Table of Contents

Tracing Part Values During an Operation

This document explains how to trace and store part-related values during an operation in x4Trace.

Tracing values allows you to collect measurement results, test data, or operator-entered information and associate them with production processes and individual products.

Step 1: Define the Variables to Trace

  1. Open the Flow.
  2. Press the Variable List (fx) button.

Variable List

  1. Add a new row for each value you want to trace.

Example variables:

  • Test Processor Voltage
  • Test Battery Voltage
  1. Save and close the variable list.

Step 2: Assign Variables to an Operation

  1. Double-click the operation (block) where the values should be traced.
  2. Open the Variables tab.
  3. Add the variables to the block.

Block Variables

Best Practice

It is recommended to add variables as both:

  • Process variables
  • Product variables

This enables correct handling when data is provided by a PLC.

Process vs Product Variables

Understanding the difference is essential:

  • Process variables

    • Temporarily store runtime data
    • Used while the process is running

  • Product variables

    • Stored permanently with the passed product
    • Represent the final traced values

PLC Scenario

If a PLC provides the data:

  1. Data is first saved into process variables
  2. When the PLC sends the pass product signal:
    • The current process values are copied into product values

For PLC-based tracing, the variable must exist as a process variable.

Step 3: Enter or Receive Tracing Data During Production

When a production process is running:

  1. Type or scan the instance code on the terminal.
  2. Press the Data button.
  3. Enter the tracing values manually.

Process Data Entry

Alternatively:

  • The PLC or another device can provide the data automatically.

Forcing Operator Input

You can require operators to enter tracing data for every product.

How to Enforce Input

  • Do not add the variable to the block as a process variable

In this case:

  • x4Trace will display a dialog
  • The operator must enter the data before the product can pass

If the PLC or another device provides the data,
the variable must be added as a process variable.

Viewing Traced Data

After production:

  1. Open the Order.
  2. Select the instance.

You will see the stored tracing data associated with the product.

Order Instance Data

Summary

Tracing part values in x4Trace involves:

  1. Defining trace variables in the flow
  2. Assigning variables to operations
  3. Capturing data via terminal or PLC
  4. Storing values as product data upon pass

This mechanism ensures accurate, structured, and traceable production data for quality control and analysis.