Proficy™

HMI/SCADA
iFIX
Fundamentals
GFS-154B
Vol. 1 of 2

Developed by GE Fanuc Automation

www.gefanuc.com
Proficy iFIX Fundamentals

Published by GE Fanuc Automation Americas, Charlottesville, VA

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 Proficy iFIX Fundamentals

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Proficy iFIX Fundamentals

Proficy
iFIX Fundamentals

In this course you will learn how to use tools in Proficy iFIX. At the end of this workshop, you
will be able to:
y Configure and launch iFIX projects.
y Define basic configurations with the SCU.
y Build and troubleshoot IO Driver configurations.
y Add, delete and modify tags using the Database Manager.
y Work productively within the Workspace.
y Write and configure scripts with VBA in the Workspace Visual Basic Editor (VBE).
y Understand and implement Global variables and Tag Groups.
y Create and maintain display navigation schemes.
y Manage and display process alarms.
y Archive and trend historical data.
y Deploy a system-wide security scheme.

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SPECIAL FEATURES OF THIS BOOK

- key terms
Occasionally in the text, you will find highlighted words. These words are key terms in the study of this subject.
These terms are included in a comprehensive glossary of key terms at the end of the book.

TIP!
In the text of some pages, you may find a TIP! Icon. Tips are either reminders or shortcuts to help you complete
a task more efficiently.

Note!
Notes merely call attention to information that is especially significant to understanding the content of this
manual.

Copyright© 2006 GE Fanuc Automation North America, Inc.

All Rights Reserved

This document is based upon information available at the time of its publication. While efforts have been
made to render accuracy to its content, the information contained herein does not purport to cover all
details or variations in hardware or software, nor to provide for every possible contingency in connection
with installation, operation, and maintenance. Features may be described herein which are not present in
all hardware and software systems. GE Fanuc Automation North America, Inc. assumes no obligation of
notice to holders of this document with respect to changes subsequently made.
GE Fanuc Automation North America, Inc. makes no representation or warranty, expressed, implied, or
statutory with respect to, and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, sufficiency, or
usefulness of the information contained herein.
Proprietary information of GE Fanuc Automation Corporation furnished for customer use only. No other
uses are authorized without written permission of GE Fanuc Automation Corporation.

™ Proficy is a trademark of GE Fanuc Automation Americas, Inc.

™ Microsoft is a trademark of The Microsoft Corporation, Inc.

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Proficy iFIX Fundamentals

Table of Contents
Volume 1 0f 2
MODULE TITLE PAGE
1................ Introduction to iFIX ............................................................................................................ 1-1
Objectives .................................................................................................................................................. 1-1
Introduction to iFIX................................................................................................................................ 1-3
Client-Server Architecture ................................................................................................................. 1-4
Licensing .................................................................................................................................................... 1-5
SCADA vs. HMI ......................................................................................................................................... 1-5
Run-time vs. Development................................................................................................................ 1-5
iFIX Technologies ................................................................................................................................... 1-6
Communications.................................................................................................................................... 1-6
HMI................................................................................................................................................................ 1-7
iFIX Core Development........................................................................................................................ 1-8
Application Development Flowchart..........................................................................................1-10
Lab Exercises .........................................................................................................................................1-12
Lab Exercise 1: Classroom Introduction ..................................................................................1-12
Lab Exercise 2: iFix Sample System Demo.............................................................................1-14
Review Questions ................................................................................................................................1-21
Review.......................................................................................................................................................1-22
2................ iFIX Architecture and Applications ................................................................................. 2-1
Objectives .................................................................................................................................................. 2-1
Overview .................................................................................................................................................... 2-3
iClient Connections ............................................................................................................................... 2-3
SCADA Connections.............................................................................................................................. 2-4
iFIX Data Acquisition, Management and Visualisation........................................................ 2-5
SCADA.......................................................................................................................................................... 2-5
Process Hardware Connections and Protocols....................................................................... 2-5
IO Drivers and OPC Servers............................................................................................................... 2-6
Process Database (PDB) ..................................................................................................................... 2-7
Scan, Alarm and Control (SAC)......................................................................................................... 2-8
Data Source Syntax.............................................................................................................................. 2-9
iClient .........................................................................................................................................................2-10
Operator Displays................................................................................................................................2-10
Historical Archiving .............................................................................................................................2-11
Data Flow Summary – Read Data...............................................................................................2-12
Data Flow Summary – Write Data ..............................................................................................2-12
iFIX Applications ...................................................................................................................................2-13
Water Treatment Sample Application .......................................................................................2-14
Lab Exercises .........................................................................................................................................2-16
Lab Exercise 1: Introduce the SCU..............................................................................................2-17
Lab Exercise 2: Introduce the PowerTool................................................................................2-18
Lab Exercise 3: Introduce the Database Manager .............................................................2-20
Lab Exercise 4: Introduce the Workspace ..............................................................................2-21
Lab Exercise 5: Introduce HTA......................................................................................................2-22
Lab Exercise 6: Introduce Electronic Books and Help .......................................................2-23
Review Questions ................................................................................................................................2-24
Review.......................................................................................................................................................2-25

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3................ System Configuration and Building Projects................................................................ 3-1

Objectives .................................................................................................................................................. 3-1
Overview .................................................................................................................................................... 3-3
System Configuration Utility (SCU)................................................................................................ 3-4
Orientation ................................................................................................................................................ 3-4
Configuration .......................................................................................................................................... 3-5
Local Startup Configuration ............................................................................................................. 3-5
Local Node Name.................................................................................................................................. 3-5
Path Configuration................................................................................................................................ 3-6
Network Configuration........................................................................................................................ 3-9
Task Configuration ..............................................................................................................................3-11
Project Management .........................................................................................................................3-12
Lab Exercises .........................................................................................................................................3-15
Lab Exercise 1: Node Name and Local Node Alias.............................................................3-15
Lab Exercise 2: Setting the Project Paths and Location...................................................3-18
Lab Exercise 3: Configuring iFIX Networking.........................................................................3-24
Review Questions ................................................................................................................................3-27
Review.......................................................................................................................................................3-28
4................ Connecting to IO ................................................................................................................ 4-1
Objectives .................................................................................................................................................. 4-1
Overview .................................................................................................................................................... 4-3
SCADA Communications.................................................................................................................... 4-3
IO Drivers and OPC Servers............................................................................................................... 4-4
Version Types .......................................................................................................................................... 4-4
Connection Media Types.................................................................................................................... 4-4
Installing IO Drivers............................................................................................................................... 4-5
Basic IO Driver Structure .................................................................................................................... 4-6
IO Driver Configuration Basics......................................................................................................... 4-7
IO Driver Hierarchy ............................................................................................................................... 4-7
The SIM Driver.......................................................................................................................................... 4-8
Lab Exercises ........................................................................................................................................... 4-9
Lab Exercise 1: Installing IO Drivers from CD (optional)...................................................... 4-9
Lab Exercise 2: Installing IO Drivers from ClassFiles Folder (optional).......................4-12
Lab Exercise 3: Inspect PowerTool and create Default Configuration File. ............4-14
Review Questions ................................................................................................................................4-16
Review.......................................................................................................................................................4-17
5................ System Configuration – Data Acquisition and Alarming............................................ 5-1
Objectives .................................................................................................................................................. 5-1
Overview .................................................................................................................................................... 5-3
SCU SCADA Functions.......................................................................................................................... 5-4
SCU Alarm Functions ........................................................................................................................... 5-5
Overview of Alarming .......................................................................................................................... 5-5
Message Formats .................................................................................................................................. 5-5
Alarm Areas .............................................................................................................................................. 5-6
Alarm Handling....................................................................................................................................... 5-7
Alarm Services......................................................................................................................................... 5-7
Alarm Printers.......................................................................................................................................... 5-8
Alarm Summary ..................................................................................................................................... 5-8
Alarm Files................................................................................................................................................. 5-9
Alarm History........................................................................................................................................... 5-9

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Alarm ODBC.............................................................................................................................................. 5-9

Alarm Network ........................................................................................................................................ 5-9
Alarm Startup Queue .........................................................................................................................5-10
Lab Exercises .........................................................................................................................................5-11
Lab Exercise 1: Add IO Drivers to the SCU .............................................................................5-11
Lab Exercise 2: Configure Startup Tasks .................................................................................5-14
Lab Exercise 3: Configure Alarm Services and the Common Format........................5-16
Lab Exercise 4: Create Alarm Areas...........................................................................................5-19
Review Questions ................................................................................................................................5-21
Review.......................................................................................................................................................5-22
6................ Configuring IO Drivers and OPC Servers ....................................................................... 6-1
Objectives .................................................................................................................................................. 6-1
Overview .................................................................................................................................................... 6-3
IO Driver Configuration Basics......................................................................................................... 6-4
IO Driver Hierarchy ............................................................................................................................... 6-4
The Powertool.......................................................................................................................................... 6-5
Powertool Configuration .................................................................................................................... 6-7
Channels and Protocols...................................................................................................................... 6-7
Devices........................................................................................................................................................ 6-8
Poll Records or Data Blocks .............................................................................................................. 6-9
Statistics Mode and Monitoring Communications...............................................................6-11
Data Blocks.............................................................................................................................................6-11
Devices......................................................................................................................................................6-12
Channels ..................................................................................................................................................6-12
Lab Exercises .........................................................................................................................................6-13
Lab Exercise 1: Configure the MBE IO Driver .........................................................................6-13
Lab Exercise 2: Monitoring the MBE IO Driver.......................................................................6-19
Lab Exercise 3: Configure the GE9 IO Driver (optional per instructor) .......................6-21
Lab Exercise 4: Monitoring the GE9 IO Driver (optional per instructor).....................6-27
Review Questions ................................................................................................................................6-29
Review.......................................................................................................................................................6-30
7................ Introduction to the Process Database ........................................................................... 7-1
Objectives .................................................................................................................................................. 7-1
Overview .................................................................................................................................................... 7-3
Database Tags ........................................................................................................................................ 7-4
Primary and Secondary Tags.......................................................................................................... 7-4
Tag Chains ................................................................................................................................................ 7-4
Commonly Used Tag Types.............................................................................................................. 7-5
iFIX Tag Summary ................................................................................................................................. 7-6
Database Manager............................................................................................................................... 7-8
Database Menu ...................................................................................................................................... 7-8
Import/Export .......................................................................................................................................... 7-9
Edit Menu.................................................................................................................................................7-10
View Menu...............................................................................................................................................7-10
Blocks Menu ...........................................................................................................................................7-11
Database Manager Toolbar............................................................................................................7-11
Tools Menu – Options.........................................................................................................................7-12
Lab Exercise: Importing Tags into the PDB..............................................................................7-13
Review Questions ................................................................................................................................7-18
Review.......................................................................................................................................................7-19

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8................ Digital Database Tags....................................................................................................... 8-1

Objectives .................................................................................................................................................. 8-1
Overview .................................................................................................................................................... 8-3
Digital Input (DI) tags............................................................................................................................ 8-4
Main Tab Fields ....................................................................................................................................... 8-4
Configuring IO addresses .................................................................................................................. 8-5
Scan Times................................................................................................................................................ 8-5
Alarms Tab ................................................................................................................................................ 8-6
Alarm Options.......................................................................................................................................... 8-6
Alarm Type................................................................................................................................................ 8-6
Alarm Areas .............................................................................................................................................. 8-7
Alarm Priority........................................................................................................................................... 8-7
Advanced Tab.......................................................................................................................................... 8-8
Tag Specific Fields ................................................................................................................................. 8-8
Digital Alarm (DA) Tags........................................................................................................................ 8-9
Alarms Tab ................................................................................................................................................ 8-9
Digital Output (DO) tags....................................................................................................................8-11
Main Tab...................................................................................................................................................8-11
Alarms Tab ..............................................................................................................................................8-12
Advanced Tab........................................................................................................................................8-12
Lab Exercises .........................................................................................................................................8-13
Lab Exercise 1: Add Digital Tags using the IO Driver (optional) ....................................8-13
Lab Exercise 2: Add Digital Tags using the SIM Driver ......................................................8-17
Review Questions ................................................................................................................................8-22
Review.......................................................................................................................................................8-23
9................ Analog Database Tags ...................................................................................................... 9-1
Objectives .................................................................................................................................................. 9-1
Overview .................................................................................................................................................... 9-3
Analog Input (AI) tags........................................................................................................................... 9-4
Main Tab Fields ....................................................................................................................................... 9-4
Configuring IO addresses .................................................................................................................. 9-5
Alarms Tab ................................................................................................................................................ 9-5
Alarm Limits.............................................................................................................................................. 9-6
Advanced tab .......................................................................................................................................... 9-7
Analog Alarm (AA) Tags....................................................................................................................... 9-8
Alarms Tab ................................................................................................................................................ 9-8
Analog Output (AO) tags..................................................................................................................... 9-9
Main Tab..................................................................................................................................................... 9-9
Alarms Tab ................................................................................................................................................ 9-9
Advanced Tab........................................................................................................................................9-10
Register Tags .........................................................................................................................................9-11
Lab Exercises .........................................................................................................................................9-12
Lab Exercise 1: Add Analog Tags using the IO Driver (optional)...................................9-12
Lab Exercise 2: Add Analog Tags using the SIM driver .....................................................9-17
Review Questions ................................................................................................................................9-24
Review.......................................................................................................................................................9-25

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10 ............. Pictures and Templates ..................................................................................................10-1

Objectives ................................................................................................................................................10-1
Overview ..................................................................................................................................................10-3
Workspace Documents ....................................................................................................................10-4
Picture Basics.........................................................................................................................................10-5
Container Qualities..............................................................................................................................10-5
Design Considerations ......................................................................................................................10-5
Creating Pictures..................................................................................................................................10-6
Option 1: Create pictures from a pre-defined template ..................................................10-7
Option 2: Create a custom picture .............................................................................................10-8
Option 3: Create an “Untitled” picture with default settings..........................................10-8
Editing Pictures .....................................................................................................................................10-9
Picture Caching.....................................................................................................................................10-9
Picture Sizing and Location..........................................................................................................10-10
Workspace User Preferences......................................................................................................10-11
General Tab .........................................................................................................................................10-11
Startup Pictures Tab........................................................................................................................10-11
Picture Preferences Tab.................................................................................................................10-12
Lab Exercises ......................................................................................................................................10-13
Lab Exercise 1: Set User Preferences.....................................................................................10-13
Lab Exercise 2: Create Pictures fromm a pre-defined configuration .....................10-14
Lab Exercise 3: Create Custom Pictures ...............................................................................10-21
Lab Exercise 4: Create a Default “Untitled” Picture .........................................................10-23
Review Questions .............................................................................................................................10-24
Review....................................................................................................................................................10-25
11 ............. Introduction to the Workspace .....................................................................................11-1
Objectives ................................................................................................................................................11-1
Overview ..................................................................................................................................................11-3
Workspace Orientation.....................................................................................................................11-4
System Tree............................................................................................................................................11-4
Workspace Menus...............................................................................................................................11-5
Toolbars and the Toolbox ................................................................................................................11-7
Documents..............................................................................................................................................11-9
Run vs. Configure.................................................................................................................................11-9
Building Displays...............................................................................................................................11-10
Creating Shapes ................................................................................................................................11-10
Editing Shapes....................................................................................................................................11-10
Workspace User Preferences......................................................................................................11-12
Shape Presferences.........................................................................................................................11-12
Drawing Options ...............................................................................................................................11-13
Lab Exercises ......................................................................................................................................11-14
Lab Exercise 1: Create a Rapid Mixer Display....................................................................11-14
Lab Exercise 2: Create a Pump Station Display ................................................................11-22
Lab Exercise 3: Display Pump Station information from another Node ...............11-27
Lab Exercise 4: Display information from the Auxiliary Pump (optional)..............11-29
Challenge Lab.....................................................................................................................................11-31
Review Questions .............................................................................................................................11-32
Review....................................................................................................................................................11-33

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12 ............. Graphic Objects................................................................................................................12-1

Objectives ................................................................................................................................................12-1
Overview ..................................................................................................................................................12-3
Objects and Properties......................................................................................................................12-4
Objects ......................................................................................................................................................12-4
Properties ................................................................................................................................................12-4
Property Window.................................................................................................................................12-5
Editing Properties.................................................................................................................................12-5
Object Containers, Grouped Objects and Contained Objects ........................................12-6
DataLinks.................................................................................................................................................12-6
The Expression Builder ......................................................................................................................12-8
Data Source Syntax............................................................................................................................12-9
Refresh Rate...........................................................................................................................................12-9
Mathematical Functions................................................................................................................12-10
Tag Status, Quick Trend and Tag Control Panel ................................................................12-11
Tag Status ............................................................................................................................................12-11
Tag Control Panel .............................................................................................................................12-12
Quick Trend..........................................................................................................................................12-12
Configuration......................................................................................................................................12-13
Lab Exercises ......................................................................................................................................12-14
Lab Exercise 1: Using the Property Window.......................................................................12-14
Lab Exercise 2: Adding DataLinks............................................................................................12-17
Lab Exercise 3: Enabling Tag Status and Quick Trends.................................................12-23
Review Questions .............................................................................................................................12-26
Review....................................................................................................................................................12-27
13 ............. Data-Entry and Control ..................................................................................................13-1
Objectives ................................................................................................................................................13-1
Overview ..................................................................................................................................................13-3
DataLink ...................................................................................................................................................13-4
In-Place data entry .............................................................................................................................13-4
Data Entry Expert ................................................................................................................................13-5
Pushbutton .............................................................................................................................................13-5
Numeric/Alphanumeric ....................................................................................................................13-6
Slider ..........................................................................................................................................................13-7
Ramp..........................................................................................................................................................13-8
Digital Point Experts............................................................................................................................13-9
Open Digital Point................................................................................................................................13-9
Close Digital Point................................................................................................................................13-9
Toggle Digital Point ..........................................................................................................................13-10
Key Macro Editor...............................................................................................................................13-10
Summary of Data Entry Methods.............................................................................................13-12
Lab Exercises ......................................................................................................................................13-13
Lab Objectives: At the end of these exercises, the student will be able to: .........13-13
Lab Exercise 1: Add Control Capabilities to DataLinks ..................................................13-14
Lab Exercise 2: Add Control Capabilities to Text with the Data Entry Expert .....13-15
Lab Exercise 3: Add Digital Point Experts .............................................................................13-19
Lab Exercise 4: Add Control to the Sedimentation Tank...............................................13-21
Challenge Lab Exercise (optional). ............................................................................................13-26
Review Questions .............................................................................................................................13-27
Review....................................................................................................................................................13-28

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14 ............. Understanding Global Objects ......................................................................................14-1

Objectives ................................................................................................................................................14-1
Overview ..................................................................................................................................................14-3
Global Variables....................................................................................................................................14-4
Assignment with Expression Editor.............................................................................................14-5
Global Threshold Tables ...................................................................................................................14-6
Assignment with Expression Editor.............................................................................................14-7
Global Key Macros ..............................................................................................................................14-8
Lab Exercises ......................................................................................................................................14-10
Lab Exercise 1: Create Global Variables ................................................................................14-10
Lab Exercise 2: Create Global Thresholds.............................................................................14-12
Lab Exercise 3: Create a Global Key Macro. ........................................................................14-16
Review Questions .............................................................................................................................14-18
Review....................................................................................................................................................14-19
15 ............. Animating Objects ...........................................................................................................15-1
Objectives ................................................................................................................................................15-1
Overview ..................................................................................................................................................15-3
Animation Experts ...............................................................................................................................15-4
Foreground Color.................................................................................................................................15-4
Fill.................................................................................................................................................................15-6
Rotate ........................................................................................................................................................15-7
Scale...........................................................................................................................................................15-7
Position .....................................................................................................................................................15-8
Visibility.....................................................................................................................................................15-9
Advanced Animation Dialog........................................................................................................15-11
Animation Objects and Data Conversion..............................................................................15-12
Object .....................................................................................................................................................15-12
Format....................................................................................................................................................15-12
Range (aka Linear)...........................................................................................................................15-13
Table (aka Lookup) ...........................................................................................................................15-13
User Preferences...............................................................................................................................15-14
Animation Error Defaults...............................................................................................................15-14
Basic Animation Dialog..................................................................................................................15-15
Lab Exercises ......................................................................................................................................15-16
Lab Objectives: At the end of these exercises, the student will be able to: ..........15-16
Lab Exercise 1: Animate objects in the Rapid Mixer display.......................................15-16
Lab Exercise 2: Animate Objects in the Sedimentation Tank. ....................................15-26
Lab Exercise 3: Create a new display. ...................................................................................15-30
Challenge Lab: Add to the Water Filter screen..................................................................15-36
Review Questions .............................................................................................................................15-37
Review....................................................................................................................................................15-38

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Volume 2 of 2
16 ............. Introduction to Visual basic for Applications .............................................................16-1
Objectives .....................................................................................................................................................16-1
Overview .......................................................................................................................................................16-3
iFIX Workspace Scripting .......................................................................................................................16-4
Visual Basic for Applications ................................................................................................................16-4
Visual Basic Editor Orientation............................................................................................................16-5
Project Explorer..........................................................................................................................................16-5
Code Pane ....................................................................................................................................................16-6
Objects and Events...................................................................................................................................16-6
Property Window ......................................................................................................................................16-6
Toolbars.........................................................................................................................................................16-6
Help, Auto Quick Info and Auto Quick List......................................................................................16-7
Lab Exercises...............................................................................................................................................16-8
Lab Exercise 1: Explore the User Project .......................................................................................16-9
Lab Exercise 2: Import two forms to the User Project. ......................................................... 16-10
Lab Exercise 3: Add Scripts to the User Global Area. ............................................................ 16-12
Lab Exercise 4: Call Global Forms from Pictures..................................................................... 16-15
Review Questions................................................................................................................................... 16-20
Review ......................................................................................................................................................... 16-21
17 ............. Using VBA in IFIX...............................................................................................................17-1
Objectives .....................................................................................................................................................17-1
Overview .......................................................................................................................................................17-3
Objects ...........................................................................................................................................................17-4
Properties......................................................................................................................................................17-4
Methods.........................................................................................................................................................17-4
Events .............................................................................................................................................................17-4
Subroutines..................................................................................................................................................17-6
Command and Script Experts..............................................................................................................17-6
Commonly Used Subroutines and Functions...............................................................................17-6
Examples of VBA scripts in iFIX ...........................................................................................................17-7
Lab Exercises...............................................................................................................................................17-9
Lab Exercise 1: Water Filter Backwash Cycles. ..........................................................................17-9
Lab Exercise 2: Rapid Mixer Chemical Additive Control....................................................... 17-15
Lab Exercise 3: Add a Login button to the NavBar. ............................................................... 17-18
Review Questions................................................................................................................................... 17-20
Review ......................................................................................................................................................... 17-21
18 ............. Archiving Process Data...................................................................................................18-1
Objectives .....................................................................................................................................................18-1
Overview .......................................................................................................................................................18-3
iFIX Classic Historian................................................................................................................................18-4
Historical Collect........................................................................................................................................18-7
SCU Configuration ....................................................................................................................................18-8
SCU and the iFIX Data Collector .........................................................................................................18-9
Workspace as a Proficy Historian Client ..................................................................................... 18-10
Configuring Tags in the Proficy Historian Administrator...................................................... 18-10
Lab Exercises............................................................................................................................................ 18-12
Lab Exercise 1: Assign tags for collection. ................................................................................. 18-12
Lab Exercise 2: Start HTC with Mission Control. ...................................................................... 18-15
Lab Exercise 3: Set HTC for automatic start up....................................................................... 18-17
Review Questions................................................................................................................................... 18-18
Review ......................................................................................................................................................... 18-19

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19 ............. Building Navigation .........................................................................................................19-1

Objectives .....................................................................................................................................................19-1
Overview .......................................................................................................................................................19-3
Navigation Essentials ..............................................................................................................................19-4
Common Navigation Schemes ...........................................................................................................19-4
Pop-up Pictures..........................................................................................................................................19-4
Chain Navigation.......................................................................................................................................19-4
Point-to-Point Navigation......................................................................................................................19-5
Navigation Forms......................................................................................................................................19-5
Navigation Banner or Bar......................................................................................................................19-5
Key Macros ..................................................................................................................................................19-5
Navigation tools.........................................................................................................................................19-6
Navigation Experts ...................................................................................................................................19-6
Scripts.............................................................................................................................................................19-8
User Preferences .......................................................................................................................................19-9
Picture Preferences ..................................................................................................................................19-9
Lab Exercises............................................................................................................................................ 19-10
Lab Exercise 1: Add scripts to main screens............................................................................. 19-10
Lab Exercise 2: Add scripts to NavBar screen.......................................................................... 19-12
Lab Exercise 3: Add Key Macro navigation. .............................................................................. 19-14
Review Questions................................................................................................................................... 19-15
Review ......................................................................................................................................................... 19-16
20 ............. Tag Group Substitution...................................................................................................20-1
Objectives .....................................................................................................................................................20-1
Overview .......................................................................................................................................................20-3
Tag Group Substitution...........................................................................................................................20-4
Step 1: Building Tag Group displays................................................................................................20-4
Step 2: Create Tag Group Definition files........................................................................................20-5
Step 3: Add Tag Group navigation....................................................................................................20-6
Lab Exercises...............................................................................................................................................20-7
Lab Exercise 1: Create a Tag Group display. ................................................................................20-7
Lab Exercise 2: Create Tag Group Definition files.................................................................... 20-12
Lab Exercise 3: Create Tag Group navigation. .......................................................................... 20-15
Review Questions................................................................................................................................... 20-18
Review ......................................................................................................................................................... 20-19
21 ............. Monitoring Alarms ...........................................................................................................21-1
Objectives .....................................................................................................................................................21-1
Overview .......................................................................................................................................................21-3
Alarm Services Review...................................................................................................................................4
Alarm Messages................................................................................................................................................5
Alarm Status and Severity............................................................................................................................5
Alarm Summary................................................................................................................................................6
Alarm Summary Configuration..................................................................................................................7
Scripting............................................................................................................................................................. 10
DataLinks and Animations ........................................................................................................................ 11
Alarm Fields ..................................................................................................................................................... 11
Alarm Counters .............................................................................................................................................. 11
Lab Exercises................................................................................................................................................... 12
Lab Exercise 1: Build the Alarm Summary Banner. ...................................................................... 12
Lab Exercise 2: Build a Main Screen Alarm Summary................................................................. 15
Challenge Lab ................................................................................................................................................. 18
Review Questions.......................................................................................................................................... 19

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Review ................................................................................................................................................................ 20

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22 ............. Trending Archived Data..................................................................................................22-1

Objectives ................................................................................................................................................22-1
Overview ..................................................................................................................................................22-3
Chart Object ...........................................................................................................................................22-4
Appearance ............................................................................................................................................22-4
Adding Pens............................................................................................................................................22-5
Chart Tab .................................................................................................................................................22-7
Chart Groups..........................................................................................................................................22-9
Chart Groups Toolbar ........................................................................................................................22-9
Creating Chart Groups ......................................................................................................................22-9
Loading Chart Groups .......................................................................................................................22-9
Lab Exercises ......................................................................................................................................22-11
Lab Exercise 1: Add a Chart to the Clear Well Screen.....................................................22-11
Lab Exercise 2: Create a Main Screen Trend Display. .....................................................22-15
Lab Exercise 3: Create Chart Groups.......................................................................................22-18
Challenge Lab.....................................................................................................................................22-23
Review Questions .............................................................................................................................22-24
Review....................................................................................................................................................22-25
23 ............. Configuring Security .......................................................................................................23-1
Objectives ................................................................................................................................................23-1
Overview ..................................................................................................................................................23-3
Security Configuration ......................................................................................................................23-4
Specify Alarm File Locations ..........................................................................................................23-5
Specify Security Areas ......................................................................................................................23-5
Create Security Groups and Privileges......................................................................................23-6
Assign Auto Login ................................................................................................................................23-8
Assign Security Areas to Tags and Pictures ...........................................................................23-9
Setting Environment Protection for the Workspace ........................................................23-10
Logging into Security......................................................................................................................23-10
Enable Security..................................................................................................................................23-11
Audit Trail..............................................................................................................................................23-11
Electronic Books Research ...........................................................................................................23-12
Review....................................................................................................................................................23-13
24 ............. Troubleshooting iFIX........................................................................................................24-1
Objectives ................................................................................................................................................24-1
Overview ..................................................................................................................................................24-3
Real-Time Data .....................................................................................................................................24-4
Figure 24-2. iClient connecting to the SCADA using the data source syntax. ......24-4
Historical Archiving .............................................................................................................................24-5
Data Flow Summary – read data ................................................................................................24-6
Data Flow Summary – write data................................................................................................24-6
Troubleshooting Methodology......................................................................................................24-7
Hints and Tips........................................................................................................................................24-7
Sequential Analysis of components ...........................................................................................24-7
Time-Based Processes ......................................................................................................................24-8
iFIX Troubleshooting Tools ..............................................................................................................24-8
Picture Tools...........................................................................................................................................24-8
PDB Tools .................................................................................................................................................24-8
SAC Tools .................................................................................................................................................24-9
Alarm Tools .............................................................................................................................................24-9

xvi GE Fanuc Training Services www.gefanuc.com/ttc GFS-154B

 Proficy iFIX Fundamentals

IO Driver Tools .......................................................................................................................................24-9

Historian Tools.......................................................................................................................................24-9
Network Tools.....................................................................................................................................24-10
Microsoft™ Troubleshooting Tools ...........................................................................................24-11
Review Questions .............................................................................................................................24-12
Electronic Books Research ...........................................................................................................24-12
Review....................................................................................................................................................24-13
Appendices:
A ............... Glossary of Terms ..............................................................................................................A-1
B ............... iFIX Block Fields ..................................................................................................................B-1
C ............... iFIX System Requirements................................................................................................C-1
D............... Keyboard Accelerators .....................................................................................................D-1
E................ iFIX Application Development Flowcharts .................................................................... E-1
Course Evaluation

GFS-154B GE Fanuc Training Services www.gefanuc.com/ttc xvii