProcessBook displays to

take advantage of this information. They first need a display that will show general information about the

production lines.

Approach

Both production lines have identical information attached to them, so the best way to build this is to use

an element relative display. A template Production Line - Template.PDI has already been

prepared by the operators with the images and shapes, but they rely on you to add the dynamic

information such as values and trends. The display needs to be converted to an element relative display

and the proper elements of interest attached to the display. You need to add the following information:

The product stored in the storage tank.

The percentage of space filled in the storage tank.

The product being mixed in the mixing tank.

A trend of the temperature in ˚C for the last hour.

At the end, the display will look like this:





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Figure 7 – The final appearance of the production line display

Once the display is completed, select the first production line in the Element

Relative Display panel and move the time range into the past. Notice the product

mixed, which is stored in the AF server and not the PI server, changed based on the

modification done in the Element Versioning exercise.

Save the file.






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1. Open the template display file named Production Line - Template.PDI. This display

contains only static shapes and text.

Figure 8 – PI ProcessBook Template File

2. Click the menu File > PI Systems and connect to your AF Server and database.

3. Click the menu View > Element Relative Display. On the left pane appearing, click the Search

icon.

Figure 9 - Searching for Elements

4. To link the display to the production area and its production lines child elements, search for the

Production Area element, select it and click OK. [If your AF database does not have this element,

please find two elements that have at least 3 common attributes (i.e. the names of the attributes are

identical) and use them in this step and the steps below.]





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5. Expand the production area to find the two production lines, select the first.

6. Insert the value "Percent Full" by going to Draw > Value, clicking in the area labeled "Percent Full"

on the display and selecting Element Relative instead of Tag Search with the button. At this

point, make sure the ProductionLine1 element is selected, click Add Element Name, OK and OK

again. You can adjust the color and size of the element name to make it bigger.

7. Using similar steps, add as many of the values shown on the display as you can ("Product Stored,"

"Product Mixed," "Mixer Speed"). You will need to select the appropriate attributes.

8. Add a trend of "Temperature" in the rectangle labeled "Temperature."

9. In the Elements of Interest panel on the left side of the display, toggle between ProductionLine1

and ProductionLine2 to confirm all the settings in your display are element relative.

10. Save the file locally on your training computer.





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11.2 The AF Database, PI WebParts, and Web Part Connections

Objectives

Display an attribute of an AF element in a web part.

Configure the PI TreeView web part to display element-relative data in PI WebParts

Create connections between two web parts

11.2.1 Display an Attribute of an AF Element in a Web Part.

Most PI WebParts can display data from the PI Server or other sources by referencing AF

Attributes. An attribute search allows you to pick an AF Server and database, search for

attributes, and add those you need to the Selected Data list.

To add attributes to a web part:

1. In the Selected Data tool part, click the Select PI Data button. The Select PI Data dialog

opens.

2. On the Attribute Search tab, choose an AF Server from the list of available servers.

3. Choose an AF database from the list of Databases within the selected AF Server.





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Figure 10 - Select PI Data

4. Navigate through the tree by clicking to expand nodes and select AF attributes.

Note: Support for the display of attribute values is limited to certain types of attributes only. Specifically,

PI WebParts can display the values of attributes containing constant values or PI Point data references.

Furthermore, PI Point data references must be based on a PI Point (not another attribute) and in the data

reference definition in AF the value retrieval methods must not be modified. Attempting to configure a

web part to display the value of other kinds of attributes will result in “unsupported data reference” errors

in the web part.

11.2.2 Display Element-Relative Data in PI WebParts

The PI TreeView web part is a navigational control most typically used to browse assets in an

AF database and set context paths for other web parts. By providing AF Element and





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Attribute data to other web parts through web part connections, PI TreeView can drive the

view of assets provided by web parts in the page.

Figure 11 - PI TreeView Web Part

For more information see "Configure the PI TreeView WebPart" in PI

WebParts User Guide, version 3.0, p. 89-92.

PI TreeView web parts can pass AF Attributes and context paths to both PI WebParts and

third-party or custom web parts.

Note: PI TreeView respects access restrictions applied within the AF Server. Users must have Read

access or better to an element or attribute to see it in the web part.

To configure the PI TreeView web part:

1. Click the Browse button in the PI TreeView tool pane to display the Configure AF TreeView

dialog.






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Figure 12 - Configure AF Tree View

2. Choose an AF Server from the list of available Servers.

3. Choose an AF database from the list of Databases within the selected AF Server.

4. Expand the tree to find the desired elements and then drag them into the settings fields at bottom to

set paths. You can also right-click an element and use the context menu to save it to a field.

· Root Node: A path to the root node of a tree that appears in the PI TreeView web part, such as: \\<AF Server Name>\<AF Database Name>

The root node should specify a parent that includes all desired descendent elements and attributes

desired for use. This parameter is required to configure the web part.

· Default Selected Node: An optional path to an element used as the default selected node for the

web part. The path uses the following format: \\<AF Server Name>\<AF Database Name>\<Element>

Attributes of the specified element path are sent to connected web parts automatically when the

page is loaded.

You can configure the PI TreeView web part as a provider of the AF context path to other

web parts. With proper configuration on both provider and consumer, when the user chooses

an element in the PI TreeView, any data item on the consumer web part will be redirected to

display the attribute on the selected element that has the same name as the data item.

For example, in Figure 11 above if the user is viewing element "Colo 01.01" and then clicks

on element "Colo 01.03", the consumer web parts will all change any data items that

reference attributes in "Colo 01.01" to display the attributes that have the same name in "Colo

01.03".





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For more information see "Context Path Example" in the PI WebParts

2010 User Guide, version 3.0 pp. 34-35.

11.2.3 More on Connections between Two Web Parts

Using simple menus and dialog boxes, you can connect Web Parts together by passing data

between them and synchronizing their behavior. For example, if you have a List View Web

Part of Contacts with a column that has a hyperlink to a picture of the contact and the Image

Web Part on a Web Part Page, you can connect the two Web Parts together. Each time you

select a row in the List View Web Part of Contacts, you can see the picture displayed in the

Image Web Part.

All PI WebParts, except the PI TreeView, are designed to use the client-side event-based

mechanism for receiving changes. These web parts and any others that support SharePoint

web part connection interface can be specifically configured to use the Start Time and End

Time parameters from the PI TimeRange web part. This web part provides data to other,

connected web parts, but does not accept values from other web parts.

To establish a connection between Web Parts, you must do the following:

1. On the Web Part Page title bar, click Site Actions> Edit Page. The Connections selection in the

Web Part menu only appears while in Edit mode.

2. Decide which two web parts you want to connect. You can create or modify the same connection

starting from either web part.

3. From either the Consumer (the Web Part receiving the data) or Producer (the one providing the data)

Web Part, click the Web Part menu, and then move the cursor over Connections.

4. From the connection type submenu, select the type of connection you want to create or modify, such

as Provide Row To or Filter Data With.

5. From the available Web Parts submenu, select the web part for which you want to create or modify

a connection.

Some web parts require editing in the configuration panel to complete the connection. In the

configuration pane for PI WebParts, click on the Connections button (lightning bolt) to

complete the connection.

For more information see "Connect Web Parts" in PI WebParts User








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11.2.4 Exercise – Making Connections



Objective

Familiarize yourself with connecting web parts.

Problem Description

You understand that you can pass data from one web part to another. You want to create a

web page where you can see a list of tags, but drill down to view the recent history for any

one of them. You decide to use the PI Values web part to list some tags and want to pass

selected tag names to the PI TimeSeries web part.

Approach

Create a new page in your Team Site called Exercise_R8. Set the page in Edit Mode. Add

one PI Values and one PI TimeSeries web parts to any zone. Modify the settings of the PI

Values web part by selecting Modify Shared Web Part. Perform a tag search on tags that

begin with CD and add them to the data area. In the selected columns choose: DataSet, Time,

Value, and Current State. Add the values for Interval Maximum and Interval Minimum and

click on the OK button.

For the PI Values web part pass the parameter of Tag Name to the PI TimeSeries web part.

Test the web part interaction by clicking on a tag name in the PI Values web part and observe

the PI TimeSeries web part. Below is a sample illustration.





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5. Check the PI Values box, click on the Add button.

6. On the PI Values Web Part, click Edit > Modify Shared

Web Part.



· In the Name mask field enter CD*.

· Double click the desired tags or select them and click

on the Add button.

· Click on the OK button to close the Tag Search

window.

· In the Selected Columns choose DataSet, Time,

Value, and Current State.

· Add the values also for Interval Maximum and

Interval Minimum.

· Click on the OK button.


9. Check the PI TimeSeries box, click on the Add button.

10. In the PI Values web part, click Edit > Connections > Provide Parameters to > PI TimeSeries.

11. On the PI TimeSeries Web Part, click Edit > Modify Shared Web Part.





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· Click the on Connections icon.

· In the Connected web parts dialog box, click PI

Values in the Name area and Tag Name in the

Connection field area.



15. Select different tag names in the PI Values web part and observe the behavior of the PI TimeSeries

web part.





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12. Conclusion

12.1 Training

The OSIsoft Training page is located at http://training.osisoft.com. From here you can see our

current training offerings and upcoming events. There are currently 5 Ways to Learn about

PI, with additional methods coming shortly.

Live training webinars are offered regularly for customers who are enrolled in the Software

Reliance Program (SRP). We have both the “Show Me the Value” webinar series which

provides new and exciting business ideas, and the “Show Me How” webinar series that

provides technical knowledge on a very specific topic.

12.2 vCampus

vCampus is a subscription-based, online offering that consists of providing everything people

need to develop applications on the PI System. Focusing on 'doing it right', this community-

oriented program provides resources such as:

Full development PI System;

Community experience with discussion forums and blogs;

Online library;

Technical, interactive webinars.

vCampus is intended to facilitate and encourage communication around PI programming and

integration between OSIsoft partners, customers and employees. Please consult our

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section at http://vcampus.osisoft.com/content/FAQ.aspx

or contact us at [email protected] for more details.

12.3 Tech Support

We recommend visiting the Tech Support site, http://techsupport.osisoft.com, often. From

here you have many options. You can download anything your company is licensed for using

the Download center. You can view our Engineering plan to get information about the most

current releases and predicated release dates and features for new version or products. You

can login and view your support calls, both currently open and previously closed. You can

also search through our Knowledge Base to try and troubleshoot any issues you may be

having on your own.

The phone number and email address for OSIsoft Technical Support:

phone: (01) 510 297-5828

e-mail: [email protected]

Before you contact Tech Support, it is helpful to have certain information readily available.

The OSIsoft engineer will ask the name of the product, the version number, and the computer

platform. Determine the PI version and build numbers using the Operation > Version option






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in PI SMT. Alternately, you can learn the version of almost all PI executables (including

interfaces) by invoking the executable with the –v parameter from a command prompt. Here

is an example:

cd \pipc\bin

bufserv -v

Get computer platform (CPU type, operating system, and version number) as follows:

On Windows, right-click on My Computer icon and select Properties tab.

On UNIX, type uname -a

Note the time that the difficulty started, and be prepared to report the contents of the message

log at that time. The message log is found in the Operation > Message Log Viewer option in

SMT. You will likely also need the PIPC log covering the applicable timerange. This log is

located in \\pipc\dat.

12.4 Further Questions

For questions about Licensing, if you are in the US, you can find your salesman listed at

http://www.osisoft.com > Contact Us > US Sales. If you are outside the US you can find

your salesman listed at http://www.osisoft.com > Contact Us > International Sales.

For questions about existing Support Issues, you should call technical support at 510 297-

5828 or visit http://techsupport.osisoft.com > My Support > My Calls.

For questions about unresolved training issues, contact your instructor or email

[email protected].

For all other questions, please contact our Customer Service group via email at

[email protected].




mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]





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13. Exercise – Global Recap Question (optional)

The following exercise is intended to reinforce key information presented throughout

this course.

Objectives

Review the main functionalities of PI ProcessBook, PI DataLink and PI WebParts.

Understand and use the relationships between the software.

Problem Description

Your company has extended the production plant with brand new machinery. In order to give

access to the plant data to your coworkers, you need to implement new material using the

PI ProcessBook, PI DataLink and PI WebParts.

Some of the data will only be used by operators who are experienced with PI ProcessBook

and like its flexibility. You will need to create a few displays for them and organize them

adequately. Other data requires a more numerical analysis and you prefer using PI DataLink

to analyze it. Finally, other data are of interest for the whole plant staff and you chose to

distribute it using PI WebParts so that everyone will be able to access the data using their web

browser.

Approach

Here are the items that should be implemented so that your users can have an efficient access

to the data of the new section in the plant:

PI ProcessBook files with the following characteristics:

A standalone display showing a pump picture and two tags related to it,

BA:ACTIVE.1 and B A:CONC.1.

A ProcessBook containing a link to the display mentioned above, an embedded

display (described below) and a URL link to the OSIsoft technical support

website.

The embedded display showing a tank image and a scaled bar graph with its

level. This display should be element relative if you have an AF database

structure you can use that has the same aliases in two or more modules.

PI DataLink and Excel report with the following characteristics:

A cell showing the current state of a piece of machinery using tag CDM158.

A table with the latest 10 values of tag CDT158.





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A PI Expression with the average of Sinusoid for the last hour and how that

compares with the current value of CDT158.

The table should use conditional formatting to highlight the lowest 10% of values

to help the users visualize the report.

PI WebParts page with the following properties

An PI Gauge web part showing the key performance indicator (KPI) represented

by tag sinusoidu

A text web part explaining in 1 sentence how the users can pull an ad hoc trend

of the current electrical consumption using the PI Gauge.

An PI TimeSeries web part showing the history of the last 10 minutes of the tag

BA:TEMP.1.

An PI Graphic web part containing the display previously created in

ProcessBook

An Excel Web Access web part containing the PI DataLink report previously

created.

Note: This recap exercise can be performed in various ways, no Step-by-Step solution is provided so you

can design your own solution. Please consult your instructor if you have any questions.





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14. Group Recap Answers

Chapter 1 – Question 1:

The Interfaces, the Server, the Analytics, and the Visuals


Exception and Compression


Hours __H___________

Minutes __M___________

Seconds __S___________

Days __D__________

Weeks __W__________

Months __MO_________

Years __Y___________


The PI Server name, the connection type, the default user, and the port number.


The * for any number of characters and the ? for a single character.


c. and f.


The scroll bar and the One time period forward – backward functions.


The second statement is false. Any changes done in Run mode are temporary and will not

change the original configuration of the display. Those changes will not be saved.


Integer, float, string, array, file, etc.


The level of the entry need to be set to 1.


The Trend, XY plot, Bar Graph, value and any Multi-state Symbol are all dynamic

elements.


The PI DataLink functions will be refreshed when the Excel spreadsheet is Calculated. To

refresh PI Time functions, a Full Recalculate must be performed.





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Manually (select new array, press F9, press CTRL-SHIFT-ENTER), selecting the Recalculate

(Resize) PIDL formula option from the right click menu, or going back into the PI DataLink

function dialog and clicking the OK button.


For each one of the retrieved archived values, the questionnable, substituded and annotated

flags will be retrieved if the Show Value Attributes option is checked. If the Show

Annotation option is checked and there is an annotation to the value, it will also be retrieved.


False, the PI WebParts connect to PI Data Services. It is PI Data Services that maintains a

connection to the PI server(s) and also to the external data sources.


False, a single PI Gauge web part can be configured to display multiple gauges.





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15. Glossary

COM

Component Object Model, a software interface standard for software componentry introduced

by Microsoft in 1993.

DCOM

Distributed Component Object Model, a Microsoft proprietary technology for software

components distributed across several networked computers to communicate with each other.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Component_Object_Model

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distributed_Component_Object_Model

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft





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16. Index

No index entries found.

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