System 800xA Training

Chapter 2 System 800xA Architecture with IM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 2 System 800xA Architecture with IM ............................................................................................................................ 1

2.1 General Information ............................................................................................................................................................. 2
2.1.1 Objectives ..................................................................................................................................................................... 2
2.1.2 Legend .......................................................................................................................................................................... 2
2.1.3 Reference Documentation ............................................................................................................................................. 2
2.2 System Overview ................................................................................................................................................................. 3
2.2.1 System 800xA Base Platform ....................................................................................................................................... 4
2.2.2 Options Grouped in Functional Areas .......................................................................................................................... 5
2.2.3 Controller Integration ................................................................................................................................................... 6
2.2.4 Use of Standards ........................................................................................................................................................... 6
2.3 Aspect Objects Concept ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
2.3.1 Aspects and Objects ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
2.3.2 Example of a Control Valve ......................................................................................................................................... 8
2.3.3 Intuitive Navigation ...................................................................................................................................................... 9
2.3.4 Aspect Framework ...................................................................................................................................................... 10
2.4 System Topology ............................................................................................................................................................... 12
2.4.1 Domain Server ............................................................................................................................................................ 13
2.4.2 Aspect Server .............................................................................................................................................................. 13
2.4.3 Connectivity Server .................................................................................................................................................... 13
2.4.4 Application Server ...................................................................................................................................................... 13
2.4.5 Plant Network ............................................................................................................................................................. 14
2.4.6 Client/Server Network ................................................................................................................................................ 14
2.4.7 Control Network ......................................................................................................................................................... 14
2.4.8 Workplace (Rich) Client ............................................................................................................................................. 14
2.4.9 Single Node System .................................................................................................................................................... 15
2.4.10 AC 800M Redundancy ............................................................................................................................................. 16
2.4.11 Remote (Thin) Client ................................................................................................................................................ 17
2.5 Client / Server Principle ..................................................................................................................................................... 18
2.5.1 Aspect Directory ......................................................................................................................................................... 18
2.5.2 Example: Graphic Display .......................................................................................................................................... 18
2.5.3 Multi-System Integration ............................................................................................................................................ 19
2.6 Configuration Wizard ........................................................................................................................................................ 20
2.6.1 Example of how to Connect/Disconnect Clients ........................................................................................................ 20
2.7 Network Structures with different Controllers ................................................................................................................... 22
2.7.1 Network Structure with Harmony ............................................................................................................................... 22
2.7.2 Network Structure with Advant Master ...................................................................................................................... 23
2.7.3 Network Structure with Melody ................................................................................................................................. 24
2.8 Information Management .................................................................................................................................................. 25
2.8.1 Adding Information Management Node(s) ................................................................................................................. 26
2.8.2 Intuitive Presentation .................................................................................................................................................. 27
2.8.3 Remote Tools for Data Access ................................................................................................................................... 27
2.8.4 Excel Data Access ...................................................................................................................................................... 33
2.8.5 Automated Actions ..................................................................................................................................................... 34
2.8.6 Sophisticated data transformation ............................................................................................................................... 36
2.8.7 Information Storage .................................................................................................................................................... 39
2.8.8 Storage Options .......................................................................................................................................................... 42
2.8.9 Integrated administration and configuration ............................................................................................................... 44
2.8.10 Installation assistant .................................................................................................................................................. 45
2.8.11 Security ..................................................................................................................................................................... 46

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2.1 General Information

2.1.1 Objectives
On completion of this chapter you will get an overview of:
 Tell how 800xA fits into the IIT strategy
 Describe the network structure in an 800xA architecture
 Describe the functionality of the major components
 Explain the concept of Aspects and Objects
 Explain the Client/Server principles
 Information Management.

2.1.2 Legend
> Indicates when you go from one menu to a sub-menu
Italic Indicates object and file names
“ “ Indicates dialog box buttons, tabs, menus etc.
Bold Indicates important topics
Indicates start/explanation of student activity

2.1.3 Reference Documentation

3BSE038018 Industrial IT 800xA – System
System Guide – Functional Description
3BSE041434 Industrial IT 800xA – System
System Guide – Technical Data and Configuration Information
3BSE034463 Industrial IT 800xA – System
Automation System Network – Design and Configuration
3BSE036903 Industrial IT 800xA – System
Basic Operation

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2.2 System Overview

The Industrial IT System 800xA is a comprehensive process automation system. It
covers operation and configuration of continuous and batch control applications.
The System 800xA products have been developed incorporating Information
Technology with the experience and know-how collected over decades of successful
deliveries and customer installations.

800xA System offers more than a traditional Distributed Control System. It gives you
a single application to organize and access all plant information.
As expected, you have functionality like graphics, faceplates, alarm management and
trending available. However, with the unique integration principles based on the
Aspect Object technology, you can easily integrate information like Live Video,
Documentation (using Word for example), Quality Analysis, and Maintenance
Information (from SAP or Maximo for example).
System 800xA provides a secure, reliable, control environment with minimum time
and effort through built in security features such as access control, user authentication,
and audit trail capability.
Working within a common engineering environment, 800xA Engineering supports a
consistent information flow from design, through installation and commissioning, to
operation and maintenance.

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Within System 800xA there are a number of Core Functional Areas. These are:
 Operations
 Engineering
 Control and I/O
 Production Management
- Batch Management
- Manufacturing Management
 Information Management
 Safety systems
 Asset Optimization
 Device Management

2.2.1 System 800xA Base Platform

The core system manages the Aspect Objects, the communication between them and
the user´s information access via Plant Explorer and process graphics to them. Further
additional features are included:
– Tags/ Redundant Tags
– Engineering Workplace (Client)
– Operator Workplace (Client)
– Excel Data Access
– AC800M/C Connect
– Softpoint Server
Further additionally features can be licensed with the core system:
– AC400 Connect
– Harmony INF90 Connect
– Melody Connect
– 800xA OPC Server
– OLE-DB Real Time Data Server
– Audit Trail
– Advanced Access Control
– Digital Signature
– SMS and e-mail Messaging
– Calculation Engine
– Live Video

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2.2.2 Options Grouped in Functional Areas

The 800xA system functionality is divided into a Base System and a set of options,
grouped in Functional Areas. The options represent functions that can be added to the
system based on the needs of the process that should be controlled.

Operations
Provides a consistent method for accessing enterprise-wide data and for interacting
with multiple applications from any connected workstation in the plant or office.
Engineering
Integrated engineering environment supports the complete lifecycle of the automation
project, from planning, through configuration and library management, to
commissioning and operation to minimize system ownership costs.
Safety
Scalable IEC 61508 and IEC 61511 compliant SIS (Safety Instrumentation System)
that spans the entire safety loop, including SIL rated field devices, I/O modules,
controllers, and field actuators.
Information Management
Collects, stores, retrieves and presents historical, process and business data to enhance
the usefulness of data from all operations.
Batch Management
Recipe management, batch and procedural control according ISA S88.01
Asset Optimization
Assess and reports equipment conditions in real-time to optimize maintenance and
calibration work flows.
Control and I/O
Suite of standards-based hardware and software, complimented with a full line of
industrial I/O interfaces.
Field Buses / Device Management
Integration of intelligent field devices via all major fieldbus standards

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2.2.3 Controller Integration

Controllers are integrated with the system through “Connectivity packages”, which are
offered as options to the 800xA System. These packages provide access to real time
data, historical data, and alarm & event data for instance using predefined faceplates.
The 800xA System provides connectivity to 800xA controllers as well as controllers
from earlier system offerings:
 AC 800M (default set)
 Advant Master AC400 & AC100
 Symphony Harmony Infi-90
 Symphony Melody / AC 870P
 Freelance / AC 800F
 DCI System Six
 Advant MOD 300
 Safeguard
 PLC Connect (connection to any PLC via OPC Server)

2.2.4 Use of Standards

System 800xA uses standard hardware, operating system software and protocols. This
allows data to be obtained not only from ABB systems but from a variety of sources
such as other brands of control systems or from lab entries.
It also allows making this data available to ABB and other manufacturers’ systems
such as historians and maintenance management programs.

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2.3 Aspect Objects Concept

A central problem in plant operations, as well as asset life cycle management, is the
need to organize, manage, and have access to information for all different aspects of a
great number of plant and process entities.
The Aspect ObjectsTM architecture is a cornerstone of the IndustrialIT concept and
enables enterprise wide information availability in a unified way. It provides
information-centric navigation – a consistent way to instantly access all information
without having to know how and by which application the information is handled.

2.3.1 Aspects and Objects

The system model objects of the real process equipment or entities are called Aspect
Objects. They can be physical process equipment, like a valve, or more complex, like
a reactor. Other examples are: products, material, batch procedures, manufacturing
orders, and customer accounts.
Each of these Aspect Objects is a container of references to all information pertaining
to a real object. The various types of information related to the object are called
Aspects. Examples are: process graphic, faceplate, alarm, trend, report, order
definition, mechanical layout etc.

Control
Control
Builder M

Real Model
Faceplate
Object Object
Process
Portal

Graphics

MS Excel

Report

Auto CAD

Drawings

It is necessary to be able to implement these aspects using many different applications,

both existing and new, from ABB, third parties and customers. These applications are
called Aspect Systems and must cooperate to provide an integrated view and
functionality of the object.
Examples are: Graphics Builder for graphics, Auto CAD for mechanical layout, SAP
for order handling etc.

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2.3.2 Example of a Control Valve

For example a valve is a real object and has many types of data associated with it. It
has manufacturer’s specifications, mechanical drawings, a maintenance schedule and
history, ordering information for parts, physical location in the plant, faceplate for
operator interface, graphic symbol for display on graphics, and many other possible
types of information.

Maintenance Record Control Logic

Process Graphics
P & I Diagram

Product Description
Control Dialog

Simulation Model Operator Notes

Traditionally, these types of information are found in many separate systems or in

many different document formats. An Aspect Object presents this data as a menu of
choices accessible by right clicking on the object anywhere it appears in the system.
The various types of information related to the object, in this case the valve, are called
Aspects.

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2.3.3 Intuitive Navigation

Quick access to displays and information is provided with web browser tools.
Favorites, history lists, shortcuts, and hot keys provide navigation through a process
production facility quickly and accurately.

Right click on the

object in the Graphic

Right click on the object

in the Alarm List

Available Aspects

Use of the right mouse button provides access to additional details via a context menu.
The same context menu is available, showing all aspects, independent whether you
select it e.g. in the graphic display or in the alarm list.

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2.3.4 Aspect Framework

From a software architecture perspective, the foundation of the 800xA system is the
800xA Base Platform.
The basic system functionality is packaged together with those Aspect Systems which
provide common functionality to an extended system implementation, such as screen
layout and handling of the screen, and Aspect Object navigation, engineering, and
information management functions.
The resulting functionality is represented by the base software deliverable of the
800xA system.
Batch Information Asset Field Device
Management Management Optimization Integration Other Aspect Systems

Aspect Framework / System 800xA Platform

AC800M Advant Harmony Melody Other OPC

Although the various aspects and their associated software may reside on multiple
networks or computers, each Aspect Object carries with it the built-in collection of
characteristics or Aspects. All aspect objects are stored in a central location called the
Aspect Server.
Controllers are connected to the system through connectivity components, which are
bundled together and offered as options to the 800xA System. Connectivity packages
provide access to real time data, historical data, and alarm and event data from
different types of controllers.
NOTE! The Aspect Framework can handle up to 200.000 Aspect
Objects.
The 800xA system provides connectivity to 800xA controllers as well as controllers
from earlier system offerings:
 AC 800M
 AC400 Series Master
 AC100 Series
 PLC Connect
 Safeguard
 Symphony Harmony Infi-90
 Symphony Melody
 Connection to any OPC Server

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– One common platform for all software products

 Operations, Engineering, Information Management
 Windows, standard PC hardware
– Software Products plug onto the 800xA Base Platform
 Connectivity are options to products

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2.4 System Topology

The Aspect Object architecture assumes a system of computers and devices that
communicate with each other over different types of communication networks, as
illustrated conceptually here.
The Operator Workplace uses either dedicated client computers or client/server
machines allowing both client and server applications to run in one PC for larger
configuration.

System communication in the 800xA System is based on Ethernet and TCP/IP

networks. Servers run software that provides system functionality, Workplaces run
software that provides various forms of user interaction.
NOTE! Server configuration and selection are important factors
for system performance.
The 800xA system uses a central licensing mechanism. One designated computer,
typically the domain controller, should contain the central licensing server (CLS).

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2.4.1 Domain Server

Small systems can run without a Domain Controller. In this case the nodes and users
are handled by a Windows Workgroup. The configuration of users and security must
then be done on all nodes separately within the Workgroup.
The user handling in a Windows Domain is done from a central location – the Domain
Server. Every domain must have at least one domain server, but for resilience a
domain should have multiple domain servers.

2.4.2 Aspect Server

The Aspect Server provides the Aspect Directory and the services related to object
management, names, security, etc. It is the heart of the 800xA system. As such it must
be accessible to all nodes all of the time.
In small system systems the Aspect Server can be combined with other functions such
as Application or Connectivity Servers in a single node (computer).
The Aspect Server supports “1 out of 2” or “2 out of 3” redundancy. In “1 out of 2”
redundancy, the Aspect Directory is readable and writable as long as one Aspect
Server is on-line. With “2 out of 3” redundancy, two Aspect Servers must be running
to write to the Aspect Directory, but with any one Aspect Server on-line, the system is
useable for operation but not for configuration (Aspect Directory in read only mode)..

2.4.3 Connectivity Server

The Connectivity Server provides access to the controllers and other data sources
throughout the network. Several groups of Connectivity Servers may exist in a system,
each serving one set of data sources. The AC 800M Connectivity Server is one of
many different types of Connectivity Servers in the 800xA System.
Examples of services are:
 OPC Data Access
 OPC Alarm and Event
 System messages
NOTE! Maximum 24 AC 800M controllers (single or redundant)
can be connected to one Connectivity Server (single or
redundant).

2.4.4 Application Server

Run various types of system applications, such as:
 Batch Management
 Asset Optimization

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2.4.5 Plant Network

The Plant Network can be dedicated for process automation purposes or be a part of
the plant intranet already available on a site.
Further connection of the plant network to the Internet or any other type of external
network should be performed in accordance with adequate network security practices.

2.4.6 Client/Server Network

The Client/Server network is used for communication between servers, and between
client Workplaces and servers.
Via a router, the client/server network can be connected to a plant intranet, and via a
firewall to the Internet. For performance and integrity reasons, connection of foreign
systems directly to the control and client/server networks should be avoided. The
Client/Server Network can optionally be made redundant.
For any installation larger than a Single Node system, the 800xA system nodes must
reside within a dedicated Windows domain. This requires you to set up a domain
controller and DNS server. All other 800xA system server and client nodes must be
configured to be members of the domain.
It is strongly recommended that the process control system is configured as one
(Windows) domain, which is not the same as the Windows domain used elsewhere in
the company.

2.4.7 Control Network

The Control Network is a local area network (LAN) optimized for high performance
and reliable communication, with predictable response times in real time. It is used to
connect controllers to the servers. Controllers are nodes that run control software.
Controllers and Connectivity Servers are connected to the control network. The
control network can optionally be made redundant.
Fieldbuses are used to interconnect field devices, such as I/O modules, smart sensors
and actuators, variable speed drives, PLCs, or small single loop devices, and to
connect these devices to the system, either via a controller or directly to a server.

2.4.8 Workplace (Rich) Client

The Operator Workplace uses client/server capabilities allowing both client and server
applications to run in one PC for a small configuration, or to run in a configuration
with one server and up to thirty client workplaces.

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2.4.9 Single Node System

A Single Node System is intended for very small applications, where all 800xA server
and workplace functionalities reside in a single PC.

The system has only one node, within which all servers as well as the client
applications are installed. Only a few controllers can be connected.

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2.4.10 AC 800M Redundancy

System 800xA provides the highest degree of fault tolerance to meet the most
demanding application needs for maximum system uptime. Optionally redundant I/O,
controllers, control networks, Fieldbus networks, Connectivity Servers, Aspect
Servers, and Operator Workplaces are available with automatic switchover.

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2.4.11 Remote (Thin) Client

Remote Clients enables remote access to an 800xA system from a standard PC
without ABB-specific software installed. Only the Internet Explorer is required to
access the data.
The Remote Client provides operation capabilities and access to historical
information. Configuration capabilities are limited on the remote client.

The remote client functionality is achieved using Windows Terminal Services in an

application server node. This node is sometimes called the Remote Client server node.
Optionally these services can be provided using a Citrix server as shown in the
example above.

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2.5 Client / Server Principle

2.5.1 Aspect Directory

The Aspect Framework includes an Aspect Directory, where all aspect objects and
their aspects are registered, and also all aspect systems and the operations they
support.

Client
1
Application
2 3 4 5
Aspect Process
Framework Control Reports etc.
Graphics
Aspect
Directory Aspect Systems

To perform an operation on an aspect object, an application (i.e. an Aspect System)

retrieves an interface for that operation from the framework.

2.5.2 Example: Graphic Display

Real time and historical data is communicates to the workplace using the OPC
standard. Graphic display and other static configuration data are installed on the
Aspect Server and will be called by the Operator Workplace.
Let’s take a process graphic as an example. The aspect “Graphic display” is installed
on the Aspect Server and will be called by the Operator Workplace
Client Operator Aspect System
Workplace(s)
Graphic
Display
Co
ta

nf
da

ig
ur
e
im

ati
l-t

Client/Server
on
a
Re

Network
da
ta

Connectivity Aspect Aspect

Server(s) Server(s) Directory

Control Network

If we look then on a valve within the process display, the icon is provided by the
Aspect Server and the dynamic status indication (open/closed) is provided by the
Connectivity Server.

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2.5.3 Multi-System Integration

System 800xA SV5 SP2 supports multiple 800xA Systems. Multi-System integration
makes it possible to view and operate objects configured in one 800xA System from
another 800xA System.
 Geographically separate 800xA systems with local control rooms to be controlled
from a common control room
 Sectioning of multiple line processes to increase integrity and simplify
maintenance
 Making staged commissioning without interfering with running processes possible
Central
Control Room Subscriber

System D

Local
Control Rooms

System A System B System C

Provider Provider Provider

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2.6 Configuration Wizard

The Configuration Wizard is the central place to:
 Create/Delete an 800xA System
 Start/Stop an 800xA System
 Add extensions to the 800xA System
 Connect/Disconnect clients and servers

2.6.1 Example of how to Connect/Disconnect Clients

Clients as well as servers can be connected /disconnected from the Aspect Server only.
To connect a client, follow these steps:
1. Double click on the icon “Configuration Wizard” on the desktop.
2. Select “System Administration” and click “Next”.

3. Select your system and click “Next”.

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4. Select “Nodes” and click “Next”.

5. From the next menu you can add/remove clients and servers.

NOTE! Refer to the separate course T305 “Administration and

Installation” for more information.

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2.7 Network Structures with different Controllers

2.7.1 Network Structure with Harmony

Below is an example of a system using both AC800M and Harmony controllers.

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2.7.2 Network Structure with Advant Master

Below is an example of a system using both AC800M and AC400 controllers.

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2.7.3 Network Structure with Melody

Below is an example of a system using both AC800M and Melody controllers.

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2.8 Information Management

The Information Management applications comprise a repository of process, event and
production information. The core functionality includes:
History Services for collection, online and offline storage, consolidation, and retrieval
for process/lab data, alarms/events, and reports.
Real-time Database Services for access to real-time process data from AC 800M
controllers, and other ABB and third-party control systems when the applicable
connectivity components are installed. Real-time database services also support the
configuration of softpoints to hold application-generated data not directly connected to
any process. Softpoints are accessible by all other functions in the system. Calculation
Services let you apply calculations to other objects in the system, including both
process and softpoint objects.
Display and Client Services includes the following desktop client applications for
data access: DataDirect (Excel Data Access), Display Services, and Desktop Trends.
These desktop tools may run directly on the Information Management server, or on
remote PC clients. The Information Management server also supports data access by
third-party applications such as Crystal Reports when Open Data Access is installed.
Application Scheduler. This supports scheduling and execution of jobs implemented
as system plug-ins. This includes:
Reports created with DataDirect, or a third-party report building package such as
Crystal Reports
Consolidation of Production Data and Message logs
Event-driven collection for process and lab data (property) logs
Calculations created via the Calculation Services

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2.8.1 Adding Information Management Node(s)

The main functionality includes:

 Increase the amount of historical storage incl. archiving
 History Services for collection, on-line and off-line storage, consolidation, and
retrieval for process/lab data, alarms/events, and reports.
 Real-time Database Services for access to real-time process data from ABB and
ABB and third-party controllers. Configuration of softpoints is supported to hold
application-generated data not directly connected to any process.
 Calculation Services let you apply calculations to other objects in the system,
including both process and softpoint objects.
 DataDirect (Excel Data Access), Display Services and Desktop Trends may run
directly on the Information Management server, or on remote PC clients.
 Data access by third-party applications such as Crystal Reports when Open Data
Access is installed.
 Application Scheduler supports scheduling and execution of jobs implemented as
system plug-ins.
 Consolidation of Production Data and Message logs
 Event-driven collection for process and lab data (property) logs
 Comprehensive data retrieval via SQL methods

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2.8.2 Intuitive Presentation

Operators, engineers, managers, maintenance supervisors, etc are optimally supported
in their decision making. They are given access to the specific data they need, from
the place where they work, and in the format they find easiest to interpret.
Internet and intranet access is supported by web-based technology. Custom displays
are available as ActiveX controls and can be accessed from Internet Explorer at the
desktop.

2.8.3 Remote Tools for Data Access

2.8.3.1 Operator Displays

System 800xA users can see all data from the standard operator workplaces:
 trend displays using real-time trend buffers and historical data logs
 integrate historical data along with other data sources into a single display e.g.
real-time process data and external application data
 look at all the data via Microsoft Excel Reports
 displays of historical events with flexible filtering

NOTE! All displays are able to seamlessly present both real-time

and historic trend data

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2.8.3.2 Desktop Trends

Internet and intranet access is supported by web-based technology. Custom displays

are available as ActiveX controls and can be accessed from Internet Explorer Desktop.
Displays can also be called up at an Process Portal Workplace.
The Desktop Trends provide trend and associated information in a web browser. The
display shows graphical traces for up to eight values and can seamlessly present data
from both the real-time trend buffer and historical data logs. The trend supports a full
range of scrolling and zooming features, including a unique feature called Active
Zoom. This provides zooming into a section of the trend while maintaining the overall
scope.

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2.8.3.3 User Tag Management

User Tag Management provides functionality to make tag and log groups which can
be used by application such as Desktop Trends.

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2.8.3.4 Desktop Tag Ticker

The Ticker Display shows a repeating stream of real time data for selected tags,
similar to a stock market ticker.

Colors can be used to show the value status, for example alarm or bad data quality.
Points can be dragged and dropped from the ticker to the trend display for analysis.

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2.8.3.5 Desktop Display Browsers

The Desktop Tag Explorer provides point browsing in an easy-to-access manner.
The Production Data Log (PDL) Browser provides access to production data from
Batch or other such structured applications. In the case of a batch process, all
information is structured and associated with the Batch ID number. This makes it
possible to easily display and use all information concerned with any particular batch.
The SQL Browser provides the ability to run ad hoc SQL queries. Queries can be
saved and reopened for future viewing.
The Event Browser provides a view of all messages including Audit Trail messages.
Filtering is available to make analysis easier.

Display Clients
Through remote Display Clients the user can create custom graphics such as process
mimic displays or status overviews, and view them from the desktop.
A wide range of display elements are available for creating these displays such as bar
charts, pie charts, edit boxes and gauges as well as traditional process elements like
pumps, motors and vessels. A display can include data from any part of the system
including real-time and historical values.

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2.8.3.6 Batch to Batch Display

The Batch to Batch Display includes both a trend display and PDL data browser all in
one display. This provides a visual association between a graphical trend and
resources, variables and messages.

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2.8.4 Excel Data Access

Excel Data Access (previously called Data Direct) provides a set of ABB Add-ins for
Microsoft Excel to enable operators and other personnel to run queries for data, or
create and execute standard reports on demand.
This Add-ins provides access to process variables, historical values, messages and
production data through easy dialogues.

Subject to user authority, it is also possible to input data (for example lab data), to
update data (for example set-points), and to modify values that are already stored.
Browsing and filtering functions simplify report configuration.
Data Direct Architecture
Within Process Portal, the following mechanisms for providing data to Excel Data
Access are used:
OPC/DA for Process data
OPC/HDA for Trend data and history data
OPC/AE for Alarm/Events

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2.8.5 Automated Actions

Versatile scheduling within the 800xA system makes it possible to automate repetitive
jobs AND to initiate reactions to exceptional circumstances without the need of
manual intervention.
The following scheduling techniques are provided:
 event-driven
 cyclic
 time-based
 on-demand

2.8.5.1 Scheduling
The Scheduler can run a variety of tasks including;
 Data Collection
Event-driven collection causes the primary history logs to collect data for the time
period specified before and after the trigger event.
 Calculations
 Reports
Typical example is time based or cyclic scheduling of shift and production reports.
 Archiving
 Message Log and PDL Consolidation
 System Back-up

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2.8.5.2 Flexible Report Generation and Distribution

Reports are created in Microsoft Excel, Crystal Reports or another report package that
uses ODBC or OLE DB data access.
Within the 800xA system, real-time data, historical values, lab data, batch information
and event information can be incorporated into reports.
NOTE! A set of standard report templates in Excel are available.

A wide variety of reporting requirements includes:

 Production status reports for managers
 Compliance reports for regulatory agencies
Electronic signatures and version control may be applied to reports.
 Status reports for operations
 Ad hoc reports
Operators can view reports from their Process Portal by simply browsing report
archives via the Plant Explorer.
NOTE! Reports are also viewable via a web browser.
Reports can be automatically generated and sent to multiple output destinations, such
as Printers, Email distribution lists, Historical storage, Local or network disk storage.
Report archive management is provided and it is possible to specify the maximum
number of stored reports.

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2.8.6 Sophisticated data transformation

Softpoint and Calculation functions within the 800xA system add value to data by
transforming it into actionable information. This enables timely decision-making for
improved productivity.
Softpoint functions facilitate the integration of user-configured data points that do not
exist as physical process signals. Calculation functions support definition of a
calculation script with user-definable inputs and outputs. These inputs and outputs can
come directly from process or Softpoint values. Combined, these features provide
powerful reusable algorithms. They are also used as mechanisms for integrating
external application data into the system.
Uses for Softpoint and Calculation functions include:
Calculations required for regulatory reporting
Preventative maintenance monitoring
Model predictive control
Process analysis
Integration of external data into the system

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2.8.6.1 SoftPoints
Softpoint functions facilitate the integration of user-configured data points that do not
exist as physical process signals.
They can also be used as an easy mechanism for simple integration with external
systems.

Softpoint data is fully integrated and treated in the same manner as any other value in
the system. Softpoint alarms are fully integrated with system wide alarms and events.
Softpoints are accessible everywhere in the system including displays, historical
recording and reports. Desktop Trends and Excel Data Access can read from and write
to Softpoints.

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2.8.6.2 Calculations
Calculation functions support definition of a calculation script with user-definable
inputs and outputs. These inputs and outputs can come directly from process or
Softpoint values and can be used for:
 Process control tuning and analysis
 Display, monitoring and alarming of Key Performance Indicators
 Calculations required for regulatory reporting
 Preventative maintenance monitoring
 Model predictive control

Calculations can be triggered by input changes, scheduled to execute cyclically or

scheduled at a given date and time.
Data quality information is maintained within all calculations. Therefore, if the input
to a calculation has bad data quality, the resulting calculation will be marked as bad
quality.

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2.8.7 Information Storage

When information is viewed, analyzed and acted upon, its source must be reliable and
secure. An open distributed architecture supports storage of data in more than one
place for added reliability.

Dual History servers

Dual history servers provide an additional level of fault tolerance by storing the same
data in two different servers.
Consolidated data storage functions collect data from multiple history servers and
store it in a single location. This provides a common history repository for viewing
and reporting.
Archiving
Data can be saved off-line for long-term storage. Archiving functions support the
copying of data to various archive media for extended data storage and security:
 Magnetic Optical (MO) media
 CD
 DVD
 hard disk (local or remote)

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2.8.7.1 Historical Data Consolidation

This diagram illustrates the architecture used when history consolidation is configured
in a system. Logs from one or more history collection servers can be stored on a single
consolidation server.

Historical
Consolidation

1 min. 6 mi n 1 hr
Plant/Mill 1 min. 6 mi n 1 hr
Network

Historical
Collection Historical
Collection

5 sec. 1 min.

Control Control
Network Network

When a log is consolidated, it may either be stored at the same rate it was collected at
the first server or it may be compressed at the consolidated server.

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2.8.7.2 Data Resiliency

This diagram shows an architecture history server collecting from redundant
connectivity servers. This provides a high level of data resiliency for critical
applications.

Information
Managemen
t Server

Single History
Log
Plant/Mill Network

Redundant
Connectivity
Servers

Redundant Trend
Logs

Control Network

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2.8.8 Storage Options

Raw Data Storage

Hierarchical structures provide efficient configurations for storage. The highest
resolution data can be stored for a short time span, while hierarchical logs can store
progressively lower resolution data for longer time spans. This configuration uses less
storage space, enabling the user to store data over longer periods.
Standard Algorithms
Within a log hierarchy, an algorithm can be performed before the data is stored. A
single value is stored that represents a larger time span of values. Standard algorithms
include maximum, minimum, average, sum, and sum of squares values for a specified
time interval.
Data Compression
If process variables have little or no changes over time, the user can choose to
compress the data to conserve disk space. However, certain applications require the
raw uncompressed data for application or documentation purposes.

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2.8.8.1 Data Types

In addition to the standard process control data types, a wide variety of data storage
types are supported:
 Process values
 User-defined Softpoints
 Asynchronous values for data entered manually or written to by external
applications e.g. laboratory data
 Finished Report outputs
 Event data including Audit Trail
 Production Data
Often when a product is being manufactured, the information relationships are not
time-based and cannot be pre-configured or anticipated. Production Data Logs (PDL)
have built-in provisions for the organization, storage and retrieval of this type of
information. PDL organizes critical process data such as operator interventions, alarm
and events, equipment usage and task start/stop and duration times.
PDL provides special data structures for storing logically organized production data. It
is typically used for batch records but can be used for application specific data that
requires custom production records.

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2.8.9 Integrated administration and configuration

800xA system Information Management functions use the inherent system
engineering, configuration and administration features. This provides benefits both in
terms of initial set-up and life cycle cost, and consistency.

From the design phase through the implementation of a project, savings are realized
and inconsistencies are eliminated through efficient engineering. One historical
solution and database is used for both process control and information management,
therefore there is no duplication of the engineering effort. Information Management
configurations are properties of objects that already exist in the control system
definition. There is no need to maintain two distinct databases.

Security settings, user authority definitions, status monitoring and back-up functions
are system-wide functions integral to the 800xA system.

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2.8.10 Installation assistant

The installation assistant takes you through in a step-by-step fashion and provides help
on:
 Decision points offer preset default values
 Quick time to install
 Silent’ Oracle install

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2.8.11 Security
Data security is more than just a regulated industry issue. Good data security means
that all users can be confident that their decisions are based on completely reliable
information.
The dual and consolidated data configurations, along with offline storage provided by
800xA Information Management function contribute to dependable data availability.

Additionally the system architecture, which supports redundant communications and

buffering, provides inherent fault resiliency.
It is also important to protect data from malicious or accidental modification. To this
end the 800xA system provides user access restrictions to the control system,
operating system, database and ABB applications. This is a multilevel user access
model, integrated with Windows domain security, which provides access control
based on user name.
By using remote desktop views it is possible to provide information for non-operations
personnel while protecting the control system against unauthorized actions.

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