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Frequently Asked Questions

InfoBatch®

AgileDoc®

InfoLog® 

Is InfoBatch just for batch reporting?

No. InfoBatch has been applied to a wide range of manufacturing reporting applications including Certificates of Analysis (COA), Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), morning production/reject reports and periodic assessment.

Does InfoBatch require a batch historian?

While InfoBatch is commonly applied with the DeltaV Batch Historian, it is not an absolute prerequisite. For example, report hierarchies can be configured using event messages from an event chronicle or other data sources. In addition, InfoBatch AutoGen can generate time-based reports.

Is InfoBatch CFR 21 Part 11 compliant?

Yes, InfoBatch was designed specifically for use in regulated industries. Security, version control and audit trail features associated with the product are intended to ensure compliance with CFR 21 Part 11, Electronic Records and Signatures.

Does InfoBatch store data?

No. InfoBatch does not replicate data. Data is read from each data source at the time of report generation.

Can InfoBatch automatically generate reports?

Yes. AutoGen can be configured to generate reports on specified time intervals and external events.

Can InfoBatch support multiple users?

Yes. InfoBatch is a server-based, multi-user application. The InfoBatch Web Server allows multiple users to simultaneously generate reports.

Can users generate reports from the web?

Yes. Authorized users may generate reports through the InfoBatch web client.

Can users view reports through the web?

Yes. Users can browse reports that were previously generated by AutoGen through the web-based PDF archive. Note that the PDF archive is configured on a site basis.

Is there a limit on the number of InfoBatch reports that may be configured on a single server?

No. There are no limits on the number of reports.

Can InfoBatch interface to multiple DeltaV/Syncade systems?

Yes. Genealogy licenses can be purchased to add multiple genealogy sources (e.g. Batch Historians and MES) to a single InfoBatch server.

Can a single InfoBatch report include data from multiple data sources?

Yes. A single InfoBatch report can include data from multiple data sources.

Can InfoBatch connect to proprietary databases?

Yes. The ODBC Connector can be configured to interface to virtually any database.

Can InfoBatch display process trends?

Yes. Time-series data can be acquired through the InfoBatch OPC HDA, ODBC and PI Connectors. The OPC HDA Connector is used for acquiring data from the Emerson Continuous Historian.

Can InfoBatch perform calculations?

Yes. Standard calculations and free-form expressions can be specified through the InfoBatch Configurator.

Can InfoBatch generate alarms?

InfoBatch can generate exception reports based upon limit violations. Limits can be managed through the InfoBatch Configurator, read from formula and parameter limits, or acquired from external data sources. Alternatively, InfoBatch can report on alarms that are recorded in the Batch Historian.

Can InfoBatch retrieve data in real-time?

No. InfoBatch retrieves data on demand at report generation time. AutoGen monitors report triggers in real-time.

Can InfoBatch reports be routed via email?

Email routing is not standard InfoBatch functionality. The routing of autogenerated reports can, however, be configured through Microsoft SQL Server.

How is InfoBatch licensed?

InfoBatch is a server based license model. The InfoBatch Server Bundle includes the following: InfoBatch Server software, InfoBatch Database schema for Microsoft SQL Server, (1) InfoBatch Configurator, InfoBatch Connector for DeltaV Batch Historian or Syncade, InfoBatch Connector for OPC HDA, InfoBatch Connector for ODBC, and InfoBatch Connector for PI.

What InfoBatch options are available?

Available options include the InfoBatch Web Server with unlimited client seats, InfoBatch AutoGen and genealogy license for additional data sources.

What type of hardware/software is required for InfoBatch?

Please refer to the Informetric InfoBatch Server Prerequisites 11902-0233-x.

Can InfoBatch be installed on the Batch Historian?

Yes. InfoBatch can be installed on a DeltaV Application Station with the Batch Historian and Continuous Historian. For heavily loaded Batch Historians, Informetric advises installing InfoBatch on a dedicated server.

Can InfoBatch be virtualized?

Yes. The InfoBatch server can be installed on a virtual machine.

Can InfoBatch reports be generated from DeltaV Operator Stations or Syncade Workstations?

Yes. The InfoBatch web client can be accessed from the embedded DeltaV web browser or Syncade Portal. In addition, reports can be generated programmatically using the InfoBatch Web API.

Are InfoBatch versions tied to DeltaV versions?

No. InfoBatch can generally be managed independently of the DeltaV version, although it is quite common for a site to coordinate the upgrade of both systems. The InfoBatch configuration is not usually affected by the DeltaV version, although there have been cases where a change in the Batch Historian views dictated minor configuration updates to the InfoBatch configuration.

How does InfoBatch compare to database query and reporting tools like Crystal Reports?

InfoBatch is purpose built for manufacturing reporting. The structured Configurator allows users with limited knowledge of software development and the underlying databases to configure and maintain reports.

In addition, InfoBatch uses an innovative hierarchical model that mimics the structure of genealogy sources such as the Batch Historian and MES. As a result, report configuration is much more straightforward than conventional reporting tools. The InfoBatch installation includes preconfigured Connectors for DeltaV. Users can begin configuring reports with simple point-and-click commands immediately after installation.

InfoBatch product releases are managed to maximize continuity and minimize disruption over extended installation lifecycles. The first InfoBatch sites can still run their original reports on the latest InfoBatch releases, even though there have been major releases and enhancements since the initial configuration. In addition, rigorous configuration management and release testing ensure that software can be installed, documented and validated in a straightforward manner.

What type of documentation can AgileDoc generate?

AgileDoc is most commonly configured to generate as-built Detailed Design Specifications. AgileDoc has also been used to generate Functional Requirement Specifications, System Configuration documents and Test Scripts.

How does AgileDoc connect to DeltaV?

AgileDoc does not connect directly to the DeltaV configuration database. FHX exports from DeltaV are dropped into a watch directory and immediately uploaded to AgileDoc.

What can AgileDoc report?

AgileDoc can report on virtually anything that is configured through DeltaV Control Studio and DeltaV Recipe Studio. Typical report types include Phase, Recipe, Control Module, Equipment Module, Module Class/Instances, Unit Class/Instances and system configuration documents.

Can AgileDoc support multiple users?

Yes. AgileDoc is a server-based, multi-user application. The AgileDoc Web Server allows multiple users to simultaneously generate reports.

Can users generate reports from the web?

Yes. Authorized users may generate reports through the AgileDoc web client.

Is there a limit on the number of AgileDoc reports that may be configured on a single server?

No. There are no limits on the number of reports.

Can AgileDoc automatically generate reports?

Yes. AutoGen can be configured to generate reports upon detecting the upload of new DeltaV object versions.

Can control diagrams be included in reports?

Yes. AgileDoc generates Sequential Function Charts (SFC), Procedural Function Charts (PFC) and Function Block Diagrams (FBD) in a native vector format that is appropriate for viewing and printing. Diagrams can also be created in rasterized/bitmap and Visio formats.

Can an AgileDoc report include DeltaV Operate Screens?

No. AgileDoc does not currently support DeltaV Operate Displays.

Does AgileDoc support other automation systems?

No. AgileDoc currently supports DeltaV only.

Is VCAT a prerequisite?

No. AgileDoc implicitly assigns a version when it identifies a change to an object.

Can AgileDoc reports be routed via email?

Email routing is not standard AgileDoc functionality. The routing of autogenerated reports can, however, be configured through Microsoft SQL Server.

Can metadata be stored in AgileDoc?

Yes. Report metadata (e.g. boilerplate content and text descriptions) can be managed through AgileDoc Elements.

What is included with the AgileDoc Server License?

AgileDoc Server software, AgileDoc Database schema for Microsoft SQL Server, (1) AgileDoc Configurator, (1) AgileDoc Navigator, and license for (1) DeltaV production system/database.

What AgileDoc options are available?

Available options include AutoGen, licenses for additional DeltaV systems, AgileDoc Elements, and the AgileDoc Standard Report Template Library.

What versions of DeltaV are AgileDoc compatible with?

AgileDoc works with any version of DeltaV that supports FHX export from Control Studio. AgileDoc has been applied with DeltaV versions 7.x through 14.x.

What type of hardware/software is required for AgileDoc?

Please refer to the Informetric AgileDoc Server Prerequisites 11403-0221-x.

Can InfoLog be installed on DeltaV workstations?

Yes, InfoLog can be installed on DeltaV Application Stations.

Does InfoLog support different languages?

Yes, InfoLog can be configured for localization.

What version of MS SQL Server is required for InfoLog?

InfoLog supports SQL Server Standard 2016, SQL Server Standard 2017, & SQL Server Standard 2019.

Is SQL Server Standard Edition required (i.e. SQL express is not compatible)?

SQL Server Standard Edition is required.

Can a SQL Query get Dashboard values from InfoLog to show this information in DeltaV Live?

Yes.

Can a current DeltaV Logbooks customer upgrade to InfoLog with the same license for no additional cost?

Yes. Informetric will provide InfoLog license keys equivalent to the DeltaV Logbooks license at no charge during the upgrade window.

How is InfoLog licensed?

InfoLog is licensed by number of named users. Event Monitor is an optional licensed module.

What is the compelling reason for a DeltaV or Syncade Logbooks user to upgrade the software version?

Upgrading to InfoLog will ensure ongoing support, software updates and future enhancements

Is InfoLog system agnostic? Or is it designed to work with DeltaV only?

InfoLog is system agnostic. InfoLog for DeltaV provides enhanced integration options and streamlined configuration.

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