ALT UserManual ENG

s Table of Contents
Preface
Introduction 1
Environments and tools provided 2
Concepts 3
Operating modes 4
Basic operations 5
Usage 6
SIMATIC IT 7.1 Troubleshooting and FAQs 7
Appendix 8
At Line Testing
User Manual
06/2017
A5E41520833-AA
Guidelines
This manual contains notes of varying importance that should be read with care; i.e.:
Important
Highlights key information on handling the product, the product itself or a particular part of the
documentation.
Note Provides supplementary information regarding handling the product, the product itself or a
specific part of the documentation.
Trademarks
All names identified by ® are registered trademarks of Siemens AG.

The remaining trademarks in this publication may be trademarks whose use by third parties for their
own purposes could violate the rights of the owner.
Disclaimer of Liability
We have reviewed the contents of this publication to ensure consistency with the hardware and
software described. Since variance cannot be precluded entirely, we cannot guarantee full
consistency. However, the information in this publication is reviewed regularly and any necessary
corrections are included in subsequent editions.
Security information
Siemens provides products and solutions with industrial security functions that support the secure
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and networks against cyber threats, it is necessary to implement – and continuously maintain – a
holistic, state-of-the-art industrial security concept. Siemens’ products and solutions only form one
element of such a concept.
Customer is responsible to prevent unauthorized access to its plants, systems, machines and
networks. Systems, machines and components should only be connected to the enterprise network or
the internet if and to the extent necessary and with appropriate security measures (e.g. use of
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Additionally, Siemens’ guidance on appropriate security measures should be taken into account. For
more information about industrial security, please visit http://www.siemens.com/industrialsecurity.
Siemens’ products and solutions undergo continuous development to make them more secure.
Siemens strongly recommends to apply product updates as soon as available and to always use the
latest product versions. Use of product versions that are no longer supported, and failure to apply
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To stay informed about product updates, subscribe to the Siemens Industrial Security RSS Feed
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Table of Contents
Preface ...................................................................................................................................... v
1 Introduction........................................................................................................................... 1
2 Environments and tools provided ...................................................................................... 3
2.1 ALT Engineering Client environment ............................................................................................ 3

2.1.1 Work Instruction web page ................................................................................................. 3
2.1.1.1 Work Instruction workspace ..................................................................................... 5
2.1.1.2 Parameter Summary workspace .............................................................................. 5
2.1.2 Parameter Catalog web page ............................................................................................. 6
2.1.2.1 Work Instruction Summary panel bar .......................................................................6
2.1.3 Info Field Catalog web page ............................................................................................... 7
2.2 Form Designer tool ....................................................................................................................... 7
2.2.1 GUI Objects overview ......................................................................................................... 8
2.2.2 Info Fields: possible GUI-object associations ...................................................................10
2.2.2.1 Boolean: for Info Fields........................................................................................... 10
2.2.2.2 Combo Box: for Info Fields ..................................................................................... 11
2.2.2.3 Date (Date Time Combo): for Info Fields................................................................12
2.2.2.4 Date (Date Time Picker): for Info Fields .................................................................13
2.2.2.5 Edit Box (Multi Line): for Info Fields........................................................................13
2.2.2.6 Edit Box (Single Line): for Info Fields .....................................................................14
2.2.2.7 Image: for Info Fields.............................................................................................. 15
2.2.2.8 Static Text (Label): for Info Fields ........................................................................... 16
2.2.3 Parameters: possible GUI-object associations .................................................................16
2.2.3.1 Boolean: for Parameters......................................................................................... 16
2.2.3.2 Combo Box: for Parameters ................................................................................... 18
2.2.3.3 Date (Date Time Combo): for Parameters..............................................................23
2.2.3.4 Date (Date Time Picker): for Parameters ...............................................................25
2.2.3.5 Edit Box (Multi Line): for Parameters......................................................................28
2.2.3.6 Edit Box (Single Line): for Parameters ...................................................................29
2.2.3.7 Static Text (Label): for Parameters .........................................................................33
2.2.4 Work Instructions: Button GUI-object association ............................................................34
2.2.5 Events: possible GUI-object and Form associations ........................................................34
2.3 ALT Runtime Module environment.............................................................................................. 35
2.3.1 Command bars available in Runtime................................................................................ 37
3 Concepts ............................................................................................................................. 38
3.1 Parameter Overview ................................................................................................................... 38

3.2 Info Field Overview ..................................................................................................................... 38
3.3 Work Instruction Overview .......................................................................................................... 39
SIMATIC IT 7.1 - At Line Testing

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Table of Contents
4 Operating modes ................................................................................................................ 41
4.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 41

4.2 Manual Mode vs. Standard Mode ............................................................................................... 41
5 Basic operations ................................................................................................................ 46
5.1 Handling GUI objects .................................................................................................................. 46

5.2 Managing graphical aspects of GUI objects ............................................................................... 46
5.3 Filtering objects........................................................................................................................... 48
5.4 Modifying ALT objects................................................................................................................. 49
5.5 Changing status .......................................................................................................................... 49
5.6 Creating a new version ............................................................................................................... 50
6 Usage................................................................................................................................... 52
6.1 Quick start to using SIMATIC IT ALT .......................................................................................... 52

6.1.1 Performing engineering configurations ............................................................................. 52
6.1.1.1 Creating a Parameter ............................................................................................. 53
6.1.1.1.1 Editing a formula .......................................................................................... 56
6.1.1.2 Creating an Info Field ............................................................................................. 57
6.1.1.3 Creating a Work Instruction .................................................................................... 60
6.1.1.4 Configuring a Form................................................................................................. 62
6.1.1.4.1 Tips and tricks on creating Forms ................................................................63
6.1.1.5 Establishing an order of completion for a Work Instruction's Forms.......................64
6.1.1.5.1 Rules of syntax for conditions containing Parameters .................................67
6.1.1.5.2 Alternatives regarding the order of Form completion ...................................68
6.1.1.6 Associating Runtime Rules to Forms .....................................................................69
6.1.1.7 Associating events to a Form ................................................................................. 70
6.1.1.8 Associating events to GUI objects.......................................................................... 71
6.1.2 Executing a runtime Work Instruction ............................................................................... 72
6.1.2.1 Inserting values sequentially .................................................................................. 73
6.1.2.2 Modifying saved values through Manual Mode ......................................................73
6.1.2.3 Forcing values ........................................................................................................ 74
6.1.2.4 Forcing values to blank........................................................................................... 74
6.1.2.5 Forcing out-of-specification values .........................................................................75
7 Troubleshooting and FAQs................................................................................................ 76
7.1 Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................................... 76

7.2 FAQs regarding Runtime aspects ............................................................................................... 76
8 Appendix ............................................................................................................................. 78
8.1 Mathematical functions ............................................................................................................... 78

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Preface
Where is this manual valid?
This manual is valid for release 7.1 of SIMATIC IT.
Basic knowledge required
This guide is intended for SIMATIC IT users who are responsible for system configuration,
such as application managers and system integrators (consultants). To be able to
understand the concepts and examples discussed in this guide, the reader should at least
have taken the SIMATIC IT At Line Testing Basic Training.
In order to understand this manual, general knowledge of SIMATIC IT At Line Testing and
related technologies is required.
Purpose
This User Manual explains how to use SIMATIC IT ALT Engineering Client and SIMATIC IT
ALT Runtime Module.
Important
This guide does not intend to describe the fundamental concepts, features, and
functionalities of SIMATIC IT ALT. For more information about related concepts, please
see the Related Documentation section.
Related documentation
Document Content
Explains the fundamental concepts, features and functionalities

ALT Concept Guide
provided by SIMATIC IT ALT
Provides an overview of the SIMATIC IT At Line Testing GSI

ALT GSI Interface
interface, which makes it possible for Production Modeler to access
online help
At Line Testing server.
ALT Advanced
Database Provides useful hints on how to manage the At Line Testing
Configuration Database in case of errors or incorrect performance.
manual
ALT Customization Explains how to customize SIMATIC IT At Line Testing, by

Guide developing Plugin Tags.

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Preface
Document Content
ALT BREAD
Provides information on the At Line Testing BREAD Types, Classes
Interface online
and Methods.
help
These documents are all available online from the SIMATIC IT Documentation Library, a
comprehensive and user-friendly interface for accessing overall product documentation.
For Windows 2012 and Windows 2016, the SIMATIC IT Documentation Library can be
accessed as follows: On the Start screen, click the arrow in the lower-left corner to access
the Apps view. Under the Siemens Automation category, click the SIMATIC IT
Documentation link.
In addition, we strongly suggest that you consult the Release Notes, which come provided
with the installation and contain information on upgrade procedures and compatibility with
previous releases. The Release Notes are supplied both in rich text format (ReadMe.rtf)
and in Acrobat PDF (ReadMe.pdf) format.
The ReadMe file is available in the SIMATIC IT Documentation Library, as well as in folder
\ReleaseNotes of the setup DVD.
SIMATIC IT Training Center
Siemens offers a number of training courses to familiarize you with the SIMATIC IT product
suite. To successfully achieve this goal, training consists of lessons in both theory and
practice.
Courses are held year-round, according to a program that is published well in advance of
the first scheduled session.
The material on the basis of which our courses are conducted reflects the result of years of
experience in process, LIMS, quality control and production management.
All courses are held by expert personnel that are aware of the developments and
innovations in the product suite.
SIMATIC IT Service & Support
A comprehensive Software Maintenance program is available with SIMATIC IT products.

Software Maintenance includes the following services:
• Software Update Service (SUS): automatic distribution of upgrades and service packs
• Technical Support Service (TSS): support on technical problems with SIMATIC IT
software (standard support and other optional services)
• Online Support: a technical web site, providing information such as Frequently Asked
Questions and technical documentation on SIMATIC IT products
Software Update Service (SUS)
This service provides automatic shipment of new SIMATIC IT Product software versions
and Service Packs when released. When a new version / service pack is available for
shipping, it is typically shipped within one month.

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Preface
One copy of the installation DVD is shipped for each Server covered by Software
Maintenance.
Hotfix collections (officially tested and released) are not shipped and must be downloaded
from the Technical Support Service Web site.
Technical Support Service (TSS)
Siemens provides a dedicated technical support team for SIMATIC IT products.

The following options are available:
• Bronze support: 9 hours/day, 5 days/week
• Silver support: 24 hours/day, 5 days/week
• Gold support: 24 hours/day, 7 days/week
The principal language of the SIMATIC IT hotline is English.
SIMATIC IT partners and customers covered by the Software Maintenance program are
entitled to direct access to the TSS.
Access to the TSS
To be able to access the TSS, the customer needs to register as a user on the Technical
Support Web site.
Online Support
A customer who is a registered TSS user, can access the Technical Support Web site,
which contains technical information such as:
• SIMATIC IT knowledge base: a technical support database that includes practical service
solutions from the Technical Support or the SIMATIC IT community
• SIMATIC IT software (e.g. hotfix collections, software examples) and release notes that
can be downloaded
• SIMATIC IT product documentation that can be downloaded

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1 Introduction
SIMATIC IT satisfies the needs related to Work Instructions and data collection in
production environments thanks to two dedicated components:
• SIMATIC IT ALT Engineering Client, for configuration aspects;
• SIMATIC IT ALT Runtime module, for Runtime aspects.
Cross domain access
To create a clientaccesspolicy.xml file that allows access to the service. The following
configuration allows access from any other domain to all resources on the current domain.
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>

<access-policy>
<cross-domain-access>
<policy>
<allow-from http-request-headers="SOAPAction">
<domain uri="*"/>
</allow-from>
<grant-to>
<resource path="/" include-subpaths="true"/>
</grant-to>
</policy>
</cross-domain-access>
</access-policy>
The clientaccesspolicy.xml file must be copied in C:\inetpub\wwwroot. For more information,

see https://msdn.microsoft.com/it-it/library/cc197955(v=vs.95).aspx.
SIMATIC IT ALT Engineering Client
SIMATIC® IT ALT Engineering Client is a configuration package that allows the user to
create Work Instructions to be used for data collection.
Using ALT Engineering Client, it is possible to:
• Configure Work Instructions, defining the visual layout of their content (principally,
Parameters and Info Fields) displayed in Forms.
• Determine the order in which the various Work Instructions must be completed.
Note Depending on how ALT Engineering is delivered (i.e., developed and deployed), Info
Fields might not always be available.
SIMATIC IT ALT Runtime Module
SIMATIC IT ALT Runtime Module provides the means for users to execute their Work
Instructions, by completing their relative Forms with data during Runtime.

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1 Introduction
Using ALT Runtime Module, it is possible to:

• Display Forms at runtime so that they can be completed by the production operator to
execute data collection with ease and at the right time.
• Choose whether to complete the Work Instructions in the order that was configured in
ALT Engineering Client (Standard Mode) or adopt a different order of completion,
depending on the situation in runtime (Manual Mode, solely for experienced operators
entrusted with decision-making tasks).
• Enter the runtime data into the Forms to complete the Work Instructions.
Tip For more information on the fundamentals of At Line Testing, see SIMATIC IT At Line
Testing Concept Guide.

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2 Environments and tools provided
2.1 ALT Engineering Client environment
In graphical terms, SIMATIC IT ALT Engineering is considerably complex. Here is a general

description to allow you to familiarize with the dedicated work environments provided.
General structure
The SIMATIC IT ALT Engineering environment offers three main web pages:
• Work Instruction: where you can configure your Work Instructions.
• Parameter Catalog: where you can configure the Parameters to be used in your Work
Instructions
• Info Field Catalog: where you can configure the Info Fields to be used in your Work
Instructions.
Note Depending on how ALT Engineering is delivered (i.e., developed and deployed)
and the context in which it is used, not all of the aforementioned web pages and their
structural elements will be available.
2.1.1 Work Instruction web page
General structure
The Work Instruction web page consists in:

• Three main panel bars, which correspond to:
– the Work Instruction panel bar: contains the Work Instructions currently available in
ALT Engineering.
– the Forms panel bar: contains the Form Designer, a dedicated tool for defining the
visual layout of your Work Instructions (i.e. the Parameters and Info Fields used in
the Form(s) associated to the Work Instruction).
– the Parameter Summary panel bar: contains the Parameters that are associated to
the currently-selected Work Instruction.
Note Depending on how ALT Engineering is delivered, in certain cases, not all three panel
bars will be present. In all cases, the Form Designer provided in the Forms panel bar is
always provided.

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General layout
The following figure is provided with a legend to allow you to familiarize with the various
elements making up the Work Instruction web page. The numbers used to indicate the
elements are displayed in red.
Legend
1 - Main panel bar
2 - Menu bar
3 - Toolbox
4 - Form Designer workspace
5 - Properties grid
The following table provides a brief description of each element:
Element Description
One of the main panel bars available in the web page.

Main panel To access the contents of each main panel bar, simply click on the arrow
bar button at the end of the panel bar: the contents will be displayed (or hidden)
in a manner similar to a drop-down window.
Dedicated menu bars containing commands to perform generic operations

Menu bar
are available upon opening the Work Instruction and Forms panel bars.
Provides the GUI objects to be used to configure Forms. Inside the Toolbox,
the GUI objects are grouped in dedicated area bars, according to where
they can be used or their purpose (for example, GUI objects for
Toolbox Parameters, Parameter Attributes, etc.).
Note Depending on how ALT Engineering is delivered, not all area bars will
be available.
Form Here is where you can drag and drop the GUI objects you want to use in
Designer your Form. By default, this workspace comes provided with a single tab,
workspace which corresponds to the Form being configured for the currently-selected

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Element Description
Work Instruction. To configure additional Forms for the currently-selected

Work Instruction, click on the + sign next to the first tab: this opens another
blank Form.
Contains the properties that you can choose and set for the GUI object that
is currently selected inside the Form Designer workspace. Inside the
Properties grid, the properties are grouped in dedicated area bars,
depending on the aspects to which they refer.
For example, the Common area bar contains properties that are present in
Properties all GUI objects; the Text area bar contains properties concerning the type of
grid font to be used and font size; the Static Specs. area bar contains properties
that allow you to set the values for the High and Low Limits for a certain
parameter.
By using the Properties grid, you can determine how to create a specific
association between the selected GUI object and a Parameter (or Info
Field).
2.1.1.1 Work Instruction workspace
In this workspace, the menu bar provided allows you to perform common operations, such
as: creating a new Work Instruction, changing the status of the currently-selected Work
Instruction, etc..
The top portion of the Work Instruction workspace lists the Work Instructions currently
available in ALT Engineering. You can determine the status of each Work Instruction by
reading the value present in the Status column.
Boolean filters can be applied on the columns of the Work Instruction list.
The flag provided in the Form Completion Order column allows you to establish an order
in which the selected Work Instruction's Forms are to be completed. If this flag is selected,
this indicates that a Boolean interdependency (AND/IF/OR/ELSE/THEN) has been
established among the various Forms. If the flag is not selected, the Forms must be
completed in immediate succession, one after the other, as displayed.
The flag in the Vertical column allows you to determine whether the Forms of the selected
Work Instruction will be displayed vertically (default) or horizontally.
Note If the Sequential Insertion flag is selected, the Forms will necessarily be displayed in
vertical layout. Instead, selecting the Vertical flag does not necessarily imply that there
exists a Boolean-conditioned order in which the Work Instruction's Forms must be
completed.
The bottom portion of the workspace contains the Details area, which provides detailed
information about the selected Work Instruction.
2.1.1.2 Parameter Summary workspace
In this workspace, the top portion lists the Parameters that are associated to the currently-
selected Work Instruction. Each row provides the identifier, type and version of the selected
Parameter.
Boolean filters can be applied on the columns of the Parameter Summary.

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The bottom portion of the workspace contains the Details area, which provides detailed
information about the selected Parameter.
2.1.2 Parameter Catalog web page
General structure
In this web page, the menu bar provided allows you to perform common operations, such
as: creating a new Parameter, changing the status of the currently-selected Parameter, etc..
The top portion of the Parameter Catalog web page lists the Parameters currently available
in ALT Engineering. You can determine the status of the Parameters by reading the value
present in the Status column.
Boolean filters can be applied on the columns of the Parameter list.
The bottom portion of the web page contains the Details area, which provides detailed
information about the selected Parameter.
The Work Instruction Summary panel bar contains the Work Instructions to which the
currently-selected Parameter is associated.
2.1.2.1 Work Instruction Summary panel bar
In this workspace, the top portion lists the Work Instructions to which the currently-selected
Parameter is associated. The Work Instructions that are listed are all those in In Editing
status.
Each row provides the identifier and version of the selected Work Instruction in which the
Parameter is used, as well as the version of the Parameter used in the Work Instruction.
Via the Upgrade button in the upper portion of the workspace, there exists the possibility of
changing the version of the Parameter used in all the listed Work Instructions (in one shot):
the Parameter versions listed in the Upgrade to drop-down list box are only those versions
available for that particular Parameter.
Boolean filters can be applied on the columns of the Work Instruction Summary.

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2.2 Form Designer tool
2.1.3 Info Field Catalog web page
Important
Depending on how ALT Engineering is delivered, this web page might not be available.
General structure
In this web page, the menu bar provided allows you to perform common operations, such
as: creating a new Info Field, changing the status of the currently-selected Info Field, etc..
The top portion of the Info Field Catalog web page lists the Info Fields currently available in
ALT Engineering. You can determine the status of the Info Fields by reading the value
present in the Status column.
Boolean filters can be applied on the columns of the Info Field list.
The bottom portion of the web page contains the Details area, which provides detailed
information about the selected Info Field.
Introduction
The Form Designer tool is contained inside the Forms panel bar. It allows you to select the
GUI objects to be assigned to the Info Field or Parameter that you want to configure, using
a drag-and-drop approach.
A general description regarding these objects and their use is provided in GUI Objects
overview.
Layout
The Form Designer consists in three main elements:

• the Toolbox: the left pane inside the Form Designer.
• the Form Designer workspace: the center area of the Form Designer.
• the Properties grid: the right pane inside the Form Designer.
In addition, the menu bar provided allows you to perform common operations related to the
layout you are creating (i.e. align objects, save object configurations, etc.)
Features
• The GUI objects provided in the Form Designer are found inside the Toolbox. You can
use these GUI objects to configure your Forms.

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The GUI objects are divided by category, according to where they can be used or their
purpose. They are presented in distinct area bars inside the Toolbox, according to
where they will be used (for example, for Parameters, Parameter Attributes, etc.).
Note Depending on how ALT Engineering is delivered, not all area bars will be
available.
In particular, the Functionalities area of the Toolbox contains Button GUI objects that
have been specifically configured to perform a certain action when they are clicked.
• In the Form Designer workspace, you can configure more than one Form to the
currently-selected Work Instruction: clicking on the + sign next to the first tab opens
another blank Form, which you can configure according to your needs.
• The Properties grid allows you to choose and set the properties related to the GUI
object that is currently selected inside the Form Designer workspace. Thanks to the
Properties grid, you can create a specific association between the selected GUI object
and a Parameter (or Info Field).
• It is possible to associate Runtime Rules to Forms from the Properties grid.
• From the Properties grid, events can be associated to Forms.
2.2.1 GUI Objects overview
GUI objects allow you to configure the graphical aspect of the Info Fields and/or
Parameters that you want to display in the Form representing your Work Instruction.
For more information, see Info Fields: possible GUI-object associations and Parameters:
possible GUI-object associations.
The Button GUI object represents an exception, as it cannot be associated to either an Info
Field or a Parameter, but is essentially linked to a Work Instruction.
Available GUI objects
The table below summarizes which GUI objects can be used to configure Forms:
Category Object Description
Used to enter or display

comments and results and
Edit • Single Line to display the properties of
Box • Multi-Line an object (e. g. status,
description, SOP,
attributes, etc...).
Used to select a value

• Drop Down from a fixed list. The drop-
Combo
down object additionally
Box • Drop Down List
allows you to edit the
value at runtime.

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Category Object Description
• Check Box
• Yes - No
Used to validate results or
• True - False specifications concerning
Boolean
• Pass - Fail an analysis test or a
• On - Off checklist.
• 1-0
Used to associate a
function (e.g. Electronic
• Electronic Signature
Signature button for
Button • available Plugin Tags validating a Form or a
• available Custom Functions particular Plugin Tag for
displaying SOP
information) to a button.
Used to enter a title, to

display information related
• Label to an object configured in
the Form, or to enter and
• Separator
display free text according
Static Note The Separator object represents an to the requirements of the
Text exception, as it cannot be associated to an Info user.
Field or a Parameter. It can only show a line in Note These GUI objects
the Form and display a text string. are not available if the
Form being configured has
Rich Text Editor set.
Image • Image Used to insert images.
• Date Time Picker
Note As of this version, the Data Time Combo

object, previously available in ALT Engineering, Used to specify and
Date is to be considered obsolete. It will be visible display date and time
solely in certain projects that use previous values.
versions of the ALT application used for Runtime
purposes, for reasons of backward compatibility.
Configuration
In general, the configuration of GUI objects depends on the data type assigned to a
particular object. When you assign a Parameter or an Info Field to a Work Instruction, you
can modify its default properties.
Certain GUI objects can display both values, as well as other attributes: as a result, how
such objects must be configured will depend on what you want to be displayed in Runtime.
Setting a GUI object's properties involves:
• defining its appearance in terms of font, size, text, etc. inside the Form page;

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• determining which values are to be entered in runtime via the GUI object.
2.2.2 Info Fields: possible GUI-object associations
You can associate the following GUI objects to an Info Field:

• Combo Box
• Date (Date Time Picker)
• Image
• Boolean
• Static Text (Label)
• Edit Box (Multi-Line and Single Line).
Depending on which GUI object you have associated to the Info Field, you will be more or
less restricted as to what you can have displayed or what type of data you can enter in the
Info Field control: you can have a GUI object that permits the display and entry of values or
other attributes.
The Info Fields that can be associated to a particular GUI object are those present in the
Info Field Catalog web page. However, there exists the possibility of creating Info Fields on
the fly. Their subsequent association to a GUI object will depend on whether they are
congruent with the other properties set for the GUI object (type, etc.).
2.2.2.1 Boolean: for Info Fields
A Boolean GUI object associated to an Info Field can display solely values.
Only Boolean Info Fields can be associated to the Boolean GUI object.
If you want the Boolean GUI object to display a value, set the following properties:
Property Description
Specify the content to be entered into the Boolean. It is displayed at

runtime in the Form. Enter a string of max 250 characters. All characters
Description are allowed.
Label Note If the Form being configured has Rich Text Editor set to permit the
free insertion of text that can be formatted to create a label according to
your needs, disregard this property.
Info Field Select the name of the Info Field from the dialog box.
Enter the value to be associated to the Info Field.
Value Note In the case of Info Fields with default values, remember to overwrite
these values when making your association; otherwise, the default value
will be maintained.
Enter a description not exceeding 2000 characters. It can be used to briefly

SOP
illustrate an operating procedure for a specific Info Field.

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2.2.2.2 Combo Box: for Info Fields
A Combo Box associated to an Info Field can display only values.

Depending on whether you want to be able to set a value created on-the-fly during runtime
or not, you can choose to adopt:
• a Drop-Down Combo Box, which permits the setting of a new value
• a Drop-Down List Combo Box, which allows you to choose solely from a predefined set of
values.
Drop-Down Combo Box
The following types of Info Fields can be associated to a Drop-Down Combo Box GUI
object:
• Integer
• Float
• Text.
If you want the Drop-Down Combo Box to display a value, set the following properties:
Specify the content to be entered into the Drop-Down Combo Box. It is

displayed at runtime in the Form. Enter a string of max 250 characters. All
Description characters are allowed.
will be maintained.

SOP
Drop-Down List Combo Box
The following types of Info Fields can be associated to a Drop-Down List Combo Box GUI
object:
• Integer
• Text
• Float.
If you want the Drop-Down List Combo Box to display a value, set the following properties:

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Specify the content to be entered into the Drop-Down List Combo Box. It is
will be maintained.

SOP
2.2.2.3 Date (Date Time Combo): for Info Fields
Note As of this version, the Data Time Combo object, previously available in ALT
Engineering, is to be considered obsolete. It will be visible solely in certain projects that use
previous versions of the ALT application used for Runtime purposes, for reasons of
backward compatibility. The following information has been provided merely to illustrate the
object’s properties.
A Date (Date Time Combo) GUI object associated to an Info Field can display solely values.
In order for the Date (Date Time Combo) GUI object to display a value, set the following
properties:
Specify the content to be entered into the Date Time Combo. It is displayed
at runtime in the Form. Enter a string of max 250 characters. All characters
Select the name of the Info Field from the dialog box. Only multi-value
Info Field
Dates are allowed.
will be maintained.

SOP

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2.2.2.4 Date (Date Time Picker): for Info Fields
A Date (Date Time Picker) GUI object associated to an Info Field can display solely values.
Values
In order for the Date (Date Time Picker) GUI object to display a value, set the following
properties:
Specify the content to be entered into the Date Time Picker. It is displayed
Select the name of the Info Field from the dialog box. Only single-value
Info Field
Dates are allowed.
will be maintained.

SOP
2.2.2.5 Edit Box (Multi Line): for Info Fields
An Edit Box (Multi Line) associated to an Info Field can display:

• values
• other attributes.
Depending on what you want to be displayed inside the Edit Box (Multi Line) associated to
an Info Field, you must configure the GUI object accordingly.
Values
Only text Info Fields can be associated to an Edit Box (Multi Line) GUI object.
If you want the Edit Box (Multi Line) GUI object to display a value, set the following
properties:
Specify the content to be entered into the Edit Box (Multi Line). It is
Description
Label
characters are allowed.

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Note If the Form being configured has Rich Text Editor set to permit the
will be maintained.

SOP
Other attributes
If you want the Edit Box (Multi Line) GUI object to display other attributes, set the following
properties:
Select the attribute of the Info Field that is displayed in the list box.
Attribute The following attribute can be selected:
• SOP.
2.2.2.6 Edit Box (Single Line): for Info Fields
An Edit Box (Single Line) associated to an Info Field can display:

• values
Depending on what you want to be displayed inside the Edit Box (Single Line) associated to
an Info Field, you must configure the GUI object accordingly.
Values
The following types of Info Fields can be associated to the Edit Box (Single Line) GUI
object:

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• Float
• Integer
• Text.
If you want the Edit Box (Single Line) to display a value, set the following properties:
Specify the content to be entered into the Edit Box (Single Line). It is
will be maintained.

SOP
Other attributes
If you want the Edit Box (Single Line) GUI object to display other attributes, set the following
properties:
Info Field Select the name of the Info Field from the list box of the Info Fields.
Select the attribute of the Info Field that is displayed in the list box.
• SOP.
2.2.2.7 Image: for Info Fields
An Image GUI object can be associated to an Info Field, but not to a Parameter.
Note It is also possible to associate an Image GUI object to any required image. Its
behaviour is identical to that of an Image associated to an Info Field.

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To configure this GUI object, set the following properties:
Info
Select the name of the Image from the list box.
Field
Select the Image file to be displayed from the browser.
these values when making your association; otherwise, the default value will
be maintained.

SOP
2.2.2.8 Static Text (Label): for Info Fields
Note This GUI object is not available if the Form being configured has Rich Text Editor set.
A Static Text (Label) associated to an Info Field can display solely other attributes.
All types of Info Fields can be associated to the Static Text (Label) GUI object.
If you want the Static Text (Label) GUI object to display other attributes, set the following
properties:
Info Field Select the name of the Info Field from the list box of the Info Fields.
The following attribute can be selected:

Attribute
• SOP.
2.2.3 Parameters: possible GUI-object associations
You can associate the following GUI objects to a Parameter:

• Combo Box
• Date (Date Time Picker)
• Boolean
• Static Text (Label)
• Edit Box (Multi-Line and (Single Line).
The Parameters that can be associated to a particular GUI object are those present in the
Parameter Catalog web page. however, there exists the possibility of creating Parameters
on-the-fly via the Form Designer. Their subsequent association to a GUI object will depend
on whether they are congruent with the other properties set for the GUI object (type, etc.).
2.2.3.1 Boolean: for Parameters
A Boolean associated to a Parameter can display:

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• values
Depending on what you want to be displayed inside the Boolean associated to a Parameter,
you must configure the GUI object accordingly.
Values
Only Boolean Parameters can be associated to a Parameter.

If you want the Boolean GUI object to display a value, set the following properties:

Parameter Select the name of the Parameter from the dialog box.
Enter the value to be associated to the Parameter.
Value Note In the case of Parameters with default values, remember to overwrite
will be maintained.
(optional) Click the browser button and, in the Linked Info Field dialog box
Linked Info , in the Available Info Fields area, select one or more Info Fields that you
Field want to link to the Boolean GUI object you are configuring and click OK to
confirm.
Specify the Parameter's direction. Possible values are:

• INPUT: The value is passed from external sources.
• OUTPUT: The value is entered into the ALT interface and then used by
Direction external components.
• INPUT/OUTPUT: The value’s direction is not considered.
• PRIVATE: The parameter is hidden at runtime level during global
parameter binding.
(optional) These properties allow you to define additional descriptive

Attribute 1 attributes for a Parameter. Set them according to your needs. In order for
...5 these attributes to be displayed in runtime, you must link them to a specific
GUI control.
Static Set the optimal value designed for the Parameter according to
Target specifications.

SOP
illustrate an operating procedure for a specific Parameter.

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Other attributes
Only Boolean Parameters can be associated to a Parameter.

If you want the Boolean GUI object to display other attributes, set the following properties:

Parameter Select the name of the Parameter from the list box of the Parameters.
Select the attribute of the Parameter that is displayed in the list box.
• Target.
2.2.3.2 Combo Box: for Parameters
A Combo Box associated to a Parameter can display only values.

Depending on whether you want to be able to set a value created on-the-fly during runtime
or not, you can choose to adopt:
• a Drop-Down Combo Box, which permits the setting of a new value
• a Drop-Down List Combo Box, which allows you to choose solely from a predefined set of
values.
Drop-Down Combo Box
The following types of Parameters can be associated to a Drop-Down Combo Box GUI
object:
• Integer
• Float
• Text.
If you want the Drop-Down Combo Box to display a value, set the following properties:
Specify the content to be entered into the Drop-Down Combo Box. It is

displayed at runtime in the Form. Enter a string of max 250 characters.
Description All characters are allowed.

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Value Note In the case of Parameters with default values, remember to

overwrite these values when making your association; otherwise, the
default value will be maintained.
Enter a number to define the maximum number of characters that can be

Format entered by the operator. If left empty, the maximum number of characters
that can be entered is 2000.
Unit Select the unit of measure to be used for property Value.

• OUTPUT: The value is entered into the ALT interface and then used
Direction by external components.
parameter binding.
(optional) Click the browser button and, in the Linked Info Field dialog
Linked Info box , in the Available Info Fields area, select one or more Info Fields
Field that you want to link to the Drop-Down Combo Box GUI object you are
configuring and click OK to confirm.

...5 these attributes to be displayed in runtime, you must link them to a
specific GUI control.
Static Low Set the Low value for the physical limit. If the Parameter value falls within
Limit * this limit and the Static High Limit, it meets design requirements.
Static High Set the High value for the physical limit. If the Parameter value falls
Limit * within this limit and the Static Low Limit, it meets design requirements.
Static Low Set the Low value for the specification limit. If the Parameter value falls
Specification within this limit and the Static High Specification limit, it meets design
* requirements.
Static High Set the High value for the specification limit. If the Parameter value falls
Specification within this limit and the Static Low Specification limit, it meets design
* requirements.
Static Target Set the optimal value designed for the Parameter according to
* specifications.
Set the Low value for the alert limit. If the Parameter value falls below
Static Low
this limit, a warning message is displayed. The value does not meet
Alert *
specification requirements and corrective actions are required.

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Set the High value for the alert limit. If the Parameter value exceeds this
Static High
limit, a warning message is displayed. The value does not meet
Alert *
Select the Parameter the value of which will be used as the Low value for
Low Limit * the physical limit. If the Parameter value falls within this limit and High
Limit, it meets design requirements.
Select the Parameter the value of which will be used as the High value
High Limit * for the physical limit. If the Parameter value falls within this limit and Low
Low Select the Parameter the value of which will be used as the Low value for
Specification the specification limit. If the Parameter value falls within this limit and the
* High Specification limit, it meets design requirements.
High Select the Parameter the value of which will be used as the High value
Specification for the specification limit. If the Parameter value falls within this limit and
* the Low Specification limit, it meets design requirements.
Select the Parameter the value of which will be used as the optimal value
Target *
designed for the Parameter according to specifications.
the alert limit. If the Parameter value falls below this limit, a warning
Low Alert *
message is displayed. The value does not meet specification
requirements and corrective actions are required.
for the alert limit. If the Parameter value exceeds this limit, a warning
High Alert *
Enter a description not exceeding 2000 characters. It can be used to

SOP
briefly illustrate an operating procedure for a specific Parameter.
Those Properties above marked with an asterisk (*) can be edited solely if the parameter
type differs from Text.
Drop-Down List Combo Box
The following types of Parameters can be associated to a Drop-Down List Combo Box GUI
object:
• Integer
• Text
• Float.
If you want the Drop-Down List Combo Box to display a value, set the following properties:

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Specify the content to be entered into the Drop-Down List Combo Box. It
is displayed at runtime in the Form. Enter a string of max 250 characters.



parameter binding.
Field that you want to link to the Drop-Down List Combo Box GUI object you
are configuring and click OK to confirm.

* requirements.

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* requirements.
* specifications.
Static Low
Alert *
Static High
Alert *
Target
Low Alert
High Alert

SOP

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2.2.3.3 Date (Date Time Combo): for Parameters
Note As of this version, the Data Time Combo object, previously available in ALT
Engineering, is to be considered obsolete. It will be visible solely in certain projects that use
previous versions of the ALT application used for Runtime purposes, for reasons of
backward compatibility. The following information has been provided merely to illustrate the
object’s properties.
A Date (Date Time Combo) GUI object associated to a Parameter can display solely values.
Values
In this case, only date Parameters can be associated to the Date (Date Time Combo) GUI
object.
In order for the Date (Date Time Combo) GUI object to display a value, set the following
properties:
Specify the content to be entered into the Date Time Combo. It is




SOP

parameter binding.

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Field that you want to link to the Date (Date Time Combo) GUI object you are

Limit this limit and the Static High Limit, it meets design requirements.
Limit within this limit and the Static Low Limit, it meets design requirements.
Set the Low value for the specification limit. If the Parameter value falls
Static Low
within this limit and the Static High Specification limit, it meets design
Specification
requirements.
Set the High value for the specification limit. If the Parameter value falls
Static High
within this limit and the Static Low Specification limit, it meets design
Specification
requirements.
Set the optimal value designed for the Parameter according to

Static Target
specifications.
Static Low
Alert
Static High
Alert
Dynamic Select the Low value for the physical limit. If the Parameter value falls
Low Limit within this limit and Dynamic High Limit, it meets design requirements.
Dynamic Select the High value for the physical limit. If the Parameter value falls
High Limit within this limit and Dynamic Low Limit, it meets design requirements.
Dynamic Select the Low value for the specification limit. If the Parameter value
Low falls within this limit and the Dynamic High Specification limit, it meets
Specification design requirements.
Dynamic Select the High value for the specification limit. If the Parameter value
High falls within this limit and the Dynamic Low Specification limit, it meets
Specification design requirements.
Dynamic Select the optimal value designed for the Parameter according to
Target specifications.

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Select the Low value for the alert limit. If the Parameter value falls below
Dynamic
Low Alert
Select the High value for the alert limit. If the Parameter value exceeds
Dynamic
High Alert
2.2.3.4 Date (Date Time Picker): for Parameters
A Date (Date Time Picker) associated to a Parameter can display:

• values
Depending on what you want to be displayed inside the Date (Date Time Picker) associated
to a Parameter, you must configure the GUI object accordingly.
Values
In this case, only Date Parameters can be associated to the Date (Date Time Picker) GUI
object.
In order for the Date (Date Time Picker) GUI object to display a value, set the following
properties:
Specify the content to be entered into the Date Time Picker. It is


Defines the appropriate format for property Value.

Format
Select your preferred date format.

SOP

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A5E41520833-AA

parameter binding.
Field that you want to link to the Date (Date Time Picker) GUI object you are

Limit this limit and the Static High Limit, it meets design requirements.
Limit within this limit and the Static Low Limit, it meets design requirements.
Set the Low value for the specification limit. If the Parameter value falls
Static Low
within this limit and the Static High Specification limit, it meets design
Specification
requirements.
Set the High value for the specification limit. If the Parameter value falls
Static High
within this limit and the Static Low Specification limit, it meets design
Specification
requirements.
Set the optimal value designed for the Parameter according to

Static Target
specifications.
Static Low
Alert
Static High
Alert
Low Limit the physical limit. If the Parameter value falls within this limit and High
High Limit for the physical limit. If the Parameter value falls within this limit and Low

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Low
the specification limit. If the Parameter value falls within this limit and the
Specification
High Specification limit, it meets design requirements.
High
for the specification limit. If the Parameter value falls within this limit and
Specification
the Low Specification limit, it meets design requirements.
Target
Low Alert
High Alert
Other attributes
All types of Parameters can be associated to the Date (Date Time Picker) GUI object:
depending on the type selected,you can select different attributes during the object's
configuration.
If you want to display other attributes, set the following properties:
Specify the content to be entered into the Date Time Picker. It is displayed
For each type of Parameter, you can set the following attributes:
• Execution start date
• Execution end date
In addition, if you have selected a Date Parameter, set these additional
Attribute attributes:
• Low Limit
• High Limit
• Low Alert
• High Alert

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• Low Specification
• High Specification
• Target.
2.2.3.5 Edit Box (Multi Line): for Parameters
An Edit Box (Multi Line) associated to a Parameter can display:

• values
Depending on what you want to be displayed inside the Edit Box (Multi Line) associated to
a Parameter, you must configure the GUI object accordingly.
Values
Only text Parameters can be associated to an Edit Box (Multi Line) GUI object.
If you want the Edit Box (Multi Line) GUI object to display a value, set the following
properties:
Value Note In the case of Parameters with default values, remember to overwrite
will be maintained.

Format entered for property Value by the operator. If left empty, the maximum
number of characters that can be entered is 2000.

SOP
illustrate an operating procedure for a specific Parameter.

Direction

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• OUTPUT: The value is entered into the ALT interface and then used by
external components.
parameter binding.
(optional) Click the browser button and, in the Linked Info Field dialog box
Linked Info , in the Available Info Fields area, select one or more Info Fields that you
Field want to link to the Edit Box (Multi Line) GUI object you are configuring and
click OK to confirm.

...5 these attributes to be displayed in runtime, you must link them to a specific
GUI control.
Other attributes
If you want the Edit Box (Multi Line) GUI object to display other attributes, set the following
properties:
The following attributes can be selected:
Attribute
• Description
• SOP.
2.2.3.6 Edit Box (Single Line): for Parameters
An Edit Box (Single Line) associated to a Parameter can display:

• values
Depending on what you want to be displayed inside the Edit Box (Single Line) associated to
a Parameter, you must configure the GUI object accordingly.

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Values
The following types of Parameters can be associated to an Edit Box (Single Line) GUI
object:
• Integer
• Float
• Text.
If you want the Edit Box (Single Line) to display a value, set the following properties:

Note In the case of Parameters with default values, remember to
Value If you select a Formula Parameter, you can create a formula to be used
to generate the value that you want to be displayed in this field. In the
Formula Editor dialog box that is displayed, edit your formula according
to your needs: remember that editing a formula is possible solely for
Integer and Float parameters.
Depending on the type of Parameter selected, the setting of this property

will vary.
When the Parameter's type is:
• Integer: this field is disabled.
• Float or Text: enter a number. This value defines the maximum
number of characters that can be entered by the operator. If left
empty, the maximum number of characters that can be entered is 40.
Format Notes
The character dot must be used as the decimal separator. At runtime, the
system will display the default decimal separator set in the regional
settings of your PC.
Regardless of the negative number format defined in your regional
settings, the sign "-" must always be put before the number, e.g. "-1".
entered by the operator for property Value. If left empty, the maximum
number of characters that can be entered is 2000.

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(optional) Enter a description not exceeding 2000 characters. It can be

SOP
used to briefly illustrate an operating procedure for a specific Parameter.

parameter binding.
Field that you want to link to the Edit Box (Single Line) GUI object you are

Select this check box if the value must be retrieved at runtime via
Barcode
barcode scanning.
* requirements.
* requirements.
* specifications.
Static Low
Alert *
Static High
Alert *

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A5E41520833-AA
Target *
Low Alert *
High Alert *
Note If both static and dynamic specification limits have been defined for a parameter, at
runtime the dynamic limits are considered.
Other attributes
If you want the Edit Box (Single Line) GUI object to display other attributes, set the following
properties:

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For all types of Parameter, you can set the following attributes:
• Description
• Status
• SOP.
If you have selected a Float or Date Parameter, set these additional
attributes:
• Format
• Unit
• Low Limit
• High Limit
Attribute • Target
• Low Alert
• High Alert.
If you have selected a Text Parameter, set this additional attribute:
• Format.
If you have selected an Integer Parameter, set these additional attributes:
• Unit
• Low Limit
• High Limit
• Target
• Low Alert
• High Alert.
2.2.3.7 Static Text (Label): for Parameters
Note This GUI object is not available if the Form being configured has Rich Text Editor set.
A Static Text (Label) GUI object associated to a Parameter can display solely other
attributes.
All types of Parameters can be associated to the Static Text (Label) GUI object.
If you want the Static Text (Label) GUI object to display other attributes, set the following
properties:
Attribute Select the attribute of the Parameter that is displayed in the list box.

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A5E41520833-AA
The following attributes can be selected:

• Unit
• Format
• Description
• Status
• SOP
• Low Limit
• High Limit
• Target
• Low Alert
• High Alert.
2.2.4 Work Instructions: Button GUI-object association
Important
Depending on how ALT Engineering is delivered, not all area bars will be available: as a
result, this GUI object in turn might not be available.
This particular GUI object is essentially linked to a Work Instruction. It cannot be associated
to an Info Field or a Parameter. Its purpose is to facilitate the user in providing an electronic
signature during the execution of a Work Instruction, by simply clicking the button directly
from the Form page.
For example, after inserting a series of values for a particular Work Instruction, the user
may be required to provide an electronic signature to complete his job: this can be done via
the Electronic Signature button.
If you want the Button GUI object to perform this function, set the following property:
Specify the functionality that you want to be assigned to the Button. It is

2.2.5 Events: possible GUI-object and Form associations
During the configuration of a Work Instruction, it is possible to associate events to a GUI

object or a Form.

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A5E41520833-AA
2.3 ALT Runtime Module environment
In this manner, you can link events to custom functions. For more information on custom
functions, see ALT Customization Guide.
When properly associated, these events will be triggered, respectively, when:
• one or more of the GUI objects contained inside the Form undergoes either a specific
change in status or a specific operation.
• the Form itself undergoes either a specific change in status or a specific operation.
The aforementioned associations can be performed from the Events area bar inside the
Properties grid of the Form Designer.
Events that can be associated to GUI objects
Depending on the type of GUI object you are configuring, the list of available events will
vary.
The following events are available in the Events area pane of the Properties grid for
association to GUI objects:
• On Click
• On Value Changed
• On Lost focus
• On Got focus
• On Validate.
No events are available for the following GUI objects:
• Static Text
• attributes for Parameters
• attributes for Info Fields.
For more information, see Associating events to GUI objects.
Events that can be associated to Forms
The following events are available in the Events area pane of the Properties grid for
association to Forms:
• On Start
• On Open
• On Save
• On Close.
For more information, see Associating events to a Form.
Contrary to SIMATIC IT ALT Engineering Client, which presents a series of working

environments containing numerous elements, the layouts provided in ALT Runtime Module
are quite simple and straightforward.
There are two possible Runtime layouts:

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A5E41520833-AA
• Single-Form layout
• Branch & Condition layout.
The main elements common to the two Runtime layouts provided are:
• a command bar consisting in a number of command-bar buttons;
• the Forms to be completed by the user to permit the execution of the currently-selected
Work Instruction.
The Runtime layouts differ in the manner in which Forms are presented to the user.
Single-Form layout
The Forms of the current Work Instruction will be displayed one at a time. The possibility of
adopting this type of layout must be configured in ALT Engineering, when configuring your
Work Instruction.
Branch & Condition layout
The Form displayed immediately after the current Form will be that which satisfies the
conditions set in the current Form. If one or more values do not satisfy the current Form's
conditions, the next Form that is presented to the user is to be considered as a "Branch"
Form, i.e. a deviation from the Work Instruction's ideal execution. The possibility of adopting
this type of layout must be configured in ALT Engineering.
In the Figure below, the Form Start, in which one of the values inserted deviated from the
Work Instruction's ideal execution, is immediately followed by the Form named Step 2,
which requires the insertion of a comment from the user.

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A5E41520833-AA
2.3.1 Command bars available in Runtime
The command bars available in Runtime depend on the type of operating mode that has
been selected, i.e.:
• Standard Mode
• Manual Mode.
For detailed information on these operating modes and their relative command bars, see
Manual Mode vs. Standard Mode.

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3 Concepts
3.1 Parameter Overview
Definition
Parameters are the properties of the produced material to be inspected. They are assigned
to Work Instructions as distinct elements that are visually displayed in a Form. Within the
Parameter, both the specification and target values can be defined. The system
automatically checks these values when results are entered in a Form.
Example
For the soft cheese production line, the Temperature Parameter has been assigned to the
Milk Work Instruction. In runtime, on the basis of how the Milk Work Instruction has been
configured, the Temperature Parameter will be inspected every hour, and the Parameter
results will be entered into the appropriate Form of the Milk Work Instruction.
Tip For more information, see SIMATIC IT At Line Testing Concept Guide.
3.2 Info Field Overview
Definition
Using Info Fields makes it possible to enter general information (such as batch numbers,
packaging, etc.) about Work Instructions and Parameters into a Form for subsequent
display.
An Info Field is designed to contain any additional information that will help the operator to
start/complete one or more Work Instructions.
Example
In the soft cheese production line, the Batch Number Info Field is assigned to the Milk
Work Instruction. The operator must first enter the correct batch number before entering
any analysis result.

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3 Concepts
3.3 Work Instruction Overview
Definition
A Work Instruction represents a number of tests/actions that an operator must perform on a

specific product within a certain time frame. Typically, this could be a series of observations
on a production sample, which the operator will take from the production line at a specific
moment.
Forms represent the visual layout of those elements to be observed and collected
(Parameters and Info Fields) during these tests/actions.
Thanks to the Form Designer tool provided in ALT Engineering Client, it is possible to edit
Forms as needed, to display the Parameters and Info Fields associated to a particular Work
Instruction.
The values relative to the Parameters and/or Info Fields contained inside Forms can be
entered via:
• A user/operator entry, whereby values are inserted in sequence, moving from left to right,
from the top down, according to the Form's configuration.
• Automatic data entry via appropriate configuration of the relative SIMATIC IT Library
being used.
By default, a Work Instruction comes provided with a single-page Form, which is empty and
can be configured according to your needs: however, it is possible to configure additional
pages for the same Work Instruction.
Runtime
With ALT Runtime Module, it is possible to visualize and interact with the objects configured
in ALT Engineering Client at runtime.
This layer displays the pages of the Form defined for a specific Work Instruction.
At runtime, it is possible to move backward and forward through the pages, depending on
how the Form has been configured. Likewise, the Forms can be displayed either
horizontally or vertically.
Example
In the soft cheese production line, on the basis of how its Work Instructions have been
defined, an operator must take a milk sample every day from the production line and
measure its temperature every hour, from 1 AM to 4 AM, entering the results in a Form.

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3 Concepts

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A5E41520833-AA
4 Operating modes
4.1 Introduction
ALT Runtime Module provides users with two distinct operating modes, tailored to their level
of experience:
• Standard Mode: for operators with limited knowledge regarding the process to which the
Work Instructions refer and who operate within a straightforward context (for example,
data-entry operators);
• Manual Mode: for experienced users with extensive knowledge regarding the process
and who are entrusted with decision-making tasks (for example, supervisors).
Depending on the operating mode that has been selected (via a dedicated button on the
command bar), the range of operations that the user can perform will vary. In particular, the
possibility of operating in Manual Mode is dependant on whether an Electronic Signature
has been configured for the specific scenario in SIMATIC IT MOSC. For more information,
see the SIMATIC IT MES Option Servers Configurator online help.
4.2 Manual Mode vs. Standard Mode
In Manual Mode, you are allowed to enter a new value for a value that was previously
saved in Standard Mode in the Form: as there is no automatic progression for what
concerns Form completion, once a value that satisfies the condition is entered, it will be up
to you to decide, at your discretion, whether to move on to the next Form or to another
Form.
Keep in mind that, in comparison, the operations that can be performed in Manual Mode
offer greater flexibility than those performed in Standard mode: Manual Mode operations
are more apt to satisfy needs of those users making on-the-fly decisions to rectify or modify
the Work Instruction's execution, whereas Standard Mode operations tend to follow a
charted course that has been conceived from Start to Finish in advance.
Each operating mode has its own distinct command bar. A description of the buttons
making up each of the available command bars is provided in the tables below.
Important
Depending on how ALT Engineering is delivered, the Standard Mode command-bar
buttons available will vary. Most of the command-bar buttons for both the Standard Mode
and Manual Mode command bars are context-dependant.

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4 Operating modes
Manual Mode command bar
Command-
Description
Bar Button
Makes it possible to change the previously-saved value present in the

selected tag.
Amend Clicking this button calls up the Confirm Amend button on the toolbar.
Tag
Allows you to confirm the changes made to the selected tag.

Clicking this button calls up a dialog box requesting your Electronic
Confirm Signature to confirm the amended value.
Amend
After confirming an Amend operation, if you click this button, the condition
will be re-evaluated by taking the new values into account: only if the result
differs, the system will return you to Standard Mode.
Evaluate
Condition
Allows you to cancel an Amend operation.

The selected tag will be rolled back to the value that was present previously.
Cancel
Amend
Allows you to delete a Form, regardless of whether it is blank or it contains

some (or all) values required for its completion. This may be useful in those
cases in which the completion of the selected Form is superfluous.
Cancel
You must provide your Electronic Signature to confirm this operation.
Form
Visible only upon selecting a tag designed to contain the value of a formula.
Allows you to evaluate the result of the formula and decide whether you
want to recalculate it or not.
Evaluate You must provide your Electronic Signature to confirm this operation.
Formula
Allows you to force the value's data type (for example, from Float to Text). To
confirm the forced value, click Confirm Text.
Enable
Text

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Command-
Description
Bar Button
Confirms the value forced via Enable Text.

Confirm
Text
Available only for fields the values of which have been modified. Such fields
are clearly indicated with the symbol .

View Permits the user to view the history of the changes that the currently-
History* selected value has undergone.
Toggles to Standard mode.

Standard
Mode
Standard Mode command bar
Command-
Description
Bar Button
Saves the values entered for the Work Instruction to the database.
The Save operation evaluates the status of the Work Instruction on the basis
of the values that have been entered up to that moment.
Save
Changes the status of the Runtime Work Instruction and places it in In

Execution status.
Start
Places the Runtime Work Instruction in Aborted status.

In this case, the Work Instruction can no longer be modified.
Abort
Places the Runtime Work Instruction in Completed status.

The entered values are saved to the database. It is not necessary that all
values be entered in order to place a Work Instruction in Completed status.
Complete
Reloads the data from the database. It is used in the case in which another
user has had access to the same Work Instruction and made modifications.

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Command-
Description
Bar Button
Refresh
Shifts the focus onto the next field.

Equivalent to pressing the TAB key.
Next Tag
Displays the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) document associated to

the selected Work Instruction. This document guides the user in performing
the tasks necessary to execute the Work Instruction (for example, it can
Show provide details on how to perform particular measurements of an ingredient
SOP using a particular piece of equipment).
Available only when in Single-Form layout.

Shifts the focus onto the immediately-preceding Form.
Previous
Form
Available only when in Single-Form layout.

Shifts the focus onto the immediately-successive Form.
Next
Form
Permits the user to force the value's data type (for example, from Float to
Text). To confirm the forced value, click Confirm Text.
Enable
Text
Confirms the value forced via Enable Text.
Important
Confirm Once this operation is performed, it cannot be undone.
Text
Available only for mandatory fields.

Permits the user to force blank values for a mandatory field.
Force
Blank
Available only for fields for which limits have been configured..
Permits the user to save values that are lower or greater than the configured
limits.

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Command-
Description
Bar Button
Force
Limits
Available only for fields the values of which have been modified. Such fields
are clearly indicated with the symbol .

View Permits the user to view the history of the changes that the currently-
History selected value has undergone.
Toggles to Manual Mode.

To subsequently access Manual Mode, you must provide your Electronic
Signature, if required.
Manual

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5.1 Handling GUI objects
When handling GUI objects inside the Form Designer, most operations involve clicking
each object and adopting a drag-and-drop approach.
In particular, you can select a group of GUI objects inside the Form Designer workspace
and perform Copy-and-Paste operations.
Selecting multiple GUI objects
1. In the Form Designer workspace, select a GUI object, and hold down the CTRL key
while you select other GUI objects.
Note To select all GUI objects contained in the current Form, press CTRL + A.
Multiple selection by mouse is also possible.
Performing a Copy-and-Paste operation on more than one GUI object at a time
1. Select the GUI objects to be copied.

2. Press CTRL +C: the group of objects is copied to the clipboard.
3. Press CTRL + V: the group of objects is pasted into the Form Designer workspace.
5.2 Managing graphical aspects of GUI objects
Once inserted into a Form, you can perform various operations on the graphical aspects of
GUI objects.
You can modify:
• the fonts used in the GUI objects
• the size and position of the GUI objects and their labels within the Form.
These operations can be performed directly inside the Properties grid of the Form
Designer, provided that the Form does not have Rich Text Editor set.
Changing font family and font size
Without Rich Text Editor set for the Form

1. In the Form Designer workspace, select the GUI object to be modified.

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5.2 Managing graphical aspects of GUI objects
2. In the Properties grid, in the Text area bar, set the values for Font Family and Font
Size according to your needs: your settings will be automatically applied to the selected
GUI object.
With Rich Text Editor set for the Form
You can change the font family and font size by operating directly inside the Rich Text
Editor provided.
Modifying the size and/or position of GUI objects and labels
Without Rich Text Editor set for the Form

2. In the Properties grid, in the Layout area bar, set the values below, according to your
needs: these settings will be automatically applied to the selected GUI object (or its
label).
The distance (in pixels) at which the selected GUI object must be positioned
Left
from the Form's left margin.
The distance (in pixels) at which the selected GUI object must be positioned
Top
from the Form's top margin.
Width The width of the selected GUI object (in pixels).
Height The height of the selected GUI object (in pixels).
The percentage by which the space assigned to the label of the selected GUI
Label object will be increased or decreased.
Size
Default value: 50%.
The position of the label with respect to the object.

Label Select:
Position • Above: to place the label above the object.
• Left side: to place the label to the left of the object.
With Rich Text Editor set for the Form

You can change the size of the GUI objects by operating via properties Width and Height
as described in the procedure above. However, the position of the GUI object can be
modified by selecting the object and then pressing either the Backspace key to move it
forward, or the Return key to move it backward.
Instead, when there exists the possibility of using Rich Text Editor inside a Form, you can
position your cursor and then type the text to be used as a "label" wherever you like within
the Form, and subsequently move it via a Drag-and-Drop operation, as if it were a separate
entity on the backdrop of a canvas.
Modifying the visibility of a GUI Object

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5.3 Filtering objects
2. In the Properties grid, in the Visibility area bar, set the Hidden flag according to your
needs: if checked, the selected GUI object will not be visible inside the Form in
Runtime.
Note In the same manner, it is also possible to modify the visibility of Plugin Tags. For more
information on Plugin Tags, see SIMATIC IT ALT Customization Guide.
5.3 Filtering objects
Purpose
To filter ALT objects in order to display only those that satisfy specific criteria.
Note With the exception of the Form Designer, you can apply filters on the contents of all
the web pages provided in ALT Engineering (Work Instruction web page, Parameter Catalog
web page and Info Field web page).
Procedure
1. In the ALT Engineering web page of interest, operating on the column to be used as the
principal criteria for filtering the ALT objects listed, click the Filter arrow found at the
right end of the column's header: this calls up the dedicated dialog box for creating a
filter.
2. Create your filter, combining the various elements (including Boolean operators, if
required) according to your needs.
3. Click Filter.
Result
Only those ALT objects that satisfy the specified filter criteria are displayed in the
workspace.
Note The specified filtering criteria remain in the memory until you remove them by clearing
the fields. To disable the filter, click Clear Filter.

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5.4 Modifying ALT objects
5.4 Modifying ALT objects
During engineering, it is possible to make changes to ALT objects, provided that they are in
Editing status.
Work Instructions
1. In the Work Instruction web page, click on the arrow button at the end of the Work
Instruction panel bar: the Work Instruction workspace is displayed.
2. Operating in the list of available Work Instructions, click on the row containing the Work
Instruction you want to modify.
3. On the menu bar, select Edit: this calls up the Edit Work Instruction dialog box.
4. Modify the Work Instruction according to your needs.
5. Click OK to confirm the changes made.
Parameters
1. In the Parameter Catalog web page, operating in the list of available Parameters, click
on the row containing the Parameter you want to modify.
2. On the menu bar, select Edit: this calls up the Edit Parameter dialog box.
3. Modify the Parameter according to your needs.
4. Click OK to confirm the changes made.
Info Fields
1. In the Info Field Catalog web page, follow the procedure as described for Parameters.
5.5 Changing status
Prerequisite
The user must belong to a group to which the ALT_ENG_APPROVE_OBJECT custom

resource has been assigned.
Tip For more information, see SIMATIC IT At Line Testing Concept Guide and SIMATIC IT
User Manager online help.
Purpose
To define whether an ALT object (Work Instruction, Parameter or Info Field) is active and/or
can be modified.

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5.6 Creating a new version
Procedure
1. Depending on the ALT object the status of which you want to change, access the
appropriate web page.
2. In the list of ALT objects displayed, click on the row containing the object of interest.
3. In the menu bar, select Change Status.
4. In the Change Status ~ dialog box, select the new status from the New Status list box.
5. Click OK.
Result
The selected ALT object is now in the status of your choice.
Note A Work Instruction can be placed in Approved status solely if all the ALT objects
(Parameters and Info Fields) it contains have been placed in Approved status. Changing
the status of Parameters and/or Info Fields associated to an Approved Work Instruction is
not possible if the Work Instruction is referenced.
For more information on Life Cycles, see SIMATIC IT At Line Testing Concept Guide.
Purpose
You create a new version of an ALT object if its status has been changed to Approved and
you want to change its configuration, or when its status is still Editing and you want to set a
different Effective from for the same object configuration.
Procedure
1. Operating in one of the main web pages (Work Instruction web page, Parameter
Catalog web page or Info Field web page), select the ALT object for which you want to
create a new version.
2. On the menu bar, select New version: this calls up a dedicated dialog box.
3. In the New Version: ~ dialog window, define the following settings:
Parameter Description
Version Depending on whether you want to create a new Major version or Minor
type version of the selected object, select the appropriate check box.
New Read-only. According to the Version type that you have set, this field
version displays a preview of the new version number.

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Parameter Description
Set the date from which the new version of the object will become effective.
Provided that the ALT object's status is Approved, the new version of the
object will become current on the defined date. If this check box is left empty
Effective and the status is set to Approved, then this version will become immediately
from current.
For more information on Version Management, see the SIMATIC IT At Line
Testing Concept Guide.
4. Click OK.
Result
The new version of the ALT object is now displayed in the main workspace of the web page
in Editing status, and it is ready to be modified.

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6.1 Quick start to using SIMATIC IT ALT
The maxi-steps involved in using SIMATIC IT ALT to execute Work Instructions are given
below.
Purpose
To create a Work Instruction and display it at runtime, so that its Forms can be completed
with data.
Procedure
1. Perform engineering configurations.

2. Execute runtime Work Instructions
Result
If the values entered in the Forms do not permit the Work Instruction to be executed with
success, corrective actions can be taken to rectify the situation.
6.1.1 Performing engineering configurations
Prerequisite
The ALT Application Server must be running.
Restrictions
The use of the PIPE (|) and AMPERSAND (&) symbols is prohibited when performing
engineering configurations.
Procedure
1. Check the default ALT system settings in SIMATIC IT MOSC: if necessary, reset them
according to your needs. For more information, see the SIMATIC IT MES Option
Servers Configurator (MOSC) online help.
2. Create Parameters.

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3. Create Info Fields.
Note Depending on how ALT Engineering is delivered, the web page for performing
this operation might not be available.
4. Create a Work Instruction.

5. Configure the Work Instruction by configuring a Form for it (Add Parameters/Info Fields
to the Work Instruction).
Result
The Work Instruction is completed. To be displayed at runtime, it must be instantiated to

create a Work Instruction ID. This configuration can be made with the CreateTask method
from within Production Modeler. For more information, see the SIMATIC IT At Line Testing
GSI Interface online help.
Note Engineering configurations can be also performed using the exposed methods of the
GSI Interface for Production Modeler.
6.1.1.1 Creating a Parameter
Purpose
You define a parameter to measure a specific property of the product you need to produce.
Procedure
Important
The following procedure is commonly used when you have a clear idea as to the
Parameters you require for your Work Instruction. It is also possible to create Parameters
"on-the-fly" from the Form Designer. This is useful when you need to satisfy particular
needs not initially taken into account when creating Parameters via the Parameter
Catalog web page, as described below. For details, see Alternative procedure in this
section.
1. Open the Parameter Catalog web page.

2. Select New > parameter type: a dedicated dialog box for configuring the new parameter
is displayed.
3. In the New parameter type Parameter dialog box, set the following properties:
Mandatory. Identifies the parameter within the database.

Enter a string of text that does not exceed 64 characters or contain any of
Identifier the following characters:
• & (AMPERSAND)
• > (GREATER THAN)

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• < (LESS THAN)

• ' (QUOTE)
• | (PIPE)
• ST[.
Note Once you save a parameter, this setting cannot be modified. Also,
the information saved in the database is key-insensitive. For example, if
the Temperature parameter already exists, it is not possible to create a
new parameter named temperature.
Optional. Enter the name to be displayed for the parameter you are
Name
creating.
Optional. Enter a string of max 128 characters to describe the parameter

Description being created. All characters are allowed. It is always possible to change a
parameter description if the object status is In Editing.
Optional. This property makes it easier to run searches, when filtering by

category (which corresponds to a string of text).
Category
Enter the category to be assigned for the parameter you are creating.
Note Property Category is case-sensitive when used as a filter.
Effective Read-only. This field is automatically managed by the system and is filled
from in as soon as a version becomes Current.
till in as soon as a version is no longer Current.
Type Read-Only. Data type associated to the parameter.
Select one of the following values to determine the source of the value for
the Parameter:
• Fixed (excluding Boolean): The allowed values for the Parameter will
be solely those that you define here in the area that is displayed directly
below the field upon selecting Fixed. The resulting list of predefined
values is set in the Value property.
• None: It will be possible to enter values of the selected type at runtime.
• Formula (excluding Text, Boolean and Date): It is possible to configure
the value of the parameter as the result of a formula calculated at
Value runtime. The Formula can be edited in the Properties grid of the Form
Source Designer via property Value when configuring the values for
Parameters while creating your Form.
• Context: It is possible to associate a particular context (for example, a
Workstation) to the Parameter when the Work Instruction containing it is
created in runtime. The Context can be selected in the Properties grid
of the Form Designer via property Value when configuring the values for
Parameters while creating your Form. Context functions as a
placeholder, the actual value of which will be read in runtime and will be
ReadOnly: you can thus determine where you are working, but will not
be permitted to change the context.

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Enter a value to define the appropriate format to be used for the

Parameter.
The values allowed for this property depend on the Parameter's type.
When Type is:
• Date, select your preferred date format.
• Integer, this field is disabled.
• Float or Text, enter a number to set the maximum number of characters
that can be entered by the operator. If left empty, no more than 40
Format
characters can be entered.
Notes
• The dot character "." must be used as the decimal separator. At
runtime, the system will display the default decimal separator set in the
regional settings of your PC.
• Regardless of the negative number format defined in your regional
settings, the minus sign "-" must always be placed before the number,
e.g. "-1".
Enter the value that you want to use as the default to be displayed in
runtime. The values available for selection depend on what you have set
for property Type:
• When property Type is Boolean, select the default TRUE/FALSE value
Value of the Parameter. Specifying a value is not mandatory.
• If Type = Float, the maximum number of digits is 15.
Note If Type = Integer, the range of possible values is as follows: from -2

^ 31 ( -2.147.483.648 ) to 2 ^ 31-1 ( 2,147,483,647 ).
4. Click OK.
Result
The parameter you have just configured is now listed among those available in the
Parameter Catalog web page for ALT Engineering.
Alternative procedure
1. In the Form Designer, inside the Form, select the GUI object for which you want to
create a Parameter on-the-fly.
2. In the Properties grid, inside the Common area bar, click the browse button for
property Parameter: this calls up the Parameter list dialog box.
3. Select New > parameter type: a dedicated dialog box for configuring the new
Parameter is displayed.
4. In the New parameter type Parameter dialog box, set the properties according to your
needs.

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Note The properties displayed will vary, depending on the type of GUI object for which you
are creating the Parameter.
5. Click OK.
See also Modifying ALT objects.
6.1.1.1.1 Editing a formula
Introduction
This procedure allows you to edit a formula calculation for a specific parameter. The
formula can be made up using other parameters that belong to the same Work Instruction
to which the "formula" parameter is assigned. Formulas can be edited only when
configuring the attributes for Parameters.
The formula's arguments must be written in the following format: name of parameter
<index> , where the value of index indicates the instance of the parameter name associated
to the current Work Instruction.
Remember that, for formula parameters, once assigned to the Work Instruction, the Value
Source and Type attributes can no longer be modified, even when a new version of the
parameter is created.
Important
In order to correctly calculate the formula at runtime, the Form containing the formula
parameter must contain at least one editable object, which can be the formula parameter
itself.
Prerequisites
• A parameter has been created with Type = Integer or Float and Value Source =
Formula.
• The parameter is associated to a Work Instruction.
Limitation
The value resulting from the calculation of a formula cannot be used as an operand in other
formulas.
Purpose
To edit a calculation formula for a specific parameter. The result of the calculation will
provide the value for the parameter at runtime.

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Procedure
1. In the Formula Editor dialog box, depending on how you want to define your formula,
click on the Parameter branch of the tree structure that is displayed: the Parameters
that are available will be displayed in the area on the bottom right.
2. Double-click the parameter you require: the selected parameter will be displayed in the
upper portion of the dialog box.
3. Click the appropriate operator button according to your needs: the selected operator will
be displayed in the upper portion of the dialog box.
4. Click on the Functions branch of the tree structure to view the available mathematical
functions: in this case, double-click the function you require: the selected function will be
displayed in the upper portion of the dialog box. Otherwise, if you require another
parameter, repeat the previous steps.
5. Repeat all previous steps for as many times necessary to concatenate the various
operands to create the formula according to your needs.
6. Click OK to confirm the formula displayed in the upper portion of the dialog box.
Result
The formula is displayed in the Value field of the Properties grid.
Remarks
When the Work Instruction is saved at runtime, and if all the formula operands have values
assigned to them, the value of the formula parameter is automatically calculated by the
system and saved in the database.
6.1.1.2 Creating an Info Field
Note Depending on how ALT Engineering is delivered, the web page for performing this
operation might not be available.
Purpose
You define an Info Field to enter additional information on Work Instructions.
Procedure
Important
The following procedure is commonly used when you have a clear idea as to the Info
Fields you require for your Work Instruction. It is also possible to create Info Fields "on-
the-fly" from the Form Designer. This is useful when you need to satisfy particular needs
not initially taken into account when creating Info Fields via the Info Field Catalog web
page, as described below. For details, see Alternative procedure in this section.

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1. Open the Info Field Catalog web page.

2. Select New > Info Field type: a dedicated dialog box for configuring the new Info Field is
displayed.
3. In the New Info Field type Info Field dialog box, set the following properties:
Mandatory. Identifies the Info Field within the database.

the following characters:
• & (AMPERSAND)
• < (LESS THAN)
Identifier • ' (QUOTE)
• | (PIPE)
• ST[.
Note Once you save an Info Field, this setting cannot be modified. Also,
the information saved in the database is key-insensitive. For example, if
the Location Info Field already exists, it is not possible to create a new
Info Field named location.
Optional. Enter the name to be displayed for the Info Field you are
Name
creating.
Optional. Enter a string of max 128 characters to describe the Info Field
Description being created. All characters are allowed. It is always possible to change
an Info Field description if the object status is In Editing.

Category
Enter the category to be assigned for the Info Field you are creating.
from in as soon as a version becomes Current.
till in as soon as a version is no longer Current.
Type Read-Only. Data type associated to the Info Field.
Select one of the following values to determine the source of the value for
the Info Field:
• Fixed: The allowed values for the Info Field will be solely those that you
Value define here in the area that is displayed directly below the field upon
Source selecting Fixed. The resulting list of predefined values is set in the
Value property.
• None: It will be possible to enter values of the selected type at runtime.
Format Enter a value to define the appropriate format to be used for the Info Field.

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The values allowed for this property depend on the Info Field's type. When
Type is:
• Date, select your preferred date format.
• Integer, this field is disabled.
• Float or Text, enter a number to set the maximum number of characters
that can be entered by the operator. If left empty, no more than 40
characters can be entered.
Notes
• The dot character "." must be used as the decimal separator. At
runtime, the system will display the default decimal separator set in the
regional settings of your PC.
• Regardless of the negative number format defined in your regional
settings, the minus sign "-" must always be placed before the number,
e.g. "-1".
Enter the value that you want to use as the default to be displayed in
runtime. The values available for selection depend on what you have set
for property Type:
• When property Type is Boolean, select the default TRUE/FALSE value
Value of the Info Field. Specifying a value is not mandatory.
• If Type = Float, the maximum number of digits is 15.
Note If Type = Integer, the range of possible values is as follows: from -2

^ 31 ( -2.147.483.648 ) to 2 ^ 31-1 ( 2,147,483,647 ).
4. Click OK.
Result
The Info Field you have just configured is now listed among those available in the Info Field
Catalog web page for ALT Engineering.
Alternative procedure
1. In the Form Designer, inside the Form, select the GUI object for which you want to
create an Info Field on-the-fly.
2. In the Properties grid, inside the Common area bar, click the browse button for
property Info Field: this calls up the Info Field list dialog box.
3. Select New > Info Field type: a dedicated dialog box for configuring the new Info Field is
displayed.
4. In the New Info Field type Info Field dialog box, set the properties according to your
needs.
Note The properties displayed will vary, depending on the type of GUI object for which
you are creating the Info Field.
5. Click OK.

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See also Modifying ALT objects.
6.1.1.3 Creating a Work Instruction
Purpose
You define a Work Instruction to identify a number of tests/actions an operator must perform
on a product.
Procedure
1. Open the Work Instruction web page.

2. In the menu bar, select New: a dedicated dialog box for configuring the new Work
Instruction is displayed.
3. In the New Work Instruction dialog box, set the following properties:
Mandatory. Identifies the Work Instruction within the database.

the following characters:
• & (AMPERSAND)
• < (LESS THAN)
Identifier • ' (QUOTE)
• | (PIPE)
• ST[.
Note Once you save a Work Instruction, this setting cannot be modified.
Also, the information saved in the database is key-insensitive. For
example, if the Alcohol Work Instruction already exists, it is not possible to
create a new Work Instruction named alcohol.
Optional. Enter the name to be displayed for the Work Instruction you are
Name
creating.
Optional. Enter a string of max 80 characters to describe the Work

Description Instruction being created. All characters are allowed. It is always possible
to change a Work Instruction description if the object status is In Editing.

Category Enter the category to be assigned for the Work Instruction you are
creating.
Effective Enter the date on which you want the Work Instruction being created to
from become Current.

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Read-only. This field is automatically managed by the system and is filled

Effective till
in as soon as a version is no longer Current.
Optional. Enter the name of the SOP document (e.g. MySOP.doc). The
system automatically searches the document in the directory specified in
SOP
SIMATIC IT MES Option Servers Configurator (MOSC). For more
information, see the dedicated online Help.
Optional. Enter a string of max 20 characters representing the name of the

Planned
operator scheduled to perform the at-line test. All characters are allowed.
executor
The Work Instruction can be changed if the object status is In Editing.
Optional. Enter a string of max 20 characters representing the name of the

Planned workstation to be used to perform the at-line test. All characters are
workstation allowed. The Work Instruction can be changed if the object status is In
Editing.
Attribute Optional. These properties allow you to define additional descriptive

1…5 attributes for a Work Instruction. Set them according to your needs.
Optional. Select this checkbox if you want to be able to drag and drop
controls into a text area of a Work Instruction and embed controls into the
text. The text itself can be formatted (bold/italic/underline/font size /color
...), as if it were in a word-processor environment.
It is possible to copy/paste and move chunks of text plus controls from one
Rich-Text Form to another, provided that they belong to the same Work Instruction.
Editor When this checkbox is flagged, the current Work Instruction will be
displayed with both text and controls in Runtime.
Note When configuring a Work Instruction, the decision to set (or not set)
the Rich-Text Editor property is binding and definite: it will not be possible
to change this setting at a later date.
Optional. Select this checkbox if you want the order of completion of the
various Forms of the Work Instruction to be "condition-dependant". In this
case, you will be forced to perform sequential insertion of data in all the
Forms related to the current Work Instruction.
Incremental When this checkbox is flagged, the Forms for the current Work Instruction
Mode will be displayed one by one in Single-Form layout in Runtime.
Note When configuring a Work Instruction, the decision to set (or not set)
the Incremental Mode property is binding and definite: it will not be
possible to change this setting at a later date.
4. Click OK.
Result
The Work Instruction you have just configured is now listed among those available in the
Work Instruction web page for ALT Engineering. At this point, it is necessary that you

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configure the Form (or Forms) making up your Work Instruction. Afterwards, once the Work
Instruction status is changed to Approved, it will be possible to use it to create its runtime
instance.
6.1.1.4 Configuring a Form
Introduction
When configuring a Form, you define which Parameters and Info Fields must be associated
to a Work Instruction and which GUI object must be used to represent them.
A Work Instruction can be represented by one or more Form pages, designed to contain
one or more GUI objects. Depending on the type of GUI object you have selected, the
following ALT standard objects can be represented:
• your Work Instruction
• its Info Fields
• its Parameters.
There exist two types of possible associations between ALT objects and GUI objects:
• association between Info Fields and GUI objects
• association between Parameters and GUI objects.
The type of association you choose depends on what you want to be displayed in your
Form page.
In addition to the aforementioned associations, there also exist two other types of
association that involve Forms:
• association between Forms and runtime rules
• association between Forms and events.
Purpose
To have a visual representation of a number of tests/actions an operator must perform on a

specific product within a certain time frame.
Procedure
1. In the Form Designer, click inside the Form Designer workspace: this corresponds to a
blank tab.
2. In the Properties grid, in the Common area bar, set the following properties:
Mandatory. Enter a string of max 80 characters to identify the Form being

Description
configured. All characters are allowed.
Runtime
Optional. See Associating Runtime Rules to Forms.
Rules

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Optional solely in those cases in which the Work Instruction to which the
Sequential Form is associated does not have property Incremental Mode set.
Insertion Select this check box if you want to insert values in sequence at runtime,
moving from left to right, from the top downward.
Branch & Optional. See Establishing an order of execution for a Work Instruction's
Condition Forms.
3. (optional) In the Properties grid, in the Events area bar, associate the Event(s) to the
Form.
4. In the Toolbox, click the area bar of interest and select a GUI object.
5. Drag and drop the selected GUI object onto the Form Designer workspace.
6. Select the GUI object you have just positioned inside the Form Designer workspace:
the properties to be configured for the object will be displayed in the Properties grid.
7. Depending on the type of GUI object selected and the association you want to
establish, set the values for the object's properties. Depending on whether the GUI object is
associated to a Parameter or an Info Field, see Creating a Parameter or Creating an Info
Field.
8. Repeat all of the previous steps for each GUI object that you want to include in the
Form page you are configuring
Results
The Form page is configured according to your needs and will be available for the insertion
of data relative to the tests/actions to be performed on a specific product within a certain
time frame.
6.1.1.4.1 Tips and tricks on creating Forms
Quick Form building
Often, the Forms being created to represent a Work Instruction will contain the same
Parameters and Info Fields the values of which are to be entered repeatedly. Creating a
Form in the manner described below would be the best solution, thereby bypassing a series
of time-consuming Copy-and-Paste operations on individual GUI objects.
1. Select the Parameter and its attributes that you want to copy.
2. Press CTRL + C to copy the selected Parameter and its attributes to the clipboard.
3. Press CTRL + V to paste the selected elements to the Form Designer workspace.
4. Select the copied Parameter object and bind it to another Parameter of your choice (via
the Property Grid): in this manner, the attributes of this new Parameter will be
automatically linked to it.
Quick Parameter-grid building
Here is a method that can be used to create a grid of Parameters:

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1. Drag and drop the GUI objects of your choice onto the Form Designer workspace.
2. Physically group together those GUI objects that are to represent either a single row or
column.
3. Perform a multiple section on the GUI objects to be copied as a row or column.
4. Press CTRL + C to copy the selected GUI objects as a row (or column) to the clipboard.
5. (For rows only) Press SHIFT + D to paste the copy immediately beneath the selected
row of GUI objects.
6. (For columns only) Press SHIFT + R to paste the copy immediately to the right of the
selected column of GUI objects.
7. Repeat step 5 (or 6) as many times as necessary to create a set of GUI objects that are
organized according to your needs.
Executing a Health Check on a Work Instruction
Given that a Work Instruction can contain more than one Form, it is easy to lose track of the
status of the various elements that you have inserted into its Form(s) during configuration.
For example, there may be errors in a formula used to calculate the value of a Parameter
contained in a Form, or a particular Parameter has not been approved, yet is present in the
formula in question. Such situations would cause problems in runtime in the execution of
the Work Instruction: troubleshooting at this stage would be time-consuming and costly in
all respects.
To avoid these problems, ALT Engineering comes provided with a Health Check
mechanism that can be executed at any time during the configuration of a Work Instruction.
It is capable of pinpointing exactly where the problem lies, with clear indication as to which
Parameter has not yet been approved or is not current, for example, or if a scenario
associated to a Runtime Rule inside a Form is obsolete.
To execute a Health Check, simply select Health Check on the menu bar of the Form
Designer: the dialog box that is displayed will list any incongruencies found in the selected
Work Instruction's Form(s).
6.1.1.5 Establishing an order of completion for a Work Instruction's Forms
By default, the order in which a Work Instruction's Forms are to be completed is vertical,
from the top down.
By way of one or more appropriately-configured Boolean conditions, it is possible to
establish a specific order of completion for the Forms of a Work Instruction. In brief, if a
certain condition that satisfies the Boolean condition exists in one Form (for example, a
value that has been entered in Runtime is greater than another value used as a reference),
the user will be automatically re-routed to the next appropriate Form to be completed. In
this manner, the user will have an exact "game plan" to follow when filling in data during
Runtime, thereby adapting the workflow to the conditions encountered during the Work
Instruction's execution. It also provides the opportunity to repeat certain readings/
measurements until the correct conditions are achieved to permit progression and thus
subsequently execute the Work Instruction with success.
For more information, see Alternatives regarding the order of Form completion.

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Prerequisites
The Work Instruction in question must have been configured in ALT Engineering with the
Incremental Mode flag set.
Important
Once this flag is set, it can no longer be changed.
Purpose
To make the order of completion of the various Forms of a given Work Instruction
"condition-dependant".
Procedure
1. In the Work Instruction workspace, select the Work Instruction the Forms of which you
want to be completed following a specific order.
2. In the Form Designer, click inside the Form from which you want the order of
completion to begin.
Important
It is strongly suggested that you determine this order by operating first on the first Form
configured for the Work Instruction in question.
3. In the Properties grid, in the Common area bar, click the browser button associated to
Conditions: this calls up the Conditions dialog box.

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4. In the Condition Editor dialog box, determine how you want to define the Boolean
condition that will affect the order of completion of the Forms for the selected Work
Instruction by selecting an existing condition from the list in the top portion of the dialog
box for the Form in question and clicking . Otherwise, go to step 5.

Note If necessary, via the Up and Down arrow buttons provided in the dialog box, you
can change the order of the existing conditions listed, whereas clicking allows
you to eliminate an existing condition from the list.
5. Select the Parameter you require in the Boolean condition you are creating by clicking
on the Parameters node of the tree structure provided and then double-clicking on the
Parameter of your choice from among those available for the Work Instruction (listed in
the area between the tree structure and the Boolean-operator buttons): the selected
Parameter will be displayed in the center portion of the dialog box.
Note Likewise, if necessary, you can select a mathematical function via the Functions
node of the tree structure.
6. Click the appropriate Boolean operator button according to your needs: the selected
Boolean operator will be displayed in the center portion of the dialog box.
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for as many times necessary to concatenate the various
Parameters and/or mathematical functions to create the Boolean condition according
to your needs.
Important See Rules of syntax for conditions containing Parameters for an outline of
how the various types of Parameters must be written when creating a Boolean
condition.
8. Click the arrow button inside the button occupying the cell under the Form column for
the Boolean condition you are creating to open the drop-down list and select the Form
to which you want to assign the Boolean condition.

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9. Click to add the Boolean condition displayed in the center portion of the dialog
box to the list of existing Boolean conditions for the Work Instruction in question.
10. Click OK to confirm the Boolean condition displayed in the center portion of the dialog
box.
Result
In Runtime, the order in which the Work Instruction's Forms must be completed by the user
will follow a specific route, depending on whether the values entered Form-by-Form satisfy
or fail to satisfy the conditions set. The conditions encountered during the Work Instruction's
execution will affect the direction that the route will follow: for example, the user may be
forced to repeat the insertion of a series of values (i.e. Loop) in a particular Form until the
condition is satisfied, thereby permitting him to proceed directly to the next Form of the
Work Instruction.
6.1.1.5.1 Rules of syntax for conditions containing Parameters
When defining a Boolean condition via the Condition Editor dialog box, certain rules of
syntax must be followed when the values for any Parameter the condition contains must be
expressed. The syntax to be used depends on the Parameter's data type; i.e.:
Parameter Example (see Figure

Syntax
data type below)
Text The string must be written between single quotes. … = ‘ABC’
The "." (decimal-point) character must be used as

Float … > 6.54
the decimal separator.
Integer The value must be written as an integer. …=8
The ‘yyyy-MM-ddTHH:mm:ss’ format, written …>

DateTime
between single quotes, must be used. ‘2013-12-31T00:00:00’
Value 1 must be used for true, whereas value =

must be used for false. The dedicated appropriate
Boolean …=1
Boolean operator buttons (see Figure below) can
also be used.

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6.1.1.5.2 Alternatives regarding the order of Form completion
When there exist no condition dependencies regarding Form completion, the route to be
followed by default when you enter values into the Forms of a Work Instruction is vertical,
from the top down.
The alternative "condition-dependant" routes that may be followed when completing the
Forms of a Work Instruction are:
• Jump
• Loop.
Jump
The Form you have just completed contains values that do not satisfy all conditions: in this
case, the Form that is immediately successive will be skipped and you will be directed to
another Form requiring completion only in such situations.
Loop
In this case, you are obligated to enter a series of values in a particular Form until the
condition is satisfied, so that you can then proceed directly to the next Form of the Work
Instruction.
There is no limit to the number of times that you are forced to re-enter the values of a given
Form, except if there is a Counter set on the Form in question. In this case, you are allowed
a certain number of attempts to enter a series of values in a particular Form until the
condition is satisfied: for example, after 5 attempts at inserting a value for the weight of a

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given ingredient, if the weight is still insufficient to proceed directly to the next Form of the
Work Instruction, you will be re-routed to another Form.
6.1.1.6 Associating Runtime Rules to Forms
Prerequisite
The default Runtime Rules have been defined as "Unprotected" by operating either directly
inside ALT Engineering or via the ALTSystemSettings tool.
Important
Settings defined as "Protected" are read-only and can be modified only by users logged
on to ALT Engineering Client as members of a group assigned with the Access to
Administrative Tools resource. For more information, see SIMATIC IT User Manager
online help. For example, if the Amend values check box is selected by default and it has
been defined as "protected", it cannot be cleared by a user who does not have
administrative rights. This applies to all forms, until the default setting is changed again. In
this case, all new forms will follow the new default settings, whereas old forms maintain
the old settings.
Purpose
To define the behavior of the Form at runtime. All Runtime Rule operations specified are
traced as Audit Trail records at runtime.
Procedure
1. In the Form Designer, click inside the Form to which you want to associate a Runtime
Rule.
2. In the Properties grid, in the Common area pane, click the browse button for Runtime
Rules: this calls up the Runtime Rules dialog box.
3. Select the check box corresponding to the Runtime Rule you want to associate to the
Form. The following Runtime Rules are available:
Runtime
Rule Description
operation
Amend Enables the amendment of values at runtime. If this check box is not
values selected, values cannot be modified at runtime, once saved.
Permits forcing a blank value for a mandatory field at runtime. If this check
Force
box is not selected, the field containing the mandatory value cannot be
Blank
skipped at runtime.
Permits forcing a value (numeric or string) that does not correspond to the
Force
defined validation rules. If this check box is not selected, non-compliant
value
values cannot be inserted at runtime.

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Runtime
Rule Description
operation
Confirm
Permits forcing a value that does not fall within the range of the defined
out-of-
specification values. If this check box is not selected, out of range values
range
cannot be inserted at runtime.
value
Save This check box is always selected.
4. Select one or more check boxes next to the actions that you want to be triggered when
the selected Runtime Rule operation you want to associate to the form is executed. The
following actions are available:
Action Description
Send PM
Sends an event to Production Modeler.
event
Displays a dialog box in which the user who is performing the associated
Send
Runtime Rule operation can enter a comment and additional information to
Alert to
be shown in an alert that is sent to the application containing ALT Runtime
container
Module.
Displays a dialog box in which the user who is performing the associated
Runtime Rule operation must insert User Name and Password.
Require Important
Electronic If this checkbox is selected, you must select a Scenario: otherwise, the
Signature Electronic Signature will not function properly.
For information on Scenarios and their configuration, see "Creating a

Scenario" in the SIMATIC IT User Manager online help.
5. Click OK.
Result
It will be possible to perform the operations associated to the Form in runtime. In addition,
depending on how the Runtime Rule operations have been configured, whenever they are
performed, their associated actions will be triggered.
6.1.1.7 Associating events to a Form
Note Depending on how ALT Engineering is delivered (i.e., developed and deployed),
Events might not always be available.

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Purpose
To link events to custom functions.
Note The elements displayed in the Events area pane of the Properties grid vary according
to the custom functions that have been configured. For more information, see the SIMATIC
IT At Line Testing Customization Guide.
Procedure
1. In the Form Designer, click inside the Form for which you want to link an event to a
custom function.
2. In the Properties grid, in the Events area pane, select the check box next to the event
of your choice to be associated to the Form. The following events are available:
Event Description
Generated when the status of the task changes from Created to InExecution.
On This is the only event generated only once, when starting a Form. In fact, this
Start event is not generated when opening a Form that has already been displayed/
opened by an operator.
On
Generated when the Form is displayed.
Open
On
Generated when the Form is saved.
Save
On
Generated when the Form is closed.
Close
3. From the drop-down list found immediately next to the check box, select the custom
function that you want to call.
Result
In Runtime, when the event that has been associated to the selected Form occurs, the
linked custom function will be performed.
6.1.1.8 Associating events to GUI objects
Note Depending on how ALT Engineering is delivered (i.e., developed and deployed),
Events might not always be available.
Events can be associated to GUI objects: Parameters and Info Fields

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Purpose
To link events to custom functions.
Note The elements displayed in the Events area pane of the Properties grid vary
according to the custom functions that have been configured, as well as the GUI object you
are configuring. For more information, see the SIMATIC IT At Line Testing Customization
Guide.
Procedure
1. In the Form Designer, select the GUI object for which you want to link an event to a
custom function.
2. In the Properties grid, in the Events area pane, select the check box next to the event
of your choice to be associated to the GUI object. The following events are available:
Event Description
On Click Generated when the GUI object is clicked.
On Value Changed Generated when the value in the GUI object changes.
On Lost focus Generated when the focus is no longer on the GUI object.
On Got focus Generated when the focus is on the GUI object.
On Validate Generated when the value entered in the GUI object is validated.
3. From the drop-down list found immediately next to the check box, select the custom
function that you want to call.
Result
In Runtime, if the event associated to the selected GUI object occurs, the linked custom
function will be executed.
6.1.2 Executing a runtime Work Instruction
In Runtime, executing a Work Instruction essentially means completing all its Forms with
data.
Important
The use of the PIPE (|) and AMPERSAND (&) symbols is prohibited when completing a
Work Instruction's Forms with data.
The most common Runtime operations that can be performed when filling a Form with
values are:
• Inserting values sequentially

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• Amending values
• Forcing values
• Forcing values to blank
• Forcing out-of-spec values.
Saving the entered values is straightfoward, unless Electronic Signature has been
configured during the Engineering phase: in this case, you will be asked to provide
credentials before the Save can be performed.
The following symbol will be displayed next to those values that have been forced or
amended:
.
All of the aforementioned operations are traced by means of an Audit Trail record.
6.1.2.1 Inserting values sequentially
At runtime, the operator inserts values into the Form in sequence, from left to right and from
the top downward, according to how the Form has been configured.
Once a value has been inserted and the Tab key pressed, the value is automatically saved
in the database.
In the case of buttons:
• If the operation associated to the button is executed correctly, the focus will be
automatically placed on the next field.
• If the operation associated to the button fails, the focus will remain on the button, which
can be re-clicked as many times as necessary, until the operation is successfully
completed. At this point, the focus is automatically placed on the next field.
In general, ReadOnly buttons can be used in particular cases in which an action must be
triggered automatically after a value is inserted into a preceding field. In this case, the focus
will be placed on the next field only after the triggered action has been successfully
completed.
Note Info Fields are always editable until all the values of a given Work Instruction have
been entered. Therefore, Info Fields should not be used in Sequential Mode, as the
insertion of values in sequence is no longer guaranteed.
6.1.2.2 Modifying saved values through Manual Mode
Any values that were previously saved to the database in Standard Mode can be modified
(i.e. amended) during Runtime, provided that the Manual Mode functionality has been
enabled from SIMATIC IT MOSC. For more information, see the SIMATIC IT MES Option
Servers Configurator online help.
However, in the case of a previously-saved Form containing fields in which no value
whatsoever was entered in Standard Mode, it will not be possible to edit such fields.
Note The Amend operation restores the original format of a parameter. For example, if the
value of a parameter has been forced from Date to Text, when the value is amended, it is
restored to the original Date type. To reapply the Text type, the value must be forced again

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during the Amend operation. In this case, the Electronic Signature is requested only the first
time the value is amended.
To amend values:
1. Inside the Form, select the field containing the previously-saved value to be corrected: a
yellow border appears around the field.
2. On the Manual Mode command bar, click Amend Tag: the field containing the
previously-saved value can now be edited.
3. Change the value as required.
4. On the Manual Mode command bar, click Confirm Amend to confirm the operation.
5. (Only if Electronic Signature has been configured during Engineering) Insert User
Name and Password and click OK.
6.1.2.3 Forcing values
If the Force Value Runtime Rule has been enabled from the Engineering Client
environment, the operator can insert values even if they do not matching the defined format
and type.
Note Keep in mind that, should you force an INT or FLOAT Parameter to TEXT, any
specification limits that were previously defined for the Parameter in question will no longer
be valid, nor can they be retrieved, even if you decide to perform an Amend operation.
To force values:
1. Inside the Form, select the field containing the value to be forced: a yellow border
appears around the field.
2. On the command bar, click Force Value: the field that contains the value can now be
edited.
3. Change the value as required.
4. On the command bar, click Confirm Value to confirm the operation.
6.1.2.4 Forcing values to blank
If the Force Blank Runtime Rule has been enabled from the Engineering Client
environment, the operator can leave a field blank, even if a value is expected by the
system.
To force values to blank:
1. Inside the Form, select the field of interest: a yellow border appears around the field.
2. On the command bar, click Force blank.

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6.1.2.5 Forcing out-of-specification values
If the Confirm out-of-range value Runtime Rule has been enabled from the Engineering
Client environment, the operator can insert values, even if they fall outside the defined
specification limits.
If the operator inserts a value that does not fall within the configured specification limits, a
balloon will be displayed next to the field being edited: the value cannot be saved in the
database, until the operator either inserts a correct value or forces the value as described in
the procedure below.
Note The Force Limits command is enabled only if a value is found to fall outside the
specification limits.
In this case, to force limits:

1. On the command bar, click Force Limits: the field containing the value that falls outside
the specification limits can now be saved.
Note This command is automatically enabled if an out-of-range value is inserted.
2. ((Only if Electronic Signature has been configured during Engineering) ) Insert User

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7.1 Troubleshooting
Log file
SIMATIC IT Management Console supplies a Log File Viewer.

For more information, see the SIMATIC IT Services Online Help.
Additional information can be retrieved from the SQL Server log file, accessible from the
SQL Server Enterprise Manager. The same information can be viewed in the Windows
Event Viewer.
Tip For more information, see Microsoft SQL Server Books Online.
The SQLdiag.exe tool is available in the SQL Server program folder (\Binn subfolder). It is
launched from a command line, and generates a file named SQLdiag.txt in the \Log
subfolder, containing all diagnostic information about the SQL Server (including log files).
There also exists the possibility of viewing the ALT Log files via Internet Explorer:
1. In Internet Explorer, select Tools > Developer Tools.
2. Click the Script tab.
3. In the Console tab on the right portion of the display, right-click inside its contents and
select Filter.
4. Uncheck Console Log: only the ALT log messages will be displayed.
7.2 FAQs regarding Runtime aspects
The following FAQs refer to aspects regarding Work Instruction display and completion in
Runtime.
How can I move between fields in a form?
When opening a Form, the focus is on the first field in the upper left side of the window. You
can move to the next field either by clicking inside it or by pressing the Tab key. The fields
in a Form follow a Z-Tab order. When the focus is on a mandatory field, before you can
move on to the next field, you must enter the required information.
Note It is possible to exit from a mandatory field, provided that you are not in Sequential
Insertion mode.

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7.2 FAQs regarding Runtime aspects
Which is the default Date/Time format for a Date Time control ?
The default Date/Time format for a Date Time control is always the Long Date/Time
Format of your Regional Settings, regardless of the format defined in ALT Engineering
Client.
Can I select a different Date/Time format for a Date Time control?
No. A Date Time control can be only displayed with its default format.
Can I save a new Date/Time format for a Date Time control?
No. Date/Time formats are not saved in the database. Once a Date/Time format has been
configured in ALT Engineering Client, this cannot be changed. Instead, you can select a
different display format. This format is reset whenever the form is re-loaded, and the default
setting is restored.
How can I modify Date/Time values in a Date Time control?
When modifying Date/Time values in a Date Time control, you must modify in the following
order: year, month and then day. If you modify these values in any other order, the calendar
will close and you will be unable to make further modifications.
Why are the labels of a Form not displayed correctly? (if Rich Text Editor is NOT set)
Check your Web Application's CSS (cascade style sheet) file. Set the default character for
the Body to Microsoft Sans Serif, size 8.25pt. These settings correspond to the default
setting of the ALT Engineering application for a Form. Character settings in the ALT
Application cannot be changed: you must adapt the Web Application settings in order for
the information contained in a Form to be displayed correctly.

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8 Appendix
8.1 Mathematical functions
Function Description
Returns the absolute, positive value of the given numeric expression.

ABS
Mandatory: 1 value.
Returns the angle, in radians, whose cosine is the given float expression;
ACOS also called arccosine.
Mandatory: 1 value.
Returns the angle, in radians, whose sine is the given float expression (also
ASIN called arcsine).
Mandatory: 1 value.
Returns the angle in radians whose tangent is the given float expression
ATAN (also called arctangent).
Mandatory: 1 value.
Returns the angle, in radians, whose tangent is between the two given float
ATN2 expressions (also called arctangent).
Mandatory: 2 values.
Returns the smallest integer greater than, or equal to, the given numeric
CEILING expression.
Mandatory: 1 value.
Returns the trigonometric cosine of the given angle (in radians) in the given
COS expression.
Mandatory: 1 value.
Returns the trigonometric cotangent of the specified angle (in radians) in the
COT given float expression.
Mandatory: 1 value.
Given an angle in radians, returns the corresponding angle in degrees.

DEGREES
Mandatory: 1 value.
Returns the exponential value of the given float expression.

EXP
Mandatory: 1 value.
Returns the largest integer less than or equal to the given numeric
FLOOR
expression.

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8.1 Mathematical functions
Function Description
Mandatory: 1 value.
Returns the largest integer less than or equal to the given numeric
LOG expression.
Mandatory: 1 value.
Returns the base-10 logarithm of the given float expression.

LOG10
Mandatory: 1 value.
Returns the constant value of PI.

PI
No values necessary.
Returns the value of the given expression to the specified power.

POWER
Mandatory: 2 values.
Returns radians when a numeric expression, in degrees, is entered.

RADIANS
Mandatory: 1 value.
Returns a random float value from 0 through 1.

RAND
Optional: 1 value.
Returns the positive (+1), zero (0), or negative (-1) sign of the given
SIGN expression.
Mandatory: 1 value.
Returns the trigonometric sine of the given angle (in radians) in an

SIN approximate numeric (float) expression.
Mandatory: 1 value.
Returns the square root of the given expression.

SQRT
Mandatory: 1 value.
Returns the square of the given expression.

SQUARE
Mandatory: 1 value.
Returns the tangent of the input expression.

TAN
Mandatory: 1 value.

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s Table of Contents

All names identified by ® are registered trademarks of Siemens AG.

Siemens AG A5E41520833-AA Copyright © Siemens AG 2017

2 Environments and tools provided ...................................................................................... 3

2.1 ALT Engineering Client environment ............................................................................................ 3

3.1 Parameter Overview ................................................................................................................... 38

SIMATIC IT 7.1 - At Line Testing

4 Operating modes ................................................................................................................ 41

4.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 41

5 Basic operations ................................................................................................................ 46

5.1 Handling GUI objects .................................................................................................................. 46

6.1 Quick start to using SIMATIC IT ALT .......................................................................................... 52

7 Troubleshooting and FAQs................................................................................................ 76

7.1 Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................................... 76

8.1 Mathematical functions ............................................................................................................... 78

SIMATIC IT 7.1 - At Line Testing

Where is this manual valid?

This manual is valid for release 7.1 of SIMATIC IT.

Basic knowledge required

Explains the fundamental concepts, features and functionalities

Provides an overview of the SIMATIC IT At Line Testing GSI

ALT Customization Explains how to customize SIMATIC IT At Line Testing, by

SIMATIC IT 7.1 - At Line Testing

SIMATIC IT Training Center

SIMATIC IT Service & Support

A comprehensive Software Maintenance program is available with SIMATIC IT products.

Software Update Service (SUS)

SIMATIC IT 7.1 - At Line Testing

Technical Support Service (TSS)

Siemens provides a dedicated technical support team for SIMATIC IT products.

Access to the TSS

SIMATIC IT 7.1 - At Line Testing

Cross domain access

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>

The clientaccesspolicy.xml file must be copied in C:\inetpub\wwwroot. For more information,

SIMATIC IT ALT Engineering Client

SIMATIC IT ALT Runtime Module

SIMATIC IT 7.1 - At Line Testing

Using ALT Runtime Module, it is possible to:

SIMATIC IT 7.1 - At Line Testing

2.1 ALT Engineering Client environment

In graphical terms, SIMATIC IT ALT Engineering is considerably complex. Here is a general

2.1.1 Work Instruction web page

The Work Instruction web page consists in:

SIMATIC IT 7.1 - At Line Testing

One of the main panel bars available in the web page.

Dedicated menu bars containing commands to perform generic operations

SIMATIC IT 7.1 - At Line Testing

Work Instruction. To configure additional Forms for the currently-selected

2.1.1.1 Work Instruction workspace

2.1.1.2 Parameter Summary workspace

SIMATIC IT 7.1 - At Line Testing

2.1.2 Parameter Catalog web page

2.1.2.1 Work Instruction Summary panel bar

SIMATIC IT 7.1 - At Line Testing

2.1.3 Info Field Catalog web page

2.2 Form Designer tool

The Form Designer consists in three main elements:

SIMATIC IT 7.1 - At Line Testing

• It is possible to associate Runtime Rules to Forms from the Properties grid.

• From the Properties grid, events can be associated to Forms.

2.2.1 GUI Objects overview

Available GUI objects