User comment on a device

[n_lev]

Hi!

I have a following feature I would like to implement and just wanted to see if anyone has better ideas.

I need to give an operator an option of attaching a comment to a device. For example, he should be able to click on a valve/motor/etc. and insert some text into a dialogue.
This text needs to be saved and others should be able to see it later.

The direct approach that comes to my mind it that each DPT should have a node/member called "Comment" of type String and have an _archive config on it.
Then it will be automatically saved to the database and can be shown in the event list, requested by the SQL, etc.
Anyone has better ideas? Maybe there is something already in-built into WinCC OA for this purpose?

Nick

[leoknipp]

Hello,

if the information entered by the user does not need historical recording you could use the _common-config (virtual config consisting of dp-description, alias and format) to save the information. To define the dp-description the CTRL-function dpSetDescription can be used.

If historical information is needed you have to write the comment to an _original-value for a dp-element where an _archive-config is added.

Best Regards
Leopold Knipp
Senior Support Specialist

[n_lev]

Thanks Leopold,

Seems like I had the right idea to start with.

[lukas.schopp]

In 3.11 we have within the new function "Symbole DPT" the option Faceplates.
There you can activate Notes and select an dpe [string] + _archive and then you also have an really nice panel within the default faceplate for comments.
See the help under "Assign Symbols to DPT".

best wishes
Lukas Schopp
WinCC OA Product Manager

[n_lev]

Thanks Lukas,

It pretty much does the same thing (special datapointelement with _archive config)