Proficy* HMI/SCADA - iFIX

USING VISICONX

Version 5.0
August 2008
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 Table of Contents
 
About This Guide ..............................................................................................................................1 
iFIX Reference Documents ..........................................................................................................1 
CIMPLICITY Reference Documents.........................................................................................1 
Introduction .......................................................................................................................................3 
How VisiconX Works ....................................................................................................................3 
Getting Started..................................................................................................................................5 
Getting Information About Your OLE DB Data Provider...............................................................5 
Before You Begin Working with VisiconX .....................................................................................6 
Understanding VisiconX Controls .................................................................................................6 
Data Control..............................................................................................................................6 
Grid Control ..............................................................................................................................9 
ListBox and ComboBox Controls..............................................................................................9 
Connecting to an OLE DB Data Provider .....................................................................................9 
Connecting to Multiple Databases ..........................................................................................10 
Accessing Secured OLE DB Data Providers ..............................................................................11 
Testing the OLE DB Data Provider Connection .........................................................................11 
Overview Checklist .....................................................................................................................11 
Implementing VisiconX ...................................................................................................................13 
Planning Your Query ..................................................................................................................13 
Planning Your Database Write ...................................................................................................13 
Designing Your Layout ...............................................................................................................14 
Finalizing Your Design ................................................................................................................14 
Optimizing System Performance ................................................................................................15 
Selecting a Data Provider .......................................................................................................15 
Use Row Filters to Limit Data Retrieved ................................................................................15 
Troubleshooting ..........................................................................................................................15 
Avoiding Problems ..................................................................................................................15 
Assessing Failed Test Connections .......................................................................................16 
Assessing Failed Connections at Run Time ...........................................................................16 
Row Filters using Date Fields Display No Data ......................................................................16 
Controls Animated by the Data Control Display No Data .......................................................16 
Troubleshooting Problems Caused By Stored Procedures ....................................................17 
Creating SQL Statements in VisiconX ............................................................................................19 

iii
 Creating a Query ........................................................................................................................19 
Creating a Query Using the SQL Wizard ...............................................................................19 
Entering or Pasting an SQL Statement ..................................................................................20 
Creating a Query Using a Table .............................................................................................22 
Creating a Query Using a Stored Procedure..........................................................................22 
Writing to a Database .................................................................................................................23 
Creating an Insert or Update Statement .................................................................................24 
The SQL Wizard .........................................................................................................................24 
Selecting Tables .....................................................................................................................25 
Selecting Columns ..................................................................................................................26 
Returning Unique Rows ..........................................................................................................26 
Filtering Rows Returned .........................................................................................................26 
Sorting Data by Column Value ...............................................................................................27 
Creating a Row Filter ..................................................................................................................27 
Creating a Row Filter: Overview .............................................................................................27 
Row Filter Comparison Operators ..........................................................................................28 
Row Filter Values....................................................................................................................29 
Displaying Data...............................................................................................................................31 
Configuring Display Properties ...................................................................................................31 
Using VisiconX: Examples..............................................................................................................35 
Example 1: Displaying Batch Processes by Batch ID ................................................................35 
Example 2: Displaying Batch Processes by Recipe Version Dates ...........................................35 
VisiconX Automation Reference .....................................................................................................37 
Quick Reference - VisiconX Automation ....................................................................................37 
A-B ..........................................................................................................................................37 
C .............................................................................................................................................37 
D .............................................................................................................................................38 
E..............................................................................................................................................38 
F-H ..........................................................................................................................................38 
I-L ............................................................................................................................................39 
M-N .........................................................................................................................................39 
O .............................................................................................................................................39 
P..............................................................................................................................................39 
Q .............................................................................................................................................39 
R .............................................................................................................................................39 
S..............................................................................................................................................40 
T ..............................................................................................................................................40 

iv
 U-Z ..........................................................................................................................................40 
Property Summary ......................................................................................................................40 
A-B ..........................................................................................................................................43 
C .............................................................................................................................................48 
D .............................................................................................................................................52 
E..............................................................................................................................................55 
F-H ..........................................................................................................................................56 
I-L ............................................................................................................................................58 
M-O .........................................................................................................................................60 
P..............................................................................................................................................63 
Q .............................................................................................................................................65 
R .............................................................................................................................................65 
S..............................................................................................................................................66 
T ..............................................................................................................................................69 
U-Z ..........................................................................................................................................70 
Method Summary .......................................................................................................................72 
A-D ..........................................................................................................................................72 
E-M .........................................................................................................................................74 
N-Z ..........................................................................................................................................76 
Method Examples ...................................................................................................................76 
Event Summary ..........................................................................................................................80 
A-C ..........................................................................................................................................81 
D-E ..........................................................................................................................................82 
F-Z ..........................................................................................................................................87 
Object Summary .........................................................................................................................87 
vxCombo Object .....................................................................................................................87 
vxData Object .........................................................................................................................88 
vxGrid Object ..........................................................................................................................88 
vxList Object ...........................................................................................................................88 
Glossary......................................................................................................................................88 
Animate ...................................................................................................................................89 
Animation ................................................................................................................................89 
Automation..............................................................................................................................89 
Collection ................................................................................................................................89 
ComboBox Control .................................................................................................................89 
Data Control............................................................................................................................89 
Event .......................................................................................................................................89 

v
 Grid Control ............................................................................................................................90 
ListBox Control .......................................................................................................................90 
Method ....................................................................................................................................90 
Numeric Expression................................................................................................................90 
Object .....................................................................................................................................90 
Object Expression...................................................................................................................90 
Property ..................................................................................................................................90 
Query ......................................................................................................................................90 
Query Property (QPn) .............................................................................................................90 
Row Filter................................................................................................................................91 
Source Object .........................................................................................................................91 
SQL Statement .......................................................................................................................91 
SQL Wizard ............................................................................................................................91 
Stored Procedure....................................................................................................................91 
String Expression....................................................................................................................91 
Target Object ..........................................................................................................................91 
VisiconX Dialog Boxes ...................................................................................................................93 
VisiconX ComboBox OLE Properties Dialog Box.......................................................................94 
Font Tab .................................................................................................................................94 
Color Tab ................................................................................................................................94 
VisiconX Data Control OLE Properties Dialog Box ....................................................................95 
Provider Tab ...........................................................................................................................95 
Database Tab .........................................................................................................................95 
Record Source Tab.................................................................................................................97 
VisiconX Grid OLE Properties Dialog Box ..................................................................................98 
Font Tab .................................................................................................................................98 
Color Tab ................................................................................................................................99 
VisiconX ListBox OLE Properties Dialog Box .............................................................................99 
Font Tab .................................................................................................................................99 
Color Tab ..............................................................................................................................100 
Welcome to the VisiconX Wizard Dialog Box ...........................................................................100 
Do Not Show Welcome Dialog Again Check Box ................................................................100 
Next > ...................................................................................................................................101 
Select Operation Dialog Box ....................................................................................................101 
SQL SELECT Dialog Boxes .................................................................................................101 
SQL INSERT Dialog Boxes ..................................................................................................106 
SQL UPDATE Dialog Boxes.................................................................................................108 

vi
How Do I... ....................................................................................................................................113 
Connecting to a Data Provider .................................................................................................113 
Overview: Connecting to an OLE DB Data Provider ............................................................113 
Connecting to Microsoft OLE DB Provider for SQL Server ..................................................114 
Connecting to a Microsoft OLE DB Simple Provider ............................................................114 
Connecting to an ODBC Driver ............................................................................................114 
Connecting to Microsoft Jet OLE DB Provider .....................................................................115 
Connecting to Microsoft OLE Provider for Oracle ................................................................115 
Connecting to Multiple OLE DB Data Providers or Databases ............................................115 
Accessing Secured OLE DB Providers ....................................................................................116 
Accessing a Secured OLE DB Data Provider with User ID and Password ..........................116 
Using Windows Security to Access a Microsoft SQL Server Database ...............................116 
Testing the OLE DB Data Provider Connection .......................................................................116 
Creating SQL Statements .........................................................................................................117 
Using the SQL Wizard ..........................................................................................................117 
Creating a Statement Manually ............................................................................................122 
Creating a Query for an Entire Table....................................................................................122 
Creating a Query Using a Stored Procedure........................................................................122 
Displaying Data at Run Time ....................................................................................................123 
Overview: Displaying Data at Run Time ...............................................................................123 
Hiding the Data Control at Run Time....................................................................................123 
Configuring Run Time Display Properties ............................................................................124 
Accessing VisiconX Properties .................................................................................................124 
Accessing VisiconX Object Properties .................................................................................124 
Accessing VisiconX OLE Control Properties ........................................................................125 
Using VisiconX in iFIX ..................................................................................................................127 
Inserting VisiconX Controls in iFIX ...........................................................................................127 
Using Electronic Signatures with SQL Commands ..................................................................128 
Using VisiconX to View Historian Data .....................................................................................128 
Using VisiconX Properties and Methods in iFIX .......................................................................128 
Using VisiconX Properties and Methods in a Visual Basic Script ........................................129 
Setting VisiconX Properties in an iFIX Properties Window ..................................................131 
Animating Objects with VisiconX Properties in iFIX .............................................................132 
Animating Grid, ListBox, or ComboBox Controls in iFIX ..........................................................133 
Animating a Grid Control ......................................................................................................134 
Animating ListBox and ComboBox Controls ........................................................................134 
Animating Query Properties .....................................................................................................134 

vii
 Animating Query Properties with OLE Objects ....................................................................135 
Animating Query Properties with Data Links ........................................................................135 
Examples of Animating Query Properties ............................................................................135 
iFIX VisiconX Dialog Boxes ......................................................................................................138 
VisiconX Configuration to View Historian Data Dialog Box ..................................................138 
iFIX How Do I............................................................................................................................139 
How Do I... (iFIX) ..................................................................................................................139 
Working with VisiconX in the Workspace .............................................................................140 
Configuring VisiconX to View Historian Data .......................................................................141 
Using VisiconX Properties and Methods in iFIX: Procedures ..............................................142 
Animating Controls: Procedures ...........................................................................................143 
Animating Query Properties: Procedures .............................................................................144 
Using VisiconX in CIMPLICITY ....................................................................................................147 
Inserting VisiconX Controls in CIMPLICITY .............................................................................147 
Using VisiconX Properties and Methods in CIMPLICITY .........................................................147 
Using VisiconX Properties and Methods in a CimEdit Basic Script .....................................148 
Setting VisiconX Properties in a CimEdit Properties Dialog Box .........................................150 
Using Query Properties in CIMPLICITY ...............................................................................151 
CIMPLICITY VisiconX Dialog Boxes ........................................................................................152 
VisiconX ListBox Control Dialog Box ....................................................................................152 
VisiconX ComboBox Control Dialog Box ..............................................................................152 
VisiconX Grid Control Dialog Box .........................................................................................153 
VisiconX Data Control Dialog Box ........................................................................................153 
CIMPLICITY How Do I... ...........................................................................................................153 
How Do I... (CIMPLICITY) ....................................................................................................153 
Inserting a VisiconX Control in CIMPLICITY ........................................................................154 
Associating a VisiconX Control With a Data Source ............................................................154 
Using VisiconX Properties and Methods in CIMPLICITY: Procedures ................................155 
Index .............................................................................................................................................157 

viii
About This Guide
This e-book, Using VisiconX, is intended for users who need to access data from relational or non-
relational databases. The information in this document describes how to use the VisiconX ActiveX
controls. These controls offer access to data in any database. Scripts or customized programs
previously required to access data are a thing of the past.
Previously, accessing data meant writing a Microsoft Visual Basic script, which can be tedious and
requires knowledge of Visual Basic. The VisiconX controls harness the newest Microsoft technology
known as ADO, which stands for ActiveX Data Objects. By using ADO, VisiconX lets you access data
easily and quickly.
This e-book assumes you are familiar with either Proficy iFIX or CIMPLICITY, both of which support
the use of VisiconX objects. It also assumes some familiarity with SQL queries and relational database
concepts. Finally, knowledge of the Windows environment and the advanced capabilities of Microsoft
Windows is assumed.
• NOTE (CIMPLICITY USERS ONLY): CIMPLICITY WebView does not support the use of
VisiconX objects.

iFIX Reference Documents

For related information on iFIX, refer to the following iFIX manuals:
• Creating Pictures
• Using SQL
• Writing Scripts
For examples of using VisiconX within the iFIX WorkSpace, iFIX has a Sample System which
includes VisiconX. Please refer to the Using the iFIX Sample System section of the Understanding
iFIX manual for information on using the Sample System.

CIMPLICITY Reference Documents

For related information on CIMPLICITY, refer to the following CIMPLICITY manuals:
• NOTE: Reference documents for iFIX or CIMPLICITY will only be available for the product
you have installed.

1
Introduction
VisiconX™ is a GE Fanuc Plug and Solve® solution for the Proficy iFIX® and CIMPLICITY®
products. It is an easy-to-use, object-oriented development tool that makes accessing data in any type
of database a snap! Its simple point-and-click interface provides the means to configure access to any
database and then create an SQL query as simple or complex as necessary to retrieve the information
you need. You can also create simple insert and update statements to add or change the data in a
database table.
VisiconX consists of a suite of GE Fanuc controls that can be inserted into a Proficy iFIX
WorkSpace™ picture or a CIMPLICITY CimEdit screen. These controls access Microsoft's
ActiveX™ Data Objects (ADO), eliminating the need to write Microsoft® Visual Basic® scripts or
create a customized program to access and manipulate data. A task that previously required hours of
development time is reduced to seconds!
The VisiconX SQL Wizard makes it easy for you to retrieve the precise information you need, or to
add and change the data stored in a database table. The SQL Wizard helps you choose options for your
statement and then builds the SQL Select, Insert, or Update statement for you. If you want, you can
bypass the SQL Wizard and query the database using a stored procedure or by entering an SQL
statement yourself.
Besides making data access easier and quicker, VisiconX also enforces access to secured databases.
VisiconX can use either a user name and password or the features of Windows integrated security to
perform a security check. The security check must succeed before VisiconX returns any data.
Proficy iFIX users can configure SQL commands to require either Perform Only or Perform and
Verify electronic signatures. Both iFIX and CIMPLICITY users can configure whether the SQL
Wizard is available in run mode.
The iFIX Sample System provides working examples for iFIX users of how to use VisiconX within the
Proficy iFIX WorkSpace. For more information on using the iFIX Sample System, iFIX users should
consult the Using the iFIX Sample System chapter of the Understanding iFIX e-book.

How VisiconX Works

VisiconX is a suite of the following four ActiveX objects:
• Data Control
• Grid Control
• ListBox Control
• ComboBox Control
The Data Control connects to any database and retrieves data. The Grid, ListBox, and ComboBox
Controls display the data retrieved by connecting to the Data Control through object-to-object
animation in iFIX and through pre-built script logic in CIMPLICITY.
The following illustration depicts how VisiconX works. In this figure, each Data Control is configured
to access an OLE DB data provider.
• Data Control 1 animates the Grid Control, which displays the retrieved data in a spreadsheet-
like format.
• Data Control 2 animates the ListBox Control.

3
Using VisiconX

• The ListBox Control animates the query property defined in the SQL Select statement of Data
Control 1, which in turn filters the data displayed in the Grid Control.

Using VisiconX Controls

4
Getting Started
This chapter describes how to begin using VisiconX controls to connect to and retrieve data from OLE
DB data providers. It describes the controls themselves, how to insert them in a picture, and how to
configure the Data Control to connect to an OLE DB data provider, secure access, and test the
connection. It includes the following sections:
• Getting Information About Your OLE DB Data Provider
• Before You Begin Working with VisiconX
• Understanding VisiconX Controls
• Inserting VisiconX Controls
• Connecting to an OLE DB Data Provider
• Accessing Secured OLE DB Data Providers
• Testing the OLE DB Data Provider Connection
• Overview Checklist

Getting Information About Your OLE DB Data Provider

Before you begin using VisiconX, find out what you need to know to access an OLE DB data provider.
The first thing to determine is which data provider to access. VisiconX supports a number of data
providers, such as SQL Server and Oracle, as well as ODBC drivers that map to many different types
of relational databases.
The information you need differs depending on the data provider you access. Begin by asking your
system administrator. The following table defines the information to acquire for each type of OLE DB
data provider VisiconX supports.

Required Connection Information for an OLE DB Data Provider

OLE DB Data Provider Information Needed

Microsoft Jet 3.51 or 4.0 Database path and name

Provider System (security) database path and name

ODBC Drivers ODBC data source name or

ODBC connection string

SQL Server Server name

Database name

Oracle Server name

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Using VisiconX

Required Connection Information for an OLE DB Data Provider

OLE DB Data Provider Information Needed

Simple Provider Connection string for the data source (server) and initial
catalog

• NOTE: ODBC data source names are defined through the ODBC Administrator tool. Access
this tool by clicking the Start button and pointing to Programs, Administrative Tools, and then
Data Sources (ODBC). You can also access the Administrative Tools folder from the Control
Panel.

You also need to determine if the OLE DB data provider is secured. If it is, you need a user ID and
password to access the data provider. You also need to determine which access privileges you have.
For example, do you have access to all or specific databases on the server? Can you access all tables in
the database?

Before You Begin Working with VisiconX

Before you begin working with VisiconX Controls:
• iFIX users:
Start iFIX and the Proficy iFIX WorkSpace. When you start the WorkSpace, you are ready to
begin inserting and defining your controls. Start by creating a new picture or opening an
existing one, as described in the iFIX Creating Pictures ebook.

• CIMPLICITY users:
Start CimEdit and then create a new CimEdit screen or open an existing one, as described in the
ebook. VisiconX controls are inserted and defined in a CimEdit screen.

Understanding VisiconX Controls

VisiconX provides the following OLE ActiveX controls for you to include in your iFIX WorkSpace
picture or CIMPLICITY CimEdit screen:
• Data Control
• Grid Control
• ListBox and ComboBox Controls
These controls let you connect to an OLE DB data provider, specify a database query, and view the
returned data in a spreadsheet-like format, list box, or drop-down list box.

Data Control
The Data Control provides the interface between OLE DB data providers and the VisiconX object.
Through the Data Control, you can communicate with any OLE DB data provider installed on your

6
 Using VisiconX

local machine, including, but not limited to SQL Server, MS Access, and Oracle. You can also access
relational databases using OBDC drivers.

Data Control and Its Properties Dialog Box

In the run-time environment, the control itself displays the zero-based number of the current row and
navigation arrows, which you can use to move through the data displayed in the Grid Control.

Data Control Display in the run-time environment

If the data provider you want to access has security implemented, the Data Control requires an
authorized user ID and password before it can access and retrieve data. Users accessing a secured SQL
Server have the option of using the security features of Windows.
• NOTE: If the data control's InvisibleInRunMode property is set to True, security error
messages will not appear.

The Data Control is easy to configure with a point-and-click user interface. The Data Control dialog
box presents tabs from which you can quickly select a server and a database to access.

Provider Tab

The Provider tab provides a list of the available OLE DB data providers you can choose from. These
data providers map to many different types of relational databases. Once you have selected a provider,

7
Using VisiconX

you can proceed to the Database tab.

Database Tab

The fields on the Database tab differ depending on the data provider you select. Each type of data
provider requires different information to connect to the associated databases. You must select a data
provider and database before moving on to the Record Source tab.

Record Source Tab

The Record Source tab in the Data Control OLE Properties dialog box is the location where you create
an SQL statement to retrieve, insert, or update data, or use a stored procedure to retrieve data. The
Record Source Tab is identical for iFIX and CIMPLICITY users, with the exception of the Secure
SQL Operation section for electronic signatures, which is only available to iFIX users as shown in the
following figure:

Record Source Tab in the iFIX Data Control OLE Properties Dialog

In the Record Source tab, you can specify whether the SQL Wizard can be accessed during run mode.
Proficy iFIX users can also specify whether electronic signatures are required for SQL statements
when they are run in WorkSpace run mode.
IMPORTANT (iFIX USERS ONLY): Before you can write to a database you must have the VisiconX
Writes application feature added to your user and/or group account. Also, if the data controls you
created in a previous version of iFIX were performing database writes, they will no longer work; you
must add the VisiconX Writes application feature to your user and/or group account. For more

8
 Using VisiconX

information, see Application Features in the Implementing Security e-book.

SQL Wizard

The Record Source tab is also the location where you activate the SQL Wizard, a tool that builds SQL
Select, Insert, and Update statements for you. Use the SQL Wizard to quickly create simple-to-
complex SQL Select statements or simple Insert or Update statements. You can create more complex
Insert or Update statements in the Record Source tab. Queries can support:
• Up to 64 column properties that can be animated.
• Up to 32 query properties that serve as variables in the query statement. These properties can
be set to any value or animated through the iFIX object animation dialog.
Be aware that on Record Source tab, if you choose to use a .csv file as table, then you should use a
table alias instead of using the .csv file name to modify the table columns in the SQL command. For
example, do not create a query like this:
SELECT data.csv.col1, data.csv.col2 FROM data.csv

Instead, create a query like this:

SELECT t.col1, t.col2 FROM data.csv t

where t is the alias of the data.csv table.

For more information about using the SQL Wizard, see Creating a Query Using the SQL Wizard and
Creating an Insert or Update Statement.

Grid Control
The Grid Control presents retrieved data in a spreadsheet-like format. To display data, you must
animate the Grid Control using a Data Control as its data source. Each time the Data Control is re-
configured, the data presented in the Grid Control is automatically updated. The Grid Control also lets
you choose display properties for the displayed data, such as the font and font size.

ListBox and ComboBox Controls

The ListBox and ComboBox Controls display a specific column of data in a list box and drop-down
list box, respectively. Like the Grid Control, you can animate these controls with the Data Control as
their data source. Also like the Grid Control, you can select display properties for these controls, such
as the font, as well as a color for the text displayed in the list boxes.

Connecting to an OLE DB Data Provider

The first step in setting up VisiconX to access data is to configure a Data Control to connect to an OLE
DB data provider or ODBC driver.
By default, the Data Control automatically connects to the OLE DB data provider in the run-time
environment. However, there may be times (when testing your configuration, for example) when you
want to manually connect and disconnect from the data provider. To connect manually, you can add a
command button to your picture and enter the following code for the command button Click event:
Private Sub CommandButton1_Click()

vxData1.DBConnect

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Using VisiconX

End Sub

• NOTES (CIMPLICITY USERS ONLY):

• The name of the subroutine shown here follows standard VBA naming convention, which does
not apply to CimEdit Basic script language.

• In CIMPLICITY, the following additional code must precede the first reference of vxData1 in
its scope:

Dim vxData1 As Object

Set vxData1 = CimGetScreen.Object.Objects.Item("vxData1").OleObject

For more information about VisiconX properties, methods, and events, see the VisiconX Automation
Reference. For information how to use properties and events in your application, consult the
appropriate topic below:
• Using VisiconX Properties and Methods in iFIX
• Using VisiconX Properties and Methods in CIMPLICITY

Connecting to Multiple Databases

The data your enterprise stores in one database may affect the view of data you want to see in another
database. For example, the delivery dates in your Order Entry database impact production dates in the
Production database.
With VisiconX, you acquire data from multiple databases by configuring a Data Control for each
database you want to access. Through object-to-object animation, you can query one database based on
the values returned by a different database, as illustrated in the following diagram.

Accessing Multiple Databases

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 Using VisiconX

Accessing Secured OLE DB Data Providers

VisiconX provides a simple user interface to enter the information necessary to access secured OLE
DB data providers. In addition, you can configure the Data Control to display a login dialog box each
time iFIX or CIMPLICITY is put into run mode.
Users accessing the Microsoft OLE DB for SQL Server data provider can opt to use the Windows
integrated security system, rather than entering a User Name and Password.

Testing the OLE DB Data Provider Connection

The final step in connecting to an OLE DB data provider is to test the OLE DB data provider
connection. Before you test the connection, you must select the OLE DB data provider in the OLE
Properties dialog box for the Data Control and select or enter the database that you want access to. If
the OLE DB data provider is secured, you must also enter or select the appropriate security
information.
If the connection succeeds, a dialog box with the message Test Connection Succeeded appears. If the
connection does not succeed, a dialog box with the message Test Connection Failed appears along with
an error returned. Click OK. For more information about troubleshooting failed connections, see
Assessing Failed Test Connections.

Overview Checklist
The following steps outline the procedural checklist you should follow to retrieve data from an OLE
DB data provider and display it in either iFIX or CIMPLICITY:

To retrieve data from an OLE DB data provider and display it in iFIX:

1. Insert a Data Control into your iFIX WorkSpace picture.

2. In the Data Control OLE Properties dialog box, configure the Data Control to connect to an
OLE DB data provider and database; test the connection.
3. In the same dialog box, select the database table or tables to query and create your query
using any of the methods provided by VisiconX.
4. In your WorkSpace picture, insert a Grid, ListBox, and/or ComboBox Control in which to
display the retrieved data.
5. On the Behavior tab of the Animations dialog box, animate the Grid, ListBox, and ComboBox
Controls. For the animation data source, select the Data Control and choose Object in the Data
Conversion drop-down list box.
6. To view your picture in Run mode:
In Ribbon view, on the Home tab, in the Workspace group, click Switch to Run.
- Or -
In Classic view, on the Standard toolbar, click Switch to Run.

To retrieve data from an OLE DB data provider and display it in CIMPLICITY:

1. Insert a Data Control into your CIMPLICITY CimEdit screen.

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Using VisiconX

2. In the Data Control OLE Properties dialog box, configure the Data Control to connect to an
OLE DB data provider and database; test the connection.
3. In the same dialog box, select the database table or tables to query and create your query
using any of the methods provided by VisiconX.
4. In your CimEdit screen, insert a Grid, ListBox, and/or ComboBox Control in which to display
the retrieved data. Select a Data Control source for the control(s) you insert.
5. Save your CimEdit screen and open it in CimView's run-time environment.

12
Implementing VisiconX
This chapter describes some things to consider when using VisiconX controls to connect to a database
and when planning how to query or write to that database. This includes planning the information to
obtain from a query, or the information you want to insert or update, designing a layout of the retrieved
information for the intended audience, finalizing your design, and optimizing system performance.
This chapter also describes some common pitfalls and how to correct them.
Refer to the following sections for more information:
• Planning Your Query
• Planning Your Database Write
• Designing Your Layout
• Finalizing Your Design
• Optimizing System Performance
• Troubleshooting

Planning Your Query

The first step in working with VisiconX is planning what information you want to obtain. For example,
sales may want a list of all customers whose orders were shipped after the required date so that they
can offer special incentive packages for future orders.
This means finding out what database to query and obtaining privileges to access data in the database.
It also means finding out how information is organized in the database so that you can determine what
tables to access.
Once you have determined where and how information is organized, you should determine how to
construct a query that returns the precise information you want. That means finding out:
• What table or tables to query. If you query more than one table, what column should they be
joined on and should the join by an inner join or an outer join?
• What columns to include in the query and the order in which they should appear. Do you want
to see duplicate rows or not?
• What comparison expressions to use in the row filter and whether to combine the expressions
using an And operator or an Or operator.
• How to sort the information returned.
You may need to create multiple queries, especially in a situation where the data residing in one
database determines the data retrieved from another database. In each case, use the considerations
listed in the preceding bullets to return the information you need.

Planning Your Database Write

In the course of your business operations you will find that, over time, the information stored in your
databases changes. For example, you acquire new customers, or information about existing customers
changes, such as the contact person name, or telephone number. VisiconX allows you to write this new

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Using VisiconX

information to your databases using either an SQL Insert or Update statement.

IMPORTANT (iFIX USERS ONLY): Before you can write to a database you must have the VisiconX
Writes application feature added to your user and/or group account. Also, if the data controls you
created in a previous version of iFIX were performing database writes, they will no longer work; you
must add the VisiconX Writes application feature to your user and/or group account. For more
information, see Application Features in the iFIX Implementing Security e-book.

Adding to or changing information means finding out which database you want to update and how
information is organized in the database so that you can determine which tables and columns to access.
After you have determined where and how information is organized, you should find out:
• Which table or tables you want to add to or change.
• Which columns contain the information you want to add to or change.
• When performing an Update, which comparison expressions to use in the row filter and
whether to combine the expressions using an And operator or an Or operator.
You may need to perform multiple database writes, especially when the data residing in one database
affects the data in another database.
TIP: SQL statements must follow standard SQL-92 conventions. Consistent with SQL standards, any
statements you enter are not case-sensitive.

Designing Your Layout

Once you have researched what information to obtain, you should think about how to present the
information and how it will be used in the runtime display. Some things to consider are:
• How to display specific types of information, such as in a spreadsheet-like grid or in a list
box.
• Who the audience is for the runtime display. Someone monitoring production may want to see
a Grid Control with the returned rows, but not the Data Control that configures and queries
the database. A user who needs access to more than one database may want to use push
buttons in run mode to connect to and query different databases.
• How to use color in the picture.
• What objects should be visible or invisible in the run-time environment.
• Whether to use the information to animate another object, such as a query property or the fill
properties of a rectangle.

Finalizing Your Design

After planning your query and designing your layout, you can refine your design by:
• Requiring users to log in to the data provider in the run-time environment.
• Animating objects, such as list boxes, query properties, and so on.
• Using properties and methods in scripts to create a more dynamic run-time environment. For
example, in iFIX you can add Microsoft Forms, such as command buttons and option buttons,
to run specific queries or activate the SQL Wizard.
• Modifying the design to optimize system performance.

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 Using VisiconX

Optimizing System Performance

Querying relational databases and retrieving data can impact the performance of your Windows
system. This section describes a few actions you can take to optimize system performance when
querying databases through VisiconX Data Controls. It includes the following topics:
• Selecting a Data Provider
• Use Row Filters to Limit Data Retrieved

Selecting a Data Provider

VisiconX performs best when it accesses data through native OLE DB data providers, rather than using
an ODBC database driver. If your site has access to both a native OLE DB data provider, for example
SQL Server, and an ODBC database driver for the same server, select the native OLE DB data
provider in the Data Control OLE Properties dialog box.

Use Row Filters to Limit Data Retrieved

Retrieving large data sets affects the time it takes to retrieve all the data, but it does not freeze the
system while the data retrieval occurs. However, if you need a limited subset of the data retrieved, use
a Row Filter in the SQL query to limit the data set to the records required.

Troubleshooting
VisiconX is a simple tool to implement and use. Certain situations, however, such as connecting to a
data provider or animating an object, can produce problems that seem difficult to understand.
This section provides descriptions of typical problems you may experience. It also lists actions that you
can take to resolve the issue. It includes the following topics:
• Avoiding Problems
• Assessing Failed Test Connections
• Assessing Failed Connections at Run Time
• Row Filters Using Date Fields Display No Data
• Controls Animated by the Data Control Display No Data
• Troubleshooting Problems Caused By Stored Procedures

Avoiding Problems
You can avoid problems by configuring your system properly before operation. When troubleshooting,
always try to simplify object animations and data query.
The following list is the minimum recommended configuration you should adhere to while
troubleshooting problems:
• Use GE Fanuc recommended computers.
• Use GE Fanuc recommended network hardware and software.
For more information, see the Getting Started with iFIX guide if you are using iFIX, or the Getting
Started guide if you are using CIMPLICITY.

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Using VisiconX

Assessing Failed Test Connections

When you click the Test Connection button on the Database tab of the VisiconX Data Control OLE
Properties dialog box, you get a message indicating that the connection failed.
• Try to determine the reason for the failure from the description that appears in the Failed
Connection dialog box.
• If the database is secured, make sure that you have authority to access the database and the
tables selected in the query.
• Make sure that the User ID and password for the database is correct.
• Make sure that the server on which the database resides is accessible and operating.
For continued problems, contact your System Administrator to determine if your settings are correct.

Assessing Failed Connections at Run Time

In the run-time environment, the Data Control displays Connection Error.
• Make sure the table in the query is accessible. Create a query using the Table command and
run the query again. If the message reappears, the table is not accessible.
• Check your user privileges. You may not have the necessary privileges to access the table.
• Review the data source and data conversion selected for all objects and animated query
properties.

Row Filters using Date Fields Display No Data

The Row Filter contains a comparison expression that equates a Date field to a value or query property.
When you run the query, no data is displayed in the objects animated by the Data Control.
• Make sure that there is data that corresponds to the specifications of the row filter.
• The DATE field may really be a STRING field formatted to display dates. In the Row Filter,
enter a string formatted as a date and re-run the query. In addition, set the date format to a
format that matches the database date format. To set the date format, use the Regional and
Language Options in the Control Panel.

Controls Animated by the Data Control Display No Data

A Grid, ListBox, or ComboBox control displays no data in the run-time environment.
• Make sure there is data that corresponds to the specifications of your query.
• Make sure the object is animated by the Data Control in iFIX or is associated with it in
CIMPLICITY.
• If the query contains a query property, make sure the Data Control query property is animated
in iFIX or initialized in a CimEdit script.
If the query contains a query property, switch to the run-time environment. Select or enter a value in
the object that animates the query property. The new value should change the data displayed in the
object animated by the Data Control. For example, if a ListBox Control animates the query property,
select another item in the ListBox to change the display in objects animated by the Data Control.

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 Using VisiconX

Troubleshooting Problems Caused By Stored Procedures

Using a stored procedure to query a Microsoft Access database or an Oracle server requires special
consideration because of specific elements incorporated in the design of these databases.

Microsoft Access Databases

Microsoft Access databases do not truly support stored procedures. However, they do support queries,
which ADO treats in the same way as stored procedures. Currently, the MS Jet 3.51 and 4.0 OLE DB
Providers cannot retrieve parameter information from Access queries. Therefore, when Stored
Procedure is selected as the command type in the Record Source tab of the Data Control OLE
Properties dialog, no parameters or mapped query properties appear for a selected Access query.
To get around this problem, you can try one of two solutions:
• Connect to the Microsoft Access database through an ODBC driver, rather than through the
native MS Jet OLE DB Provider
• If you know the parameters defined in the Access query, you can enter the query as an SQL
Select statement. In this example, ScrBatchSummary is the name of the Access query and
Batch_Serial_No is an input parameter to the query:
Select * From ScrBatchSummary where ScrBatchSummary.batch_serial_no = QP1

Oracle Servers

Oracle stored procedures that Update, Insert, or Delete database information work as expected in
VisiconX. However, stored procedures that retrieve, or Select, data from an Oracle server require
special consideration. In order for an Oracle stored procedure to return a Recordset, you must create a
package.
The Oracle package defines an array that is populated with the Recordset data returned to ADO and
VisiconX. You cannot call this package using the "Stored Procedure" command type in VisiconX. You
must call it as an SQL command. In this example, packperson is the name of the package, oneperson is
the name of the stored procedure, resultset 2 tells the package the maximum number of rows to return,
ssn, fname, and lname specify the columns to return, and QP1 is the VisiconX variable that controls the
selection:
{call packperson.oneperson(QP1,{resultset 2, ssn, fname, lname})}

For details on how to create a package in Oracle that is able to return a Recordset to ADO and
VisiconX, look at Article Q176086 in the Microsoft Support KnowledgeBase.

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Creating SQL Statements in VisiconX
This chapter describes how to create an SQL statement to retrieve data from an OLE DB data provider.
Beyond the basics, it tells you how to refine your statements to retrieve the specific information you
need, add data to a database, or update existing data, as well as how to use animated query properties.
Once you retrieve the data, you can display it in a Grid Control, ListBox Control, or ComboBox
Control. For more information, refer to the Displaying Data section.
This chapter includes the following sections:
• Creating a Query
• Writing to a Database
• The SQL Wizard
• Creating a Row Filter

Creating a Query
A query accesses tables in a database and returns the data you request. A simple query returns the
entire contents of a single table. A more complex query filters rows based on selection criteria, sorts
data, or combines data from more than one table. With VisiconX, it's easy to create queries as simple
or complex as you need.
Query creation begins in the Record Source tab of the Data Control OLE Properties dialog box. The
Command Type list box let you choose what type of query to create, as shown in the following table.

Command Description
Type

SQL Command Uses the SQL Wizard to create an SQL command or lets you enter an SQL
command manually.

Table Returns data for an entire table.

Stored Procedure Maps query properties to the parameters of a stored procedure.

The Record Source tab also provides options for setting the type of database lock to use when reading
and updating data. For more information, see Advanced Topics in the Setting Up the Environment e-
book.

Creating a Query Using the SQL Wizard

VisiconX's SQL Wizard helps you create simple-to-complex SQL Select statements quickly. By using
the Wizard, you do not need to know SQL Select statement syntax; the Wizard builds the statement for
you.

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Using VisiconX

Besides making your job quicker and easier, the SQL Wizard also lets you use query properties. By
animating the query properties, you can modify the data displayed based on the value currently
assigned to the query property. Animating Query Properties, in the Using VisiconX in iFIX chapter,
describes query animation in more detail.
• NOTE: CIMPLICITY users need to use CimEdit Basic script to use query properties. For
more information, see Using Query Properties in CIMPLICITY.

With the SQL Wizard, you can:

• Select one or more tables to query.
• Select the table columns to display.
• Return rows with unique values, rather than rows with duplicate entries.
• Filter the rows returned based on selection criteria you assign.
• Sort data in ascending or descending order by the values of columns you select.

Entering or Pasting an SQL Statement

The Record Source tab of the Data Control OLE Properties dialog box includes the SQL Command
Text box. You can enter SQL statements directly into the text box or paste a statement from another
application. Queries built by the SQL Wizard also appear in this box, where you can refine them
further.
Users comfortable with coding SQL statements and who know the table and column names of their
database may prefer to enter the statement manually. You may also want to create an SQL query in
another application, such as MS Query, and then paste it in.

Joining Tables

When you want to create a query that combines data from two or more tables, you are joining the
tables. The tables used in the query must share a common column. For example, a Customer table and
an Orders table both have a column of Customer IDs.
With the SQL Wizard, you can easily combine tables using the most common type of join operation,
which is an inner join. An inner join selects only the records from each table where the values of the
common column match. For example, this Select statement joins the Customer and Orders tables by
equating the CustomerID column in both tables. It returns information about customers and orders that
have the same customer ID value. It does not return information about customers with no associated
orders or information about orders with no associated customer.
SELECT
Customers.CustomerID,
Customers.ContactName,
Orders.OrderID,
Orders.ShipName

FROM Customers, Orders

WHERE (Customers.CustomerID = Orders.CustomerID)

ORDER BY Customers.CustomerID

The following figure shows a sampling of data retrieved by joining the Customers and Order table
based on the preceding Select statement.

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 Using VisiconX

Results of an Inner Join

The other type of join is an outer join, which must be created by entering or pasting a Select statement.
An outer join returns all the records for one table, but only the records from the second table where the
values of the common column match. For example, this Select statement uses an outer join to return all
the records in the Orders table, but only the records in the Customer table where the Customer ID
value in both tables is the same. That is, it displays each Order record, with or without associated
customer information.
SELECT
Customers.CustomerID,
Customers.ContactName,
Orders.ShippedDate,
Orders.ShipName

FROM
(Orders LEFT OUTER JOIN Customers
ON Orders.CustomerID = Customers.CustomerID)

ORDER BY Customers.CustomerID

This Select statement does the reverse; notice the only difference is the sequence of tables in the From
clause. This statement returns all the records in the Customers table and only the records in the Orders
table where the Customer ID value in both tables is the same. That is, it displays each Customer
record, with or without associated order information.
SELECT
Customers.CustomerID,
Customers.ContactName,
Orders.OrderID,
Orders.ShipName

FROM
(Customers LEFT OUTER JOIN Orders
ON Customers.CustomerID = Orders.CustomerID)

ORDER BY Customers.CustomerID

The following figure shows a sampling of data retrieved by running the preceding Select statement.
Notice the PARIS customer ID record has no associated order information.

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Using VisiconX

Results of an Outer Join

Creating a Query Using a Table

The easiest query you can create is one that returns all the data in a table; that is, all the columns and
rows in a table. For a small table, where the data is easy to digest, you may want to choose this option.

Creating a Query Using a Stored Procedure

Stored procedures are compiled blocks of code in the relational database. They are useful because they
can have conditional statements and flow statements. Stored procedures can perform INSERT,
UPDATE, DELETE, and SELECT commands. They can also take arguments and return results. The
arguments may be values to insert or values to use in Where clauses.
Procedures can be much faster than SQL commands for the following reasons:
• Executing a stored procedure requires only one call.
• A stored procedure is already compiled in the database.
• A stored procedure runs on the server, not on the client.
When VisiconX uses a stored procedure to access and retrieve data, it creates a list of query properties
that map to the parameters of the stored procedure. The query property list displays the query property
/ parameter mapping, the parameter's data type, and the direction the parameter passes information, as
the following illustration shows.

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 Using VisiconX

Stored Procedure Parameter Mapping

VisiconX assigns query properties to the return value, input parameters, output parameters, and
input/output parameters defined to the stored procedure. In cases where VisiconX cannot determine the
purpose of a parameter, the direction in the Parameter List appears as Unknown.
NOTES:

• If you use a stored procedure to query a Microsoft Access database or Oracle database,
please see Troubleshooting Problems Caused By Stored Procedures for special
considerations that apply to these databases.

• CIMPLICITY users need to use CimEdit Basic script to use query properties. For more
information, see Using Query Properties in CIMPLICITY.

After viewing the Parameter List for the stored procedure, make a note of the query properties that map
to the input parameters for the stored procedure. These are the query properties that must be animated
in order to retrieve data using the stored procedure.

Writing to a Database
Writing to a database means that you can insert or update the column values of the selected database
table. You can use the SQL Wizard to create simple insert or update statements, or you can manually
enter more complex statements using the Record Source tab of the Data Control OLE Properties dialog
box.

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Using VisiconX

By using the Wizard, you do not need to know SQL Insert or Update statement syntax; the Wizard
builds the statement for you.
TIP: SQL statements must follow standard SQL-92 conventions. Consistent with SQL standards, any
statements you enter are not case-sensitive.

Creating an Insert or Update Statement

VisiconX data controls can use SQL commands that allow you to add or update column values to
selected database tables. You can use the SQL Wizard to create simple Insert or Update statements, or
you can manually enter more complex statements using the Record Source tab of the Data Control
OLE Properties dialog box. For more information about manually creating SQL statements, refer to
Entering or Pasting an SQL Statement.
VisiconX's SQL Wizard helps you create simple SQL Insert or Update statements quickly. By using
the Wizard, you do not need to know SQL statement syntax; the Wizard builds the statement for you.
With the SQL Wizard, you can:
• Select one or more tables to write to.
• Select the table columns you want to write to.
• Filter the rows you are updating, based on selection criteria you assign.

The SQL Wizard

The SQL Wizard is a powerful tool that makes it easy to create sophisticated SQL statements to obtain
the data you want to display or to add and update your databases. You do not need to know SQL
statement syntax; the Wizard builds the statement for you. With the SQL Wizard, you can quickly:
• Select tables
• Select columns
• Filter rows using a point-and-click interface to specify selection criteria.
• Sort data by column value.
• Return unique rows only.
Creating statements with the SQL Wizard begins in the Record Source tab of the Data Control OLE
Properties dialog box. The Run SQL Wizard button is available only when the selected Command
Type is SQL Command. The SQL Wizard gives you the choice to create Select, Insert, or Update
statements.

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 Using VisiconX

SQL Wizard Select Operation

The SQL Wizard walks you through the process of creating an SQL statement. When you click the
Next button in the Wizard, the Wizard uses the options you selected in the current dialog box to build
the information displayed in the next dialog box. If you want to backtrack and select different choices,
click the Back button. At any point in the Wizard, you can click Finish to complete your query.
The SQL Wizard asks you to select:
1. The tables to query, add to, or update.
2. The columns in those tables to query, add to, or update, and whether those columns should
have unique values.
3. The selection criteria to use to filter rows in a Select or Update statement.
4. Columns upon which the table data is sorted in a Select statement.
When you finish the statement, the SQL Wizard displays the SQL statement it has built, first in the
Finish dialog box of the SQL Wizard, and in a text box on the Record Source tab of the Data Control
OLE Properties dialog box. You can edit the finished statement in either of these places. The following
list itemizes some common edits you may need to perform:
• To filter rows based on one or another comparison expression in the Where clause, change the
AND keyword to OR.
• In a Select statement that joins two or more tables, remove quotation marks surrounding the
column name in the Where clause.

Selecting Tables
The first step in creating an SQL statement is selecting the tables in the database you want to query,
add to, or update. Knowing how data in your database is organized will help you make informed
decisions.
A simple query accesses the data in one table. The SQL Wizard can build more complex queries based

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Using VisiconX

on data in two or more tables using an inner join. To join tables using an outer join, you need to enter
your query manually. For more information about joining tables, see Entering or Pasting an SQL
Select Statement.

Selecting Columns
Selecting the table columns you want to query, add to, or update is one way to filter information
contained in a table. For example, if you want to display or update the contact name and phone number
for each customer ID, it would make sense to select only those columns and omit the columns
containing information about the customer's mailing address.
In SQL, the column name is qualified by its table name like this:
tablename.columnname

The SQL Wizard displays the column names using this naming convention. When performing a query,
the display lists all the columns belonging to the first table before listing the columns belonging to the
second table and so on.
The SQL Wizard also displays an asterisk (*) in the list of available columns. In SQL, the asterisk is
the symbol to select all columns in the table(s) and appears like this in a Select statement:
SELECT * FROM tablename

Selecting the asterisk from the list of Available Columns is the same as clicking the All >> button in
the SQL Wizard.

Returning Unique Rows

The SQL Wizard gives you the option to retrieve rows that contain unique column values or rows that
contain duplicate column values. For example, suppose you want to query the names and addresses of
vendors used to ship orders, but that information is associated with each Order ID in the Orders table.
The query will return multiple occurrences of each shipping vendor.
By selecting the option to return Distinct, or unique, rows, the query will return only one occurrence of
each shipping vendor, making it much easier to make sense of the information returned.
• NOTE: This option is available only when creating an SQL Select statement.

Filtering Rows Returned

The Create Row Filter dialog box in the SQL Wizard is where you can limit the rows retrieved to only
those that meet the selection criteria you specify. For those of you familiar with SQL, this is the Where
clause. For example, this string:
Milktype equal to 3

returns only the rows where the value in the MilkType column equals 3. This string:
Milktype equal to 3 and BatchID equal to 1

returns only the rows where the value of Milktype equals 3 and the value of the BatchID is 1.
In the previous examples, the row filter is static; that is, the values used in the clause are hard-coded. In
many cases, it is preferable to create a clause that is more flexible; one where you can change the value
at run time and retrieve the updated results.
To create a clause that can be updated at run time, use a query property as shown in the following
example:

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 Using VisiconX

Milktype equal to {ts `QP1'}

In this query, you can animate QP1 in the Data Control and assign a value to it at run time. The Data
Control queries the data provider and updates the display in your picture.
For more information about creating a clause to filter the rows of your query, see Creating a Row
Filter.
If you are using iFIX, see Animating Query Properties for more information about animating query
properties.
NOTE: CIMPLICITY users need to use CimEdit Basic script to use query properties. For more
information, see Using Query Properties in CIMPLICITY.

Sorting Data by Column Value

Sorting the data retrieved by a query can make it much easier to understand the data displayed. SQL
sorts data based on the values of selected columns. All the data in the table is sorted based on the
values of the first sort column. Within that sort, the data is sorted based on the values of the second sort
column and so on.
You can sort the column values in both ascending and descending order. Ascending is the default.
Ascending means that numeric data is sorted from lowest-to-highest and character data is sorted from
A-to-Z. Descending means the numeric data is sorted from highest-to-lowest value and character data
is sorted from Z-to-A.
• NOTE: This option is available only when creating an SQL Select statement.

Creating a Row Filter

Creating a Row Filter: Overview

The Create Row Filter dialog box of the SQL Wizard helps you create a Row Filter that customizes the
data returned by your query. The SQL Wizard builds a clause with the following syntax:
columnName1 comparison-operator value | QP1
AND
columnName2 comparison-operator value | QP2
AND
columnNameN comparison-operator value | QPn

where:
• ColumnName1, ColumnName2, and ColumnNameN are column names in the queried table.
• Comparison-operator compares the column value to another value or query property.
• Value is a string, date, or number value or expression that results in a value. It can also be a
column name for queries that join two or more tables together.
• QPn is a query property where n is an integer from 1 to 32.
• AND is a keyword that retrieves rows that satisfy both comparison expressions.
• NOTES:

• This option is not available when you create an SQL Insert statement.

• The Row Filter dialog box does not support the OR keyword, which retrieves rows that satisfy

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Using VisiconX

one comparison expression or the other. To combine comparison expressions with an OR

keyword, edit the resulting SQL Select statement that appears when you click the Finish
button.

• If you create a comparison expression that equates two column names, you may need to edit
the resulting Where clause by removing quotation marks surrounding the column names.

• Be aware that CIMPLICITY users need to use CimEdit Basic script to use query properties.
For more information, see the Using Query Properties in CIMPLICITY section.

Row Filter Comparison Operators

The Row Filter comparison expression supports a number of comparison operators, which are visible
in a list box in the Create Row Filter dialog box. The following table describes the meaning of each
comparison operator.

Comparison Operator Description

Any value Is any value

Equal to Equals a specified value

Less than Is less than a specified value

Greater than Is greater than a specified value

Less or equal Is less than or equal to a specified value

Greater or equal Is greater than or equal to a specified value

Begin with Begins with the specified text string

End with Ends with the specified text string

Contain Contains the specified text string

Between Is between and including two specified values

Null Is Null

You can customize the comparison expression to do the opposite of what the comparison expression
contains by selecting Is/Does Not from the list box to the left of the comparison expression list box.
For example, this comparison expression retrieves all rows where the MilkType is not equal to 3:
MilkType Is Not Equal To 3

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 Using VisiconX

Row Filter Values

• NOTE: Filtering rows is not available when creating SQL Insert statements.

The SQL Wizard uses the column name selected for the comparison expression to determine if the
value you enter is a string value, date value, or numeric value. The value you enter can be an explicit
value or an expression that results in an explicit value.
The resulting SQL statement displays string and date values enclosed in special characters; for
example, string values are enclosed in quotes. If you enter an SQL statement manually, follow the
formats for Resulting Syntax described in the table.

How the SQL Wizard Interprets Row Filter Values

Data Entering in the SQL Wizard Resulting Syntax

Type

String Enter string values, even those with The SQL Wizard encloses string values in
spaces and apostrophes, as you quotes; when it encounters an apostrophe,
would normally; for example: it replaces it with two single quotes, as
follows:
Sir Rodney's Scones
`Sir Rodney's Scones'

Numeric Enter numeric values as you would The SQL Wizard displays the number as
normally. For percentages, use the you entered it.
decimal representation; for example,
0.10 for 10%.

Date Enter date values using this syntax: The SQL Wizard encloses the value in
quotes prefixed by the string `ts'. Braces
yyyy-mm-dd hh:mm:ss
enclose the entire expression:
where:
{ts `yyyy-mm-dd hh:mm:ss'}
yyyy is the four-digit year
mm is the two-digit month
dd is the two-digit day
hh is the two-digit hour
mm is the two-digit minute
ss is the two-digit second

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Using VisiconX

Data Entering in the SQL Wizard Resulting Syntax

Type

Query Select a query property from the The SQL Wizard treats the query property
Property drop-down list box. as a string, numeric, or date value,
depending on the data type of the column
used in the comparison expression.
For example, `QP1' for strings, QP1 for
numeric, and {ts `QP1'} for dates. Note if
a string is case-sensitive, you may need to
change QP to qp.

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Displaying Data
To display data in Grid, ListBox, or ComboBox controls in iFIX, you must first animate them to use
the ADORecords of the Data Control as a data source, as described in Animating Grid, ListBox, or
ComboBox Controls. Then, to switch the WorkSpace to Run mode: in Ribbon view, on the Home tab,
in the WorkSpace group, click the Switch to Run button, or in Classic view, on the WorkSpace toolbar
click the Run button.
To display data in Grid, ListBox, or ComboBox controls in CIMPLICITY, you must make sure that
each of your controls is associated with a Data Control as a data source, if you have not already done
so. Then, open the screen in CimView.
Whether using iFIX or CIMPLICITY's run-time environment, you can use the navigation arrows on
the Data Control to move to the first, last, next, or previous records of data displayed in a Grid Control.
The zero-based number in the Data Control displays the number of the current record. You can also
make the Data Control invisible in the run-time environment by setting the InvisibleInRunMode
property to True in the Data Control's object Properties window.
The Grid, ListBox, and ComboBox Controls behave as you would expect them to. For example, data in
a ListBox Control appears in a list box, with a scroll bar if necessary to view the data. Data in a
ComboBox Control, appears in a drop-down list box. Click the down-arrow to view listed items or
enter a value. In the Grid Control, data appears in a spreadsheet-like format. Use the scroll bars to view
data. To resize columns in the Grid Control, position the mouse cursor over the column headings.
When the cursor changes to a double-headed arrow, slide the mouse left or right to resize the columns.

Configuring Display Properties

With VisiconX, you can configure the display properties of the Grid, ListBox, and ComboBox
Controls in their respective OLE Properties dialog boxes. Specifically, you can select the display font
and font size of the controls, as well as colors for text, column headings, and backgrounds.
The following picture illustrates a Grid Control with colors set for each element of the control that can
have a color property:

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Grid Control Color Elements in the run-time environment

This illustration also shows the use of two Grid Control object properties that you can set by opening
the object Properties window for the Grid Control.
One property, MergeCells, when set to True, displays one occurrence of repeating column values. For
example, customer ID, ALFKI, has six associated orders. Instead of repeating the Customer ID and
name six times, once for each order, the values appear once.
The other property, BorderStyle, when set to vxBorderNode, hides the outside border of the grid
control. If you turn off the border and set the BackColorBackGround color of the grid to white, the
Grid Control appears to be floating in the picture. The following picture is the same as the previous
example, except that the BackColorBackGround color is set to white, instead of green; in both pictures,
the outside border is hidden.

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Grid Control with No Border and White Background Color

To hide the row with column headings and the column with the row marker, you can set the
DisplayHeaders and DisplayRowMarker properties in the Properties window of the Grid Control to
False. You also have the option to set the column widths in the Grid Control by setting the AutoResize
property to False and then entering the column widths in the ColumnWidths property.

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Using VisiconX: Examples
This section provides some concrete examples of using VisiconX. The examples are based on a sample
Microsoft Access database:
• Example 1: Displaying Batch Processes by Batch ID
• Example 2: Displaying Batch Processes by Recipe Version Dates
This is just a small and simple sampling of the types of queries and displays you can create. As you
become more familiar with VisiconX controls, the applications at your site become obvious.
• NOTE (iFIX USERS ONLY): For a more complex, real-life example of the types of things
you can accomplish with VisiconX, open the Chemical demo in the iFIX Sample System and
click Batch Data.

Example 1: Displaying Batch Processes by Batch ID

In this example, the process control operators want to view the details of a batch process by batch ID.
To view the batch process details, this example uses:
• Two Data Controls to submit two different queries to the Batch table in the database.
• A Grid Control to display batch process information for a selected batch ID.
• A ListBox Control to select the batch ID.
The following screen shows the result in the run-time environment.

Displaying Batch Process Details by Batch ID

Here, the list pointer in the Grid Control points to the second record of the ADO record set retrieved by
the query, which is Record 1 in the Data Control. As you increment the Data Control, the list pointer
moves down the list.

Example 2: Displaying Batch Processes by Recipe Version

Dates
This example of VisiconX shows how you can create an SQL query to display batch processing
information for recipe version dates on and beyond a specified date. The figure includes a Data Control

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Using VisiconX

and Grid Control as well as an OLE Calendar Object control. The data in the Grid Control changes
depending on the date selected in the OLE Calendar Control.

Displaying Batch Data by Specific Recipe Dates

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VisiconX Automation Reference
The VisiconX Automation Reference is intended for integrators and programmers who want to
develop applications that access and manipulate information in iFIX or CIMPLICITY through a set of
automation interfaces. This help file assumes the reader is proficient in the Microsoft® Visual Basic®
programming language.
The following sections provide more details on how to use the objects, properties, methods, and events
associated with VisiconX:
• Quick Reference
• Object Summary
• Property Summary
• Method Summary
• Event Summary

Quick Reference - VisiconX Automation

The following list contains all of the Plug & Solve Solutions objects, properties, methods, and events
that are available to the VisiconX Automation interface.

A-B
AboutBox Method

ADOConnection Property

ADORecords Property

AutoConnect Property

AutoResize Property

BackColor Property

BackColorFixed Property

BorderStyle Property

C
Click Event

Click (Area as Integer) Event

Col Property

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Cols Property

ColumnN Property

ColumnName Property

ColumnNames Property

ColumnNumber Property

ColumnWidths Property

Connected Property

CurrentRow Property

D
Database Property

DataChanged Event

DBConnect Method

DBDisConnect Method

DblClick Event

DblClick (Area as Integer) Event

DisplayHeaders Property

DisplayRowMarker Property

DSN Property

E
ErrorDesc Property

ErrorNum Property

ErrorOccurred Event

ExecuteComplete Event

F-H
Font Property

ForeColor Property

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I-L
InvisibleInRunMode Property

JetDB Property

JetSDB Property

M-N
MoveFirst Method

MoveLast Method

MoveNext Method

MovePrevious Method

O
ODBCConnectionString Property

OLEDBConnectionString Property

OLEDBProvider Property

P
Password Property

PersistUserInfo Property

ProcedureNames Property

Q
QPn Property

R
RefreshData Method

Row Property

RowChanged Event

Rows Property

RunSqlWizard

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S
Server Property

ShowMilliseconds Property

SourceType Property

SQLCommand Property

T
Table Property

TableNames Property

Text Property

U-Z
UseNTSecurity Property

UseODBCConnectionString Property

User Property

Property Summary
The following list contains the Plug & Solve Solutions properties that are available to the VisiconX
Automation Interface.

A-B

ADOConnection Property

ADORecords Property

AutoConnect Property

AutoResize Property

BackColor Property

BackColorBackGround Property

BackColorFixed Property

BorderStyle Property

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Col Property

Cols Property

ColumnN Property

ColumnName Property

ColumnNames Property

ColumnNumber Property

ColumnWidths Property

Connected Property

CurrentRow Property

Database Property

DisplayHeaders Property

DisplayRowMarker Property

DSN Property

ErrorDesc Property

ErrorNum Property

F-H

Font Property

ForeColor Property

I-L

InvisibleInRunMode Property

JetDB Property

JetSDB Property

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Using VisiconX

M-O

MergeCells Property

ODBCConnectionString Property

OLEDBConnectionString Property

OLEDBProvider Property

Password Property

PersistUserInfo Property

ProcedureNames Property

QPn Property

Row Property

Rows Property

Server Property

ShowMilliseconds Property

SourceType Property

SQLCommand Property

Table Property

TableNames Property

Text Property

U-Z

UseNTSecurity Property

UseODBCConnectionString Property

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 Using VisiconX

User Property

A-B

ADOConnection Property

Exposes the read-only Data Control’s connection object so that it can be used in Visual Basic scripts.

Syntax

object.ADOConnection

Parameters

The object placeholder represents an object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To
list.

Remarks

The data type of this property is ADODB.CONNECTION.

ADORecords Property

Specifies the read-only ADO Record set containing the query results.

Syntax

object.ADORecords

Parameters

The ADO Record property syntax has this part:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

Remarks

The data type of this property is ADODB.RECORDSET.

AutoConnect Property

Specifies whether to automatically connect to the selected OLE DB data provider when iFIX or
CIMPLICITY enters the run-time environment.

Syntax

object.AutoConnect [= Boolean]

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Parameters

The AutoConnect property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

Boolean Whether to automatically connect to the OLE DB data provider in the run-time
environment.

Settings

The settings for Boolean are:

Value Description

True Automatically connects to the selected OLE DB data provider in the run-time
environment. (Default)

False Must manually connect to the selected OLE DB data provider using the DBConnect
method.

Remarks

This property can only be set in Configure mode. It is read-only in Run mode.

AutoResize Property

Controls whether VisiconX automatically sizes the columns in a Grid Control to fit the data.

Syntax

object.AutoResize [= Boolean]

Parameters

The AutoResize property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

Boolean Whether to automatically size the column widths in a Grid Control.

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Settings

The settings for Boolean are:

Value Description

True Automatically sizes the column widths in a Grid Control to fit the data. (Default)

False Must manually size the column widths in a Grid Control using the ColumnWidths
Property.

Remarks

Set this property to False and use the ColumnWidths property if you want to set the Grid column
widths manually. By setting the widths manually, the columns remain the same size each time you run
the query.

BackColor Property

Sets the background color of cells in the Grid Control and the background color of the text area in
ListBox and ComboBox Controls.

Syntax

object.BackColor [= OLE_COLOR]

Parameters

The BackColor property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

OLE The value of the color you select from the displayed color palette; for example:
COLOR &H0000FF00&

Remarks

In a Grid Control, this property sets the background color each cell in the grid. To set:
• The background color of the column headings and the column for the current row pointer, use
the BackColorFixed property.
• To set the background color of the portion of the control not occupied by the grid, use the
BackColorBackGround property.
• To set the color of the grid lines, use the GridColor property.
• To set the color of the cell text, use the ForeColor property.

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• To set the color of the column headings, use the ForeColorFixed property.

BackColorBackGround Property

Specifies the background color of the Grid Control that is not occupied by the grid.

Syntax

object.BackColorBackGround [= OLE_COLOR]

Parameters

The BackColorBackGround property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

OLE The value of the color you select from the displayed color palette; for example:
COLOR &H0000FF00&

Remarks

To set:
• To set the background color for cells that display query data, use the BackColor property.
• The background color of the column headings and the column for the current row pointer, use
the BackColorFixed property.
• To set the color of the grid lines, use the GridColor property.
• To set the color of the cell text, use the ForeColor property.
• To set the color of the column headings, use the ForeColorFixed property.

BackColorFixed Property

Sets the background color of cells used for column headings and the current row pointer in the Grid
Control.

Syntax

object.BackColorFixed [= OLE_COLOR]

Parameters

The BackColorFixed property syntax has these parts:

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Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

OLE The value of the color you select from the displayed color palette; for example:
COLOR &H0000FF00&

Remarks

In a Grid Control, this property sets the background color each cell in the grid. To set:
• To set the background color for cells that display query data, use the BackColor property.
• To set the background color of the portion of the control not occupied by the grid, use the
BackColorBackGround property.
• To set the color of the grid lines, use the GridColor property.
• To set the color of the cell text, use the ForeColor property.
• To set the color of the column headings, use the ForeColorFixed property.

BorderStyle Property

Specifies the border style of the vxGrid object.

Syntax

object.BorderStyle [= enumBorderStyle]

Parameters

The BorderStyle property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

EnumBorderStyle Determines whether the border style is fixed or none.

Settings

The settings for enumBorderStyle are:

Constant Value Description

vxBorderNone 0 Returns no border.

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Constant Value Description

vxBorderFixed 1 Returns a fixed border.

Col Property

Specifies the column number of the currently selected cell in the Grid Control.

Syntax

object.Col [= Long]

Parameters

The Col property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

Long The column number of the currently selected cell in the Grid Control.

Cols Property

Specifies the total number of columns in the Grid Control. This property is read-only.

Syntax

object.Col [= Long]

Parameters

The Col property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

Long The column number of the currently selected cell in the Grid Control.

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Remarks

Use this Property with the Rows Property to determine the total number of columns and rows in a grid.

ColumnN Property

Specifies the value of the current row of the specified column in the ADO Record set.

Syntax

object.ColumnN[= String | Long | Date | Double)]

Parameters

The Column property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

String A string value in the current row.

Long A numeric value in the current row.

Date A date value in the current row.

Double A double-precision floating-point value in the current row.

ColumnName Property

Returns the read-only column name selected for a ListBox or ComboBox Control display. To select the
column, use the ColumnNumber property.

Syntax

object.ColumnName [= String]

Parameters

The ColumnName property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

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Part Description

String The name of a column whose value populates a ListBox or ComboBox Control. String is
read-only.

ColumnNames Property

Returns an ADO Recordset containing the name and data type of each column that the query is
configured to return.

Syntax

object.ColumnNames

Parameters

The ColumnNames property syntax has this part:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

ColumnNumber Property

Specifies the column number of the ADO record set to use to populate a ListBox or ComboBox
Control.

Syntax

object.ColumnNumber [= Long]

Parameters

The ColumnNumber property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

Long The column number of the retrieved ADO record set.

Remarks

The ColumnNumber property refers to the column number in the data table retrieved, not the column
number of the table queried.

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ColumnWidths Property

Use this property to manually set the column widths in a Grid Control.

Syntax

object.ColumnWidths [= String]

Parameters

The ColumnWidths property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

String The width of the columns in the grid, measured in twips, and separated by a pipe
character, using the following format:
column1|column2|column3|column4|columnN

Remarks

To use this property, set AutoResize to false. The column widths you apply remain each time you
query the database. This property applies the sizes specified. If you do not specify a column width, the
default is 960 twips. To hide a column in the grid display, specify 0. If you specify more columns than
the query contains, VisiconX ignores the extra column specifications.

Connected Property

Returns the connection status of the Data Control.

Syntax

object.Connected [= Boolean]

Parameters

The Connected property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

Boolean Whether the data control is currently connected.

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Settings

The settings for Boolean are:

Value Description

True Currently connected

False Not connected.

Remarks

Use this property to test the connection to the selected OLE DB data provider and database.

CurrentRow Property

Identifies the number of the current row in the retrieved ADO record set.

Syntax

object.CurrentRow [= Long]

Parameters

The CurrentRow property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

Long The zero-based number of the current record in the record array.

Remarks

The CurrentRow value is visible in the Data Control in Run mode. Use the MoveNext,
MovePrevious, MoveFirst, and MoveLast methods to change the current row number.

Database Property

Specifies the name of the current database if the provider is SQL Server.

Syntax

object.Database [= String]

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Parameters

The Database property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

String The name of the currently connected database; for example: Northwind.

DisplayHeaders Property

Displays or hides the fixed row at the top of a grid that displays the column headings.

Syntax

object.DisplayHeaders [= Boolean]

Parameters

The DisplayHeaders property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

Boolean Whether to display or hide the column headers in a grid display.

Settings

The settings for Boolean are:

Value Description

True Displays the fixed row of column headers. (Default)

False Hides the fixed row of column headers.

Remarks

Set this property to False to display customized column headings using text objects.

DisplayRowMarker Property

Displays or hides the fixed column to the left of a grid that displays the arrow row marker.

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Syntax

object.DisplayRowMarker [= Boolean]

Parameters

The DisplayRowMarker property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

Boolean Whether to display or hide the fixed column in a grid that displays the arrow row
marker.

Settings

The settings for Boolean are:

Value Description

True Displays the fixed column in a grid with the arrow row marker.

False Hides the fixed column.

Remarks

Set this property to False to customize a grid display by hiding the arrow row marker.

DSN Property

Specifies the ODBC data source name if the provider is ODBC.

Syntax

object.DSN [= String]

Parameters

The DSN property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

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Part Description

String The name of the ODBC data source, as defined through the ODBC Administrator tool;
for example: Northwind.

ErrorDesc Property

Specifies a description of the current error.

Syntax

object.ErrorDesc [= String]

Parameters

The ErrorDesc property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

String The description of the current error. String is read-only.

ErrorNum Property

Specifies the read-only error code of the current error.

Syntax

objectErrorNum [= Long]

Parameters

The ErrorNum property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

Long A read-only error code value.

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F-H

Font Property

Returns or sets the Font object for the selected Grid Control, ListBox Control, and ComboBox Control.

Syntax

object.Font [= StdFont]

Parameters

The Font property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

StdFont The name of the Font selected from the Windows Font dialog box.

ForeColor Property

Sets the color of text for cells in the Grid Control and in ListBox and ComboBox Controls.

Syntax

object.ForeColor [= OLE_COLOR]

Parameters

The ForeColor property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

OLE The value of the color you select from the displayed color palette; for example:
COLOR &H0000FF00&

Remarks

In a Grid Control, this property sets the text color for each cell in the grid. To set:
• The background color of the grid cells, use the BackColor property.
• The text color of the column headings, use the ForeColorFixed property.
• The background color of the column headings and the column for the current row pointer, use

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the BackColorFixed property.

• The background color of the portion of the control not occupied by the grid, use the
BackColorBackGround property.
• The color of the grid lines, use the GridColor property.

ForeColorFixed Property

Sets the text color of column headings in the Grid Control.

Syntax

object.ForeColorFixed [= OLE_COLOR]

Parameters

The ForeColorFixed property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

OLE The value of the color you select from the displayed color palette; for example:
COLOR &H0000FF00&

Remarks

To set:
• To set the color of the cell text, use the ForeColor property.
• The background color of the column headings and the column for the current row pointer, use
the BackColorFixed property.
• To set the background color of the grid cells, use the BackColor property.
• To set the background color of the portion of the control not occupied by the grid, use the
BackColorBackGround property.
• To set the color of the grid lines, use the GridColor property.

GridColor Property

Specifies the color of the grid lines in the Grid Control

Syntax

object.GridColor [= OLE_COLOR]

Parameters

The GridColor property syntax has these parts:

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Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

OLE The value of the color you select from the displayed color palette; for example:
COLOR &H0000FF00&

Remarks

To set:
• To set the background color for cells that display query data, use the BackColor property.
• The background color of the column headings and the column for the current row pointer, use
the BackColorFixed property.
• To set the background color of the portion of the control not occupied by the grid, use the
BackColorBackGround property.
• To set the color of the cell text, use the ForeColor property.
• To set the color of the column headings, use the ForeColorFixed property.

I-L

InvisibleInRunMode Property

Specifies whether the selected Data Control is visible in the run-time environment.

Syntax

object.InvisibleInRunMode [= Boolean]

Parameters

The InvisibleInRunMode property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

Boolean Whether the Data Control is visible in the run-time environment.

Settings

The settings for Boolean are:

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Value Description

True The Data Control is not visible in the run-time environment.

False The Data Control is not visible in the run-time environment. (Default)

Remarks

Use this property to make the Data Control invisible in the run-time environment.

JetDB Property

Specifies the Microsoft Access Database Name for the Microsoft Jet data provider.

Syntax

object.JetDB [= String]

Parameters

The JetDB property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

String The name of the Microsoft Access database; for example: C:\Program Files\GE
Fanuc\Proficy iFIX\PDB\APPTEST.mdb

JetSDB Property

Specifies the Microsoft Access System (Security) Database Name for the Microsoft Jet data provider.

Syntax

object.JetSDB [= String]

Parameters

The JetSDB property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

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Part Description

String The name of the Microsoft Access database; for example: C:\Program Files\GE
Fanuc\Proficy iFIX\PDB\APPTEST.mdb

Remarks

Use this property if Microsoft Access is configured for user-based security.

M-O

MergeCells Property

In a Grid Control, turns on or off an option to display only one occurrence of a repeating cell value in a
column. For example, in a query that displays orders for each customer, the customer ID and name
appear once, centered vertically, next to the rows that contain the associated orders.

Syntax

object.MergeCells [= Boolean]

Parameters

The MergeCells property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

Boolean Whether to display one occurrance of repeating cell values in a column or display all
occurrences.

Settings

The settings for Boolean are:

Value Description

True Display one occurrance of repeating cell values in a column, centered vertically.

False Fills each grid cell with data. (Default)

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ODBCConnectionString Property

Specifies an ODBC connection string to connect to an ODBC driver.

Syntax

object.ODBCConnectionString[= String]

Parameters

The ODBCConnectionString property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

String An ODBC connection string that connects to an ODBC driver; for example:
Driver={SQL Server};Server=QALAB15;Database=Northwind;'
The connection string replaces the ODBC data source name.

Remarks

Use this property if the UseODBCConnectionString property is set to True. An example connection
string for the SQL Server appears above. Below are example connection strings for a Microsoft Access
Driver and the Oracle Server driver:

Microsoft Access Driver

Driver={Microsoft Access Driver (*.MDB)};DBQ=C:\Program Files\GE Fanuc\Proficy

iFIX\PDB\accessarchiver.mdb;

Oracle Driver

Driver={Microsoft ODBC For Oracle};Server=OTTO;

OLEDBConnectionString Property

Specifies a string used to connect to an OLE DB provider other than ODBC, Jet, SQL Server, and
Oracle.

Syntax

object.OLEDBConnectionString[= String]

Parameters

The OLEDBConnectionString property syntax has these parts:

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Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

String An OLE DB connection string; for example:

Data Source=QALAB15;Initial Catalog=Test

Remarks

When setting up the OLEDBConnectionString property on a vxData object, do not pass in a user and
password in the string. Set up the User and Password properties instead, because VisiconX will append
whatever is assigned to these properties when it tries to create the connection.
See the documentation for your OLE Provider for more information about using a connection string.

OLEDBProvider Property

Specifies the name of the OLE DB data provider currently selected.

Syntax

object.OLEDBProvider[= String]

Parameters

The OLEDBProvider property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

String An OLE DB data provider name, as described below.

The following table identifies values for String and identifies its corresponding data provider.

String Description

SQLOLEDB SQL Server

MSDAORA Oracle Server

Microsoft.Jet.OLEDB.3.51 Microsoft Jet 3.51 data provider

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String Description

Microsoft.Jet.OLEDB.4.0 Microsoft Jet 4.0 data provider

MSDAOSP Simple provider

MS Remote MS Remote

MS DataShape MS DataShape

Remarks

The table above shows the default set of data providers installed by ADO 2.1. See the documentation
for your OLE Provider if you are using another provider.

Password Property

Sets your password for access to secured databases. This property is designed so that the password
cannot be read for security purposes.

Syntax

object.Password(pwCode As String)= String

Parameters

The Password property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

pwCode An empty string.

String Your password.

Remarks

This example shows how to set a password. The password can be set, but it cannot be read back:
VxData1.Password(“”)=my_password

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PersistUserInfo Property

Specifies whether the user must login to secured OLE DB data providers every time iFIX or
CIMPLICITY enters the run-time environment.

Syntax

object.PersistUserInfo [= Boolean]

Parameters

The PersistUserInfo property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

Boolean Whether the User must login each time the run-time environment is entered for a
secured OLE DB data provider.

Settings

The settings for Boolean are:

Value Description

True The user does not have to login each time the run-time environment is entered.
(Default). The User ID and Password are stored in the Data Control.

False The user does have to login each time the run-time environment is entered.

Remarks

Set this property to False to force users to log in to secured OLE DB data providers in order to view
data.

ProcedureNames Property

Returns an ADO Recordset containing the name and description of each stored procedure defined to
the queried database.

Syntax

object.ProcedureNames

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Parameters

The ProcedureNames property syntax has this part:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

QPn Property

Specifies a string that equates to the current value assigned to the query property.

Syntax

object.QPn[= String]

Parameters

The QPn property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

String The current value assigned to the query property. For example, the value assigned to
QP1 could be Finance.

Remarks

These properties are designed to be variables for use in the SQL Select statement. When the query
runs, it replaces the QPn placeholder with the string value.

Row Property

Specifies the row number of the currently selected cell in the Grid Control.

Syntax

object.Row [= Long]

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Parameters

The Row property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

Long The number of the currently selected cell in the Grid Control.

Rows Property

Specifies the total number of rows in the Grid Control. This property is read-only.

Syntax

object.Row [= Long]

Parameters

The Row property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

Long The total number of of rows in the Grid Control.

Remarks

Use this Property with the Cols Property to determine the total number of columns and rows in a grid.

Server Property

Specifies the name of the current data base server for SQL Server or Oracle providers.

Syntax

object.Server[= String]

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Parameters

The Server property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

String The name of the current database server; for example:

QALAB15

ShowMilliseconds Property

In a Grid Control, indicates whether milliseconds are displayed in time or date/time fields.

Syntax

object.ShowMilliseconds [= Boolean]

Parameters

The ShowMilliseconds property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

Boolean Whether to display milliseconds in a Grid Control's time or date/time fields.

Settings

The settings for Boolean are:

Value Description

True Displays milliseconds in Grid Control time or date/time fields.

False Does not display milliseconds in Grid Control time or date/time fields. (Default)

SourceType Property

Identifies the type of command to use to query the database; for example, using an SQL Command, a
stored procedure, or a table.

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Syntax

object.SourceType[= vxSourceType]

Parameters

The Server property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

vxSourceType Enumerates the type of query command, as follows:

1 vxSourceSQL SQL Command
4 vxSourceTable Table Command
512 vxSourceStoredProc Stored Procedure Command

SQLCommand Property

Specifies an SQL command string.

Syntax

object.SQLCommand[= String]

Parameters

The SQLCommand property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

String An SQL command string.

Remarks

The SQL command string value displayed in the Properties window is the string built by the SQL
Wizard or the string entered or pasted into the SQL Command edit box on the Record Source tab of the
Data Control OLE Properties dialog box.

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Table Property

Specifies the name of a database table selected for the Table command type or Stored Procedure for the
Stored Procedure command type.

Syntax

object.Table[= String]

Parameters

The Table property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

String The name of the database table that is currently selected to query for the Table command
type or the name of the Stored Procedure for the Stored Procedure command type.

TableNames Property

Returns an ADO Recordset containing the name, type (Table or View), and description of each table
and view defined to the queried database.

Syntax

object.TableNames

Parameters

The TableNames property syntax has this part:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

Text Property

Specifies the text in:

• The selected cell of a grid, based on the settings of the Row and Col properties.
• The selected row in a list box.
• The value in the text box of a drop-down (combo) box.

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Syntax

object.Text[= String]

Parameters

The Text property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

String The text in a selected cell of a grid, selected row of a list box, or text in a combo box.
String is read-only.

U-Z

UseNTSecurity Property

Specifies whether to use Microsoft Windows integrated security to access a Microsoft SQL Server
database.

Syntax

object.UseNTSecurity [= Boolean]

Parameters

The Active property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

Boolean Whether to use Windows integrated security.

Settings

The settings for Boolean are:

Value Description

True Uses Windows integrated security to secure access to the chosen MS SQL Server
database.

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Value Description

False Uses the user ID and password to secure access to the chosen MS SQL Server
database. (Default)

Remarks

Use this property to use Windows integrated security to access MS SQL Server providers.

UseCDBCConnectionString Property

Uses an ODBC connection string to access an ODBC driver, rather than a data source (DSN) defined
through the ODCB Administrator tool located in the Windows Control Panel.

Syntax

object.UseODBCConnectionString[= Boolean]

Parameters

The UseODBCConnectionString property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

Boolean Whether to use an ODBC connection string to configure access to an ODBC driver.

Settings

The settings for Boolean are:

Value Description

True Uses an ODBC connection string to configure access to an ODBC driver.

False Uses an ODBC data source name to access an ODBC driver. (Default)

User Property

Specifies a user name or ID required for access to a secured data provider.

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Syntax

object.User[= String]

Parameters

The User property syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

String The current user name required for access to a secured data provider.

Method Summary
The following list contains the Plug & Solve Solutions object methods that are available to the
VisiconX Automation Interface:
• AboutBox Method
• DBConnect Method
• DBDisConnect Method
• MoveFirst Method
• MoveLast Method
• MoveNext Method
• MovePrevious Method
• RefreshData Method
• RunSqlWizard Method
For examples of these object methods, refer to the Method Examples section.

A-D

AboutBox Method

Shows the version and copyright information for the vxData Object, vxGrid Object, vxList Object
or vxCombo Object.

Syntax

object.AboutBox

Parameters

The AboutBox Method property syntax has this part:

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Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

CopyCells Method

Used to copy a specified cell or range of cells onto a system clipboard.

Syntax

object.CopyCells(IngRow, IngColoumn, [varEndRow], [varEndColumn], [bIncludeHeader])

Parameters

The CopyCells Method property syntax has this part:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

IngRow Long. The row number of the cell to be copied, or the starting row number
of the cell range to be copied.

IngColumn Long. The column number of the cell to be copied, or the starting column
number of the cell range to be copied.

varEndRow Variant. Optional. If provided, specifies the last row in the range of cells to
be copied.

varEndColumn Variant. Optional. If provided, specifies the last column in the range of cells
to be copied.

bIncludeHeader Boolean. Optional. Indicates whether the column headers are to be copied.
TRUE includes the column headers.

DBConnect Method

Used to manually instruct the Data Control to connect to the configured data source and run its query.

Syntax

object.DBConnect

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Parameters

The DBConnect Method property syntax has this part:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

DBDisConnect Method

Used to manually disconnect the Data Control from its configured data source and close the
ADORecords object.

Syntax

object.DBDisconnect

Parameters

The DBDisConnect Method property syntax has this part:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

E-M

MoveFirst Method

Moves the database cursor to the first returned row of the ADO Record set.

Syntax

object.MoveFirst

Parameters

The MoveFirst Method property syntax has this part:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

MoveLast Method

Moves the database cursor to the last returned row of the ADO Record set.

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Syntax

object.MoveLast

Parameters

The MoveLast Method property syntax has this part:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

MoveNext Method

Advances the database cursor to the next returned row in the ADO Record set.

Syntax

object.MoveNext

Parameters

The MoveNext Method property syntax has this part:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

MovePrevious Method

Moves the database cursor to the previous returned row in the ADO Record set.

Syntax

object.MovePrevious

Parameters

The MovePrevious Method property syntax has this part:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

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N-Z

RefreshData Method

Manually instructs the Data Control to run its query.

Syntax

object.RefreshData

Parameters

The RefreshData Method property syntax has this part:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

RunSQLWizard Method

If the command type for the Data Control is SQLCommand, this method launches the SQL Wizard,
allowing you to create an SQL Select statement in the run-time environment and run the query.

Syntax

object.RunSQLWizard

Parameters

The RunSQLWizard Method property syntax has this part:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

Remarks

This method assigns the SQL Select statement to the SQLCommand property.

SetMyContainer Method

This method is reserved for internal use and should not be called.

Method Examples
Click the appropriate link below for examples of VisiconX methods:
• AboutBox Method Example

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• DBConnect Method Example

• DBDisConnect Method Example
• MoveFirst Method Example
• MoveLast Method Example
• MoveNext Method Example
• MovePrevious Method Example
• RefreshData Method Example
• RunSQLWizard Method Example

AboutBox Method Example

The following example opens the Help About Box for the Data Object vxData1.
vxData1.AboutBox

• NOTE (CIMPLICITY USERS ONLY): In CIMPLICITY, the following additional code must
precede the first reference of vxData1 in its scope:

Dim vxData1 As Object

Set vxData1 = CimGetScreen.Object.Objects.Item("vxData1").OleObject

DBConnect Method Example

The following example is a script associated with a command button. When you click the button in the
run-time environment, the script sets properties and methods for the Data Object vxData1. The script
disconnects from the current data provider and configures vxData1 to connect to the Northwind
database of SQL Server QALAB15. Then it connects to the database and runs a query that returns the
rows and columns of the Employees table.
Private Sub CommandButton1_Click()

vxData1.DBDisconnect

vxData1.OLEDBProvider = "SQLOLEDB"

vxData1.Server = "QALAB15"

vxData1.Database = "NORTHWIND"

vxData1.SourceType = vxSourceTable

vxData1.Table = "Employees"

vxData1.User = "sa"

vxData1.DBConnect

End Sub

• NOTES (CIMPLICITY USERS ONLY):

• The name of the subroutine shown here follows standard VBA naming convention, which does
not apply to CimEdit Basic script language.

• In CIMPLICITY, the following additional code must precede the first reference of vxData1 in

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its scope:

Dim vxData1 As Object

Set vxData1 = CimGetScreen.Object.Objects.Item("vxData1").OleObject

DBDisConnect Method Example

The following example is a script associated with a command button that, when clicked, disconnects
from the data provider selected in the Data Object vxData1.
Private Sub CommandButton1_Click()

vxData1.DBDisConnect

• NOTES (CIMPLICITY USERS ONLY):

• The name of the subroutine shown here follows standard VBA naming convention, which does
not apply to CimEdit Basic script language.

• In CIMPLICITY, the following additional code must precede the first reference of vxData1 in
its scope:

Dim vxData1 As Object

Set vxData1 = CimGetScreen.Object.Objects.Item("vxData1").OleObject

MoveFirst Method Example

The following example is a script associated with a command button, that, when clicked, makes the
first row of the record set retrieved by the Data Object vxData1 the current row.
Private Sub CommandButton1_Click()

vxData1.MoveFirst

End Sub

• NOTES (CIMPLICITY USERS ONLY):

• The name of the subroutine shown here follows standard VBA naming convention, which does
not apply to CimEdit Basic script language.

• In CIMPLICITY, the following additional code must precede the first reference of vxData1 in
its scope:

Dim vxData1 As Object

Set vxData1 = CimGetScreen.Object.Objects.Item("vxData1").OleObject

MoveLast Method Example

The following example is a script associated with a command button, that, when clicked, makes the
last row of the record set retrieved by the Data Object vxData1 the current row.
Private Sub CommandButton1_Click()

vxData1.MoveLast

End Sub

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• NOTES (CIMPLICITY USERS ONLY):

• The name of the subroutine shown here follows standard VBA naming convention, which does
not apply to CimEdit Basic script language.

• In CIMPLICITY, the following additional code must precede the first reference of vxData1 in
its scope:

Dim vxData1 As Object

Set vxData1 = CimGetScreen.Object.Objects.Item("vxData1").OleObject

MoveNext Method Example

The following example is a script associated with a command button, that, when clicked, makes the
next row in the record set retrieved by the Data Object vxData1 the current row.
Private Sub CommandButton1_Click()

vxData1.MoveNext

End Sub

• NOTES (CIMPLICITY USERS ONLY):

• The name of the subroutine shown here follows standard VBA naming convention, which does
not apply to CimEdit Basic script language.

• In CIMPLICITY, the following additional code must precede the first reference of vxData1 in
its scope:

Dim vxData1 As Object

Set vxData1 = CimGetScreen.Object.Objects.Item("vxData1").OleObject

MovePrevious Method Example

The following example is a script associated with a command button, that, when clicked, makes the
previous row in the record set retrieved by the Data Object vxData1 the current row.
Private Sub CommandButton1_Click()

vxData1.MovePrevious

End Sub

• NOTES (CIMPLICITY USERS ONLY):

• The name of the subroutine shown here follows standard VBA naming convention, which does
not apply to CimEdit Basic script language.

• In CIMPLICITY, the following additional code must precede the first reference of vxData1 in
its scope:

Dim vxData1 As Object

Set vxData1 = CimGetScreen.Object.Objects.Item("vxData1").OleObject

RefreshData Method Example

The following example is a script associated with a command button, that, when clicked, re-queries the

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data provider selected for the Data Object vxData1 and refreshes the data displayed.
Private Sub CommandButton1_Click()

vxData1.RefreshData

End Sub

• NOTES (CIMPLICITY USERS ONLY):

• The name of the subroutine shown here follows standard VBA naming convention, which does
not apply to CimEdit Basic script language.

• In CIMPLICITY, the following additional code must precede the first reference of vxData1 in
its scope:

Dim vxData1 As Object

Set vxData1 = CimGetScreen.Object.Objects.Item("vxData1").OleObject

RunSQLWizard Method Example

The following example initiates the SQL Wizard from a command button in the run-time environment.
The command button configures the Data Object vxData1 to connect to the Microsoft Jet provider and
an Access database. After setting the command type as an SQL Command, the example initiates the
SQL Wizard. After you close the SQL Wizard, the example connects to the database and runs the
query.
Private Sub CommandButton4_Click()

vxData1.DBDisconnect

vxData1.OLEDBProvider = "Microsoft.Jet.OLEDB.3.51"

vxData1.JetDB = "C:\Program Files\GE Fanuc\Proficy iFIX\PDB\APPTest.MDB"

vxData1.SourceType = vxSourceSQL

vxData1.RunSQLWizard

vxData1.DBConnect

End Sub

• NOTES (CIMPLICITY USERS ONLY):

• The name of the subroutine shown here follows standard VBA naming convention, which does
not apply to CimEdit Basic script language.

• In CIMPLICITY, the following additional code must precede the first reference of vxData1 in
its scope:

Dim vxData1 As Object

Set vxData1 = CimGetScreen.Object.Objects.Item("vxData1").OleObject

Event Summary
The following list contains the Plug & Solve Solutions object events that are available to the VisiconX
Automation Interface.

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• Click Event
• Click (Area as Integer) Event
• DataChanged Event
• DblClick Event
• DblClick (Area as Integer) Event
• ErrorOccurred Event
• ExecuteComplete Event
• RowChanged Event

A-C

Click Event

Occurs when the user releases the left mouse key in a list box object or grid object in the run-time
environment.

Syntax

object_Click( )
The Click event syntax has this part:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

• NOTE (CIMPLICITY USERS ONLY): The event handler above is named in accordance
with the standard VBA naming convention. In CIMPLICITY, this convention is not followed
and the default name for this event handler is OnClick(). You can use a name of your own
choice for the event handler and use the Event tab to associate it with the ActiveX event in
question. For some events you may notice that there are already handlers, in which case you
should add your own processing to the existing handlers rather than replacing them.

Remarks

This event is the common event used to initiate an operator action. It is also the default event used by
the script authoring wizards.
The sequence of mouse-related events is:
Click
DblClick

Click (Area as Integer) Event

Occurs when the user releases the left mouse key in a drop-down list (combo) box object in the run-
time environment.

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Syntax

object_Click(1 | 2 | 3)
• NOTE (CIMPLICITY USERS ONLY): The event handler above is named in accordance
with the standard VBA naming convention. In CIMPLICITY, this convention is not followed
and the default name for this event handler is OnClick. You can use a name of your own
choice for the event handler and use the Event tab to associate it with the ActiveX event in
question. For some events you may notice that there are already handlers, in which case you
should add your own processing to the existing handlers rather than replacing them.

Parameters

The Click event syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

1 A click in the default display area of the drop-down list box.

2 A click on the arrow of the drop-down list box.

3 A click in the drop-down area of the list box.

The sequence of mouse-related events is:

Click
DblClick

D-E

DataChanged Event

Occurs to indicate that the ADORecords property has changed. This event fires:
• After each query
• At regular intervals during a large query to update the Fetch progress

Syntax

object_DataChanged( )
• NOTE (CIMPLICITY USERS ONLY): The event handler above is named in accordance
with the standard VBA naming convention. In CIMPLICITY, this convention is not followed
and the default name for this event handler is OnDataChanged(). You can use a name of
your own choice for the event handler and use the Event tab to associate it with the ActiveX
event in question. For some events you may notice that there are already handlers, in which
case you should add your own processing to the existing handlers rather than replacing them.

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Parameters

The DataChanged event syntax has this part:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

DblClick Event

Occurs when the user double clicks the mouse in a list box object or grid object in the run-time
environment

Syntax

object_DblClick( )

Parameters

The DblClick event syntax has this part:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

• NOTE (CIMPLICITY USERS ONLY): The event handler above is named in accordance
with the standard VBA naming convention. In CIMPLICITY, this convention is not followed
and the default name for this event handler is OnDblClick(). You can use a name of your
own choice for the event handler and use the Event tab to associate it with the ActiveX event
in question. For some events you may notice that there are already handlers, in which case
you should add your own processing to the existing handlers rather than replacing them.

Remarks

The DblClick event occurs when multiple left mouse clicks are received in the object.
The sequence of mouse-related events is:
Click
DblClick

DblClick (Area as Integer) Event

Occurs when the user double clicks the mouse in a drop-down list (combo) box object in the run Time
environment.

Syntax

object_DblClick( 1 | 2 | 3 )

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Parameters

The DblClick event syntax has these parts:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

1 A double-click in the default display area of the drop-down list box.

2 A double-click on the arrow of the drop-down list box.

3 A double-click in the drop-down area of the list box.

• NOTE (CIMPLICITY USERS ONLY): The event handler above is named in accordance
with the standard VBA naming convention. In CIMPLICITY, this convention is not followed
and the default name for this event handler is OnDblClick. You can use a name of your own
choice for the event handler and use the Event tab to associate it with the ActiveX event in
question. For some events you may notice that there are already handlers, in which case you
should add your own processing to the existing handlers rather than replacing them.

Remarks

The DblClick event occurs when multiple left mouse clicks are received in the object.
The sequence of mouse-related events is:
Click
DblClick

ErrorOccurred Event

Occurs when the Data Control encounters an error while connecting to the database or when running
the query. This event usually indicates:
• Configuration errors in the connection properties (for example, Provider, Server, Database,
etc)
• Invalid login credentials (User name and Password)
• Syntax errors in the query, such as an invalid table name, query property value, and so on.

Syntax

object_ErrorOccurred(pError as ErrObject )
• NOTE (CIMPLICITY USERS ONLY): The event handler above is named in accordance
with the standard VBA naming convention. In CIMPLICITY, this convention is not followed
and the default name for this event handler is OnErrorOccurred. You can use a name of your
own choice for the event handler and use the Event tab to associate it with the ActiveX event
in question. For some events you may notice that there are already handlers, in which case

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you should add your own processing to the existing handlers rather than replacing them.

Parameters

The ErrorOccurred event syntax has this part:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

The event returns a VB Error Object (pError) that contains the specific error number, description,
source, and so on as defined in the following table:

Property Value

Number The Error code that specifies the error that occurred.

Source The Name of the component that generated the error.

Description A string corresponding to the return of the Error function for the specified
Number, if this string exists. If the string doesn't exist, Description contains
"Application-defined or object-defined error".

HelpFile The fully qualified drive, path, and file name of the Visual Basic Help file.

HelpContext The Visual Basic Help file context ID for the error corresponding to the Number
property.

LastDLLError On 32-bit Microsoft Windows operating systems only, contains the system error
code for the last call to a dynamic-link library (DLL). The LastDLLError
property is read-only.

ExecuteComplete Event

Occurs when a query submitted to a database is done executing. This event returns information that
indicates whether the query was successful. Error number 0 means that the query was successful.

Syntax

object_ExecuteComplete(pStatus as ErrObject,sQuery as String)

• NOTE (CIMPLICITY USERS ONLY): The event handler above is named in accordance
with the standard VBA naming convention. In CIMPLICITY, this convention is not followed
and the default name for this event handler is OnExecuteComplete. You can use a name of
your own choice for the event handler and use the Event tab to associate it with the ActiveX
event in question. For some events you may notice that there are already handlers, in which

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case you should add your own processing to the existing handlers rather than replacing them.

Parameters

The ExecuteComplete event syntax has this part:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

The event returns a VB Error Object (pStatus) that contains the specific error number, description,
source, and so on as defined in the following table:

Property Value

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

Number The Error code that specifies the error that occurred.

Source The Name of the component that generated the error.

Description A string corresponding to the return of the Error function for the specified
Number, if this string exists. If the string doesn't exist, Description contains
"Application-defined or object-defined error".

HelpFile The fully qualified drive, path, and file name of the Visual Basic Help file.

HelpContext The Visual Basic Help file context ID for the error corresponding to the Number
property.

LastDLLError On 32-bit Microsoft Windows operating systems only, contains the system error
code for the last call to a dynamic-link library (DLL). The LastDLLError
property is read-only.

sQuery is a string that displays the parsed value of the last query submitted to the database. For
example, it displays the last Select statement submitted, including the values assigned to any query
properties defined to the query.

Remarks

Use the sQuery string, displayed in a Message box, to help you debug queries. For example, if the
query returns no data or if the query returns unexpected results, you can use this string to determine the
exact query submitted to the database.

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F-Z

RowChanged Event

Occurs when the CurrentRow property changes.

The CurrentRow property changes when you:
• Set its value
• Use the MoveFirst, MoveLast, MoveNext, or MovePrevious methods to move through the
ADORecord set
• Use the buttons in the Data Control’s user interface to move through the ADORecord set.

Syntax

object_RowChanged( )
• NOTE (CIMPLICITY USERS ONLY): The event handler above is named in accordance
with the standard VBA naming convention. In CIMPLICITY, this convention is not followed
and the default name for this event handler is OnRowChanged(). You can use a name of your
own choice for the event handler and use the Event tab to associate it with the ActiveX event
in question. For some events you may notice that there are already handlers, in which case
you should add your own processing to the existing handlers rather than replacing them.

Parameters

The RowChanged event syntax has this part:

Part Description

object An object expression that evaluates to an object in the Applies To list.

Object Summary
The following list contains the Plug & Solve Solutions objects that are available to the VisiconX
Automation Interface. For information on non Plug & Solve Solutions objects, refer to the appropriate
help system.
• vxCombo Object
• vxData Object
• vxGrid Object
• vxList Object

vxCombo Object
The vxCombo object is a ComboBox Control that displays column data retrieved from an OLE DB
data provider in a drop-down list box.

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vxData Object
The vxData object is a Data Control inserted into an iFIX WorkSpace picture or CIMPLICITY
CimEdit screen. It establishes a connection with an OLE DB data provider, secures access to secured
data providers, and queries and retrieves data.
For more information on the vxData object, see the "Getting Started" chapter in the Accessing Data
manual.

vxGrid Object
The vxGrid object is a Grid Control that displays data retrieved from an OLE DB data provider in a
table.

vxList Object
The vxList object is a ListBox Control that displays column data retrieved from an OLE DB data
provider in a list box.

Glossary
Use the Glossary to further your understanding of the terms used in VisiconX VBA.

A-C

Animate
Animation
Automation
Collection
ComboBox Control

D-M

Data Control
Event
Grid Control
ListBox Control
Method

N-R

Numeric Expression
Object
Object Expression
Property
Query

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Query Property (QPn)

Row Filter

S-Z

Source Object
SQL Statement
SQL Wizard
Stored Procedure
String Expression
Target Object

Animate
The act of animating the property of an object. Although the result you see in the run-time environment
is an object performing a visible, functional action, it is the object's properties that are animated, not
the object itself.
To animate an object in iFIX, select it, right-click, and choose Animations from the pop-up menu.

Animation
The connection between a data source and an object's property that dynamically changes the property.

Automation
The method through which objects are exposed that allows you to create and manipulate them.

Collection
An ordered set of items that can be referred to as a unit.

ComboBox Control
A VisiconX object that displays a specific column of retrieved data in a drop-down list box. To display
retrieved data, you must animate the ComboBox Control using a Data Control as its data source.

Data Control
A VisiconX object that establishes an interface with a OLE DB data provider installed on your local
machine. Through the Data Control, you select a database to query and submit the query.

Event
Action that the object recognizes, such as a mouse click on the object.

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Grid Control
A VisiconX object that displays retrieved data in a spreadsheet-like format. To display retrieved data,
you must animate the Grid Control using a Data Control as its data source.

ListBox Control
A VisiconX object that displays retrieved data in a spreadsheet-like format. To display retrieved data,
you must animate the Grid Control using a Data Control as its data source.

Method
Subroutine that affects the object's behavior, such as scale or refresh.

Numeric Expression
Any expression that evaluates to a number.

Object
Any expression that evaluates to a number.

Object Expression
An expression that specifies a particular object. This expression can include any of the object's
containers. For example, if your application has an Application object that contains a Document object
that contains a Text object, the following are valid object expressions:
Application.Document.Text

Application.Text

Document.Text

Text

Property
Any expression that evaluates to a number.

Query
A command submitted to a database that accesses tables in a database and returns the data you request.
A simple query returns the entire contents of a single table. A more complex query filters rows based
on selection criteria, sorts data, or combines data from more than one table.

Query Property (QPn)

A property of the Data Control, QP1 through QP32, which serve as variables in the query submitted to
the database. These properties can be set to any value or can be animated by any object. For example,
in this equation, milk_type = QP1, VisiconX assigns a value to QP1 at run time and submits the query
to the database.

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Row Filter
A comparison expression or group of comparison expressions connected by And or Or keywords that
filter the rows returned by a query. For example, milk_type = 3 returns only the rows where the value
of milk_type is 3. In SQL , commonly known as a Where clause.

Source Object
The object that provides data to a target object.

SQL Statement
A command submitted to a database that accesses tables in a database and returns the data you request.
SQL statements can be Select, Insert, or Update statements

SQL Wizard
A Wizard accessible from the Record Source tab of the Data Control OLE Properties dialog that builds
SQL Select statements based on input you submit to the Wizard.

Stored Procedure
Compiled blocks of code in the relational database. Stored procedures can perform INSERT,
UPDATE, DELETE, and SELECT commands. They can also take arguments and return results. The
arguments may be values to insert or values to use in Where clauses.

String Expression
Any expression that evaluates to sequence of contiguous characters.

Target Object
The object that receives data from a source object.

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VisiconX Dialog Boxes
The VisiconX application includes the following dialog boxes:
• VisiconX ComboBox OLE Properties Dialog Box
• VisiconX Data Control OLE Properties Dialog Box
• VisiconX Grid OLE Properties Dialog Box
• VisiconX ListBox OLE Properties Dialog Box
• Welcome to the VisiconX Wizard Dialog Box
• Select Operation Dialog Box
• SQL SELECT Dialog Boxes:
• Select Tables Dialog Box
• Select Columns Dialog Box
• Create Row Filter Dialog Box
• Select Columns to Sort By Dialog Box
• Finish Dialog Box
• SQL INSERT Dialog Boxes:
• Select Table to Insert Into Dialog Box
• Select Values to Insert Dialog Box
• Finish Dialog Box
• SQL UPDATE Dialog Boxes:
• Select Table to Update Dialog Box
• Select Columns to Update Dialog Box
• Create Row Filter Dialog Box
• Finish Dialog Box
One additional dialog box is only available when using VisiconX in Proficy iFIX
• VisiconX Configuration to View Historian Data Dialog Box
Four additional dialog boxes are only available when using VisiconX in CIMPLICITY:
• VisiconX ListBox Control Dialog Box
• VisiconX ComboBox Control Dialog Box
• VisiconX Grid Control Dialog Box
• VisiconX Data Control Dialog Box

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VisiconX ComboBox OLE Properties Dialog Box

The VisiconX ComboBox OLE Properties dialog box displays the following items:

Font Tab

Item Description

Properties Displays the properties you can modify for this control. In the Font tab, this will
always display "Font."

Font Lets you choose the font to use in the control.

Size Lets you choose the size of the font to use in the control.

Bold Select this check box to apply a bold effect to the control's font.

Italic Select this check box to apply an italic effect to the control's font.

Underline Select this check box to apply an underline effect to the control's font.

Strikeout Select this check box to apply a strikeout effect to the control's font.

Sample Text Displays a preview of what the control's font will look like based on your
selections in the Font tab.

Color Tab

Item Description

Properties Displays the control elements whose colors can be changed. Select the control
element you want to modify.

Color Set Lets you select a color palette from which you can choose a color for the selected
control element.

Color Palette Displays the colors that are available from the currently selected color set. Select
a color to apply to the selected control element.
NOTE: The Windows custom color selection dialog box also appears if you
double-click Custom in the Color Palette drop-down box.

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Item Description

Edit Custom Opens the Windows custom color selection dialog box, where you can choose a
Colors custom color or define your own.

VisiconX Data Control OLE Properties Dialog Box

The VisiconX Data Control OLE Properties dialog box displays the following items:

Provider Tab

Item Description

Select Data Lists the OLE DB data providers that are installed on your computer. Select
Provider the data provider that you want to query from the list of data providers.
NOTE: A data provider must be selected before other tabs in the Data Control
OLE Properties dialog box can be accessed.

Automatically Lets you automatically connect to the selected OLE DB data provider when
connect to you activate the run-time environment. Clear this check box if you want to
database in Run manually control when to connect to and disconnect from the data provider.
Mode

Database Tab
• NOTE: The contents displayed in the upper part of the Database Tab depend on which type
of data provider was selected in the Provider Tab. Consult the following tables for
information on the items that are displayed for each type of data provider.

Microsoft Jet

Item Description

Database path and For a Microsoft Jet provider, lets you enter or browse for the database path
file name and name of a Microsoft Access database, which has *.MDB as a default
file extension.

System (Security) For a Microsoft Jet provider, lets you enter or browse for the Microsoft
Database path and Access system security database path and name, which has *.MDA or
file name *.MDW as a default file extension; enter a value in this field if the
Microsoft Access database selected for the query is secured.

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ODBC

Item Description

DSN Name Lets you select an ODBC data source name defined through the
ODBC Administrator tool in the Windows Control Panel. The list
includes both system and user-defined data source names.

Use ODBC Connection Lets you use an ODBC connection string, rather than an ODBC data
String (No DSN source name, to establish a connection to an ODBC driver.
Required)

ODBC Connection Lets you enter an ODBC connection string to establish a connection to
String an ODBC driver.

Oracle Server

Item Description

Server Name Lets you enter the name of the Oracle server.

Microsoft SQL Server

Item Description

Server Name Lets you select the name of a SQL Server data provider.

Database Name Lets you select a database defined to the selected SQL Server data provider.

Generic Server

Item Description

OLE DB Lets you enter a connection string to connect to an OLE DB Provider.

Connection String Below is an example connection string for a Simple Provider:
Data Source=QALAB15; Initial Catalog=Test;

• NOTE: The Database Security Settings area in the lower part of the Database Tab is always
displayed regardless of which type of data provider was selected in the Provider Tab.

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Database Security Settings Area

Item Description

User Name Lets you enter your user name as defined to the selected data provider; if
access to the data provider is not secured, then the user name is not
required.

Password Lets you enter the password as defined to the selected data provider; if
access to the data provider is not secured, then the password is not
required.

Prompt for user name Displays a login box in Run mode, which prompts for a user name and
and password in Run password before accessing the selected data provider.
Mode

Use Windows NT For SQL Server data providers, uses Windows integrated security to
integrated security control access to secured SQL Server data providers.

Test Connection Click this button to test the connection to the selected data provider.
VisiconX responds with a message that indicates a successful or failed
connection. In the case of failed connections, the message includes a
reason for the failure.

Record Source Tab

Item Description

Command Lets you select the type of query to use for the selected database. The options are:
Type
• SQL Command – Uses an SQL statement to acquire, add, or update data;
you can create the statement with the SQL Wizard or you can enter or
paste one directly into the displayed scroll box.
• Stored Procedure – Uses a stored procedure to acquire data.
• Table – Uses an SQL Select statement to acquire all data in a selected
table.

Do not allow Select this check box to prevent the SQL Wizard from being accessed when the
SQLWizard data control is opened in run mode.
at runtime

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Item Description

Electronic Select this check box to apply electronic signature requirements to the data
Signature control in run mode.
NOTE: This item is only available in iFIX.

Perform Select this option to require a Perform Only electronic signature for the data
Only control in run mode.
NOTE: This item is only available in iFIX.

Perform and Select this option to require Perform and Verify electronic signatures for the data
Verify control in run mode.
NOTE: This item is only available in iFIX.

Run SQL Click this button to create an SQL statement using the SQL Wizard.
Wizard

SQL Edit Lets you enter or paste an SQL statement. This box also displays statements
Box built by the SQL Wizard, which can be edited. Press Ctrl+Enter to create line
breaks in the SQL command.

VisiconX Grid OLE Properties Dialog Box

The VisiconX Grid OLE Properties dialog box displays the following items:

Font Tab

Item Description

Properties Displays the properties you can modify for this control. In the Font tab, this will
always display "Font."

Font Lets you choose the font to use in the control.

Size Lets you choose the size of the font to use in the control.

Bold Select this check box to apply a bold effect to the control's font.

Italic Select this check box to apply an italic effect to the control's font.

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Item Description

Underline Select this check box to apply an underline effect to the control's font.

Strikeout Select this check box to apply a strikeout effect to the control's font.

Sample Text Displays a preview of what the control's font will look like based on your
selections in the Font tab.

Color Tab

Item Description

Properties Displays the control elements whose colors can be changed. Select the control
element you want to modify.

Color Set Lets you select a color palette from which you can choose a color for the selected
control element.

Color Palette Displays the colors that are available from the currently selected color set. Select
a color to apply to the selected control element.
NOTE: The Windows custom color selection dialog box also appears if you
double-click Custom in the Color Palette drop-down box.

Edit Custom Opens the Windows custom color selection dialog box, where you can choose a
Colors custom color or define your own.

VisiconX ListBox OLE Properties Dialog Box

The VisiconX ListBox OLE Properties dialog box displays the following items:

Font Tab

Item Description

Properties Displays the properties you can modify for this control. In the Font tab, this will
always display "Font."

Font Lets you choose the font to use in the control.

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Item Description

Size Lets you choose the size of the font to use in the control.

Bold Select this check box to apply a bold effect to the control's font.

Italic Select this check box to apply an italic effect to the control's font.

Underline Select this check box to apply an underline effect to the control's font.

Strikeout Select this check box to apply a strikeout effect to the control's font.

Sample Text Displays a preview of what the control's font will look like based on your
selections in the Font tab.

Color Tab

Item Description

Properties Displays the control elements whose colors can be changed. Select the control
element you want to modify.

Color Set Lets you select a color palette from which you can choose a color for the selected
control element.

Color Palette Displays the colors that are available from the currently selected color set. Select
a color to apply to the selected control element.
NOTE: The Windows custom color selection dialog box also appears if you
double-click Custom in the Color Palette drop-down box.

Edit Custom Opens the Windows custom color selection dialog box, where you can choose a
Colors custom color or define your own.

Welcome to the VisiconX Wizard Dialog Box

The Welcome to the VisiconX Wizard dialog box displays the following item:

Do Not Show Welcome Dialog Again Check Box

Lets you bypass the SQL Wizard Welcome dialog when you activate the Wizard. Clear this check box

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if you want to display the Welcome dialog box when you activate the SQL Wizard.

Next >
Click this button to move to the Next screen of the SQL Wizard.

Select Operation Dialog Box

The Select Operation dialog box contains the following buttons:

SQL SELECT

Select this option to construct a SQL SELECT command. For more information on the dialog boxes
associated with the SQL SELECT command construction, see SQL SELECT Dialog Boxes.

SQL INSERT

Select this option to construct a SQL INSERT command. For more information on the dialog boxes
associated with the SQL INSERT command construction, see SQL INSERT Dialog Boxes.

SQL UPDATE

Select this option to construct a SQL UPDATE command. For more information on the dialog boxes
associated with the SQL UPDATE command construction, see SQL UPDATE Dialog Boxes.

SQL SELECT Dialog Boxes

The SQL SELECT command construction involves the following dialog boxes (listed in order from
start to finish):
• Select Tables Dialog Box
• Select Columns Dialog Box
• Create Row Filter Dialog Box
• Select Columns to Sort By Dialog Box
• Finish Dialog Box

Select Tables Dialog Box

The Select Tables dialog box displays the following items:

Available Tables

Displays tables, defined to the selected database, that are available to query, add to, or update. Double-
click a listed table or select it and then click the Add button to add it to the list of selected tables.

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Add/Remove/All Buttons

Button Description

Add -> Adds the item selected in the Available list to the Selected list.

All ->> Adds all the items in the Available list to the Selected list.

<- Remove Moves a selected item from the Selected list to the Available list.

<<- All Moves all items in the Selected list to the Available list.

Selected Tables

Displays tables selected to include in the SQL statement.

Up/Down Arrow Buttons

Button Description

Up Arrow Click this button to move the selected item higher in the Selected list.

Down Arrow Click this button to move the selected item lower in the Selected list.

Select Columns Dialog Box

The Select Columns dialog box displays the following items:

Available Columns

Displays columns, defined to the selected tables, that are available to query, add to, or update. Each
column name is qualified by its table name. Double-click a listed column or select it and then click the
Add button to add it to the list of selected columns.

Add/Remove/All Buttons

Button Description

Add -> Adds the item selected in the Available list to the Selected list.

All ->> Adds all the items in the Available list to the Selected list.

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Button Description

<- Remove Moves a selected item from the Selected list to the Available list.

<<- All Moves all items in the Selected list to the Available list.

Selected Columns

Displays columns selected to include in the SQL statement.

Up/Down Arrow Buttons

Button Description

Up Arrow Click this button to move the selected item higher in the Selected list.

Down Arrow Click this button to move the selected item lower in the Selected list.

Return Unique Rows

When selected, returns only one occurrence of rows with duplicate values; when clear, returns rows
with duplicate values.

Create Row Filter Dialog Box

The Create Row Filter dialog box displays the following items:

Available Columns

Displays columns, defined to the selected tables, that are available to query, add to, or update. Each
column name is qualified by its table name. Double-click a listed column or select it and then click the
Add button to add it to the list of selected columns.

Add/Remove/All Buttons

Button Description

Add -> Adds the item selected in the Available list to the Selected list.

All ->> Adds all the items in the Available list to the Selected list.

<- Remove Moves a selected item from the Selected list to the Available list.

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Button Description

<<- All Moves all items in the Selected list to the Available list.

Selected Columns

Displays columns selected to include in the SQL statement.

Up/Down Arrow Buttons

Button Description

Up Arrow Click this button to move the selected item higher in the Selected list.

Down Arrow Click this button to move the selected item lower in the Selected list.

Operator

Lets you select the action of the selected comparison operator. Is/Does has no effect on the selected
comparison operator; Is/Does Not negates the action of the comparison operator. For example, ‘equal
to’ becomes ‘is not equal to’; ‘less than’ becomes ‘is not less than’.

Comparison Operator

Lets you select a comparison operator for the column selected in the list of selected columns. The
options are:

Option Description

any value The column value equals any value. Any Value is the default.

equal to The column value equals a specified value or query property.

less than The column value is less than a specified value or query property.

greater than The column value is greater than a specified value or query property.

less or equal The column value is less than or equal to a specified value or query property.

greater or The column value is greater than or equal to a specified value or query
equal property.

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Option Description

begins with The column value begins with the specified string value or query property.

ends with The column value ends with the specified string value or query property.

contain The column value contains the specified string value or query property.

between The column value is between two specified values or query properties.

Null The column value is Null.

Value

Value Description

Comparison Lets you enter a comparison value for the comparison expression. Enter a
Value value or select a query property from the drop-down list box.

Second Lets you enter a second comparison value for the comparison expression.
Comparison This box appears only if the Between operator is selected. Enter a value or
Value select a query property from the drop-down list box.

Select Columns to Sort By Dialog Box

The Select Columns to Sort By dialog box displays the following items:

Available Columns

Displays columns, defined to the selected tables, that can be sorted. Each column name is qualified by
its table name. Double-click a listed column or select it and then click the Add button to add it to the
list of selected columns.

Add/Remove/All Buttons

Button Description

Add -> Adds the item selected in the Available list to the Selected list.

All ->> Adds all the items in the Available list to the Selected list.

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Button Description

<- Remove Moves a selected item from the Selected list to the Available list.

<<- All Moves all items in the Selected list to the Available list.

Selected Columns

Displays columns selected to include in the SQL statement.

Up/Down Arrow Buttons

Button Description

Up Arrow Click this button to move the selected item higher in the Selected list.

Down Arrow Click this button to move the selected item lower in the Selected list.

Sort This Column

Lets you choose the sort order for the column selected in the list of selected columns. In Ascending
Order, the default, sorts from lowest-to-highest value; In Descending Order sorts from highest-to-
lowest value.

Finish Dialog Box

The Finish dialog box displays the following item:

SQL Statement Edit Box

Displays the SQL statement built by the SQL Wizard. You can refine the statement further by editing
it. For example, you can change an AND keyword in a Where clause to OR. Click OK to exit the SQL
Wizard.

SQL INSERT Dialog Boxes

The SQL INSERT command construction involves the following dialog boxes (listed in order from
start to finish):
• Select Table to Insert Into Dialog Box
• Select Values to Insert Dialog Box
• Finish Dialog Box

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Select Table to Insert Into Dialog Box

The Select Table to Insert Into dialog box displays the following items:

Available Tables

Displays tables, defined to the selected database, that are available to query, add to, or update. Double-
click a listed table or select it and then click the Add button to add it to the list of selected tables.

Add/Remove/All Buttons

Button Description

Add -> Adds the item selected in the Available list to the Selected list.

All ->> Adds all the items in the Available list to the Selected list.

<- Remove Moves a selected item from the Selected list to the Available list.

<<- All Moves all items in the Selected list to the Available list.

Selected Tables

Displays tables selected to include in the SQL statement.

Up/Down Arrow Buttons

Button Description

Up Arrow Click this button to move the selected item higher in the Selected list.

Down Arrow Click this button to move the selected item lower in the Selected list.

Select Values to Insert Dialog Box

The Select Values to Insert dialog box displays the following item:

Insert Values

Displays fields, defined to the selected tables, that are available to update. Any field whose Required
setting is True must be assigned a value. Insert values into the Value column for the desired fields, and
click Next.

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Finish Dialog Box

The Finish dialog box displays the following item:

SQL Statement Edit Box

Displays the SQL statement built by the SQL Wizard. You can refine the statement further by editing
it. For example, you can change an AND keyword in a Where clause to OR. Click OK to exit the SQL
Wizard.

SQL UPDATE Dialog Boxes

The SQL UPDATE command construction involves the following dialog boxes (listed in order from
start to finish):
• Select Table to Update Dialog Box
• Select Columns to Update Dialog Box
• Create Row Filter Dialog Box
• Finish Dialog Box

Select Table to Update Dialog Box

The Select Table to Update dialog box displays the following items:

Available Tables

Displays tables, defined to the selected database, that are available to query, add to, or update. Double-
click a listed table or select it and then click the Add button to add it to the list of selected tables.

Add/Remove/All Buttons

Button Description

Add -> Adds the item selected in the Available list to the Selected list.

All ->> Adds all the items in the Available list to the Selected list.

<- Remove Moves a selected item from the Selected list to the Available list.

<<- All Moves all items in the Selected list to the Available list.

Selected Tables

Displays tables selected to include in the SQL statement.

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Up/Down Arrow Buttons

Button Description

Up Arrow Click this button to move the selected item higher in the Selected list.

Down Arrow Click this button to move the selected item lower in the Selected list.

Select Columns to Update Dialog Box

The Select Columns to Update dialog box displays the following item:

Update Columns

Displays columns, defined to the selected tables, that are available to update. Insert values into the
Value column for the desired columns, and click Next.

Create Row Filter Dialog Box

The Create Row Filter dialog box displays the following items:

Available Columns

Displays columns, defined to the selected tables, that are available to query, add to, or update. Each
column name is qualified by its table name. Double-click a listed column or select it and then click the
Add button to add it to the list of selected columns.

Add/Remove/All Buttons

Button Description

Add -> Adds the item selected in the Available list to the Selected list.

All ->> Adds all the items in the Available list to the Selected list.

<- Remove Moves a selected item from the Selected list to the Available list.

<<- All Moves all items in the Selected list to the Available list.

Selected Columns

Displays columns selected to include in the SQL statement.

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Up/Down Arrow Buttons

Button Description

Up Arrow Click this button to move the selected item higher in the Selected list.

Down Arrow Click this button to move the selected item lower in the Selected list.

Operator

Lets you select the action of the selected comparison operator. Is/Does has no effect on the selected
comparison operator; Is/Does Not negates the action of the comparison operator. For example, ‘equal
to’ becomes ‘is not equal to’; ‘less than’ becomes ‘is not less than’.

Comparison Operator

Lets you select a comparison operator for the column selected in the list of selected columns. The
options are:

Option Description

any value The column value equals any value. Any Value is the default.

equal to The column value equals a specified value or query property.

less than The column value is less than a specified value or query property.

greater than The column value is greater than a specified value or query property.

less or equal The column value is less than or equal to a specified value or query property.

greater or The column value is greater than or equal to a specified value or query
equal property.

begins with The column value begins with the specified string value or query property.

ends with The column value ends with the specified string value or query property.

contain The column value contains the specified string value or query property.

between The column value is between two specified values or query properties.

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Option Description

Null The column value is Null.

Value

Value Description

Comparison Lets you enter a comparison value for the comparison expression. Enter a
Value value or select a query property from the drop-down list box.

Second Lets you enter a second comparison value for the comparison expression.
Comparison This box appears only if the Between operator is selected. Enter a value or
Value select a query property from the drop-down list box.

Finish Dialog Box

The Finish dialog box displays the following item:

SQL Statement Edit Box

Displays the SQL statement built by the SQL Wizard. You can refine the statement further by editing
it. For example, you can change an AND keyword in a Where clause to OR. Click OK to exit the SQL
Wizard.

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How Do I...
Click the following links for more information about working with VisiconX:
• Accessing Secured OLE DB Providers
• Testing the OLE DB Data Provider Connection
• Creating SQL Statements
• Displaying Data at Run Time
• Accessing VisiconX Properties

Connecting to a Data Provider

For VisiconX, refer to the following sections for information on connecting to a data provider:
• Connecting to an OLE DB Data Provider Overview
• Connecting to Microsoft OLE DB Provider for SQL Server
• Connecting to Microsoft OLE DB Simple Provider
• Connecting to an ODBC Driver
• Connecting to Microsoft Jet OLE DB Provider
• Connecting to Microsoft OLE Provider for Oracle
• Connecting to Multiple OLE DB Data Providers or Databases

Overview: Connecting to an OLE DB Data Provider

To connect to an OLE DB data provider:

1. Open the VisiconX Data Control OLE Properties dialog box. For information on how to do
this in your product, refer to the Accessing VisiconX OLE Control Properties section.
2. From the Provider tab, select an OLE DB data provider.
3. Optionally, clear the Automatically Connect To Database In Run Mode check box if you do
not want to automatically connect to the data provider in Run Mode.
4. Click the Database tab.
5. Enter the connection information for the OLE DB data provider you selected.
6. If access to the OLE DB data provider is secured, enter the necessary security information.
7. Click Test Connection to test the OLE DB data provider connection.

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Connecting to Microsoft OLE DB Provider for SQL Server

To connect to the Microsoft OLE DB Provider for SQL Server:

1. Open the VisiconX Data Control OLE Properties dialog box. For information on how to do
this in your product, refer to the Accessing VisiconX OLE Control Properties section.
2. From the Provider tab, select Microsoft OLE DB Provider for SQL Server.
3. Click the Database tab.
4. In the Server Name drop-down list box, enter a server name.
5. In the Database Name drop-down list box, enter a database name.

Connecting to a Microsoft OLE DB Simple Provider

To connect to the Microsoft OLE DB Simple data provider:

1. Open the VisiconX Data Control OLE Properties dialog box. For information on how to do
this in your product, refer to the Accessing VisiconX OLE Control Properties section.
2. From the Provider tab, select Microsoft OLE DB Simple Provider.
3. Click the Database tab.
4. Enter the OLE DB connection string to connect to a data source and catalog. For example:
Data Source=QALAB15; Initial Catalog=Test;

Connecting to an ODBC Driver

For VisiconX, refer to the following sections for information on connecting to an ODBC driver:
• Using a Data Source Name
• Using a Connection String

Connecting to an ODBC Driver Using a Data Source Name

To connect to the Microsoft OLE DB Provider for ODBC drivers using an existing data
source name:

1. Open the VisiconX Data Control OLE Properties dialog box. For information on how to do
this in your product, refer to the Accessing VisiconX OLE Control Properties section.
2. From the Provider tab, select Microsoft OLE DB Provider for ODBC Drivers.
3. Click the Database tab.
4. In the DSN Name drop-down list box, enter a data source name.

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Connecting to an ODBC Driver Using a Connection String

To connect to the Microsoft OLE DB Provider for ODBC drivers using a connection
string:

1. Open the VisiconX Data Control OLE Properties dialog box. For information on how to do
this in your product, refer to the Accessing VisiconX OLE Control Properties section.
2. From the Provider tab, select Microsoft OLE DB Provider for ODBC Drivers.
3. Click the Database tab.
4. Select the Use ODBC Connection String check box.
5. Enter an ODBC connection string in the Connection String (No DSN Required) edit box; for
example:
Driver=SQL Server;Server=QALAB15;Database=Northwind;

Connecting to Microsoft Jet OLE DB Provider

To connect to the Microsoft Jet OLE DB provider:

1. Open the VisiconX Data Control OLE Properties dialog box. For information on how to do
this in your product, refer to the Accessing VisiconX OLE Control Properties section.
2. From the Provider tab, select Microsoft Jet 4.0 OLE DB Provider.
3. Click the Database tab.
4. Enter the path and name of a Microsoft Access database; the extension of these databases is
*.mdb.
5. If access to the database is secured through MS Access security, enter the path and name of a
Microsoft Access System (Security) database. The extensions of these databases are *.mda
and *.mdw.

Connecting to Microsoft OLE Provider for Oracle

To connect to the Microsoft OLE Provider for Oracle:

1. Open the VisiconX Data Control OLE Properties dialog box. For information on how to do
this in your product, refer to the Accessing VisiconX OLE Control Properties section.
2. From the Provider tab, select Microsoft OLE DB Provider for Oracle.
3. Click the Database tab.
4. Enter the name of the Oracle server.

Connecting to Multiple OLE DB Data Providers or Databases

To connect multiple OLE DB data providers or databases:

1. Open the VisiconX Data Control OLE Properties dialog box. For information on how to do
this in your product, refer to the Accessing VisiconX OLE Control Properties section.

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2. For simplicity, configure the first VisiconX Data Control to access the database and table
whose data you want displayed; configure the second Data Control to access the database that
supplies the value for the row filter.
3. Create a query in the first VisiconX Data Control that equates a query property to a column
common to both database tables.
4. Animate the query property, using the data supplied by the second data control as its data
source.
NOTE: CIMPLICITY users need to use CimEdit Basic script to use query properties. For
more information, see Using Query Properties in CIMPLICITY.

Accessing Secured OLE DB Providers

For VisiconX, you can access secure OLE DB data providers by using the following sections:
• Entering User ID and Password
• Using Windows Security

Accessing a Secured OLE DB Data Provider with User ID and Password

To access a secured OLE DB data provider using a user ID and password:

1. Open the VisiconX Data Control OLE Properties dialog box. For information on how to do
this in your product, refer to the Accessing VisiconX OLE Control Properties section.
2. Click the Database tab.
3. Enter the User ID and password required for access to the secured OLE DB data provider in
the Database Security Settings area.
4. If you want users to login to the secured OLE DB data provider in the run-time environment,
select the Prompt For Username And Password In Run Mode check box.

Using Windows Security to Access a Microsoft SQL Server Database

To use Windows integrated security to access a Microsoft SQL Server database:

1. Open the VisiconX Data Control OLE Properties dialog box. For information on how to do
this in your product, refer to the Accessing VisiconX OLE Control Properties section.
2. Click the Database tab.
3. In the Database Security Settings area, select the Use Windows Integrated Security check box.

Testing the OLE DB Data Provider Connection

To test the OLE DB data provider connection:

1. Open the VisiconX Data Control OLE Properties dialog box. For information on how to do
this in your product, refer to the Accessing VisiconX OLE Control Properties section.

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2. In the Provider tab, select the OLE DB data provider.

3. Click the Database tab.
4. Select a database to access.
5. If necessary, enter the information required to access a secured OLE DB data provider.
6. Click Test Connection.

Creating SQL Statements

Refer to the following sections for information on creating SQL statements when using VisiconX
controls:
• Using the SQL Wizard
• Creating Statements Manually
• Creating a Query for an Entire Table
• Creating a Query Using a Stored Procedure

Using the SQL Wizard

The following sections provide information on how to use the SQL Wizard to create SQL statements
with VisiconX:
• Creating SQL Statements with the SQL Wizard
• Constructing an SQL SELECT command
• Constructing an SQL INSERT command
• Constructing an SQL UPDATE command

Creating SQL Statements with the SQL Wizard

To create an SQL statement with the SQL Wizard:

1. Open the VisiconX Data Control OLE Properties dialog box. For information on how to do
this in your product, refer to the Accessing VisiconX OLE Control Properties section.
2. Click the Record Source tab.
3. Select SQL Command from the Command Type list box.
4. Click the SQL Wizard button. The Welcome dialog box appears.
5. On the SQL Wizard Welcome page, optionally select the Do not show Welcome Dialog again
check box, then click Next. The Select Operation dialog box appears.
6. On the Select Operation dialog box, click the type of SQL statement you want to construct.
You can construct an SQL SELECT, SQL INSERT, or SQL UPDATE command.
7. Proceed through the appropriate SQL command construction wizard.
8. At the end of the wizard, click OK in the Finish dialog box to return to the Data Control OLE
Properties dialog box.

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Constructing an SQL SELECT command

Selecting Tables in an SQL SELECT Command

To select tables in an SQL SELECT command using the SQL Wizard:

1. Run the SQL Wizard and on the Select Operation dialog box, click SQL Select.
2. Proceed in the SQL Wizard until you reach the Select Tables dialog box.
3. In the Select Tables dialog box’s Available Tables list, select a table and click Add. Repeat
this action for each table required for the SQL statement or, to add all the tables, click All >>.
4. To re-order the sequence of selected tables, select a table in the Selected Tables list and click
the Up or Down arrow to move the table up or down in the list.
5. Click Next to continue creating the query.
- Or -
Click Back to return to the previous screen in the SQL Wizard.
- Or -
Click Finish if the query is done.
NOTE: To remove a table from the statement, select it from the Selected Tables list and click
Remove All to remove all the tables in the statement.

Selecting Columns in an SQL SELECT Command

To select columns in an SQL SELECT command using the SQL Wizard:

1. Run the SQL Wizard and on the Select Operation dialog box, click SQL Select.
2. Proceed in the SQL Wizard until you reach the Select Columns dialog box.
3. In the Select Columns dialog box’s Available Columns list, select a column and click Add.
Repeat this action for each column required in the SQL Statement or, to add all the columns,
choose * (All Columns) or click All >>.
4. To re-order the sequence of selected columns, select a column in the Selected Columns list
and click the Up or Down arrow to move the column up or down in the list.
5. Click Next to continue creating the query.
- Or -
Click Back to return to the previous screen in the SQL Wizard.
- Or -
Click Finish if the query is done.
NOTE: To remove a column from the statement, select it from the Selected Columns list and
click Remove All to remove all the columns in the statement.

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Returning Unique Rows for Your Query

To create a query that returns unique rows using the SQL Wizard:

1. Run the SQL Wizard and on the Select Operation dialog box, click SQL Select.
2. Proceed in the SQL Wizard until you reach the Select Columns dialog box.
NOTE: You can only return unique rows for your query in an SQL SELECT statement.

3. In the Select Columns dialog box, select columns to include in your query.
4. Select the Return Unique Rows check box.
5. Click Next to continue creating the query.
- Or -
Click Back to return to the previous screen in the SQL Wizard.
- Or -
Click Finish if the query is done.

Creating a Row Filter

To create a row filter using the SQL Wizard:

1. Run the SQL Wizard and on the Select Operation dialog box, click SQL Select or SQL
Update.
2. Proceed in the SQL Wizard until you reach the Create Row Filter dialog box.
NOTE: You can only create a row filter when constructing an SQL SELECT or SQL UPDATE
command.

2. In the Create Row Filter dialog box, select a column from the list of available columns and
click Add. Repeat this action for each column to use in the Row Filter or, to add all the
columns, click All >>.
3. Select a column from the list of selected columns.
4. Select a comparison operator from the Operator drop-down list box.
5. Enter a comparison value in the Value box or select a query property to compare the column
value to.
6. To negate the action of the comparison operator, select Is/Does Not from the Operator drop-
down list box.
7. Repeat Steps 3 through 6 until the row filter is complete.
8. Click Next to continue creating the query.
- Or -
Click Back to return to the previous screen in the SQL Wizard.
- Or -
Click Finish if the query is done.
NOTES:
• To remove a column from the row filter, select it from the Selected Columns list and click

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Remove; click << All to remove all the columns in the row filter.

• The resulting Select statement connects multiple comparison expressions with the AND
keyword; that is, the row is selected when both comparison expressions are true. To use the
OR keyword, which selects the row if one of the two comparison expressions is true, edit the
finished Select statement.

Sorting Retrieved Data by Column Values

To sort data using the SQL Wizard:

1. Run the SQL Wizard and on the Select Operation dialog box, click SQL Select.
2. Proceed in the SQL Wizard until you reach the Select Columns To Sort By dialog box.
2. In the Select Columns To Sort By dialog box, select a column from the list of available
columns and click Add. Repeat this action for each column to be sorted or, to sort all the
columns in the list, click All >>.
3. To re-order the sequence of selected columns, select a column in the Selected Columns list
and click the Up or Down arrow to move the column up or down in the list. The first column
in the list is the primary sort column.
4. To sort a column in descending order, select it in the Selected Columns list and choose In
Descending Order from the drop-down list box.
5. Click Next to continue creating the query.
- Or -
Click Back to return to the previous screen in the SQL Wizard.
- Or -
Click Finish if the query is done.
NOTE: To remove a column from the query, select it from the Selected Columns list and click
Remove All to remove all the columns in the query.

Constructing an SQL INSERT command

Selecting Tables in an SQL INSERT Command

To select tables in an SQL INSERT command using the SQL Wizard:

1. Run the SQL Wizard and on the Select Operation dialog box, click SQL Insert.
2. Proceed in the SQL Wizard until you reach the Select Tables To Insert To dialog box.
3. In the Select Tables To Insert To dialog box’s Available Tables list, select a table and click
Add. Repeat this action for each table required for the SQL statement or, to add all the tables,
click All >>.
4. To re-order the sequence of selected tables, select a table in the Selected Tables list and click
the Up or Down arrow to move the table up or down in the list.
5. Click Next to continue creating the query.
- Or -

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Click Back to return to the previous screen in the SQL Wizard.

- Or -
Click Finish if the query is done.
NOTE: To remove a table from the statement, select it from the Selected Tables list and click
Remove All to remove all the tables in the statement.

Constructing an SQL UPDATE command

Selecting Tables in an SQL UPDATE Command

To select tables in an SQL UPDATE command using the SQL Wizard:

1. Run the SQL Wizard and on the Select Operation dialog box, click SQL Update.
2. Proceed in the SQL Wizard until you reach the Select Table To Update dialog box.
3. In the Select Table To Update dialog box’s Available Tables list, select a table and click Add.
Repeat this action for each table required for the SQL statement or, to add all the tables, click
All >>.
4. To re-order the sequence of selected tables, select a table in the Selected Tables list and click
the Up or Down arrow to move the table up or down in the list.
5. Click Next to continue creating the query.
- Or -
Click Back to return to the previous screen in the SQL Wizard.
- Or -
Click Finish if the query is done.
NOTE: To remove a table from the statement, select it from the Selected Tables list and click
Remove All to remove all the tables in the statement.

Creating a Row Filter

To create a row filter using the SQL Wizard:

1. Run the SQL Wizard and on the Select Operation dialog box, click SQL Select or SQL
Update.
2. Proceed in the SQL Wizard until you reach the Create Row Filter dialog box.
NOTE: You can only create a row filter when constructing an SQL SELECT or SQL UPDATE
command.

2. In the Create Row Filter dialog box, select a column from the list of available columns and
click Add. Repeat this action for each column to use in the Row Filter or, to add all the
columns, click All >>.
3. Select a column from the list of selected columns.
4. Select a comparison operator from the Operator drop-down list box.
5. Enter a comparison value in the Value box or select a query property to compare the column
value to.

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6. To negate the action of the comparison operator, select Is/Does Not from the Operator drop-
down list box.
7. Repeat Steps 3 through 6 until the row filter is complete.
8. Click Next to continue creating the query.
- Or -
Click Back to return to the previous screen in the SQL Wizard.
- Or -
Click Finish if the query is done.
NOTES:
• To remove a column from the row filter, select it from the Selected Columns list and click
Remove; click << All to remove all the columns in the row filter.

• The resulting Select statement connects multiple comparison expressions with the AND
keyword; that is, the row is selected when both comparison expressions are true. To use the
OR keyword, which selects the row if one of the two comparison expressions is true, edit the
finished Select statement.

Creating a Statement Manually

To query a database by entering or pasting an SQL statement:

1. Open the VisiconX Data Control OLE Properties dialog box. For information on how to do
this in your product, refer to the Accessing VisiconX OLE Control Properties section.
2. From the Record Source tab, in the Command Type drop-down list box, select SQL
Command.
3. In the SQL Command Text box, enter or paste the SQL command.
4. To start a new line or to create line breaks in the SQL command, press CTRL+ENTER.

Creating a Query for an Entire Table

To query an entire table:

1. Open the VisiconX Data Control OLE Properties dialog box. For information on how to do
this in your product, refer to the Accessing VisiconX OLE Control Properties section.
2. From the Record Source tab, in the Command Type drop-down list box, select Table.
3. In the Table drop-down list box, enter a table name.
4. Click List Columns if you want to see the columns defined to the selected table and their data
types.

Creating a Query Using a Stored Procedure

To create a query based on a stored procedure:

1. Open the VisiconX Data Control OLE Properties dialog box. For information on how to do

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this in your product, refer to the Accessing VisiconX OLE Control Properties section.
2. From the Record Source tab, in the Command Type drop-down list box, select Stored
Procedure.
3. Enter a stored procedure name in the Stored Procedure drop-down list box.
4. Click List Parameters to display the query properties mapped to the stored procedure
parameters.
5. Click OK.
6. Animate the query properties that map to the input parameters for the stored procedure.
NOTE: CIMPLICITY users need to use CimEdit Basic script to use query properties. For
more information, see Using Query Properties in CIMPLICITY.

Displaying Data at Run Time

Refer to the following sections for information on creating displaying data at runtime when using
VisiconX controls:
• Overview: Displaying Data at Run Time
• Hiding the Data Control at Run Time
• Configuring Run Time Display Properties

Overview: Displaying Data at Run Time

To display data in Grid, ListBox, or ComboBox controls in iFIX:

1. Animate the controls to use the ADORecords of the Data Control as a data source.
2. To switch to Run mode:
In Ribbon view, on the Home tab, in the WorkSpace group, click Switch to Run.
- Or -
In Classic view, on the WorkSpace toolbar click Run.

To display data in Grid, ListBox, or ComboBox controls in CIMPLICITY:

1. Associate the controls with a Data Control. You can change or verify the association by
double-clicking on the control and selecting or viewing the current data source.
2. Run CimView on the screen file.

Hiding the Data Control at Run Time

To make the Data Control invisible in the run-time environment:

1. Open the Properties dialog box. For information on how to do this in your product, refer to the
Accessing VisiconX Object Properties section.
2. In the Property window, set the InvisibleInRunMode property setting to True.

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Configuring Run Time Display Properties

To configure the text and color properties of the Grid, ListBox, and ComboBox
controls:

1. Open the VisiconX Data Control OLE Properties dialog box. For information on how to do
this in your product, refer to the Accessing VisiconX OLE Control Properties section.
2. Click the Font tab.
3. Select the font, font size, and any special font effects, such as bold or italic. The Sample Text
box shows a sample of your current selection.
4. Click the Color tab.
5. Select Standard Colors or Windows System Colors from the Color Set list box.
6. For each control element, such as Fore Color and Back Color, select a color from the Color
Palette scroll box or click Edit Custom Colors to further refine your color selection.
NOTE: To avoid repetitions of recurring column values, set MergeCells to True in the object
Properties dialog box. To hide the outside border of the Grid Control, set BorderStyle to 0
(vxBorderNone).

Accessing VisiconX Properties

VisiconX control objects have two types of properties: object properties, which are part of any object
in iFIX or CIMPLICITY; and OLE control properties, which are specific to VisiconX.
Refer to the following links for information on how to access and edit either of these types of
properties:
• VisiconX Object Properties
• VisiconX OLE Control Properties

Accessing VisiconX Object Properties

To access and edit VisiconX object properties in iFIX:

1. Right-click a VisiconX control in your iFIX WorkSpace picture and choose Property
Window. The iFIX Properties dialog box for the selected object appears.
2. Edit the properties you want to change.
3. Optionally, if you want to edit the object properties of another VisiconX control in the same
picture, select it from the drop-down list in the Properties dialog box.

To access and edit VisiconX object properties in CIMPLICITY:

1. Right-click a VisiconX control in your CimEdit screen and choose Properties. The
CIMPLICITY Properties dialog box for the selected object appears.
2. Click the Control Properties tab.
3. Edit the properties you want to change.

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Accessing VisiconX OLE Control Properties

To access and edit VisiconX OLE Control properties in iFIX:

1. Right-click a VisiconX control in your iFIX WorkSpace picture and choose Properties
[control name] Object. The OLE Properties dialog box for the selected object appears.
2. Edit the properties you want to change.

To access and edit VisiconX OLE Control properties in CIMPLICITY:

1. Right-click a VisiconX control in your CimEdit screen, point to the Object name, and then
choose Properties. The OLE Properties dialog box for the selected object appears.
2. Edit the properties you want to change.
TIP: CIMPLICITY users can also access the Data Control's OLE Properties dialog box by double-
clicking the Data Control in the CimEdit screen, and then clicking on the Configure Database
Connection button in the dialog box that appears.

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Consult the following topics for iFIX-specific information and procedures regarding VisiconX:
• Inserting VisiconX Controls in iFIX
• Using Electronic Signatures with SQL Commands
• Using VisiconX Properties and Methods in iFIX
• Animating Grid, ListBox, or ComboBox Controls
• Animating Query Properties
• iFIX How Do I...

Inserting VisiconX Controls in iFIX

After installing VisiconX, the Proficy iFIX WorkSpace includes a new toolbar, VisiconX, with four
buttons:

VisiconX Toolbar

In Classic view, use these toolbar buttons to insert VisiconX controls into your picture. In Ribbon
view, you may access the VisiconX controls from the Ribbon, on the Insert tab, in the VisiconX group.
The control appears in the picture, with handles that you can grab to move and size the control as you
would with any picture object.
For more information about moving and sizing picture objects, see the iFIX Creating Pictures e-book.
If the VisiconX toolbar is not visible in the WorkSpace, it either needs to be imported or it needs to be
selected from the list of available toolbars to display.
After inserting VisiconX controls into your picture, they appear as objects in the WorkSpace system
tree. The following table displays the naming conventions used for each object. In this naming
convention, n is an integer, starting with 1, which is automatically incremented for each new
occurrence of an object type.

Control Naming Convention

Data Control vxDatan

Grid Control vxGridn

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Control Naming Convention

ListBox Control vxListn

ComboBox Control vxCombon

Using Electronic Signatures with SQL Commands

When you are creating SQL Select, Insert, or Update statements for your VisiconX data control in
iFIX, you have the option of requiring electronic signatures to be used for these commands when
WorkSpace is in run mode. You can apply Perform Only or Perform and Verify signatures to your
statements.
When your data control is opened in run mode, you are prompted with the Electronic Signature login
dialog box. When you sign in, a message is sent to the iFIX alarm system. If the signature is valid a
successful signature message displays. If the signature is invalid, an Invalid Esignature message
displays.
For more detailed information about using electronic signatures, see Using Electronic Signatures.
These electronic signatures are provided for added security. For example, if you are changing data in a
database and require those changes to be audited. You can access the audit trail from the same
esignature audit trail that the other iFIX esignatures use. For more information, see Creating an
Electronic Signature Audit Trail.

Using VisiconX to View Historian Data

Beginning with iFIX 5.0, you can easily configure VisiconX data and grid objects to display Historian
data in pictures, using the VisiconX Configuration to View Historian Data tool; the tool is available
from the Proficy Historian toolbar (Classic and Ribbon views) or from the Insert tab, in the VisiconX
group, in the VisiconX Controls (Ribbon view).
Configuring VisiconX to view Historian data allows you to display data in Grid and Data Controls; the
data displayed is based on the parameters you set at configuration time. You can choose the time, date,
tag name and query during the configuration process.
Although the Data and Grid objects are standard VisiconX objects, because you have configured them
using the configuration tool to use Historian data, they are already animated. When you place them in
the picture, they require no further configuration, unlike directly placing VisiconX Data and Grid
objects.

Using VisiconX Properties and Methods in iFIX

Like other iFIX objects, VisiconX objects have associated properties and methods that you can use in
VisualBasic scripts or to animate other objects. These properties and methods give you the flexibility
to use a variety of objects to access and display data.
For example, to let users access different databases in Run mode, you might want to insert individual,
labeled command buttons rather than several Data Control objects. In Run mode, the user can click a
button, which executes a Visual Basic script that uses the properties and methods of the Data Control

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to connect to a database and execute a query. You can even invoke the SQL Wizard in Run mode using
the RunSQLWizard method.
You also use properties to animate other objects. For example, you typically animate grid objects with
the ADORecords property of a Data Control. Similarly, you can use properties to animate other
objects, like the caption of a Data link or the HorizontalFillPercentage of a rectangle.
The following sections describe how to use the properties and methods of the VisiconX objects:
• In Run mode within a VisualBasic script.
• In Configuration mode in an object Properties window.
• To animate other objects.

Using VisiconX Properties and Methods in a Visual Basic Script

VisiconX properties and methods are integrated with Microsoft's Visual Basic Editor, giving you the
means to configure and manipulate the object in Run mode using Visual Basic scripts.
For more information about writing Visual Basic scripts for iFIX objects, see the iFIX Writing Scripts
e-book. For detailed descriptions of VisiconX properties, methods, and events, see the VisiconX
Automation Reference section.
The following section describes using properties and methods with Data Controls. Only one method,
AboutBox, can be used with Grid, ListBox, and ComboBox Controls.

Using Properties and Methods with a Data Control in iFIX

Using Data Control properties and methods within Visual Basic scripts that are associated with option
buttons, command buttons, and so on, gives you the option to create an intuitive, flexible, and
attractive Run mode environment. The methods associated with the Data Control object, vxDatan, fall
into the following descriptive categories.

Descriptive Category Methods

Connects or disconnects from the database provider and queries the database DBConnect
DBDisconnect
RefreshData

Builds an SQL Select statement. RunSQLWizard

Moves the position of the row pointer in the ADO Record set. MoveFirst
MoveNext
MovePrevious
MoveLast

The following illustration shows a picture in Run mode that contains a number of command buttons
and a Grid Control. The SQL Server and Jet command buttons connect to and query an SQL Server
database and Microsoft Access database respectively. The Top, Bottom, Next, and Previous buttons
move the current pointer in the Grid Control.

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Using VisiconX Properties and Methods in Run Mode

Below is the script associated with the SQL Server button in the preceding illustration.
Private Sub CommandButton1_Click()

vxData1.DBDisconnect

vxData1.OLEDBProvider = "SQLOLEDB"

vxData1.Server = "QALAB15"

vxData1.Database = "NORTHWIND"

vxData1.User = "sa"

vxData1.SourceType = vxSourceSQL

vxData1.RunSQLWizard

vxData1.DBConnect

End Sub

This script:
1. Uses the DBDisconnect method to disconnect from the current data provider.
2. Uses properties for Data Control, vxData1, to configure it to access an SQL Server provider
and database. The type of command it submits, determined by the SourceType property, is an
SQL Command.
3. Initiates the SQL Wizard in response to the RunSQLWizard method

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4. Uses the DBConnect method to connect to the database and run its query.
The following example shows the script for the Top button in the preceding illustration; it sets the
current row pointer to the first row in the ADO Record set.
Private Sub CommandButton5_Click()

vxData1.MoveFirst

End Sub

The command buttons in the previous example make it unnecessary to display the Data Control in the
Run time environment, because the buttons duplicate the function of the navigation arrows in the Data
Control. To make the Data Control invisible in the Run mode environment, use the Properties window
to set its InvisibleInRunMode property to True.

Setting VisiconX Properties in an iFIX Properties Window

To set configuration properties of a VisiconX object, such as display attributes in the run-time
environment, you can use the Properties window for the object. The Properties window provides a
simple and quick way to expose the properties of any object. It displays the properties both
alphabetically and by category.
For example, this figure shows the Properties window in iFIX for a Grid Control, vxGrid1. The
Categorized tab displays properties organized by those that pertain to display properties for the grid,
behavior, and so on. In this example, the current background color for the grid cells is white. Clicking
the down-arrow displays the color palette, from which you can select another color for the cell
background.

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Properties Window in iFIX

Use the Properties window to expose some properties that are not visible in the user interface such as
MergeCells, BorderStyle, DisplayHeader, DisplayRowMarker, Autoresize, and ColumnWidths for
Grid Controls and InvisibleInRunMode for Data Controls. Using the Properties window also lets you
quickly set properties without activating object dialog boxes in the user interface, expediting
development and testing.
The properties associated with the Grid, ListBox, and ComboBox controls pertain primarily to display
properties for the controls, such as the display font and colors for the text and background of the
objects.
The properties associated with the Data Control include 32 query properties, 64 column properties, and
a variety of configuration properties.

Animating Objects with VisiconX Properties in iFIX

Animating objects with VisiconX properties has already been introduced in the sections Animating

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Grid, ListBox, or ComboBox Controls and Animating Query Properties. What wasn't made obvious in
those sections was that you were actually using a VisiconX property, most often ADORecords, as the
animation source.
The following illustration shows a Data link, displaying the value 120.00, and a rectangle. The caption
of the Data link and the VerticalFillPercentage of the Rectangle are animated by the Column3 property
of the Data Control.

Animating Objects with VisiconX Properties

In this case, Column3 contains the number of product units in stock. The Data link displays the number
of units in stock for the current row and the rectangle fills as a percentage of the number of units in
stock.

Animating Grid, ListBox, or ComboBox Controls in iFIX

A Data Control defines the connection to the OLE DB data provider and determines what data to
retrieve. To display the retrieved data, use the Grid, ListBox, and ComboBox Controls.
The Grid Control displays data in a table-like format. The ListBox and ComboBox Controls display
the values of a single column of a queried table in a scrollable list box or a drop-down list box.

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To display data in these controls in iFIX, you must animate them and select the Data Control as the
animation data source. The animated connection means that you can re-configure the Data Control, for
example, to query another database or table, and automatically update the display in the connected
display controls.
Note that you can also animate the query properties of the Data Control with the values of the Grid,
ListBox, and ComboBox controls. For example, the item selected in a list box can animate a Data
Control query property, which is used to filter the data returned by the data query.
For more information about animating objects, see the iFIX Creating Pictures e-book. For more
information about animating query properties, see Animating Query Properties.

Animating a Grid Control

Typically, the data source that animates the Grid Control is a Data Control. Most often, the data source
name is:
Picturename.vxDataN.ADORecords

where Picturename is the name of the WorkSpace picture and vxDataN is the Data Control that is
animating the Grid Control. The last part of the data source name, ADORecords, is selected from the
Properties list; it contains the data retrieved from the OLE DB data provider.
• NOTE: In place of ADORecords, you may want to select ColumnNames from the Properties
list to display the column names of the queried table or TableNames to display the table
names of the queried database.

Animating ListBox and ComboBox Controls

ListBox and ComboBox Controls display the values of a column in the table of retrieved data. To
designate which column values to display, you need to know the column sequence in the retrieved
table. Generally, this should match the sequence of columns in the SQL Select statement built by the
SQL Wizard.
Typically, the data source that animates the ListBox or ComboBox Control is a Data Control. Most
often, the data source name is:
Picturename.vxDataN.ADORecords

where Picturename is the name of the WorkSpace picture and vxDataN is the Data Control that is
animating the ListBox or ComboBox Control. The last part of the data source name, ADORecords, is
selected from the Properties list; it contains the data retrieved from the OLE DB data provider.
• NOTE: In place of ADORecords, you may want to select ColumnNames from the Properties
list to display the column names of the queried table or TableNames to display the table
names of the queried database.

Animating Query Properties

Query Properties are properties of the Data Control. Query properties, QP1 through QP32, serve as
variables in the query submitted to the database. These properties can be set to any value or can be
animated by any object. To use query properties in a query, you can:
• Select them in the Create Row Filter dialog box of the SQL Wizard
• Enter them manually in an SQL Select or Update statement, using the following syntax:
{ts 'QPn'}

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where n is an integer from 1 to 32.

If you use a stored procedure to query a database, VisiconX automatically assigns query properties to
the parameters of the stored procedure.
The query properties act as placeholders in the query statement. In this example:
OrderDate={ts 'QP1'} and Customer= 'QP2'

the query substitutes values for QP1 and QP2; the resulting query might look something like this:
OrderDate={ts '1999-02-18 00:00:00'} and Customer= 'FOLKO'

You animate query properties through the Data Control. The query gets the substitution values from
objects linked to the query property, such as an OLE object, a Data link, or another object control.
When you switch to run mode, the objects animated by the Data Control, such as the Grid Control, will
appear empty until you select or enter a value in the object that is animating the query property. For
example, suppose you animate the query property with the value selected in a ListBox Control. The list
box value animates a query property in the Data Control, which in turn, determines the data displayed
in the Grid Control.
For more information about animating objects, see the iFIX Creating Pictures manual.

Animating Query Properties with OLE Objects

Using OLE objects with VisiconX Controls gives you a tremendous amount of flexibility for querying
and displaying data. For example, you can display data in a Grid Control based on the date selected in
an OLE Calendar control. You can use Microsoft Form objects, such as check boxes, option buttons,
list boxes, and so on, to filter the data displayed.
VisiconX Controls themselves are OLE objects that can be used to animate a query property. The
options are limitless, especially for those users who are familiar with coding Visual Basic logic for
Microsoft Forms objects.

Animating Query Properties with Data Links

Data links give you a flexible tool for displaying text and values from process databases. Data links
provide:
• Access to any data source.
• The ability to enter data.
• Flexible display formatting.
• Definable output error messages.
With VisiconX Controls, you might want to use Data links to quickly test out some design features for
your SQL queries and displays. For users who manually enter or paste in SQL commands, using a Data
link gives you the ability to edit the command in Run mode and see the results immediately.
For more information about Data links, see the iFIX Creating Pictures manual.

Examples of Animating Query Properties

The following examples are all based on a query submitted to a table in an Access database. The query
retrieves all rows from the table where the query property equals the value of the batch serial number.
The table name in this example is Unit_Operation_Proc:

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Unit_Operation_Proc.Batch_Serial_No = QP1

The examples use different data sources to animate the query property, as follows:
• Example 1 uses a ListBox Control.
• Example 2 uses a Microsoft Forms check box control.
• Example 3 uses the caption of a Data link control.

Example 1: Using a ListBox Control

This example animates the query property used in the following Where clause
Unit_Operation_Proc.Batch_Serial_No = QP1

with the text of a ListBox Control. That is, the value selected in the list box filters the rows displayed
in the Grid Control, as shown in the following figure.

Animating Query Properties with a ListBox Control

Example 2: Using a Microsoft Forms Check Box Control

This example animates the query property used in the following Where clause
Unit_Operation_Proc.Batch_Serial_No = QP1

with the caption of a Microsoft Forms check box control. The check box object toggles the displayed
data, based on one of two batch serial numbers, as shown in the following figure.

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Animating Query Properties with a Check Box Object

The following script was entered for the Click action for the Microsoft Forms CheckBox control:
Private Sub CheckBox1_Click()

If CheckBox1.Value Then

CheckBox1.Caption = "570"

Else

CheckBox1.Caption = "574"

End If

End Sub

In Run mode, the check box displays `570' when the box is checked and the Grid Control displays all
operation processes for that batch serial number. When the check box is cleared, `574' appears in the
check box caption and the Grid Control displays all operation processes for batch serial number 574.

Example 3: Using a Data Link Control

This example animates the query property used in the following Where clause
Unit_Operation_Proc.Batch_Serial_No = QP1

with the value supplied by a Data link. Each time you change the value of the Data link in Run mode,
the display in the Grid Control changes. In this picture, the value of the Data link animates the query
property and all unit operation processes for batch serial number 570 are displayed in the Grid Control.

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Animating Query Properties with a Data Link

iFIX VisiconX Dialog Boxes

The VisiconX application includes the following dialog box specific to iFIX:
• VisiconX Configuration to View Historian Data Dialog Box

VisiconX Configuration to View Historian Data Dialog Box

The VisiconX Configuration to View Historian Data dialog box displays the following items:

Historian Configuration

Server

Lets you enter the name of the Historian server to which you want to connect. If you do not specify a
server name, the default Historian server is used.

User Name

Allows you to enter the Historian server user name.

Password

Allows you to enter the password for the Historian server.

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Raw Data

Connect to ihrawData Table

Click this button to use the data in Historian's ihrawData table.

Select a Tag Name

Select tags to use from the list box. You may select more than one Tag Name by using either the Shift
or Ctrl key and clicking additional files.

Time Stamp

From:

Enter the time you want the data query to begin, using the format for your region. The format is
indicated in the example.

To:

Enter the time you want the data query to stop, using the format for your region. The format is
indicated in the example.

Advanced

Click this button to display the All Historian Tables area.

All Historian Tables

Form Your Own Query Check Box

Click this button if you want to use the SQL Wizard to build your own query.

Selected Query

Displays the query created by the SQL Wizard. You may also enter a query in this field or modify the
query created by the SQL Wizard. This field can be edited only if Advanced is selected.

iFIX How Do I...

How Do I... (iFIX)

Click the following links for more information about working with VisiconX in iFIX:
• Working with VisiconX in the WorkSpace
• Using VisiconX Properties and Methods
• Animating Controls
• Animating Query Properties

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Working with VisiconX in the Workspace

Click the following links for more steps on how to work with VisiconX in the Proficy iFIX
WorkSpace:
• Inserting a VisiconX Control
• Adding the VisiconX Toolbar to the WorkSpace
• Setting Synchronous Execution with VisiconX

Inserting a VisiconX Control in iFIX

To insert a VisiconX data control:

In Ribbon view, on the Insert tab, in the VisiconX group, click VisiconX Controls, and then
click VisiconX Data Control.
- Or -
In Classic view, on the VisiconX toolbar, click the first button.

To insert a VisiconX grid control:

In Ribbon view, on the Insert tab, in the VisiconX group, click VisiconX Controls, and then
click VisiconX grid control.
- Or -
In Classic view, on the VisiconX toolbar, click the second button.

To insert a VisiconX list box control:

In Ribbon view, on the Insert tab, in the VisiconX group, click VisiconX Controls, and then
click VisiconX List Box Control.
- Or -
In Classic view, on the VisiconX toolbar, click the third button.

To insert a VisiconX combo box control:

In Ribbon view, on the Insert tab, in the VisiconX group, click VisiconX Controls, and then
click VisiconX Combo Box Control.
- Or -
In Classic view, on the VisiconX toolbar, click the fourth button.
TIP: If the VisiconX toolbar is not visible, you can make it appear by adding it to the WorkSpace.
Refer to the Adding the VisiconX Toolbar to the WorkSpace procedure for details.

Adding the VisiconX Toolbar to the WorkSpace

To import the VisiconX toolbar or make it visible in the WorkSpace:

NOTE: All of the functionality provided by the toolbar is available in Ribbon view on the Insert

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tab, in the VisiconX group.

1. In the iFIX WorkSpace, in Ribbon view, on the Home tab, in the WorkSpace group, click
Settings, and then click Toolbars.
- Or -
In Classic view, on the WorkSpace menu, click Toolbars.
2. In the Owner list box, select Picture.
3. If VisiconX appears in the list of toolbars, select it to make it visible.
4. If VisiconX does not appear in the list of toolbars, click Customize to import it.
5. In the Toolbars tab, click Import.
6. Select VisiconXToolbar.

Setting Synchronous Execution for VisiconX

To change VisiconX to use synchronous execution:

1. In Notepad or other Windows text editor, open the FixUserPreferences.ini file. By default,
the FixUserPreferences.ini file is located in the C:\Program Files\GE Fanuc\Proficy
iFIX\LOCAL folder.
2. Change the setting for RunAsynch to FALSE:
[VisiconX]

RunAsynch=FALSE

NOTE: By default, VisiconX uses asynchronous execution logic to SELECT data from an OLE
DB provider. You need to change this setting if your OLE DB provider does not support
asynchronous execution. When you change this setting, it is applied globally in the WorkSpace
(for all VisiconX data controls and all OLE DB providers in all pictures). You do not need to
re-build or re-save pictures. The data control uses synchronous execution the next time you
open a picture.

3. Save the file.

Configuring VisiconX to View Historian Data

To configure VisiconX to view Historian data:

1. In Ribbon view, on the Insert tab, in the VisiconX group, click VisiconX Controls, and then
click Configure VisiconX Historical Data.

- Or -
In Classic view, on the Proficy Historian toolbar, click Automatically Configure VisiconX
Objects to View Proficy Historical Data.
2. In the Historian Configuration area, enter the following information:
• Historian server name,
• Historian server user name, and

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• Historian server password.

3. Choose to use either raw or historical data. To use raw data, go to Step 4. To use historical
data, go to Step 9.
4. Click Connect to ihrawData Table and click OK.
5. Select a tag name from the Select a Tag Name list. To select multiple tag names, use either
Ctrl or Shift and click the additional tag names.
NOTE: To prevent the WorkSpace from crashing, limit tag selection so that there are less than
a total of 4000 characters in the tag names.

6. In the From field, enter the time you want the query to start.
7. In the To field, enter the time you want the query to end .
8. Click OK. End of procedure.
9. To write your own query:
a. Click Advanced.
b. In the All Historian Tables area, click Form Your Own Query.
c. To use the SQL Wizard to assist you in writing a query, click SQL Select and
proceed through the SQL command construction wizard. At the end of the wizard,
click OK.
NOTE: If the SQL Wizard does not appear, and you want to use it, double-click Form
Your Own Query.

d. Otherwise, click Cancel and enter your query in the Selected Query field.
e. Click OK.

Using VisiconX Properties and Methods in iFIX: Procedures

Click the following links for more information about procedures to use with VisiconX properties and
methods in iFIX:
• Using Properties and Methods in a Visual Basic Script
• Exposing VisiconX Properties through a Property Window

Using VisiconX Properties and Methods in a Visual Basic Script

To use VisiconX properties and methods in a Visual Basic script:

1. Insert a VisiconX Data Control and Grid Control, ListBox Control, and/or ComboBox
Control into a picture in the iFIX WorkSpace.
2. Select an object in the picture.
3. Right-click and select Edit Script. The Visual Basic Editor appears.
4. In the Visual Basic Editor, select the event, from the drop-down list box, that activates the
associated script in Run mode.
5. In the script area, enter the name of the VisiconX object, for example vxData1, followed by a
period (.). The list of properties and methods available to the VisiconX object appear when
you type the period.

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6. Select or enter the property or method.

7. If necessary, enter an equal sign (=) and the value assigned to the property. In some cases, the
Visual Basic editor displays selectable values.

Editing VisiconX Properties in the iFIX Properties Dialog Box

To edit VisiconX properties in the iFIX Properties dialog box:

1. In the iFIX WorkSpace, select the object.

2. Right-click and select Property Window. The Properties dialog box appears.
3. Optionally, click the Alphabetic tab to view the properties alphabetically or the Categorized
tab to view them by categories.
4. Select a property to modify.
5. If the property displays a down-arrow button or a button with ellipses, select it to choose an
option. Otherwise, enter the value to associate with the property.

Animating Controls: Procedures

For VisiconX, refer to the following sections for procedures used to animate controls:
• Animating a Grid Control
• Animating a ListBox or ComboBox Control

Animating a Grid Control

To animate a Grid Control:

1. In the iFIX WorkSpace, insert a VisiconX Grid Control into a picture.

2. Right-click the VisiconX Grid Control and select Animations from the pop-up menu. The
Basic Animation dialog box appears.
3. Click the Configure button. The VisiconX Advanced Animations dialog box appears.
4. Click the Behavior tab.
5. Click the Animate button for ADORecords in the Property Name scroll box.
6. In the Dynamic Setting area for the ADORecords property, enter the ADORecords data
source. Generally, this is ADORecords, as follows:
Picture-name.vxDataN.ADORecords

6. Select Object from the Data Conversion drop-down list box.

NOTE: In place of ADORecords, you may want to select ColumnNames from the Properties
list to display the column names of the queried table or TableNames to display the table names
of the queried database.

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Animating a ListBox or ComboBox Control

To animate a ListBox or a ComboBox Control:

1. In the iFIX WorkSpace, insert a VisiconX ListBox or ComboBox Control into the picture.
2. Right-click the VisiconX ListBox or ComboBox Control and select Animations from the pop-
up menu. The Basic Animation dialog box appears.
3. Click the Behavior tab. The VisiconX Advanced Animations dialog box appears.
4. Find ColumnNumber in the Property Name scroll box. The default number is 0, which
displays the first column of retrieved data. Enter another number to display values of a
different column.
5. Click the Animate button for ADORecords in the Property Name scroll box.
6. In the Dynamic Setting area for the ADORecords property, enter the ADORecords data
source. Generally, this is ADORecords, as follows:
Picture-name.vxDataN.ADORecords

7. Select Object from the Data Conversion drop-down list box.

NOTE: In place of ADORecords, you may want to select ColumnNames from the Properties
list to display the column names of the queried table or TableNames to display the table
names of the queried database.

Animating Query Properties: Procedures

For VisiconX, refer to the following sections for procedures used to animate query properties:
• Overview: Animating Query Properties
• Animating Query Properties with an OLE Object
• Animating Query Properties with a Data Link

Overview: Animating Query Properties

To animate a query property:

1. In the iFIX WorkSpace, insert an object in your picture that will supply the data for the query
property.
2. In the Create Row Filter dialog box of the SQL Wizard, create a comparison expression that
uses a query property.
3. Right-click the Data Control and select Animations from the pop-up menu. The Basic
Animation dialog box appears.
4. Click the Query tab.
5. Click the Animate button of the QP property used in the comparison expression.
6. In the Dynamic Settings area, enter the data source that animates the query property.
7. Select a Data Conversion option for the Query Property, which is usually Object.

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Animating Query Properties with an OLE Object

To animate a query property with an OLE object:

1. In the iFIX WorkSpace, insert and configure a VisiconX Data Control.

2. Create a query for the VisiconX Data Control, using the SQL Wizard and a query property
(QP) in the Row Filter comparison expression.
3. Insert a Grid Control and animate it, selecting the Data Control as the animation data source.
4. Insert an OLE object. If necessary, edit the script for the change event.
5. Animate the query property in the Data Control.
6. Select the OLE object and its property as the animation data source for the query property.
Select Object for Data Conversion.
7. Switch to Run mode. Select a value in the OLE object. The Grid Control displays the data
filtered by the OLE object value.

Animating Query Properties with a Data Link

To animate a query property with a Data link:

1. In the iFIX WorkSpace, insert and configure a VisiconX Data Control.

2. In the Create Row Filter dialog box, create a query that uses a query property.
3. Insert a VisiconX Grid, ListBox, or ComboBox Control and animate it. Use the VisiconX
Data Control as the animation data source.
4. To insert a Data link object:
In Ribbon view, on the Insert tab, in the Objects/Links group, click Objects/Links and then
Datalink.
- Or -
In Classic view, on the WorkSpace Insert menu, select Datalink.
5. In the Datalink dialog box, select the source. This could be Caption for in-place entries. From
the Data Entry list, select In-Place and if necessary, increase the Chars/Line value.
6. Right-click the Data link to animate its caption. Select the Text tab.
7. Click the Animate button for the Caption property. Select the Data link’s caption as its data
source and choose In-Place for Data Entry.
8. Right-click the Data Control and animate the query property used in the Filter Options dialog
box. Use the caption of the Data link as the animation data source.
9. In the iFIX WorkSpace, switch to Run mode.
10. Modify the caption in the Data link to change the rows displayed in the Grid Control.

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Consult the following topics for CIMPLICITY-specific information and procedures pertaining to
VisiconX:
• Inserting VisiconX Controls in CIMPLICITY
• Using VisiconX Properties and Methods in CIMPLICITY
• CIMPLICITY VisiconX Dialog Boxes
• CIMPLICITY How Do I...

Inserting VisiconX Controls in CIMPLICITY

After installing VisiconX, the CimEdit Object Explorer will contain a new folder, VisiconX,
displaying four objects, one for each VisiconX control. Drag an object into your CimEdit screen to
insert a VisiconX control.
When you drag a VisiconX Data Control into your CimEdit screen, a dialog box will prompt you to
choose a name for the Data Control. Once you have entered a name, you can either click OK to place
the control in the CimEdit screen, or you can click the Configure Database Connection button to begin
configuring the Data Control.
When you drag any of the other three VisiconX controls into your CimEdit screen, a dialog box will
prompt you to select a data source from a list of Data Controls that have previously been inserted.
• NOTE: If you insert a ListBox Control, ComboBox Control, or Grid Control into the CimEdit
screen and you have not yet inserted a Data Control, a message window will inform you that
you must select a data source later. When you click OK, the control will be placed in the
CimEdit screen.

Once inserted in the CimEdit screen, the VisiconX objects have handles that you can grab to move and
size them as you would with any picture object.
For more information about moving and sizing picture objects, see the CIMPLICITY manual.

Using VisiconX Properties and Methods in CIMPLICITY

Like other OLE objects, VisiconX objects have associated properties and methods that you can use in
CimEdit Basic scripts. These properties and methods give you the flexibility to use a variety of objects
to access and display data.
For example, to let users access different databases at run time, you might want to insert individual,
labeled command buttons rather than several Data Control objects. At run time, the user can click a
button, which executes a script that uses the properties and methods of the Data Control to connect to a
database and execute a query. You can even invoke the SQL Wizard at run time using the
RunSQLWizard method.
The following sections describe how to use the properties and methods of the VisiconX objects:
• At run time within a CimEdit Basic script.

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• In a CimEdit object Properties dialog box.

Using VisiconX Properties and Methods in a CimEdit Basic Script

VisiconX properties and methods are accessible in the CimEdit’s script editor just as other ActiveX
controls, giving you the means to configure and manipulate the object at run time using scripts.
For more information about writing CimEdit Basic scripts, see the Cimplicity CimEdit manual. For
detailed descriptions of VisiconX properties, methods, and events, refer to the VisiconX Automation
Reference section.
The Using Properties and Methods with a Data Control in CIMPLICITY section describes using
properties and methods with Data Controls. Only one method, AboutBox, can be used with Grid,
ListBox, and ComboBox Controls.

Using Properties and Methods with a Data Control in CIMPLICITY

Using Data Control properties and methods within CimEdit Basic scripts gives you the option to create
an intuitive, flexible, and attractive run-time environment. The methods associated with the Data
Control object fall into the following descriptive categories.

Descriptive Category Methods

Connects or disconnects from the database provider and queries the database DBConnect
DBDisconnect
RefreshData

Builds an SQL Select statement. RunSQLWizard

Moves the position of the row pointer in the ADO Record set. MoveFirst
MoveNext
MovePrevious
MoveLast

The following illustration shows a screen in CimView that contains a number of buttons and a Grid
Control. The SQL Server and Jet buttons connect to and query an SQL Server database and Microsoft
Access database respectively. The Top, Bottom, Next, and Previous buttons move the current pointer
in the Grid Control.

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Using VisiconX Properties and Methods in the run-time environment

Below is the script associated with the SQL Server button in the preceding illustration.
Private Sub OnMouseDown()

Dim vxData1 As Object

Set vxData1 = CimGetScreen.Object.Objects.Item("vxData1").OleObject

vxData1.DBDisconnect

vxData1.OLEDBProvider = "SQLOLEDB"

vxData1.Server = "QALAB15"

vxData1.Database = "NORTHWIND"

vxData1.User = "sa"

vxData1.SourceType = vxSourceSQL

vxData1.RunSQLWizard

vxData1.DBConnect

End Sub

This script:
1. Uses the DBDisconnect method to disconnect from the current data provider.
2. Uses properties for Data Control, vxData1, to configure it to access an SQL Server provider

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and database. The type of command it submits, determined by the SourceType property, is an
SQL Command.
3. Initiates the SQL Wizard in response to the RunSQLWizard method
4. Uses the DBConnect method to connect to the database and run its query.
The following example shows the script for the Top button in the preceding illustration; it sets the
current row pointer to the first row in the ADO Record set.
Private Sub OnMouseDown()

Dim vxData1 As Object

Set vxData1 = CimGetScreen.Object.Objects.Item("vxData1").OleObject

vxData1.MoveFirst

End Sub

The buttons in the previous example make it unnecessary to display the Data Control in the run-time
environment, because the buttons duplicate the function of the navigation arrows in the Data Control.
To make the Data Control invisible in the run-time environment, use the Properties dialog box to set its
InvisibleInRunMode property to True.

Setting VisiconX Properties in a CimEdit Properties Dialog Box

To set object configuration properties of a VisiconX object, such as display attributes in the run-time
environment, you can use the Control Properties tab in the Properties dialog for the object. The tab
provides a simple and quick way to expose the properties of any object. It displays the properties
alphabetically.
For example, the following figure shows the Control Properties tab in CimEdit for a Grid Control.

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Properties Window in CimEdit

In this example, the current background color for the grid cells is white. Clicking the down-arrow
displays the color palette, from which you can select another color for the cell background.
Use the Properties window to expose some properties that are not visible in the user interface such as
MergeCells, BorderStyle, DisplayHeader, DisplayRowMarker, Autoresize, and ColumnWidths for
Grid Controls and InvisibleInRunMode for Data Controls.
The properties associated with the Grid, ListBox, and ComboBox controls pertain primarily to display
properties for the controls, such as the display font and colors for the text and background of the
objects.
The properties associated with the Data Control include 32 query properties, 64 column properties, and
a variety of configuration properties.

Using Query Properties in CIMPLICITY

CIMPLICITY requires the use of CimEdit Basic script in order to take advantage of VisiconX SQL
query properties. For example, if you want to query a ProductionEventRecords table to find all records
whose severity is greater than 4, you would need to create the following two elements in your CimEdit
screen:
• A VisiconX Data Control containing the following SQL command:
SELECT * FROM ProductionEventRecords WHERE

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ProductionEventRecords.Severity > QP1

• A text button that defines an event action for the "Mouse Down" event with the following
script:
Sub OnMouseDown(x As Long, y As Long, flags As Long)

CimGetScreen.Object.Objects.Item("MyDataControlName").OleObject.
QP1 = 4

End Sub

At run time, when you click the button, the VisiconX Data control will query for only those records in
the ProductionEventRecords table whose severity is greater than 4.

CIMPLICITY VisiconX Dialog Boxes

VisiconX includes the following dialog boxes that are only available in CIMPLICITY:
• VisiconX ListBox Control Dialog Box
• VisiconX ComboBox Control Dialog Box
• VisiconX Grid Control Dialog Box
• VisiconX Data Control Dialog Box

VisiconX ListBox Control Dialog Box

The VisiconX ListBox Control dialog box (available only in CIMPLICITY) displays the following
items:

Current Data Source

If a Data Control has already been associated with this control, it is displayed here. Otherwise, (None)
is displayed.

Select a Data Source

The Select a Data Source drop-down list lets you select a Data Control that has been previously
inserted into your CimEdit screen. The Data Control you select will animate the ListBox Control.

VisiconX ComboBox Control Dialog Box

The VisiconX ComboBox Control dialog box (available only CIMPLICITY) displays the following
items:

Current Data Source

If a Data Control has already been associated with this control, it is displayed here. Otherwise, (None)
is displayed.

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Select a Data Source

The Select a Data Source drop-down list lets you select a Data Control that has been previously
inserted into your CimEdit screen. The Data Control you select will animate the ComboBox Control.

VisiconX Grid Control Dialog Box

The VisiconX Grid Control dialog box (available only in CIMPLICITY) displays the following items:

Current Data Source

If a Data Control has already been associated with this control, it is displayed here. Otherwise, (None)
is displayed.

Select a Data Source

The Select a Data Source drop-down list lets you select a Data Control that has been previously
inserted into your CimEdit screen. The Data Control you select will animate the Grid Control.

VisiconX Data Control Dialog Box

The VisiconX Data Control dialog box (available only in CIMPLICITY) displays the following items:

Object Name

Enter a name for the Data Control object. If you are using more than one Data Control object in your
CimEdit screen, each object name must be unique.

Configure Database Connection

The Configure Database Connection button, when clicked, displays the VisiconX Data Control OLE
Properties dialog box, where you can configure the Data Control object's data provider, database
settings, and record source.

CIMPLICITY How Do I...

How Do I... (CIMPLICITY)

Click the following links for more information about working with VisiconX in CIMPLICITY:
• Inserting a VisiconX Control in CIMPLICITY
• Associating a VisiconX Control With a Data Source
• Using VisiconX Properties and Methods in CIMPLICITY

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Inserting a VisiconX Control in CIMPLICITY

To insert a VisiconX Data Control:

1. In CimEdit, open the Object Explorer.

2. From the VisiconX folder in the Object Explorer, drag the Data Control object into the
CimEdit screen.

To insert a VisiconX Grid Control:

1. In CimEdit, open the Object Explorer.

2. From the VisiconX folder in the Object Explorer, drag the Grid Control object into the
CimEdit screen.

To insert a VisiconX ListBox Control:

1. In CimEdit, open the Object Explorer.

2. From the VisiconX folder in the Object Explorer, drag the ListBox Control object into the
CimEdit screen.

To insert a VisiconX ComboBox Control:

1. In CimEdit, open the Object Explorer.

2. From the VisiconX folder in the Object Explorer, drag the ComboBox Control object into the
CimEdit screen.
TIP: You can also insert a control by double-clicking on it in the Object Explorer. The control will be
placed in the center of the CimEdit screen.

Associating a VisiconX Control With a Data Source

To associate a VisiconX Grid Control with a data source:

1. Make sure at least one Data Control has been inserted into your CimEdit screen.
2. In CimEdit, double-click the Grid Control, or insert a Grid Control if you have not already
done so. The VisiconX Grid Control dialog box appears.
3. From the Select a Data Source drop-down list, select a Data Control and click OK.

To associate a VisiconX ListBox Control with a data source:

1. Make sure at least one Data Control has been inserted into your CimEdit screen.
2. In CimEdit, double-click the ListBox Control, or insert a ListBox Control if you have not
already done so. The VisiconX ListBox Control dialog box appears.
3. From the Select a Data Source drop-down list, select a Data Control and click OK.

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To associate a VisiconX ComboBox control with a data source:

1. Make sure at least one Data Control has been inserted into your CimEdit screen.
2. In CimEdit, double-click the ComboBox Control, or insert a ComboBox Control if you have
not already done so. The VisiconX ComboBox Control dialog box appears.
3. From the Select a Data Source drop-down list, select a Data Control and click OK.

Using VisiconX Properties and Methods in CIMPLICITY: Procedures

Click the following links for more information about procedures to use with VisiconX properties and
methods in CIMPLICITY:
• Using VisiconX Properties and Methods in a CimEdit Basic Script
• Editing VisiconX Properties in the CimEdit Properties Dialog Box

Using VisiconX Properties and Methods in a CimEdit Basic Script

To use VisiconX properties and methods in a CimEdit Basic script:

1. Insert a VisiconX Data Control into a CimEdit screen, then insert a Grid Control, ListBox
Control, and/or ComboBox Control into the CimEdit screen.
2. Select an object in the picture.
3. Right-click and select Properties.
4. In the Script tab, click the “Edit” button, or double-click the subroutine you want to edit. See
the CimEdit manual to learn how to use the Events tab to associate the event to an event
handler subroutine.
5. If the object you are editing script for is the ActiveX control whose properties or methods you
want to use, you can use the “ActiveX Methods” and “ActiveX Properties” menu items
located under the Tools menu item. Selecting a property or method will put a statement or
expression at your caret's location in the script. The icon in the toolbar that represents the
ActiveX control provides the same access.
6. If you are accessing properties and methods of an VisiconX control from another object’s
script, you need to properly reference the control as:
CimGetScreen.Object.Objects.Item("NameOfTheVisiconXControl").OleObject.

Replace the name of the control and append the method or property to the expression.

7. If necessary, enter an equal sign (=) and the value assigned to the property.

Editing VisiconX Properties in the CimEdit Properties Dialog Box

To edit VisiconX properties in the CimEdit Properties dialog box:

1. In CimEdit, select the object.

2. Right-click and select Properties. The Properties dialog box appears.
3. Click the Control Properties tab.
4. Select a property to modify.

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5. If the property displays a down-arrow button or a button with ellipses, click the button to
choose an option. Otherwise, enter the value to associate with the property.

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Index
A  background colors, selecting ........................... 31
ADORecords .................................................... 43 Begin With comparison operator ..................... 28
animating ........................................................ 143 Between comparison operator ......................... 28
ComboBox Control .................................... 144 border..............................................................124
Grid Control ............................................... 143 hiding ..........................................................124
ListBox Control .......................................... 144 border, hiding .................................................. 31
query properties .......................................... 144 BorderStyle ...................................................... 47
animating controls ............................................ 16 BorderStyle property ....................................... 31
about ........................................................... 133 BorderStyle Property ......................................124
Grid Control ............................................... 134 C 
ListBox and ComboBox Controls .............. 134 cells, merging .................................................. 31
troubleshooting ............................................. 16 click ................................................................. 81
animating objects with properties ................... 132 Col ................................................................... 48
animating query properties ............................. 135 color ................................................................124
about ........................................................... 134 selecting ......................................................124
examples of................................................. 135 color properties, selecting ................................ 31
purpose ......................................................... 26 Cols .................................................................. 48
with data links ............................................ 135 column ............................................................118
with OLE objects ........................................ 135 selecting ......................................................118
animation data sources ................................... 134 sorting by value ..........................................120
for Grid Controls ........................................ 134 column headings, sizing and displaying .......... 31
for ListBox and ComboBox Controls ......... 134 ColumnN ......................................................... 49
Any Value comparison operator ....................... 28 ColumnName ................................................... 49
asterisk (*), meaning in SQL ............................ 26 ColumnNames ................................................. 50
AutoConnect ..................................................... 43 ColumnNumber ............................................... 50
AutoResize ....................................................... 44 columns ........................................................... 27
AutoResize property ......................................... 31 naming convention ...................................... 26
B  numbering convention ................................134
BackColor......................................................... 45 selecting in SQL Wizard .............................. 26
BackColorBackGround .................................... 46 sorting in SQL Wizard ................................. 27
BackColorFixed................................................ 46 ColumnWidths ................................................. 51
background color ............................................ 124 ComboBox Control...................................31, 144
selecting ...................................................... 124 animating ............................................134, 144

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configuring display properties .................... 124 manually ...................................................... 20

displaying data ............................................ 123 using stored procedures ............................... 22
inserting ...................................................... 140 with SQL Wizard ......................................... 19
naming convention for ................................ 127 CurrentRow ..................................................... 52
selecting font and color properties................31 D 
comparison operators........................................ 28 data changed .................................................... 82
for row filters ................................................ 28 Data Control ...............................................6, 123
negating ........................................................ 28 accessing secured providers ......................... 11
Connected ......................................................... 51 and animated query properties ....................134
connecting ...................................................... 116 configuring .................................................113
to an OLE DB data provider ....................... 113 connecting to multiple databases ................. 10
to Microsoft Jet provider ............................ 115 display in Run mode ...................................... 6
to multiple providers hiding ..........................................................123
database .................................................. 115 inserting ......................................................140
to ODBC driver .......................................... 114 naming convention for ................................127
to Oracle provider ....................................... 115 properties and methods ...............................129
to password-protected provider .................. 116 purpose .......................................................... 6
to Simple provider ...................................... 114 Data link .........................................................145
to SQL Server provider .............................. 114 animating ....................................................145
connecting to .................................................... 10 data links.........................................................135
an OLE DB data provider ............................... 9 example in query animation........................137
databases using Data Control methods ....... 129 using to animate query properties ...............135
multiple databases ........................................ 10 data provider ...............................................5, 116
Contain comparison operator............................ 28 accessing password-protected .....................116
control............................................................. 140 connecting to ..............................................114
inserting ...................................................... 140 testing connection .......................................116
controls, about .................................................... 6 database ..........................................................113
creating ........................................................... 122 connecting to ..............................................113
SQL query .................................................. 122 connecting to multiple ................................115
SQL statement manually ............................ 122 Database .......................................................... 52
SQL statements........................................... 117 database writes................................................. 13
creating a row filter .......................................... 27 date fields......................................................... 16
creating and animating SQL statements ........... 19 entering in comparison expression .............. 29
creating Insert or Update statements.................24 troubleshooting ............................................ 16
creating queries................................................. 19 DBConnect ...................................................... 73
about ............................................................. 19 DBConnect method ........................................129
for entire table .............................................. 22 DBDisConnect ................................................. 74

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DBDisconnect method.................................... 129 troubleshooting ............................................ 16

disabling ......................................................... 113 filtering ............................................................ 26
automatic data provider connection ............ 113 rows ....................................................119, 121
DisplayHeaders ................................................ 53 font..................................................................124
DisplayHeaders property .................................. 31 selecting ......................................................124
displaying ....................................................... 140 Font .................................................................. 56
data ............................................................. 123 font properties, selecting.................................. 31
selecting font and color properties.............. 124 ForeColor......................................................... 56
toolbar......................................................... 140 ForeColorFixed................................................ 57
displaying data .................................................. 31 formatting display properties ........................... 31
about ............................................................. 31 G 
by animating controls ................................. 133 getting started .................................................... 6
formatting ..................................................... 31 information required ...................................... 5
DisplayRowMarker .......................................... 53 what to do first ............................................... 6
DisplayRowMarker property ............................ 31 glossary ............................................................ 88
distinct rows, returning ..................................... 26 Greater Or Equal comparison operator ............ 28
Distinct, meaning in SQL ................................. 26 Greater Than comparison operator .................. 28
doubleclick ....................................................... 83 grid cells .........................................................124
DSN .................................................................. 54 merging .......................................................124
E  Grid Control..............................................31, 143
electronic signatures ....................................... 128 animating ............................................134, 143
End With comparison operator ......................... 28 border styles................................................124
entering ........................................................... 122 column headings .......................................... 31
SQL statement ............................................ 122 configuring display properties ....................124
entering values in comparison expressions.......29 displaying data ............................................123
Equal To comparison operator ......................... 28 hiding border ............................................... 31
error occurred ................................................... 84 hiding headings and arrow marker............... 31
error status ........................................................ 85 inserting ......................................................140
ErrorDesc ......................................................... 55 merging cells ........................................31, 124
ErrorNum ......................................................... 55 naming convention for ................................127
event ................................................................. 81 purpose .......................................................... 9
events ................................................................ 80 selecting font and color properties ............... 31
examples ........................................................... 35 GridColor......................................................... 57
of animating query properties ..................... 135 H 
of using VisiconX ......................................... 35 help .................................................................. 72
F  hiding ..............................................................140
failed connections ............................................. 16 Data Control ...............................................123

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grid borders................................................. 124 using in a Visual Basic script......................129

toolbar......................................................... 140 using in VisiconX .......................................128
I  Microsoft Access database .......................11, 115
implementing Windows security .................... 116 and stored procedures .................................. 17
inner join .......................................................... 20 connecting to ..........................................9, 115
inserting .................................................. 127, 140 testing connection to .................................... 11
controls ....................................................... 140 Microsoft Forms Check Box Control .............136
toolbar......................................................... 140 example in query animation........................136
VisiconX controls ....................................... 127 Microsoft Jet provider ....................................115
VisiconX toolbar buttons ............................ 127 connecting to ..............................................115
InvisibleInRunMode ......................................... 58 Microsoft Jet Provider ..................................... 11
InvisibleInRunMode property ................ 123, 129 connecting to ................................................. 9
J  required information ...................................... 5
JetDB ................................................................ 59 testing connection to .................................... 11
JetSDB .............................................................. 59 Microsoft Simple OLE DB provider ..............114
joining tables .................................................... 20 connecting to ..............................................114
L  MoveFirst ........................................................ 74
Less Or Equal comparison operator .................28 MoveLast ......................................................... 74
Less Than comparison operator ........................ 28 MoveNext ........................................................ 75
ListBox Control ........................................ 31, 144 MovePrevious .................................................. 75
animating ............................................ 134, 144 MSDataShape provider.................................... 11
configuring display properties .................... 124 connecting to ................................................. 9
displaying data ............................................ 123 testing connection to .................................... 11
example in query animation ....................... 136 N 
inserting ...................................................... 140 naming conventions ........................................127
naming convention for ................................ 127 for columns .................................................. 26
selecting font and color properties................31 for VisiconX controls .................................127
M  Null comparison operator ................................ 28
mapping stored procedure parameters .............. 22 numbering convention ..................................... 31
MergeCell property .......................................... 31 for columns .................................................134
MergeCells ....................................................... 60 for rows........................................................ 31
MergeCells property ....................................... 124 O 
merging cells .................................................. 124 object ............................................................... 87
method .............................................................. 72 objects .............................................................. 87
methods ............................................ 72, 128, 142 ODBC Administrator Tool ................................ 5
for Data Control.......................................... 129 defining ODBC data source names ................ 5
using in a script........................................... 142 ODBC driver ............................................11, 114

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connecting to .......................................... 9, 114 ProcedureNames .............................................. 64

data source names ........................................... 5 Proficy iFIX WorkSpace ................................127
required information ....................................... 5 and VisiconX controls ................................... 3
testing connection to ..................................... 11 inserting VisiconX controls ........................127
ODBCConnectionString ................................... 61 programming language .................................... 37
OLE DB data provider...................................... 11 properties ..........................................40, 132, 142
accessing secured providers.......................... 11 for data controls ..........................................129
connecting to .................................................. 9 setting in the Properties window.................131
required information ....................................... 5 using in a script ...........................................142
selecting for performance ............................. 15 using in a Visual Basic script......................129
simple ............................................................. 5 using in VisiconX .......................................128
supported ........................................................ 5 using to animate objects..............................132
testing connection to ..................................... 11 viewing in the Property Window ................143
OLE object ..................................................... 145 Properties window, activating ........................131
animating .................................................... 145 property ........................................................... 43
OLE objects .................................................... 135 Property window ............................................143
example in query animation ....................... 136 Q 
using to animate query properties ............... 135 QP ...................................................................115
OLEDBConnectionString................................. 61 see Query property......................................115
OLEDBProvider ............................................... 62 QPn .................................................................. 65
OR keyword and SQL Wizard.......................... 27 query ...........................................................6, 122
Oracle provider ............................................... 115 animating ..................................................... 26
connecting to .............................................. 115 creating .................................................19, 122
Oracle server..................................................... 11 creating manually ........................................ 20
and stored procedures ................................... 17 creating with SQL Wizard ........................... 19
connecting to .................................................. 9 for entire table.............................................. 22
required information ....................................... 5 optimizing performance ............................... 15
testing connection to ..................................... 11 planning ....................................................... 13
P  supported attributes........................................ 6
Password........................................................... 63 query properties ............................................... 22
password-protected provider .......................... 116 animating ....................................................134
accessing..................................................... 116 animating with OLE objects .......................135
pasting ............................................................ 122 entering in comparison expression .............. 29
SQL statement ............................................ 122 examples of .................................................135
PersistUserInfo ................................................. 64 mapped to stored procedure parameters ...... 22
picture layout, designing .................................. 14 query property ................................................144
planning ............................................................ 13 animating ....................................................144

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R  RunSQLWizard method .................................129

refining queries ................................................. 24 S 
filtering rows ................................................ 26 script ...............................................................142
selecting columns ......................................... 26 creating .......................................................142
selecting tables ............................................. 25 scripts..............................................................129
selecting unique rows ................................... 26 writing.........................................................129
sorting column values ................................... 27 secured provider .............................................116
RefreshData ...................................................... 76 accessing .....................................................116
RefreshData method ....................................... 129 security .....................................................11, 116
Row .................................................................. 65 activating Windows security........................ 11
row filter ........................................................... 29 configuring the Data Control for ................. 11
about ............................................................. 26 for password-protected providers ...............116
comparison operators.................................... 28 selecting ..........................................................124
creating ......................................................... 27 fonts ............................................................124
performance considerations .......................... 15 sort columns................................................120
troubleshooting ............................................. 16 text and background colors .........................124
values for ...................................................... 29 unique rows ................................................119
rowchanged ...................................................... 87 Server............................................................... 66
rows .......................................................... 26, 119 sorting column values ...................................... 27
filtering ......................................... 26, 119, 121 SourceType ...................................................... 67
numbering convention .................................. 31 sql .................................................................... 65
selecting unique .......................................... 119 SQL Insert and Update statement ...................... 6
unique ........................................................... 26 creating with SQL Wizard ........................... 24
Rows ................................................................. 66 using electronic signatures..........................128
run mode ........................................................... 31 SQL Server ...............................................11, 116
and animated query properties .................... 134 accessing password-protected server ..........116
and Visual Basic scripts.............................. 129 activating Windows security........................ 11
connecting to an OLE DB data provider ........9 connecting to ..........................................9, 114
Data Control display ....................................... 6 required information ...................................... 5
logging in to secured data providers ............. 11 testing connection to .................................... 11
troubleshooting failed connection ................16 SQL statements .................................................. 6
viewing data ................................................. 31 column naming convention.......................... 26
Run mode ....................................................... 116 creating with SQL Wizard ........................... 19
disabling Automatic Connect ..................... 113 entering ........................................................ 20
hiding Data Control .................................... 123 meaning of * ................................................ 26
login dialog ................................................. 116 meaning of Distinct ..................................... 26
RunSQLWizard ................................................ 76 meaning of Where ....................................... 26

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querying entire table ..................................... 22 synchronous execution with VisiconX ...........141

SQL Command command type .................... 19 syntax for row filters........................................ 27
supported attributes ........................................ 6 system performance ......................................... 15
using electronic signatures.......................... 128 optimizing .................................................... 15
using the SQL Wizard .................................. 24 T 
SQL Wizard .............................................. 24, 117 table ................................................................122
activating ...................................................... 19 creating query for........................................122
activating in run mode ................................ 129 selecting ....................................................... 25
attributes of ................................................... 24 Table ................................................................ 69
creating a statement with ............................ 117 table command type ......................................... 19
creating an Insert or Update statement ......... 24 table of contents ............................................... 37
creating row filter ............................... 119, 121 TableNames ..................................................... 69
filtering rows ................................................ 26 tables ................................................................ 25
selecting columns ....................................... 118 joining .......................................................... 20
selecting columns in ..................................... 26 querying entire ............................................. 22
selecting tables ........................................... 118 selecting in SQL Wizard .............................. 25
selecting tables in ......................................... 25 writing to ..................................................... 24
selecting unique rows ........................... 26, 119 testing connection ...........................................116
sorting column values ........................... 27, 120 testing connections .......................................... 16
using ............................................................. 24 procedure ..................................................... 11
SQLCommand .................................................. 68 troubleshooting ............................................ 16
statement......................................................... 122 text ............................................................31, 124
creating ....................................................... 122 configuring .................................................124
statements ....................................................... 117 selecting font properties and colors ............. 31
creating ....................................................... 117 Text .................................................................. 69
Insert ........................................................... 117 toolbar .............................................................140
Select .......................................................... 117 inserting and displaying ..............................140
Update ........................................................ 117 toolbar buttons ................................................127
stored procedure ....................................... 17, 122 troubleshooting issues...................................... 15
command type .............................................. 19 U 
creating a query with .................................... 22 unique rows, returning ..................................... 26
special considerations ................................... 17 UseNTSecurity ................................................ 70
using in query ............................................. 122 UseODBCConnectionString ............................ 71
string fields ....................................................... 29 User ................................................................. 71
comparison operators for .............................. 28 user ID ............................................................116
entering in comparison expression ............... 29 entering .......................................................116
summaries......................................................... 80

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V  about .............................................................. 6
VisiconX..................................................... 6, 143 animating ....................................................133
about ............................................................... 3 inserting ......................................................127
designing layout ........................................... 14 ListBox Control, purpose............................... 9
examples of using ......................................... 35 naming conventions ....................................127
how it works ................................................... 3 properties and methods ...............................128
implementing ................................................ 13 troubleshooting problems ............................ 16
information required ....................................... 5 writing scripts .............................................129
optimizing system performance.................... 15 Visual Basic scripts ........................................129
properties and methods ............................... 143 writing.........................................................129
synchronous execution ............................... 141 vxCombo ......................................................... 87
task checklist ................................................ 11 vxData ............................................................. 88
toolbar buttons ............................................ 127 vxGrid .............................................................. 88
troubleshooting ............................................. 15 vxList ............................................................... 88
using electronic signatures.......................... 128 W 
what to do first ................................................ 6 where clause, meaning in SQL ........................ 26
writing to a database ..................................... 23 writing scripts .................................................129
VisiconX controls ........................................... 129 writing to a database ........................................ 23

164