zenon Process Recorder

The zenon Process Recorder enables traceable post-event error and malfunction analyses. It supplements familiar zenon tools such as Extended Trend, Alarm Message List, or Chronological Event List, for enhanced precise error analysis.

• Playback of past events in project simulation mode, directly in the process screen
• Post-event error analysis for traceability and improved 
  quality
• Easy four-step engineering

The Process Recorder records data in zenon Service Engine so the data can then be played back later in project simulation mode. This allows problems to be analyzed in more detail after the event (in a Post-Mortem Analysis). This functionality means the Process Recorder can provide a convenient method of performing simulations and training for new employees. 

Functionality

The Process Recorder archives actual process stages. During the course of the process stage, the variables that have been configured for the Process Recorder are recorded. Recording is carried out in the event of a value change.

The data collated can be subsequently played back in the process screen in simulation mode, exactly as it was recorded. The project switches to the simulation and the data is displayed again in exactly the same time and sequence as it was recorded. Through display in the process screen, events are easier to understand – reducing the need to extract possible error sources from alarm lists or event lists. Furthermore, the Process Recorder makes it possible to analyze errors that have not triggered alarms for whatever reason. Using the playback in simulation mode doesn’t affect the live production process at all.

Navigation in the Process Recorder

Operation of the Process Recorder is designed to be intuitive. One option for starting the Process Recorder in Service Engine for analysis is to select a certain time point in a list (alarm or event) and jump to this time point in replay mode. This makes it easier to pinpoint areas of interest. It is also possible to navigate within a desired time period in the Process Recorder. You can choose to jump through time intervals, jump to the next or previous event, or navigate by means of a slider. Full playback of the process is possible, in a similar way to video.

Simple engineering

Engineering in the Process Recorder involves just four simple steps:

• Activation of the Process Recorder in the project
• Activation of the variables to be recorded by the Process Recorder
• Creation of the simulation mode functions
• Creation of the screen (with functions) for the control of the Process Recorder in simulation mode

Performance was one of the top priorities in the development of the zenon Process Recorder. This means that the Process Recorder can handle even very large zenon projects. The Process Recorder fully supports zenon networking and redundancy options.