Cover sheet

How can you output tags from an SQL

database via a trend archive?
WinCC flexible 2008 SP2
FAQ September 2010

Service & Support

Answers for industry.

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Question
How can you output tags from an SQL database via a trend archive?

Answer
Follow the instructions and notes listed in this document for a detailed answer to
the above question.

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Contents

Contents
1

Configuration Notes .......................................................................................... 4

SQL Database .................................................................................................... 6

2.1
2.2
2.2.1
2.2.2
2.3

WinCC flexible ES............................................................................................ 18

3.1
3.2
3.3
3.3.1
3.3.2

Open the "MS SQL Management Studio" ............................................ 6

Remote access to the SQL database .................................................. 9
Enable remote access........................................................................ 10
SQL server surface area configuration .............................................. 12
Configure the ODBC data source ...................................................... 14

Create a tag log.................................................................................. 18

Tag Logging ....................................................................................... 19
Scripts................................................................................................. 20
Script editing for logging..................................................................... 20
Scripts used........................................................................................ 21

Operate the Sample Application .................................................................... 24

4.1
4.2
4.2.1
4.2.2

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Call the data in the SQL database ..................................................... 24

Operate the WinCC flexible Runtime screens ................................... 26
Open exported CSV file with Excel .................................................... 31
Troubleshooting.................................................................................. 34

1 Configuration Notes

Configuration Notes
This entry includes the principal configuration steps for...

Creating a Microsoft SQL database.

For archiving tags in a Microsoft SQL database.

The archive name is assigned "dynamically" in the example in this FAQ.
(The name is created only at runtime).

Reading out the archived tags via a trend display. Here you can preset the
period of time in a selection window.

Exporting the contents of the archived entries to a CSV file.

Name for the tag archive

The archive names in the SQL database are assigned "dynamically" in the
example in this FAQ. This means that the name of each archive is created only at
runtime.
At Runtime a database is created automatically every month with the relevant
database name. The values acquired are archived every hour in this database.
The database name is composed of the elements below:

Archive name + year + month

The archive names in this database are composed of the elements below:

Archive name + year + month + day + time

The figure below shows an example of how the archived entries are displayed.
Figure 1-1

Database name
Archivename + Year + Month

Archive entries
Archivename + Year + Month + Day + Time

Additional entries

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1 Configuration Notes

SQL database and WinCC flexible

When WinCC flexible 2008 is installed, the "Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express
Edition" is also installed.
You can log your data in this Microsoft SQL database via WinCC flexible.
Alternatively, you can download the "Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition"
from the Microsoft Support site and install it separately on another PC. This would
be the case, for example, if you wanted to stored data on an external PC on which
WinCC flexible is not installed.
In this case, check which database is released for WinCC flexible (Help system >
Search > Released databases).
Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio Express
The "Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio Express" (SSMSE) provides a
graphical management tool for the "MS SQL Server 2005 Express Edition".
The "Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio Express" is not included in the
WinCC flexible delivery package.
If required, you can download the "Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio
Express" from the Microsoft Support site.
When do you need the SQL Management Studio?
If you want to enter, edit and view data in the "Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express
Edition", you need the
"Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio Express".

Note

When "MS SQL Server" is mentioned in the documentation, this always refers to
the "Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition".
When "Microsoft SQL Management Studio" is mentioned in the documentation,
this always refers to the "Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio Express".

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2 SQL Database

SQL Database
Information on how to operate the SQL database is given below.

2.1

Open the "MS SQL Management Studio"

You need the "Microsoft SQL Management Studio" to view and change the data
archived in the SQL database.
Requirements:

Windows XP operating system

Microsoft SQL Management Studio is installed.

Table 2-1
No.
1.

Description

Picture

Start the "SQL Management Studio"

Start the "Microsoft SQL Management
Studio" on your PC.
"Start > Programs > Microsoft SQL
Server 2005 > SQL Server Management
Studio".

----------------------------------"Microsoft SQL Server Management

Studio Express" starts.

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2 SQL Database

No.
2.

Description

Picture

Set up connection to the local server

Specify the server name
The server name consists of the following
elements: "Computer name\Instance
name".

(1)
The instance name in this example is
"WINCCFLEXEXPRESS".
You can specify the server name and
instance name "manually" or via the dropdown list (1).

From the drop-down list you select

the item "<Browse for more>.
Another
dialog field opens (2).

Select the
"Local Servers" menu command.
Select your local server and confirm
the input with "OK".

(2)

Authentication
Select the authentication here.
In this case
"Windows Authentication".
After specifying the server name and
authentication, click on the "Connect"
button.
The connection to the server is set up.
3.

Overview of the "Microsoft SQL Server

Management Studio Express".

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2 SQL Database

No.
4.

Description
Start the SQL server
If the server has not already been started,
indicated by the "red" icon (1), then start
the server manually.

In the "Object Explorer", you rightclick on the instance name of the

connection and in the pop-menu that
opens you select the "Start" item (2).

You are then asked if you really want

to restart the SQL server.
Acknowledge the message with
"Yes".
The SQL server starts.

5.

Picture

(1)

(2)

You do not need to change any other settings.

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2 SQL Database

2.2

Remote access to the SQL database

In section 2.1 the SQL server and the WinCC flexible Runtime are installed on the
same PC.
In this section, the SQL server and WinCC flexible Runtime are each installed on a
different computer.
The PC with the SQL server serves as the "central PC" on which the data
management is conducted. All the WinCC flexible Runtime stations store their data
there centrally.
Figure 2-1

PC with
MS SQL database
(central PC)

WinCC flexible
RT station 01

Remote
access
WinCC flexible
RT station 02

The default setting of the "Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition" does not
permit "Remote Access".
Below are the settings to be made to enable "Remote Access".

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2.2.1

Enable remote access

The settings are to be made on the PC on which the SQL server is installed.

Table 2-2
No.
1.

Description

Picture

First, execute the steps described in

section 2.1.
Note:
In this case, the instance name is now
not "WINCCFLEXEXPRESS", but
"SQLEXPRESS".
(With the SQL Server 2005, the name for
the default instance is "SQLEXPRESS".)

2.

Edit server properties

In the "Object Explorer", you right-click on
the instance name of the connection and
via the pop-menu that opens you open
the "Properties" of the server
connection.
The "Properties" dialog box opens.

3.

"Properties" dialog box

In the "Select a page" list you select

the "Security" item.

Then, under "Server authentication",

you select the "SQL Server and
Windows Authentication mode"
option.

Confirm the entries with "OK".

You then get a message informing

you that the changes only become
effective after restarting the SQL
server. Acknowledge the message
with "OK".
This closes the dialog box.

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2 SQL Database

No.
4.

Description

Picture

Restarting the SQL server

In the "Object Explorer", you rightclick on the instance name of the

connection and in the pop-menu that
opens you select the "Restart" item.

You are then asked if you really want

to restart the SQL server.
Acknowledge the message with
"Yes".
The SQL server shuts down and then
restarts.
If you do not want to make any more
entries, you can close the "Microsoft SQL
Management Studio".

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2 SQL Database

2.2.2

SQL server surface area configuration

Via this service you can edit the SQL server surface area configuration. The
settings required for "Remote Access" are described below. The settings are to be
made on the PC on which the SQL server is installed.

Table 2-3
No.
1.

Description

Picture

Calling the "SQL server surface area

configuration"
Start the "SQL server surface area
configuration" on your PC.
"Start > Programs > Microsoft SQL
Server 2005 > Configuration Tools > SQL
Server Surface Area Configuration".
The "SQL Server Surface Area
Configuration" dialog box opens.

2.

"SQL Server 2005 Surface Area

Configuration" dialog box
In the dialog box you select the
configuration "Surface Area
Configuration for Services and
Connections".
The "Surface Area Configuration for
Services and Connections" dialog box
opens.

3.

The "Surface Area Configuration for

Services and Connections" dialog
box.

In the list, you select the component

"Your SQL server instance
(SQLEXPRESS) > Database Engine
> Remote Connections" (1).

Now, on the right, you select the

options "Local and remote
connections" (2) and "Using both
TCP/IP and named pipes" (3).

Click on "Apply" (4) to confirm the

selection.
You then get a message informing you
that the changes only become effective
after restarting the SQL server.
Acknowledge the message with "OK".

12

(1)

(2)
(3)

(4)

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No.
4.

Description

Picture

The "Surface Area Configuration for

Services and Connections" dialog
box.

In the list, you select the component

"SQL Server Browser > Service" (1).

Then, on the right-hand side, open

the "Startup type" drop-down list and
select the "Automatic" option (2).

If the "Service status" is set to

"Running", confirm once with the
"Stop" button and then with the
"Start" button. If the "Service status"
is set to "Stopped", then click on the
"Start" button.

Confirm the entry via the "OK" button

(4).
This closes the dialog box.
5.

(1)
(2)
(3)

(4)

The "SQL Server 2005 Surface Area

Configuration" dialog box is displayed
again.
Close this dialog box again.
This completes the settings for "Remote
Access".
Now you can access the SQL database
from the "WinCC flexible RT stations".

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2 SQL Database

2.3

Configure the ODBC data source

Via an ODBC application you create an ODBC data source via which you set up a
connection to a Microsoft SQL server.
The ODBC settings must be made on the PC on which the WinCC flexible Runtime
is installed.

Table 2-4
No.
1.

Description

Picture

Calling the "ODBC Data Source

Administrator"
Open the "ODBC Data Source
Administrator" on your PC.
"Start > Settings > Control Panel >
Administration > Databases (ODBC)".
The dialog box shown on the right opens.
Note:
There might already be entries from user
data sources. You do not need to pay
attention to these.

2.

Adding a data source

Select the "User DSN" tab and then click
on the "Add" button.
The "Create New Data Source" dialog
box opens.

3.

Selecting an SQL server

In the drop-down list you select the "SQL
Server" item and then click on the
"Finish" button.
The "Create a New Data Source to SQL
Server" dialog box opens.

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No.
4.

Description

Picture

Define the reference name and server

Specify a data source name in the
"Name" dialog box (1).
You use the name to reference the
database and storage location.
The name you use here must match the
name that you use to identify the "DSN"
(Data Source Name) in WinCC flexible
ES.
The "Data Source Name" is stored in
multiple scripts (see link). The name is
also used for parameterizing the tag log
(see link).

(3)

(1)

(2)

Specify a server in the "Server" dialog

box (2).
Select the server on which the data is to
be stored and called. This can be your
"local PC" on which WinCC flexible
Runtime runs or a "Central PC" (Remote
Connection) on which all the data is
stored.
TIP:
You can select already available servers
from the drop-down list.
If you server is not displayed, open the
"SQL Management Studio" (see section
2.1).
Copy the name of the "Instance" (3) and
add this name to the "Server" input field.
Then click on the "Next>" button.
5.

Login settings
Select a login option for the SQL data
source. If you are in a domain, you can
then use your domain account.
In this example, we have taken the
options selected in the picture.
Then click on the "Next>" button.
Note:
When you click on the "Next" button, the
system attempts to set up a connection to
the SQL server. If this does not succeed,
you get an error message (see next
point).

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2 SQL Database

No.
6.

Description

Picture

Possible error message

If connection setup to the SQL server has
failed, check the "Server name"
specified.
Via the "<Back" button you can return to
the previous screen.
Remote access
If you do not want to access the "local
server" but the "remote server" (central
PC), then check the points below.

Is the PC to be reached via a "PING"

or via the "computer name"?

Is the login data correct? The user of

the client operating system must also
be created on the SQL server
operating system (identical name
and password for all computers)!

Check the cable connection between

the PCs.

See section 2.2.

7.

Select the database

You do not have to select any special
database in the example in this FAQ.
Then click on the "Next>" button.

8.

Complete the user data source

On this page you can make a few more
settings. It is useful to change the
language of the SQL server system
messages to the relevant "local
language" (1).

(1)

Complete the user data source by

clicking on the "Finish" button.
When you click on the "Finish" button,
the "ODBC Microsoft SQL Server Setup"
window opens. All the settings you have
made are displayed once again in this
window.

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No.
9.

Description

Picture

ODBC Microsoft SQL server setup

All the settings you have made are
displayed once again in this window.
Furthermore, you can test the connection
via the
"Test Data Source" button.
Close the dialog by clicking on the "OK".
When you click on the "OK" button, the
"ODBC Data Source Administrator"
window opens.

10.

View the newly created user data

source
The "ODBC Data Source Administrator"
dialog box displays your defined user
data source (1).
Via buttons (2) you can

Add other user data sources.

Delete a user data source.

Edit a user data source.

Mark the associated user data source.

(1)
(2)

If you do not want to make any more

entries, close the window with the "OK"
button.

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3 WinCC flexible ES

WinCC flexible ES
This chapter describes how to configure and make various settings for logging data
in an SQL database.
Details are given in the attached project.

Note

3.1

All the settings already described have been made in the attached configuration.

Create a tag log

The settings below are to be made generally regardless of whether it is a message
or tag log.

Table 3-1
No.
1.

Description
Create a tag log
First create two new logs.
In this example:

Data_Logs

Data_Logs_Trend_View
Settings:

General
Open the properties of the tag log
"Data Logs > General".

Storage location (1)

From the drop-down list, select
"Database" as storage location.

Storage location (2)

Select the option "User-defined data
source name"
and enter the name of the data
source. In this case
"WinCCFlexible"
(the name must match the name you
used in the ODBC parameterization
see link).

2.

Picture

(1)

(2)

Define properties
Properties
Open the properties of the tag log
"Properties > Properties".
You can make the settings individually.
Detailed information on the separate
points is available in the Online Help of
WinCC flexible.

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No.
3.

Description

Picture

SQL database view

If you start WinCC flexible Runtime and a
connection to the SQL server is
established, the logs configured
previously are stored in the SQL
database as follows.
Open the folder
"Databases > System Databases >
master > Tables".
The prefix "dbo" and the number "0" are
added automatically by the system.

3.2

Tag Logging

Define logging properties

Table 3-2
No.
1.

Description

Picture

Define logging properties

Mark the tags to be logged.

(Tags of the "STRING" type cannot
be logged).

Logging
Open the properties of the tags
"Properties > Properties > Logging".

Tag log (1)

Select the relevant tag log from the
drop-down list. In this
case Data_Logs".

Trigger (2)
Here you enter the acquisition mode.
In this case "Cyclic continuous".
You do not need to make any other
settings for logging.

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(1)

(2)

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3 WinCC flexible ES

3.3

Scripts

3.3.1

Script editing for logging

In the sample project attached the scripts are used to achieve a clear view of the
values logged in the database. In addition, the scripts are used to read out the
logged data of the SQL database via a WinCC flexible Runtime.
All the logged data is logged by default in the "Data_Log" log. There is no script
required for this.
The figure below shows an excerpt of entries logged in "Data_Log".
Figure 3-1

In this example three values are logged every second. After just a short time the
table becomes very "long" and it is difficult to pick out a specific value for a specific
time.
Using the scripts you can split the existing table into several "small" tables. In this
example a database is created for each month. A separate log is created for every
hour in this database.
The name of the archive is created automatically.
Furthermore, you can use the scripts and a text list to predefine a specific period of
time and select a specific log. The values from the log chosen can then be
displayed via a trend archive.

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3.3.2

Scripts used
This chapter provides you with information on the scripts configured.

Note

A certain amount of experience and basic knowledge of the SQL instruction set
is required for creating these scripts.
Refer here to Entry ID: 26283062.

Essentially, the scripts have the same format.

Lines 9 to 14 are for setting up the connection to the SQL database.
Figure 3-2

Line 5:

Declaration of tags

Line 9:

The "ADO" command is for accessing the database of an SQL server

and the tables and data records contained in it. "ADODB.Connection" ->
Database connection

Line 10:

The "ADO" command is for accessing the database of an SQL server

and the tables and data records contained in it. "ADODB.Recordset" ->
Collection data records

Line 14:

The DSN name "WinCCflexible" references the database and the

storage location. This name is used in all scripts.
The name must match the name you used when configuring the ODBC
data source (see link).

The description of the scripts below limits itself to the function that scripts execute.
Please refer to the configuration for details.

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3 WinCC flexible ES

S1_Create_Database_Table
The script is executed once when WinCC flexible Runtime starts.
The script creates a new database for the current month in an SQL database.
If a database already exists for the current month, a system message is issued.
The database name is composed of the elements below:

Archive name + year + month

S2_Archive_Data_Hourly
The script is call once at the beginning of each hour via the scheduler.
The script copies all the values of the "previous" hour from the "Data_Logs" archive
and inserts the data into a newly created archive.
The name of the new archive is composed of the elements below:

Archive name + year + month + day + hour

Functional sequence:
1. When the WinCC flexible Runtime starts, the "Data_Logs" archive (Link) is
created in the system database of the SQL server. The configured values are
stored continuously in this archive.
2. At the beginning of each hour the script "S2_Archive_Data_Hourly" is called via
the "Scheduler".
The script creates a new archive for the past hour.
Then all the values of the past hour between the minute "xx:00:00" and the
minute "xx:59:59" are copied from the "Data_Logs" archive and pasted into the
newly created archive.
3. After copying, the "old" values are deleted in the "Data_Logs" archive.
4. Example:
Archiving is started at 14:35:42. At 15:00 the scheduler executes the script.
All the values between 14:35:42 and 14:59:59 are stored in the archive named
"Data_Logs_2010_7_28_14".
(Archive name + year + month + day + hour)
Continuous archiving of the subsequent data in the "Data_Logs" archive is not
interrupted during the copying procedure.

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S3_Load_Database_Table
The script is called via the "Download archive data" button.
The script copies the data logged in the given time and pastes it into the
"Data_Logs_Trend_View" archive.
These values from the "Data_Logs_Trend_View" are displayed via a trend display.
If the archive selected is not available, a system message is issued.
Functional sequence:
1. When the WinCC flexible Runtime starts, the "Data_Logs_Trend_View" archive
(Link) is created in the system database of the SQL server. The archive acts as
a "temporary" buffer for values.
2. The "S2_Archive_Data_Hourly" script creates a new archive with the
corresponding values every hour.
3. You select a file archived in the SQL database by entering a specific point in
time (date and time) via text lists.
4. After specifying the time period you press the "Download archive data" button
to execute the script.
Based on time period specified the script searches the archived file in the SQL
database and copies the contents into the "Data_Logs_Trend_View" archive.
The values from the "Data_Logs_Trend_View" archive can then be displayed via a
trend archive.
S4_Export_Archiv_As_CSV_File
You call the script via the "Export selected archive as CSV file" button.
The script copies the data archived in the SQL database from the specified period
of time and creates a *.CSV file on the C:\ drive.
The name of the new file is composed of the elements below:

Archive name + year + month + day + hour

If the archive selected is not available, a system message is issued.

Functional sequence:
1. The "S2_Archive_Data_Hourly" script creates a new archive with the
corresponding values every hour.
2. You select a file archived in the SQL database by entering a specific point in
time (date and time) via text lists.
3. After specifying the time period you press the "Export selected archive as CSV
file" button to execute the script. Based on time period specified the script
searches the archived file in the SQL database and creates a CSV file out of
the data available.
Example:
File in the SQL database:
Data_Logs_2010_7_29_14
File on drive "C:\":
Data_Logs_2010_7_29_14.csv

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4 Operate the Sample Application

Operate the Sample Application

This chapter describes how to operate the application.

4.1

Call the data in the SQL database

Requirements

The settings as described in chapter 2 "SQL Database" have been made.

Data has been logged in the SQL database via WinCC flexible Runtime.

Open the SQL table

Table 4-1
No.
1.

Description

Picture

Open the SQL table

You only have to open the SQL table to
see the data in the SQL database.
Open the "SQL Management Studio".
(See section 2.1).
"Standard" Archive (1)
In the folder "Databases > System
Databases > master > Tables" you see
the archive files that WinCC flexible
creates automatically when Runtime
starts (Link).
In this example:

Data_Logs_Trend_View0

Data_Logs0

(1)

(2)

Created Archive (2)

In the "Data_Logs_xx_xx > Tables"
database you see the data archived using
the scripts.
Right-click on the relevant "table" and
select the "Open Table" item in the popup menu. The table with the stored data
opens.
2.

Table View
The figure below shows you an opened
table..
In this case it is the data from the table
"Data_Logs_2010_7_29_17".
You can add new values to the table and
change existing values.
If you make changes to the table, you
must then save the data.

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No.
3.

Description

Picture

Update values in a table

Tags continue to be logged even in an opened table.
To update the values in the table you close and then reopen the table.

4.

Update the database table

Click on the "Tables" folder and press the "F5" key on the PC keyboard.
Alternatively you select the menu item "View > Refresh".

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4 Operate the Sample Application

4.2

Operate the WinCC flexible Runtime screens

Requirements
You must start the SQL server before starting WinCC flexible Runtime (see link).
The WinCC flexible Runtime consists of three screens.

Table 4-2
No.
1.

Description

Picture

Screen 01:
"Trend View"
The trend display is for the graphical
representation of tag values from the
current process.
The values of the tags below are displayed.

HMI_Archive_Data.Tag_01

HMI_Archive_Data.Tag_02

HMI_Archive_Data.Tag_03

The values are also archived in an SQL

database.
2.

Screen 02:
"Archive Trend View"
Via this screen you can call the archived
values from the SQL database.
Furthermore, you can export the data from
the selected archive into a CSV file.

3.

Screen 03:
"System Site"
Via this screen you can change the
language (Deutsch/English) and end
Runtime.
Alarm events are output via the alarm
display.

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How to operate the separate screens is described in detail below.

Table 4-3
Description
1.

Picture

Screen 01: "Trend View"

(1)

You press the "Trend View" button to call the "Trend View" screen.
The Trend View shows the current process values of three tags.
Using the Trend View buttons (1) you can execute the functions shown.

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Description
2.

Picture

Screen 02:"Archive Trend View"

(4)

(1)

(2)
(3)

You press the "Archive View" button to call the "Archive Trend View" screen.
Via this screen you can graphically output the archived values from the SQL database.

Specify a date via the drop-down list boxes (1).

Then press the "Load Archive" button (2).

The archived values are output via the trend display.

Notes:
- If there is no archive available in the SQL database for the date selected, you get a
system message.
- If no values are displayed in the trend view, navigate to the left and right with the
buttons of the trend view (4). The archived values might not be in the time range
currently displayed.
You can export the archived data from the SQL database into a CSV file.

Specify a date via the drop-down list boxes (1).

Then press the "Export selected archive as CSV file" button.

The archived values are stored on drive "C:\" as a CSV file.

Notes:
- If there are no values available in the SQL database for the date selected, you get a
system message.
Sample view see link.

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Description
3.

Picture

Screen 03: "System Site"

You press the "System Site" button to call the "System Site" screen.
On this screen you can make the settings below.

Via the "Deutsch" (English) button you can select the language of the Runtime user
interface.

You press the "RT Stop" button to end Runtime.

Alarm events are output via the alarm display.

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Description
4.

Picture

Sample view of exported archive files

4-1

The names of the archive files are composed of the elements below:

"Archive name_year_month_day_time"

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4.2.1

Open exported CSV file with Excel

You should follow the instructions below to open the exported CSV.

Table 4-4
No.
1.

Description

Picture

Open the CSV file with Excel

If you open the exported CSV file
directly with a double-click, then the
values might not be displayed correctly
in the columns.
In the adjacent figure, for example, in
the "TimeString" column does not
show the "seconds" (only date + hour +
minute) even though seconds are
given in the "original" CSV file.
(To check you can open the CSV file
with a text editor).

2.

Open CSV file with Excel

There are different ways of open a CSV file with Excel. Below we take an example to show how
to open a CSV file with Excel 2003.

3.

Create empty workbook

Create a new workbook in Excel.

4.

Import data
Select the menu command
"Data > Import External data >
Import Data".
A window opens in which you can
navigate to the desired CSV file.
Select the desired CSV file and click on
the "Open" button.
The "Text Import Wizard" opens.

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No.
5.

Description

Picture

Text Import Wizard

Step 1 of 3.
Select the options shown.
In this example:
Original data type: Delimited
Start import at row
1
File origin
Windows
(ANSI)
Then click on the "Next >" button.

6.

Text Import Wizard

Step 2 of 3.
Select the options shown.
In this example:
Delimiters
Tab
Semicolon
Text qualifier
---Then click on the "Next >" button.
Note:
Delimiters are "country-specific" and
can also be a "comma", for example.
If you open the CSV file with a text
editor, you can see which "Delimiters"
are used.

7.

Text Import Wizard

Step 3 of 3.
Now you can adapt the data format by
selecting the individual columns.
For this application it suffices to select
the "General" option for all columns.
Then click on the "Finish >" button.

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No.
8.

Description

Picture

Import data
Now you specify whether the data to
be imported is to be added to an
existing worksheet or a new worksheet.
In this example:
"Existing worksheet"
Then click the "OK" button.

9.

Format "TimeString" column

Once the data has been imported, you
must change the format of the
"TimeString" column.

10.

Mark the "B" column.

Right-click on the marked column.
A pop-up menu opens.
Select the pop-menu command
"Format Cells".
The "Format Cells" dialog box
opens.

Format cells
In the dialog box you select the
"Number > Custom" menu.
Enter the format below in the input field
(1).
"DD.MM.YYYY hh:mm:ss"
(pay attention to character cases!)
(1)

Alternatively you can use the scroll bar

to select the required format.
(The complete format you require
might not be available, in which case
you must complete it as necessary
manually).
Then click the "OK" button.
11.

Finished Excel file

In the figure on the right you see the
"finished" Excel file.
The "seconds" are now displayed as
well in the "B" column.

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4.2.2

Troubleshooting
If no data is logged in the SQL database, run through the points listed below.

Check IP address
If the SQL server and WinCC flexible Runtime are installed on different computers
(Remote Access), then check the IP addresses used on the PCs. The IP
addresses must be in the same IP band and subnetwork. If necessary, get in touch
with your system administrator.
SQL server address
Check the SQL server address used (link).
Data source name
Check the data source name used. The name is used for parameterizing the logs
and in the scripts (link).
Start the SQL server
Make sure that the SQL server has been started (link).
WinCC flexible Runtime
Make sure that the SQL server is started before starting the WinCC flexible
Runtime and that the connection to the SQL server is not interrupted during
operation.
Sample error messages
Figure 4-2

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