accord server user guide; · 7.1.2 archiving .....59 7.1.2.1 configuring a threshold ... 9.7 plc...

Accord Server

Accord Server V3.22 User Guide R03 Page 0 of 189

Accord Server

User Guide

Document: Accord Server V 3.22 User Guide R03

Accord Server


Table of Contents

1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 10

2 Product Overview ............................................................................................................. 11

3 Installation ........................................................................................................................ 12

3.1 Requirements ............................................................................................................ 12

3.1.1 Recommended ................................................................................................... 12

3.2 Installation ................................................................................................................. 13

3.3 Initial Configuration ................................................................................................... 16

3.3.1 Database Management ...................................................................................... 16

3.3.2 OPC Configuration.............................................................................................. 19

3.3.3 Advanced Communications ............................................................................... 22

3.3.4 Service Redundancy ........................................................................................... 23

3.3.5 User Management ............................................................................................. 24

3.3.6 Archiving ............................................................................................................ 25

3.4 Uninstallation ............................................................................................................ 26

4 Understanding Accord Server ........................................................................................... 27

4.1 The Service Manager ................................................................................................. 27

4.1.1 Service Control ................................................................................................... 27

4.1.2 Module Status .................................................................................................... 28

4.1.2.1 Obtaining Module Status Information ....................................................... 30

4.1.2.2 Acknowledging a Status .............................................................................. 31

4.1.3 Quick Launch ...................................................................................................... 31

4.2 OPC Manager ............................................................................................................ 32

4.3 The Project Manager ................................................................................................. 34

4.4 Tools .......................................................................................................................... 35

4.5 Settings ...................................................................................................................... 37

4.5.1 Historian ............................................................................................................. 38

4.5.1.1 Devices ........................................................................................................ 38

4.5.1.2 Archiving ..................................................................................................... 38

4.5.2 Security .............................................................................................................. 38

Accord Server


4.5.2.1 Access Levels............................................................................................... 38

4.5.2.2 Users ........................................................................................................... 38

4.5.2.3 Projects ....................................................................................................... 38

4.5.3 Communications ................................................................................................ 39

4.5.3.1 ActiveX ........................................................................................................ 39

4.5.3.2 Advanced .................................................................................................... 39

4.5.3.3 External Tags ............................................................................................... 39

4.5.3.4 Redundancy ................................................................................................ 39

4.5.4 Start-up Modules ............................................................................................... 39

4.5.5 Event Logging ..................................................................................................... 39

4.5.6 Performance ...................................................................................................... 40

4.5.7 Email ................................................................................................................... 40

4.5.8 Language ............................................................................................................ 40

4.5.9 Version ............................................................................................................... 40

4.5.10 Accord Server Password .................................................................................... 40

4.5.11 License ................................................................................................................ 40

5 Managing OPC Profiles ..................................................................................................... 41

5.1 Adding a Profile ......................................................................................................... 42

5.2 Deleting a Profile ....................................................................................................... 42

5.3 Changing OPC Server ................................................................................................. 43

5.3.1 Supported OPC Servers ...................................................................................... 43

5.4 Changing PLC Type .................................................................................................... 43

5.4.1 Supported PLC’s ................................................................................................. 43

5.5 Detaching a Project ................................................................................................... 44

5.6 Changing OPC Channel/Device ................................................................................. 44

5.7 Changing the Available Memory ............................................................................... 45

5.8 Changing Update Rate ............................................................................................... 45

5.9 Activating/Deactivation an OPC Group ..................................................................... 46

5.10 Viewing Related OPC Groups .................................................................................... 46

5.11 Licensing .................................................................................................................... 47

5.11.1 License Types ..................................................................................................... 49

Accord Server


5.11.2 Configuring a License ......................................................................................... 49

5.12 Viewing Project Device Counts ................................................................................. 51

6 Managing Projects ............................................................................................................ 52

6.1 Downloading a Project .............................................................................................. 54

6.2 Re-Importing a Project .............................................................................................. 54

6.3 Synchronising a Project ............................................................................................. 54

6.4 Deleting a Project ...................................................................................................... 54

6.5 Activating/Deactivating a Project.............................................................................. 55

6.6 Viewing Project Deployment..................................................................................... 55

6.7 Generating an Excel Tag List ..................................................................................... 55

7 Configuration Settings ...................................................................................................... 56

7.1 Historian .................................................................................................................... 57

7.1.1 Devices ............................................................................................................... 57

7.1.1.1 Activating/Deactivating Logging ................................................................. 57

7.1.1.2 Deadbands .................................................................................................. 58

7.1.1.2.1 Understanding Deadbanding .................................................................. 58

7.1.1.2.2 Setting a Deadband ................................................................................. 58

7.1.2 Archiving ............................................................................................................ 59

7.1.2.1 Configuring a Threshold ............................................................................. 60

7.1.2.2 Configuring Automatic Deletion of Archives .............................................. 60

7.1.2.3 Configuring the Off-Peak Schedule ............................................................ 60

7.2 Security ...................................................................................................................... 61

7.2.1 Access Levels ...................................................................................................... 61

7.2.1.1 Configuring an Access Level ....................................................................... 62

7.2.2 Users .................................................................................................................. 63

7.2.2.1 Adding a User.............................................................................................. 63

7.2.2.2 Deleting a User ........................................................................................... 64

7.2.2.3 Changing a User’s Password ....................................................................... 65

7.2.2.4 Changing a User’s Email .............................................................................. 66

7.2.2.5 Associating a User with an Active Directory Login ..................................... 67

7.2.3 Projects .............................................................................................................. 69

Accord Server


7.2.3.1 Adding a User Group .................................................................................. 69

7.2.3.2 Deleting a User Group ................................................................................ 70

7.2.3.3 Assigning a User Group to a User ............................................................... 70

7.3 Communications ....................................................................................................... 71

7.3.1 ActiveX ............................................................................................................... 71

7.3.1.1 Changing the Legacy Port ........................................................................... 71

7.3.1.2 Changing Service Visibility .......................................................................... 72

7.3.2 Advanced Communications for Accord HMI Controls ....................................... 73

7.3.2.1 Changing the Interface ............................................................................... 74

7.3.2.2 Changing the Advanced Port ...................................................................... 74

7.3.2.3 Changing Remote Clients ............................................................................ 74

7.3.3 External Tags ...................................................................................................... 75

7.3.3.1 Adding an External Tag ............................................................................... 76

7.3.3.2 Deleting an External Tag ............................................................................. 77

7.3.3.3 Changing the OPC Tag ................................................................................ 77

7.3.3.4 Changing the Engineering Unit ................................................................... 78

7.3.3.5 Changing the Active/Inactive State ............................................................ 78

7.3.3.6 Exporting External Tags to CSV File ............................................................ 79

7.3.3.7 Importing External Tags from CSV File ....................................................... 79

7.3.4 Redundancy ....................................................................................................... 80

7.3.4.1 Primary Service versus Partner Service ...................................................... 81

7.3.4.2 How does it work? ...................................................................................... 82

7.3.4.3 Configuring a Primary Service .................................................................... 83

7.3.4.4 Configuring a Partner Service ..................................................................... 83

7.3.4.5 Creating a Partnership ................................................................................ 83

7.3.4.6 Deleting a Partnership ................................................................................ 85

7.3.4.7 Changing a Partnerships Name .................................................................. 85

7.3.4.8 Changing a Partnerships Server .................................................................. 86

7.3.4.9 Changing a Partnerships Port ..................................................................... 86

7.3.4.10 Changing a Partnerships Priority ................................................................ 86

7.4 Start-up Modules ...................................................................................................... 87

Accord Server


7.4.1 Enabling/Disabling Auto Start ............................................................................ 87

7.4.2 Enabling/Disabling a Module ............................................................................. 88

7.5 Event Logging ............................................................................................................ 89

7.5.1 Choosing Log File Location ................................................................................. 90

7.5.2 Clearing the Log File ........................................................................................... 90

7.5.3 Configuring a Log Level ...................................................................................... 90

7.6 Performance .............................................................................................................. 91

7.6.1 Computer Rating ................................................................................................ 92

7.6.2 Understanding Threading .................................................................................. 93

7.6.3 Memory .............................................................................................................. 93

7.6.3.1 Setting the Memory Level .......................................................................... 94

7.6.4 Processor ............................................................................................................ 94

7.6.5 Setting the Processor Priority Level ................................................................... 95

7.7 Email .......................................................................................................................... 96

7.7.1 Configuring an SMTP Server .............................................................................. 97

7.8 Language ................................................................................................................... 98

7.8.1 Changing Language ............................................................................................ 98

7.9 Version ...................................................................................................................... 99

7.10 License ..................................................................................................................... 100

7.10.1 Configuring a License ....................................................................................... 100

8 The Service ...................................................................................................................... 102

8.1 Understanding the Service ...................................................................................... 102

8.2 Determining Service State ....................................................................................... 102

8.3 Starting the Service ................................................................................................. 104

8.4 Stopping the Service ................................................................................................ 105

8.4.1 Shutting Down Windows ................................................................................. 105

9 Tools & Diagnostics ......................................................................................................... 106

9.1 Accord Server Diagnostics Manager ....................................................................... 106

9.2 ActiveX Connection Monitor ................................................................................... 107

9.2.1 Accessing the ActiveX Connection Monitor ..................................................... 107

9.3 Data Archiving Monitor ........................................................................................... 108

Accord Server


9.3.1 Accessing the Data Archiving Monitor ............................................................. 109

9.4 Manual Archiving .................................................................................................... 110

9.5 Database Management ........................................................................................... 111

9.5.1 Accessing the Database Management Tool ..................................................... 112

9.5.2 Selecting a DBMS Server .................................................................................. 112

9.6 OPC Diagnostics ....................................................................................................... 113

9.6.1 Accessing the OPC Diagnostics Tool ................................................................ 114

9.6.2 OPC Device Communications Diagnostics ....................................................... 115

9.6.3 UDT Layout Viewer .......................................................................................... 116

9.7 PLC Register Status .................................................................................................. 117

9.7.1 Accessing the OPC Diagnostics Tool ................................................................ 118

9.7.2 Adding a Register Profile .................................................................................. 118

9.7.3 Deleting a Profile .............................................................................................. 119

9.7.4 Adding Tags ...................................................................................................... 120

9.7.5 Changing Tag Values ........................................................................................ 121

9.7.6 Deleting a Tag .................................................................................................. 121

9.8 Scan Time Optimiser ............................................................................................... 122

9.8.1 Accessing the Scan Time Optimiser ................................................................. 122

9.8.2 Optimising Scan Time....................................................................................... 123

9.9 Device Report (Basic) .............................................................................................. 124

9.9.1 Accessing the Device Report (Basic) ................................................................ 125

9.10 Device Report (Complete) ....................................................................................... 126

9.10.1 Accessing the Device Report (Complete) ......................................................... 127

9.11 Excel Tag List ........................................................................................................... 128

9.11.1 Generating an Excel Tag List ............................................................................ 128

9.12 Accord Server Configuration Report ....................................................................... 129

9.12.1 Generating a Config Report ............................................................................. 130

9.13 Resource Monitor.................................................................................................... 131

9.13.1 Accessing the Resource Monitor ..................................................................... 131

9.14 Project Downloader ................................................................................................ 132

9.14.1 Accessing the Project Downloader .................................................................. 132

Accord Server


9.14.2 Importing a Project .......................................................................................... 132

9.14.3 Full Download with Reset ................................................................................ 133

9.14.4 Full Download without Reset ........................................................................... 134

9.14.5 Partial Download .............................................................................................. 134

9.14.6 Project Selection .............................................................................................. 135

9.14.7 Import Progress ............................................................................................... 137

9.14.8 Profile Selection ............................................................................................... 139

9.14.9 Download Type Selection ................................................................................ 140

9.14.10 Memory Assignment .................................................................................... 141

9.14.10.1 Assigning Spares ....................................................................................... 143

9.14.10.2 Automatically Assigning Spares to Pending Objects ................................ 143

9.14.10.3 Resetting Assigned Spares ....................................................................... 143

9.14.11 Priming Progress .......................................................................................... 143

9.14.12 Download Confirmation ............................................................................... 145

9.14.12.1 No Changes Detected ............................................................................... 148

9.14.12.2 Device Summary Report .......................................................................... 149

9.14.12.3 List Space Summary Report ..................................................................... 150

9.14.12.4 Data (Download) Summary Report .......................................................... 151

9.14.12.5 Data (Config) Summary Report ................................................................ 152

9.14.12.6 Recipe Summary Report .......................................................................... 153

9.14.12.7 Transition Summary Report ..................................................................... 154

9.14.12.8 Reference Summary Report ..................................................................... 155

9.14.13 Download Progress ...................................................................................... 156

9.14.14 Download Summary ..................................................................................... 158

9.15 Project Synchroniser ............................................................................................... 159

9.15.1 Accessing the Project Synchroniser ................................................................. 160

9.15.2 The Synchronisation UI .................................................................................... 161

9.15.2.1 Synchronisation Aids ................................................................................ 162

9.15.2.2 Device Filtration ........................................................................................ 162

9.15.2.3 Apply to All ................................................................................................ 163

9.15.2.4 Apply to Selection ..................................................................................... 163

Accord Server


9.15.2.5 Apply to Highlighted ................................................................................. 164

9.15.3 Performing Synchronisation ............................................................................ 164

9.16 Security Log Viewer ................................................................................................. 165

9.16.1 Accessing the Security Log Viewer ................................................................... 167

9.16.2 Searching the Log ............................................................................................. 167

9.17 Schedule Management ........................................................................................... 168

9.17.1 Accessing the Schedule Management Tool ..................................................... 169

9.17.2 Defining/Editing a Schedule ............................................................................. 169

9.17.3 Deleting a Schedule ......................................................................................... 170

9.18 Exporting Data ......................................................................................................... 171

10 Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................... 172

10.1 OPC Configuration ................................................................................................... 172

10.1.1 No OPC Servers Found ..................................................................................... 172

10.1.2 OPC Channel/Device Not Found ...................................................................... 172

10.1.3 The PLC ID Cannot Be Loaded .......................................................................... 173

10.1.4 Voucher Activation Failure............................................................................... 173

10.2 The Service .............................................................................................................. 174

10.2.1 The Service Fails to Start .................................................................................. 174

10.2.2 The Service Fails to Stop .................................................................................. 174

10.2.3 The Service Cannot be Stopped/Started ......................................................... 175

10.3 ActiveX Communications ........................................................................................ 176

10.3.1 Accord Controls Unable to Connect ................................................................ 176

10.3.2 Accord Controls Showing Missing Status ......................................................... 176

10.3.3 Accord Controls Showing Bad Communications.............................................. 177

10.4 Advanced Communications..................................................................................... 178

10.4.1 Accord Controls Unable to Connect ................................................................ 178

10.4.2 Accord Controls Showing Missing Status ......................................................... 178

10.4.3 Accord Controls Showing Bad Communications.............................................. 179

10.4.4 Accord Controls Interaction Sluggish ............................................................... 179

10.5 OPC Communications .............................................................................................. 181

10.5.1 Device Not Listed ............................................................................................. 181

Accord Server


10.5.2 Project Mismatch ............................................................................................. 181

10.5.3 Bad Quality Reads ............................................................................................ 182

10.6 Project Deployment ................................................................................................ 183

10.6.1 Accord Builder Project Not Listed .................................................................... 183

10.6.2 Accord Builder Project Incompatible ............................................................... 183

10.6.3 Inconsistent Accord Builder Project................................................................. 183

10.6.4 Partial Download Expected, But Full Download With Reset Required ............ 184

10.6.5 Partial Download Larger Than Expected .......................................................... 184

10.6.6 The Reserved Entry .......................................................................................... 184

10.6.7 PLC Reset Failure .............................................................................................. 185

10.6.8 Project Mismatch ............................................................................................. 186

10.7 Service Redundancy ................................................................................................ 187

10.7.1 Primary Service Not Found .............................................................................. 187

10.7.2 Consolidation Failures ...................................................................................... 187

10.7.3 Partner Service Fails to Deactivate a Partner Project ...................................... 188

Accord Server


1 Introduction

Accord Server is a data acquisition and reporting tool developed to simplify the

development of complex SCADA systems. Accord Server is part of the Accord platform, for

systems developed using Accord Builder, the control system model development

environment for the platform. Accord Server provides a platform for Operations

Functionality and Engineering functionality. The platform for Operations is given by object

linking between PLC Data and the Accord Controls. Engineering functionality is provided in

data logging and reporting services, along with a number of diagnostics tools.

Using Accord Server, Engineering personnel can manage consistent projects developed

using Accord Builder that have been imported into the Accord Server database. It is not

possible to add, change or remove individual aspects of the control system through Accord

Server.

This document, which is intended for use by engineering personnel, describes how to install

and configure Accord Server. The illustrations in this document are using an Accord Project

‘CIP 1 Tank 1 Line C1’.

Accord Server


2 Product Overview

Accord Server provides services to various members of the Accord Suite, namely Accord

HMI and Controls, Accord Reports, Batch and Recipe Manager applications. In a standard

setup, Accord Server typically resides on a dedicated server machine, hosting an OPC Server

and Microsoft SQL Server locally. This particular configuration is ideal, particularly when the

data acquisition aspects of Accord Server are required. Once Accord Server has been

configured to manage one or more projects, it is no longer necessary for the Development

PC hosting Accord Builder to remain connected to the network.

Accord Server is capable of operating independently of Accord Builder after a project has

been imported and downloaded to the PLC however, it is not possible to modify the project

configuration through Accord Server. If changes are required to the original project

configuration, the project will need to be changed using Accord Builder and a subsequent

import and download through Accord Server is required. See section 9.14 for more

information relating to the importation and download of an Accord Builder project.

Accord Platform Modules

It is important to note that the above illustration is a recommended setup and not a

requirement. A single PC of suitable specification can be used to host all elements of the

Accord platform if required. Only one Accord Server should ever be set to target a single

PLC. Multiple Accord Server servers actively managing the same PLC results in a significant

communications overhead and may result in a degradation of performance.

Accord Server


3 Installation

3.1 Requirements

3.1.1 Recommended

Processor 1.6 GHz Quad Core Processor (or better)

Memory 4GB (or higher)

Disk Space A large disk is recommended for data acquisition, depending on the

requirements of the project(s) Accord Server will host.

DBMS Microsoft SQL 2014

Screen Resolution 1024x768 (or higher)

Operating System Windows 7 [Service Pack 1], Windows 8

Network Interface 1 GBps, Wired (Static IPv4)

Accord Server


3.2 Installation

Accord Server is installed as part of Accord Project installation. Accord Builder and HMI

Design are also installed. Before installing Accord Project, it is recommended to verify the PC

meets the recommended requirements above.

To install Accord Server, simply do the following:

1. Install Accord Setup to install SQL instance and create database structures.

2. Double click on the ‘Accord Project Installer.exe’ file.

Accord Project Installer.exe

3. Click ‘Next’.

Accord Project Installation Wizard

4. Read the Accord Server License Agreement.

Accord Server


5. Select ‘Next’ if you wish to continue installing, otherwise click ‘Cancel’.

Accord Project License Agreement

6. Optionally provide the User Name and Organisation Name, click ‘Next’.

User or Customer Information

Note: This information is entirely for use by the local computer.

Accord Server


7. There is a default install location for Accord Project, click ‘Install’’ to begin the

installation process.

8. Review the installation summary and click ‘Install’ to confirm otherwise, click ‘Back’ if

you wish to modify any of the preceding options.

9. Upon completion of the installation process, click ‘Finish’ to exit the installer.

Accord Builder, Server and HMI Design are now installed.

Accord Server


3.3 Initial Configuration

Once Accord Server is first launched after a successful installation, you will be presented

with the Accord Server Setup Wizard. The Setup Wizard is designed to assist you in the

configuration of some of the more commonly used components of Accord Server, making it

easier to get the system up and running as quickly as possible. All settings configured using

the Wizard can be changed later using the Accord Server user interface. The following

sections describe each screen, in order, that will be presented to you upon the first launch

of Accord Server.

3.3.1 Database Management

Accord Server requires a DBMS to host the database that stores the majority of its

configuration and historical data. The Database Management prompt will request that you

select the desired target DBMS. This stage of the Setup Wizard must be completed before

Accord Server can be launched. If a DBMS is not selected, the process will continue

however, you will be unable to configure the vast majority of Accord Server features until a

DBMS is selected.

Setup Wizard – Database Management

Accord Server


Accord Server will automatically list the last known server, if any, otherwise it will list any

publically available SQL Server on the local network. It is possible that, initially, this list may

not contain the server you desire, if so, simply click the green ‘Refresh’ button to force

Accord Server to look again. Once the desired server is listed, simply click ‘Select’.

Accord Server


Note: If an existing Accord Server setup is present, Accord Server may require it to be

upgraded in case of a later release of Server.

In this case, to upgrade the installation, click on Select.

Once the desired DBMS has been selected, Accord Server will prompt as follows:

Click ‘Yes’ to perform the upgrade

For more information on how to use the Database Management feature, see section 9.5.

Accord Server


3.3.2 OPC Configuration

In order to deploy a project on a PLC, Accord Server requires a minimum of one OPC Profile

providing the configuration to communication with the target PLC. The OPC Configuration

prompt will request the minimum required settings to configure a Default profile. While

more advanced settings are available through the Accord Server user interface, this prompt

enables rapid configuration of the settings typically used by the majority of Accord Server

users. This stage of the Setup Wizard must be completed before Accord Server can be

launched. If an OPC Profile already exists, this step in the Setup Wizard will be automatically

skipped. To configure the Default OPC Profile using the OPC Configuration prompt, simply

do the following:

1. Select the desired OPC Server from the ‘OPC Server’ list. Use the Refresh Button if

required. For more information relating to the configuration of OPC Servers, see

section 5.3.

2. Select the desired OPC Channel from the ‘Channel’ list. A list of configured channels

will be available.

3. Select the desired OPC Device from the ‘Device’ list, if any. This refers to the PLC in

the OPC Server. For more information on the section of Channel/Device setup, see

section 5.6.

4. Select the type of PLC, for which the OPC settings are configured, from the ‘PLC

Type’ list. This must be the same as selected in the model project in Accord

Builder. For more information relating to the configuration of PLC types, see section

5.4.

5. Specify the total amount of ‘Memory (Bytes)’ available to Accord Server in the

PLC for project deployment, if known. For more information on the available

memory, see section 5.7.

6. Select, or type, the desired update rate for the OPC Server configuration using the

‘Rate’ field. For more information on the update rate, see section 5.8.

7. Using the ‘License’ field, provide the license code for the OPC Profile or alternatively,

click the ‘Change License’ button to use the ‘Voucher Activation’ dialog to obtain the

required license. If no license code or voucher is available at this time, simply leave

the ‘License’ field blank. For information on the activation of a voucher, see section

5.11.2.

Accord Server


OPC Setup – OPC Device Selection

OPC Setup – OPC License

Accord Server


OPC Setup – assigned Project

Accord Server


3.3.3 Advanced Communications

Accord Server provides communication services to a variety of different possible clients.

Advanced Communications facilitates communication with the Accord Controls. The

Advanced Communications prompt facilitates configuration of important settings relating to

the way in which Accord Server provides those services. This stage of the Setup Wizard

must be completed before Accord Server can be launched. Accord Server will attempt to

automatically configure this section to the optimal settings for the target PC, by selecting

the fastest of the available active connections. To aid configuration, information relating to

the selected connection is presented, such as the medium type and speed available. In the

event that Accord Server does not automatically select the correct interface, simply select

the correct interface from the ‘Interface’ list. Upon selection, Accord Server will list the

available IP addresses for the selected interface, as sometimes there can be multiple

addresses for a single interface. If the default address selected is incorrect, simply select the

correct address from the ‘IP Address’ list. To permit remote clients access to the services

provided by Accord Server, ensure ‘Remote Clients’ is ticked. It is not necessary to change

the default ‘Advanced Port’, unless the internal network policy requires otherwise.

Note: It is strongly recommended that the selected interface uses a wired and uses a

static IPv4 address.

For more information on the optimum configuration of Advanced Communication, see

section 7.3.2.

Accord Server


3.3.4 Service Redundancy

Service Redundancy enables an Accord Server installation to act as a backup for another

networked Accord Server Service installation. The Service Redundancy prompt enables users

to decide what role, if any, this installation will perform in their redundancy solution. A

Accord Server service can act as both a primary and a partner server at the same time,

however, primary services will always take priority over partner services in this scenario.

Configuration of this step is optional and can be skipped entirely.

To enable Accord Server as a primary service, simply tick ‘Primary Service’. It is not

necessary to change the default ‘Communications Port’, unless the internal network policy

requires otherwise. To configure Accord Server as a partner service, simply tick ‘Partner

Services’ and select the desired Accord Server installations by clicking the ‘+’ button,

highlighted on the right.

Note: Only active installations of Accord Server are detectable when configuring Accord

Server as a partner service.

For more information relating to Service Redundancy, see section 7.3.4.

Accord Server


3.3.5 User Management

User Management enables the configuration of users that may later be assigned to projects

deployed using Accord Server. Configuration of this step is optional and can be skipped

entirely. By default, Accord Server configures a user named ‘Default’, possessing a case-

sensitive password of ‘default’. It is recommended that the default user remains in the

system, as Accord Controls will use the default user if no user is otherwise specified. To add

a new user, simply click the ‘+’ button and provide the ‘User Name’, and ‘Password’, clicking

‘Ok’ to confirm. Any user created here can be administered later.

For more information relating to Security and User Management, see sections 7.2.1, 7.2.2

and 7.2.3.

Accord Server


3.3.6 Archiving

Over time, the Accord Server database may grow in size, particularly when historical logging

is active. To prevent Accord Server from exceeding the maximum database size permissible

by the selected DBMS, Accord Server will monitor the database and archive data once it

reaches a user-defined point, reducing the working database in size significantly. It is also

possible to configure Accord Server to automatically delete archives after a specific number

of days, which is highly recommended. Lastly, to ensure the archiving procedure does not

potentially hamper performance during periods of high activity, Accord Server can be

configured to only perform the archiving procedure during a specific time period.

By default, Accord Server sets the limit to 3 gigabytes however, you can adjust this setting

by simply providing a new value for ‘Max Size(GB)’. In addition, archive deletion is

automatically enabled for every 60 days. The number of days can be modified by simply

adjusting the value for ‘Days’, or disabled entirely by un-ticking ‘Delete Archives

Automatically’. Lastly, to specify an optimum window for archiving to occur, simply tick ‘Off

Peak Only’ and select the desired ‘To’ and ‘From’ times.

For more information on Data Archiving, see section 7.1.2.

Accord Server


3.4 Uninstallation

Before removing Accord Project Server, it is strongly recommended that you verify that the

Accord Server Service is not currently running. See section 8.4:

1. Double click on the ‘Accord Project Setup.exe’ file.


3. On the ‘Program Maintenance’ screen, select ‘Remove’.

Program Maintenance


5. Click ‘Remove’ to confirm removal, otherwise click ‘Cancel’.

6. Upon completion of the uninstallation process, click ‘Finish’.

Note this will uninstall Accord Builder, Server and HMI Design.

Accord Server


4 Understanding Accord Server

The Accord Server user interface encapsulates all of the functionality provided by Accord

Server and its related modules. The following sections discuss the functionality provided in

each section of the Accord Server user interface.

4.1 The Service Manager

The Accord Server Service Manager

The Accord Server Service Manager has two sections, Service Control and Module Status.

4.1.1 Service Control

The Service Control section of the Service Manager contains controls that allow you to

toggle the state of the Accord Server Service modules. When inactive, the Start button is

typically highlighted and when active, the Stop button is highlighted. During module start-

up, both buttons may be temporally disabled.

Accord Server


4.1.2 Module Status

The Module Status section displays the current status of all Accord Server modules. These

modules perform specific roles in Accord Server. Some modules, such as the Data Historian

are optional and other modules, such as Database Communications, are required. There are

a number of possible status messages that a module can display on this screen. These are

as follows:

Status Description

Active The module is currently running normally.

Inactive The module is currently not running.

Activating The module is attempting to start.

Deactivating The module is attempting to stop.

Waiting The module is waiting for an event, such as another module starting.

Busy The module is currently processing a complex task.

Stand By The module is Active however, it is not processing any task and as a result it

has entered a state of hibernation. Stand By mode reduces the amount

resources the module consumes but leaves it in a readied state so it can

quickly respond when needed.

Not Required The module determined it is not needed and deactivated automatically. This

may happen if a projects configuration removes the need for the module to

run. For example, the Data Historian will not activate if there are no valid

devices enabled for logging.

Notice The module has an important piece of information to convey.

Notice takes priority over any preceding status message and must be

acknowledged before the status of the module can change.

Warning The module has encountered a minor problem, typically an invalid request.

Warnings take priority over any preceding status message and must be

acknowledged before the status of the module can change.

Error The module has encountered a problem that has prevented it from

performing an important task.

Errors take priority over any preceding status message and must be

acknowledged before the status of the module can change

Critical The module has encountered a serious problem that likely prevents it from

performing any tasks.

Critical Errors take priority over any preceding status message and must be

acknowledged before the status of the module can change

Accord Server contains two distinct types of modules, Service modules and Passive modules.

Service modules are those that provide functionality only while the Accord Server Service is

active. Passive modules are modules that provide functionality regardless of the state of the

Accord Server Service, typically on demand.

Accord Server


The following is a list of functions in Accord Server

Name Required Servic

e

Description

Accord Server

Service

N/A N/A This provides the status of the service as a whole but is

not a module in itself.

OPC

Communications

No No This module provides a mapping between Accord

Server’s other modules and the PLC.

Data Archiving No Yes This module automatically archives the current database

when its size reaches a user defined threshold.

Data Historian No Yes This module performs data logging on selected devices.

Data Reporting No Yes This module automatically generates data reports based

on user-defined events in the PLC or on a schedule.

Task Scheduling No Yes This module automatically performs updates to the PLC

based on a user-defined schedule.

Advanced

Communications

No Yes This module provides access to object representations of

devices managed by the Device Communications

module, enabling third party developers to generate

applications capable of communicating with Accord

Server.

ActiveX

Communications

No Yes This module acts as an intermediately between the

Accord Controls and the OPC Communications module.

PLC Register

Communications

No No This module extends the functionality provided by the

OPC Communications module, allowing users to view

information stored for all aspects of devices. This

module also enables Project Downloads and

Synchronisation.

Device

Communications

No No This module acts as an intermediately between the

Advanced Communications module and the OPC

Communications module.

Service

Redundancy

No Yes This module enables the Accord Server service to act as

a Primary and/or Partner service, enabling service

redundancy between multiple Accord Server services.

Project

Deployment

No No This module directly manages the process of Project

Download & Synchronisation.

Event Logging Yes No This module automatically logs module related

messages.

Security Logging Yes No This module automatically logs user actions.

Database

Communications

Yes No This module provides access to the Accord Server

database.

Accord Server


4.1.2.1 Obtaining Module Status Information

There are two methods of viewing additional information relating to the current status of a

module.

1. Simply hover your mouse over the current status of the module and read the tooltip that

it displays.

Viewing the Status of a Module

2. The second method is to simply click on the current status of a module.

Viewing the Status of a Module

Accord Server


4.1.2.2 Acknowledging a Status

Notice, Warning, Error and Critical take priority over any other status that precedes it. This

means that if the status of the module changes from Critical to Inactive the Module Status

screen will continue to display Critical until a user acknowledges that they have seen the

message. There are two methods of acknowledging a modules status.

1. Simply click on the status of the module. After clicking ‘Ok’ on the status dialog the

module will change status to its current status.

2. Stop/Start the Service. This has the effect of acknowledging the status of each of the

Service modules. See section 8.3.

4.1.3 Quick Launch

To enable ease of access, the Module Status section possesses two separate Quick Launch

Bars. These bars provide access to some of the most commonly used tools in Accord Server.

Name Description

Schedule Management This tool allows users to manage scheduled OPC Writes. See section

9.17.

Manual Archiving This tool allows users to manually archive data currently stored in the

Accord Server database. See section 9.4.

Security Log Viewer This tool allows users to query the security log. See section 9.16.

Accord Server

Configuration Report

This tool allows users to export a Microsoft Word Document (docx)

containing the current configuration of Accord Server. Microsoft Word

does not need to be installed to use this feature. See section 9.12.

Excel Tag List This tool allows users to export a Comma Separated Values (CSV) file

containing configuration information relating to devices for a user

selected project. This information can be imported into the InTouch

Scada system, facilitating rapid application development. Microsoft

Excel does not need to be installed to use this feature. See section 9.11.

OPC Diagnostics This tool displays detailed information relating to the current status of

the OPC Communications module, such as current OPC data for an

active device and the quality of the read. See section 9.6.

Project Downloader This tool allows users to import a project generated using Accord Builder

into Accord Server. Once imported, a project may be downloaded to a

PLC and become managed by Accord Server. See section 9.14.

Project Synchroniser This tool allows users to synchronise an existing Accord Server project

with a project currently being generated using Accord Builder. Once

synchronised, any differences between the project on the PLC and the

configuration will be matched in the configuration. No PLC changes are

made during this process. See section 9.15.

Accord Server


4.2 OPC Manager

The Accord Server OPC Manager

An OPC Profile is used to manage a relationship between a Project and a PLC. Each OPC

Profile contains OPC definitions for a particular OPC Server. In addition, an OPC Profile also

possess a license that determines what functionality is available to any project it managers.

In order to configure OPC settings, a separate OPC Server must be installed. There is no

limit on the number of OPC Profiles that can be defined however, at least one valid profile

must exist to enable Project Deployment.

The ability to define OPC Profiles provides the advantage of being able to quickly and easily

change the OPC Setup a particular project uses to establish a connection to a PLC. Accord

Server also allows you to configure different Channel/Device configurations for predefined

groups, thus allowing you to optimise OPC Communication based on their unique

requirements. Using the OPC Manager it is possible to:

Define new OPC Profiles. See section 5.1.

Delete existing OPC Profiles. See section 5.2.

Select an OPC Server for a given Profile. See section 5.3.

Configure a target PLC Type for a given Profile. See section 5.4.

Accord Server


Configure specific Channel/Device definitions for each of the predefined OPC Groups.

See section 5.6.

Configure the Memory available for Accord Server to perform downloads. See section

5.7.

Configure an Update Rate for a specific OPC Group in order to optimise performance.

See section 5.8.

Activate/Deactivate OPC Groups. See section 5.9.

View related OPC Groups. See section 5.10.

Configure a license. See section 5.11.2.

View project device counts. See section 5.12.

Note: Deactivating an OPC Group has the effect of deactivating OPC

Communications on all devices in that group on any project that uses the selected OPC

Profile.

It is not possible to change any settings while the service is active.

Accord Server


4.3 The Project Manager

The Accord Server Project Manager

The Accord Server Project Manager allows for the importation, configuration and

synchronisation of Accord Builder projects. Accord Server has no limit on the number of

Projects that can be imported however, the number of active projects at a given time is

limited by the specifications of the PC, PLC and OPC Server. Using the Project Manager it is

possible to:

Import new Accord Builder projects. See section 6.1.

Overwrite existing Accord Builder projects. See section 6.1.

Re-Import an existing project. See section 6.2.

Synchronise an existing project with an Accord Builder project. See section 6.3.

Delete existing projects. See section 6.4.

Activate/Deactivate projects. See section 6.5.

View the date a project was downloaded to the PLC.

View information relating to the projects deployment on the PLC. See section 6.6.

Generate an Excel Tag List of PLC addresses. See section 6.7.

It is not possible to change any settings while the service is active.

Accord Server


4.4 Tools

Accord Server Tools

Accord Server contains a number of tools designed to assist in the maintenance the system,

along with the diagnoses of potential issues, such as issues relating to communications and

performance. Accord Server Tools provides a single area in which to access these tools.

Name Description

ActiveX Connection Monitor This tool allows users to view statistics relating to the ActiveX

Communications module, such as active connections and bytes sent.

See section 9.2.

Data Archiving Monitor This tool allows users to view statistics relating to the Data Archiving

module, such as current database size and date last archived. See

section 9.3.

Manual Archiving This tool allows users to manually archive data currently stored in the

Accord Server database. See section 9.4.

Database Management This tool allows users to change the DBMS used by Accord Server. It

is not possible to change DBMS while the service is active. See

section 9.5.

OPC Diagnostics This tool displays detailed information relating to the current status

of the OPC Communications module, such as current OPC data for an

active device and the quality of the read. See section 9.6.

Accord Server


Scan Time Optimiser This tool allows users to monitor and optimise the scan time for any

PLC configured for a given OPC Profile, by configuring the number of

items that are processed per scan. See section 9.8.

Device Report (Basic) This tool produces an exportable report containing a list of all devices

and their location on the PLC for a user selected project. See section

9.9.

Device Report (Complete) This tool produces an exportable report containing a list of

configuration data for each device in a user selected project. In

addition, the PLC address for each property, along with the devices

location in the PLC, is included. See section 9.10.

Excel Tag List This tool allows users to export a Comma Separated Values (CSV) file

containing configuration information relating to devices for a user

selected project. This information can be imported into the InTouch

Scada system, facilitating rapid application development. Microsoft

Excel does not need to be installed to use this feature. See section

9.11.

Accord Server Configuration

Report

This tool allows users to export a Microsoft Word Document (docx)

containing the current configuration of Accord Server. Microsoft

Word does not need to be installed to use this feature. See section

9.12.

Resource Monitor This tool allows users to monitor the current system resources

available to Accord Server. See section 9.8.

PLC Register Status This tool displays detailed information relating to the current status

of any property available to the OPC Communications module, such

as current OPC data for the property and the quality of the read. See

section 9.7.

Project Downloader This tool allows users to import a project generated using Accord

Builder into Accord Server. Once imported, a project may be

downloaded to a PLC and become managed by Accord Server. See

section 9.14.

Project Synchroniser This tool allows users to synchronise an existing Accord Server

project with a project generated using Accord Builder, matching the

project with the configuration of various equipment and parameter

values currently stored on the PLC. Once synchronised, any

differences between the project on the PLC and the configuration will

be matched in the configuration. See section 9.15.

Security Log Viewer This tool allows users to query the security log. See section 9.16.

Schedule Management This tool allows users to manage scheduled OPC Writes. See section

9.17.

Accord Server


4.5 Settings

Accord Server Settings

Accord Server contains various settings that allow users to configure Accord Server precisely

to meet their needs. For simplicity, the Settings section of Accord Server is divided into

selectable sections, some of which are under a specific category, such as Historian or

Security. The following is a summary of the purpose behind each section of the settings

area.

Accord Server


4.5.1 Historian

4.5.1.1 Devices

Devices allows users to configure the Logging and Deadband settings for specific devices on

a given Project. By default, all Alarms and Program are automatically logged. Although it is

not possible to deselect logging for Alarms, it is possible to deselect logging for Programs.

Logging on Programs should only be deselected if information relating to them is no longer

required for reporting purposes. Additionally, some groups, such as Analog Device contain

configurable Deadbands. Deadbands are used as a logging threshold for a given device and

can help avoid large quantities of unnecessary data being logged in the database. It is not

possible to change these settings while the service is active. See section 7.1.1.

4.5.1.2 Archiving

Archiving allows users to define the maximum allowable database size before data is

automatically transferred to a new archived database. The maximum allowable size of a

database differs from one DBMS to the next. Please consult the documentation for your

DBMS before selecting an archiving threshold. It is not possible to change these settings

while the service is active. See section 7.1.2.

4.5.2 Security

4.5.2.1 Access Levels

Access Levels allows you to override the default security level required for actions that can

be performed on device types (groups) using the client controls. If a user logged in on the

SCADA system has been assigned to the permitted User Group, or the action is enabled to

all users, then the user will be permitted access to modifiers for that property. It is not

possible to change these settings while the service is active. See section 7.2.1.

4.5.2.2 Users

Users allows for the configuration of users that may be assigned to any of the imported

projects. Users are assigned an access level, a password, and an optional email address. It

is not possible to change these settings while the service is active. See section 7.2.2.

4.5.2.3 Projects

Project Management allows for the configuration of User Groups for a specific project, along

with the users that may be assigned to that project. User Groups may be used to override

the default Access Level for any modifiable property of a specific device type (group). It is

not possible to change these settings while the service is active. See section 7.2.3.

Accord Server


4.5.3 Communications

4.5.3.1 ActiveX

ActiveX Communications allows for the configuration of TCP related settings for the ActiveX

Communications module. In most situations, these settings do not need to be changed

however, unique security requirements by an individual client may necessitate

customisation of these settings. See section 7.3.1.

4.5.3.2 Advanced

Advanced Communications allows for the configuration of network related settings for the

Advanced Communications for Accord HMI / Controls. It is important that these settings are

reviewed and configured correctly to ensure the service performs at optimal levels. See

section 7.3.2.

4.5.3.3 External Tags

External Tags allow for the configuration of custom devices that relate to data external to

the selected Accord Server project. External Tags are treated much in the same way as

standard devices within a project are and thus, are available to the Accord Controls and the

Accord Server SDK. See section 7.3.3.

4.5.3.4 Redundancy

Redundancy allows for the configuration of the role the Accord Server service will serve as

part of an overall backup solution. A Accord Server service can act as both a primary and a

partner service at the same time however, primary services will always take priority over

partner services in this scenario. See section 7.3.4.

4.5.4 Start-up Modules

Start-up Modules allows the user to enable/disable optional Service modules. This is useful

when dealing with limited system resources. For example, if the computer is intended only

as a Data Historian, then all modules other than Data Archiving and Data Historian could be

deactivated to save system resources. It is not possible to change these settings while the

service is active. See section 7.4.

4.5.5 Event Logging

The Logging section allows users to configure what module related messages are recorded

by the Event Logging module, along with the location of the log file. It is recommended to

choose a lower setting, unless otherwise required, to save disk space and reduce processing

load. It is not possible to change these settings while the service is active. See section 7.5.

Accord Server


4.5.6 Performance

The Performance section allows users to configure how many system resources Accord

Server will reserve while the service is active. The value assigned here depends entirely on

the specification of the computer and the needs of the user. If Accord Server is expected to

host multiple projects, or a large quantity of data logging is expected, a higher performance

rating is recommended. A higher performance rating decreases the response time from

Accord Server but has the negative effect of increasing the amount of RAM Accord Server

uses. If you notice a slow response times from Accord Server, it may indicate that you need

to increase this setting. It is not possible to change these settings while the service is active.

See section 7.6.

4.5.7 Email

The Email section allows users to configure an optional SMTP Server for Accord Server.

When an SMTP server is provided, Accord Server will be able to automatically email reports

generated using the Data Reporting module to any of the users defined by the specific

trigger. It is not possible to change these settings while the service is active. See section

7.7.

4.5.8 Language

The Language section allows for the localisation of the Accord Server user interface. See

section 7.8.

4.5.9 Version

The Version section provides a summary of all assembles Accord Server is dependent on,

along with their version numbers. See section 7.9.

4.5.10 Accord Server Password

Access to Accord Server Settings, Tools and Engineering is protected by a password. The

default password is ‘default’. This may be changed at any time. Care should be taken to

record the new password safely.

4.5.11 License

The License section provides a summary of the current license applied to Accord Server. A

new licence may also be applied in this section. See section 10.

Accord Server


5 Managing OPC Profiles

OPC Profile

The OPC Manager tab allows users to configure OPC Profiles. It is only possible to configure

OPC Profiles while the service is not running. If the service is running, a warning message

will appear at the base of the OPC Manager tab to inform the user that changes are not

allowed at this time.

Accord Server


5.1 Adding a Profile

To add an OPC Profile, simply do the following:

1. Make sure the service is not running.

2. Select the ‘OPC Manager’ tab.

3. Click the ‘+’ button at the bottom left of the ‘OPC Profiles’ list.

4. Type a new unique name for the profile and click ‘Ok’.

Adding an OPC Profile

5.2 Deleting a Profile

To delete an OPC Profile, simply do the following:



3. Select the desired OPC Profile.

4. Click the ‘X’ button at the bottom right of the ‘OPC Profiles’ list.

5. When prompted to confirm deletion, click ‘Yes’.

Deleting an OPC Profile

Accord Server


5.3 Changing OPC Server

To change the OPC Server associated with a particular OPC Profile, simply do the following:




4. Select the desired OPC Server from the ‘OPC Server’ drop down list.

Note: If the desired OPC Server is not listed, click the green ‘Refresh’ button

adjacent to the ‘OPC Server’ drop down list.

5.3.1 Supported OPC Servers

The following is a list of OPC Servers known to be compliant with Accord Server:

Manufacturer Server

Kepware KepServerEX V4.X, KepServerEX V5.X, TOP Server V5.X

5.4 Changing PLC Type

Each OPC Profile is configured for a specific PLC Type. This type determines the type of OPC

addressing Accord Server will use when interacting with the PLC. It is possible to change the

target PLC Type for a given profile, but only if a project is not currently being managed by

the OPC Profile. If you wish to change the PLC Type for a profile that is currently managing a

project, you must first detach the project, see section 5.5. To change the PLC Type on an

unattached OPC Profile, simply do the following:




4. Select the desired type from the ‘PLC Type’ drop down list.

5.4.1 Supported PLC’s

The following is a list of PLC’s known to support the Accord PLC:

Manufacturer Type

Siemens / Clones Simatic Manager S7-300, S7-400

Simatic TIA S7-1200, S7-1500

VIPA System 300S

Mitsubishi Q Series

Accord Server


5.5 Detaching a Project

Detaching a project from an OPC Profile has the same effect as deleting the OPC Profile and

recreating it again with the exact same settings. Once a project is detached from an OPC

Profile, the project must be fully downloaded to a target OPC Profile, otherwise it will be

unavailable for use as part of the majority of Accord Server services. The only time when it

is considered necessary to detach a project from an OPC Profile is if the profile will soon be

used to host a different Accord Builder project that targets an alternative PLC. If this

situation should arise, it is recommend that you create a new OPC Profile for the given PLC

however, if that option is undesirable, you can simply do the following:




4. Click the ‘Detach Project’ hyperlink.

Note: The ‘Detach Project’ hyperlink is only visible if the OPC Profile has a project

attached.

5. When prompted to confirm detachment, click ‘Yes’.

Detaching a Project

5.6 Changing OPC Channel/Device

To change the OPC Channel/Device associated with a particular OPC Group for an OPC

Profile, simply do the following:




4. Select the ‘Channel’ field for the desired group and click the ‘..’ button.

5. Select the desired ‘Channel’ from the ‘OPC Node Selection’ dialog.

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the ‘Device’, if desired.

Accord Server


Note: Browsing for OPC Channels & Devices can be slow, depending on the OPC

Server. If you already know the correct name for the Channel/Device, you can type it

in directly, without having to browse.

Selecting an OPC Channel/Device

5.7 Changing the Available Memory

Each OPC Profile can be configured to specify a specific amount of memory that is available

for Accord Server to perform downloads. This is not necessarily the total amount of

memory available to the PLC, as some memory may be reserved for use by the PLC’s

operating system. Although it is not required to provide this value, knowing the amount of

memory allows Accord Server to automatically assign spare space when performing project

deployment. If you wish to change the Memory for a profile that is currently managing a

project, you must first detach the project, see section 5.5. To change the Memory on an

unattached OPC Profile, simply do the following:




4. Ensure ‘Memory’ is ticked and type the desired value.

5.8 Changing Update Rate

The Update Rate for an OPC Group refers to the frequency at which the OPC Server will

query the PLC for changes on items currently been read by that group. To change the

Update Rate associated with a particular OPC Group for an OPC Profile, simply do the

following:




4. Select the ‘Rate’ field for the desired group.

5. Type the new update rate value.

6. Press ‘Return’ or click away from the field.

Note: The update rate cannot be less than 500 milliseconds.

Accord Server


5.9 Activating/Deactivation an OPC Group

To Activate/Deactivate an OPC Group for an OPC Profile, simply do the following:




4. Tick the ‘Active’ box for the desired group to activate the group.

a. To deactivate a group, simply un-tick the ‘Active’ box for that group.

Note 1: Deactivating an OPC Group has the effect of deactivating OPC Communications

on all devices in that group on any project that uses the selected OPC Profile.

Note 2: Deactivating the General OPC Group will result in the loss of functionality for

the OPC Communications and Project Deployment modules.

5.10 Viewing Related OPC Groups

To simplify configuration, some OPC Groups share settings with a single configurable group.

Groups that share a common purpose are typically grouped together in this manner. It is

important to understand this, as settings applied to these groups may have unexpected

consequences. For example, deactivating the Alarms group will also deactivate reads for

Diagnostics.

To view a list of OPC Groups that depend on a particular group configuration, simply do the

following:



3. Click ‘Details’ for the desired group.

Viewing Related OPC Groups

Accord Server


5.11 Licensing

Each OPC Profile can be configured to use a single license. This license will determine what

functionality is available to any projects that use the OPC Profile. Each license is assigned to

a specific PLC, so it is important that the OPC Profile uses OPC settings specific to the

licensed PLC, otherwise the project will not be enabled for use by the Accord Server Service.

OPC Profile License Management

Accord Server


The licensing tab of the OPC Manager contains information relating to the license currently

applied to that profile (if any). These are as follows:

Name Description

License The license code currently applied to the OPC Profile. A license code is specific

to a single PLC. There is no limitation to the number of OPC Profiles that can use

a single license code, however, multiple projects cannot be applied to a single

PLC.

Type Licenses are divided into a number of different bands. The band for a given

license determines the maximum number of Equipment Devices a project can

contain. If a project possesses more Equipment devices than the maximum

supported by the license, it will not be permitted for use by the Accord Server

Service. See section 5.11.1.

Issue Date The date the license coded was issued. This is purely for informational purposes

as the license does not expire.

PLC ID The serial number of the associated PLC CPU identifier. This number is unique

for each PLC CPU and specifies which PLC is valid for the current license. If the

PLC configured for use by the OPC Server does not match that expected by the

license, the project will not be permitted for use by the Accord Server Service.

Note: Upon start-up, it may take a few moments for Accord Server to verify

the PLC ID matches the license. Upon determination of a PLC ID mismatch, use

of the project will no longer be permitted. A warning on the OPC

Communications module will be presented in order to notify the client.

Connectivity As an optional extra, a license can include the use of the ActiveX

Communications module and/or the Advanced Communications module. These

modules will only service projects that are managed by OPC Profiles that possess

these optional extras.

Reports As an optional extra, a license can include the use of the Accord Reports tool.

Reports can only be generated against projects that are managed by OPC Profiles

that possess this optional extra.

Note: Accord Reports indicates’ if a device is permitted for use in a report

during configuration.

Historian As an option, a license can include the use of Full Historical Logging. By default,

only Alarm and Program related activities are logged. Any other device that does

not fall under these groups will not be logged, even if configured for logging.

Using the Full Historical Logging option, all devices that support logging are

logged as configured.

Note: If a device is not permitted for logging by the license, the Data

Historian will produce a warning on start-up to notify the client.

Recipes As an option, a license can include the use of multiple Program Recipes. While it

remains possible to configure multiple recipes for all projects, regardless of the

license applied, only projects with this option can apply recipes other than the

Default recipe.

Accord Server


5.11.1 License Types

Licenses are divided into a number of different bands. The band for a given license

determines the maximum number of equipment devices a project can contain. If a project

contains more equipment devices than the maximum supported by the license, it will not be

permitted for use by the Accord Server Service.

5.11.2 Configuring a License

To configure a license for an OPC Profile, simply do the following:




4. Verify the OPC settings match those required for the target PLC.

Note: It is important that the OPC settings are correct prior to activating a

voucher code. If the settings are incorrect, Accord Server will be unable to set an ID on

the PLC. Also, if the OPC settings direct Accord Server to the wrong PLC, then the

voucher will be activated against that PLC.

5. Select the ‘License’ tab.

6. Click ‘Change License’.

Click the ‘Reset ID’ in order to obtain ID for the PLC.

7. On the ‘Voucher Activation’ dialog , if you already possess a Voucher Code, proceed to

step 8, otherwise do the following:

a. Ensure an internet connection is established.

Note: If no internet connection is available, please contact your supplier

who will provide you with a valid license code. At this point, proceed to step 8.

Accord Server


b. Type the ‘Voucher Code’ provided by your supplier into the ‘Voucher Number’

field.

c. Click ‘Activate’. Accord Server will attempt to contact the Licensing service

online and return the license code to you. This process may take up to a minute,

depending on the internet connection speed.

d. Once the license code is returned, proceed to step 9.

8. Type the license code into the ‘License Code’ field. The letters are not case sensitive,

nor do you need to type the minus character.

Voucher Activation

Accord Server


9. Click ‘Ok’.

10. Verify the information displayed on the ‘License’ tab matches the requested

functionality.

5.12 Viewing Project Device Counts

Once a project has been deployed, it may be necessary to verify how much space is

available for that project should any future modifications be made. To view a comparison

between the current count for each group in a given project and the maximum limit for the

current license, simply do the following:



3. Select the ‘Project’ tab.

Device Counts

Accord Server


6 Managing Projects

The Project Manager tab allows users to configure Projects. It is only possible to configure

Projects while the service is not running. If the service is running, a warning message will

appear at the base of the Project Manager tab to inform the user that changes are not

allowed at this time.

The Project Manager while the Service is Active

The Project Manager displays the following information for each project currently managed

by Accord Server.

Name Description

Name The name of the project, as configured using Accord Builder.

Type The type of PLC this project was configured to target.

OPC Profile The name of the OPC Profile (if any) currently managing the project.

Server The Server on which the Accord Builder database was obtained.

Source The name of the Accord Builder database last used to download the

project.

Downloaded The date this project was last downloaded to the PLC.

Size The minimum license size required for this project.

Active A flag indicating if the project is enabled for use by the Accord Server

Service.

Accord Server


Accord Server


6.1 Downloading a Project

There are two methods of launching the Project Downloader via the Project Manager. To

do so, simply do either of the following:

A. Click ‘Import New Project’.

B. Right click on the desired project and select ‘Import’.

See section 9.14 to learn more about using the Project Downloader.

6.2 Re-Importing a Project

To recover a Project via the Project Manager, simply do the following:

1. Right click on the desired project and select ‘Re-Import’.

See section 9.14 to learn more about using the Project Downloader.

6.3 Synchronising a Project

To launch the Project Synchroniser via the Project Manager, simply do the following:

1. Right click on the desired project and select ‘Synchronise’.

See section 9.15 to learn more about using the Project Synchroniser.

6.4 Deleting a Project

To delete a Project, simply to the following:


2. Select the ‘Project Manager’ tab.

3. Click ‘Delete’ adjacent the desired project.

4. Click ‘Yes’ to confirm deletion.

Deleting a Project

Note: Deleting a project will result in the deletion of all configuration and history for that

project in the current database. Historical archives will remain unchanged.

Accord Server


6.5 Activating/Deactivating a Project

To Activate/Deactivate a Project, simply do the following:



3. Tick the ‘Active’ box for the appropriate project.

a. To deactivate a project, simply un-tick the ‘Active’ box for that project.

Note: Deactivating a Project has the effect of deactivating OPC Communications

on all devices in that project.

6.6 Viewing Project Deployment

The Project Manager provides easy access to the Device Reports for a given project. This

report displays the current deployment information for each device contained in that

project. To generate this report, simply do either of following:

A. Click the link under the ‘Size’ column for the desired project. This will generate a Device

Report (Basic).

B. Right click on the desired project, highlight ‘Reports’ and then select ‘Device Report

(Basic)’ or ‘Device Report (Complete)’.

See sections 9.9 and 9.10 to learn more about the Device Reports.

6.7 Generating an Excel Tag List

To generate an Excel Tag List via the Project Manager, simply do the following:

1. Right click on the desired project.

2. Highlight ‘Reports’.

3. Select ‘Excel Tag List’.

See section 9.11 to learn more about the Excel Tag List.

Accord Server


7 Configuration Settings

Accord Server contains a variety of different settings that allows users to configure Accord

Server to meet their needs. For simplicity, the Settings section of Accord Server is divided

into selectable sections, some of which are under a specific category, such as Historian or

Security. The majority of these settings cannot be configured while the service is running. If

the service is running a warning message will appear at the base of the Settings tab to

inform the user that some changes are not allowed at this time.

The Settings Tab while the Service is Active

Accord Server


7.1 Historian

7.1.1 Devices

Devices allows users to configure the Logging and Deadband settings for specific devices on

a given Project. By default, all Alarms and Program are automatically logged. Although it is

not possible to deselect logging for Alarms, it is possible to deselect logging for Programs.

Logging on Programs should only be deselected if information relating to them is no longer

required for reporting purposes. Additionally, some groups, such as Analog Device, contain

configurable Deadbands. Deadbands are used as a logging threshold for a given device and

can help avoid large quantities of unnecessary data being logged in the database.

7.1.1.1 Activating/Deactivating Logging

To Activate/Deactivate Logging on a particular device, simply do the following:


2. Select the ‘Settings’ tab.

3. Select ‘Devices’ under the ‘Historian’ node from the settings tree.

4. Select the desired project from the ‘Project’ list.

5. Select the desired group from the ‘Group’ list.

6. Tick the ‘Logged’ box for the appropriate device.

a. To deactivate logging on a device, simply un-tick the ‘Logged’ box for that device.

Note 1: It is not possible to configure logging for Alarms. By default, all alarms are

logged.

Note 2: Deactivating Logging for a device will not delete any history previously

recorded for that device. It simply prevents any future history from being recorded.

Accord Server


7.1.1.2 Deadbands

7.1.1.2.1 Understanding Deadbanding

Many devices read by Accord Server contain various properties that can be logged to the

Accord Server database. Some of these properties may be unimportant to the user or

perhaps change rapidly resulting in a large volume of unnecessary data being logged to the

database, wasting valuable system resources. To optimise storage space, Accord Server

allows users to define deadbands on a number of properties for various devices. When a

deadband is defined, Accord Server will only log data for a device under the following

circumstances:

1. If the only property that changed was the property with a deadband defined and the

change was greater than or equal to the amount defined deadband.

2. If any other property changes regardless of the deadband amount.

It is important to understand the second condition, as it may result in confusion when

viewing historical data. For example, an Analog Input has a Value property and an Alarm LL

property. If Value has a deadband of 1.0 applied and the last logged Value was 3.0, then

based on rule 1, the next time a log entry should be created is when the value rises or falls

by 1.0 or more. If however, the Alarm LL trigger is the value of 3.5, and Value changes to

3.5, triggering the Alarm LL flag, then a new entry will be created, saving both the Alarm LL

flag and the Value regardless of the deadband. The reason for this is because Accord Server

ensures all data saved in the historical log is consistent, and since the Alarm LL was triggered

by a Value of 3.5 and not 3.0, it is necessary for this to be reflected in the historical data.

7.1.1.2.2 Setting a Deadband

To configure a deadband on a particular device, simply do the following:



3. Select ‘Devices’ under the ‘Historian’ node from the settings tree.



6. Select the column representing the desired deadband for the desired device. For

example, the Output for Analog Devices.

Note: Not all groups have configurable deadbands. Configurable deadbands

always appear adjacent to the Logged column.

7. Type the new deadband value.


Accord Server


7.1.2 Archiving

Archiving allows users to define the maximum allowable database size before data is

automatically transferred to a new archived database. An archived database contains all

information contained in the current database, including data and configuration settings, up

to the moment the archiving procedure was triggered. Once archiving has completed, all

historical data and security audit logs present in the archived database are deleted and the

database compressed to free up space for additional logs. The maximum allowable size of a

database differs from one DBMS to the next. Please consult the documentation for your

DBMS before selecting an archiving threshold.

In addition, Archiving allows for the configuration of automated deletion of archive

databases beyond a specified age. Configuration of this option helps to prevent valuable

disk space being used by potentially obsolete historical data. Lastly, the Archiving feature

also allows for the configuration of an off-peak schedule which, when enabled, instructs the

archiving module to only perform the procedure of archiving historical data during a specific

time. It is recommended to use this option if the archive size is likely to be large, which may

result in a temporary reduction in performance while the procedure is being performed.

Archiving Setup

Accord Server


7.1.2.1 Configuring a Threshold

To configure an archiving threshold, simply do the following:



3. Select ‘Archiving’ under the ‘Historian’ node from the settings tree.

4. Use the Up/Down arrows to increase/decrease the threshold.

Note: It is recommended to set the threshold to approximately 75% of the

maximum allowable database size.

7.1.2.2 Configuring Automatic Deletion of Archives

To configure the automatic deletion of historical archives, simply do the following:




4. To enable the feature, ensure ‘Delete Archives Automatically’ is ticked, otherwise un-

tick it.

a. To define the age threshold of archive databases, simply select the age using the

‘Days’ field.

7.1.2.3 Configuring the Off-Peak Schedule

To configure the off-peak schedule for historical archiving, simply do the following:




4. To enable the feature, ensure ‘Off Peak Only’ is ticked, otherwise un-tick it.

a. To define the time frame for the Off Peak Schedule, simply select the appropriate

times using the from the ‘To’ and ‘From’ fields. To assist in the accurate

configuration of the schedule, a description of the configured schedule will

appear adjacent to the fields.

Accord Server


7.2 Security

7.2.1 Access Levels

Access Levels allows the user to override the default restrictions for actions that can be

performed on device types (groups) using the client controls. If a user logged in on the

SCADA system has been assigned to the permitted User Group, or the action is enabled to

all users, then the user will be permitted access to modifiers for that property. It is

important to note that if no User Group is assigned to a given property, that property will

default to its predefined restriction level. The majority of properties permit access as long

as a user is logged into the system. This is indicated by the term ‘Everybody’ for a specific

property. Some properties however, are restricted by default. These properties must be

assigned a User Group to enable any user to access the modifiers for that property. A

restricted property that is inaccessible by any user has the term ‘Nobody’ configured for

that property.

Security Access Levels

Accord Server


7.2.1.1 Configuring an Access Level

To configure an access level for a particular feature, simply do the following:



3. Select ‘Access Levels’ under the ‘Security’ node from the settings tree.



6. Select the Level column for the desired feature. For example, Maintenance for Digital

Device.

7. Click the ‘..’ button that appears adjacent the current selected value.

8. Select the desired User Group(s).

Note: Pressing Control (Ctrl) while making a selection will enable the ability to

deselect that item.

9. Click ‘Ok’.

Accord Server


7.2.2 Users

Users allows for the configuration of users that may be assigned to any of the imported

projects. Users are assigned an access level, an optional email address, and may also have

one or more password assigned to them. If Accord Server is configured with one or more

partner services, a user will be assigned a password for each of those services. This happens

because a remote Accord Server service may possess a different password for a user of the

same name. These passwords are intended for use as part of the Accord Server SDK and the

Accord Controls Suite. The Accord Controls do not make use of the passwords facility.

Users

7.2.2.1 Adding a User

To add a new user, simply do the following:



3. Select ‘Users’ under the ‘Security’ node from the settings tree.

4. Click the ‘+’ button on the top right of the users listing.

5. Type a unique name for the new user, a password and optionally, an email address.

6. Click ‘Ok’.

Accord Server


User Management

7.2.2.2 Deleting a User

To delete an existing user, simply do the following:




4. Select the desired user from the ‘Users’ list.

5. Click the ‘X’ button on the bottom right of the users listing.


Deleting a User

Accord Server


7.2.2.3 Changing a User’s Password

Users may possess multiple passwords, depending on whether or not the user is configured

as a member of a partner service. A users passwords do not have to match for each partner

service however, to avoid confusion, it is recommended that a consistent password be used

for each service deployed within the network. To change a particular user’s password,

simply do the following:




4. Click the ‘Change’ hyperlink for the desired user, under ‘Passwords’.

5. Using the ‘Password Manager’, select each server for which you wish to alter the

password by ticking the server’s box. By default, all servers are selected.

6. Type the new password into the ‘Password’ field, and confirm it by re-typing it into the

‘Confirm Password’ field.

7. Press ‘Apply’.

The Password Manager

Once applied, the passwords for the selected server will be updated and the Password

Manager will update to reflect this change. For security reasons, it is not possible to see

existing passwords. It is important to note that changing a user’s password for a partner

service will result in the remote live service being updated upon consolidation. For more

information regarding redundancy, see section 7.3.4.

Accord Server


7.2.2.4 Changing a User’s Email

To change a particular user’s security email, simply do the following:




4. Select the ‘Email’ column of the desired user from the ‘Users’ list.

5. Type the new email address value.

a. To delete an email simply blank the ‘Email’ field for a given user.


Accord Server


7.2.2.5 Associating a User with an Active Directory Login

To associate a particular user with your network’s Active Directory login, simply do the

following:




4. Select the ‘Domain User’ column of the desired user from the ‘Users’ list.

Accord Server


In the window which appears you will see a list of the Active Directory usernames and login

names in the domain, if any, to which you are currently connected.

To associate one of these logins with the current user, simply:

1. Click ‘Select’ on the row which corresponds to the desired username.

2. The ‘User Login’ text will be updated with the Active Directory login for the user.

3. Click ‘Apply’.

To dissociate the current user from all Active Directory logins:

1. Click the ‘Clear Current Username’ button.

2. Click ‘Apply’.

Once associated with an Active Directory login, that user will automatically be logged into

the Accord Server service when connecting from a computer to which they are currently

logged in.

Accord Server


7.2.3 Projects

Projects allows for the configuration of User Groups for a specific project, along with the

users that may be assigned to that project. User Groups may be used to override the

default Access Level for any modifiable property of a specific device type (group).

Projects

7.2.3.1 Adding a User Group

To add a new User Group to a project, simply do the following:



3. Select ‘Projects’ under the ‘Security’ node from the settings tree.


5. Click the ‘+’ button on the bottom left of the ‘User Groups’ listing.

6. Type a unique name for the User Group.

7. Click ‘Ok’

.

Adding a User Group

Accord Server


7.2.3.2 Deleting a User Group

To delete an existing user from a project, simply do the following:





5. Select the desired User Group from the ‘User Groups’ list.

6. Click the ‘-’ button on the bottom right of the ‘User Groups’ listing.


Deleting a User Group

7.2.3.3 Assigning a User Group to a User

To assign a User Group to a user for a specific a project, simply do the following:





5. Select the desired User Group (if any) from the ‘Group’ column for the desired user in

the ‘Users’ list.

Accord Server


7.3 Communications

7.3.1 ActiveX

ActiveX Communications allows for the configuration of TCP related settings for ActiveX

Communications (Legacy) module. In most situations, these settings do not need to be

changed however, unique security requirement by an individual client may necessitate

customisation of these settings.

ActiveX Communications

7.3.1.1 Changing the Legacy Port

The Legacy Port refers to the TCP Port number the ActiveX Communications module binds

to when the service starts. It is important that this number is unique and does not conflict

with any other services running on the host computer. It is recommended to leave this

setting at its default however, should the need arise to modify it, simply do the following:



3. Select ‘ActiveX’ under the ‘Communications’ node from the settings tree.

4. Type the desired Port number into the ‘Legacy Port’ field.

Accord Server


7.3.1.2 Changing Service Visibility

In some situations, it may be desirable to only allow connections between clients on the

local computer and the ActiveX Communications module. Using the visibility option, it is

possible to impose this restriction. To change the visibility, simply do the following:



3. Select ‘ActiveX’ under the ‘Communications’ node from the settings tree.

4. Select the desired ‘Visibility’ level.

a. To allow connections from any computer on the network, select ‘Network’.

b. To restrict connections to the local computer only, select ‘Local’.

Accord Server


7.3.2 Advanced Communications for Accord HMI Controls

Advanced Communications allows for the configuration of network related settings for the

Accord HMI Communications module. It is important that these settings are reviewed and

configured correctly to ensure the service performs at optimal levels. The Advanced

Communications module uses TCP in order to communicate with client controls. By default,

the Advanced Communications module will provide services using the first available

network connection. It is highly recommended, for performance and security reasons, that

the correct network interface is selected. In the event that communications on the client

controls appears sluggish, verify that the correct Network Interface Card has been selected.

When selecting a NIC, it is strongly recommended that you ensure the following:

1. IP version 4 is enabled.

2. A static IP address has been configured.

3. The subnet mask is correct for the desired network e.g. Class A, B or C.

4. The DNS (if any) is configured correctly.

Advanced Communications

Accord Server


7.3.2.1 Changing the Interface

The Interface used by the Advanced Communications module should be the optimal route

between the server and the clients. Please ensure the correct network interface is selected,

otherwise it may compromise performance and security. For example, binding the service

to an interface connected to the internet may expose the service to the internet if no

firewall exists. Please review section for 7.3.2 more information. To change the interface,




3. Select ‘Advanced’ under the ‘Communications’ node from the settings tree.

4. Select the desired Interface from the ‘Interface’ list.

5. Verify the correct interface has been selected by reviewing the interface statistics,

adjacent the ‘IP Address’ field.

6. Select the desired IP address for the selected interface from the ‘IP Address’ list.

Note: Only Ethernet compliant interfaces are listed.

7.3.2.2 Changing the Advanced Port

The Advanced Port refers to the TCP Port number the Advanced Communications module

binds to when the service starts. It is important that this number is unique and does not

conflict with any other services running on the host computer. It is recommended to leave

this setting at its default however, should the need arise to modify it, simply do the

following:




4. Type the desired Port number into the ‘Advanced Port’ field.

7.3.2.3 Changing Remote Clients

By default, Accord Server restricts access to the services offered by the Advanced

Communications module to the local computer only. If you wish to change the setting to

permit/restrict access to remote clients, simply do the following:




4. Tick the ‘Remote Clients’ box to enable access for remote clients.

a. To restrict access to the local computer, simply un-tick the ‘Remote Clients’ box.

Accord Server


7.3.3 External Tags

External Tags allow for the configuration of custom devices that relate to data external to

the selected Accord Server project. External Tags are treated much in the same way as

standard devices within a project are and thus, are available to the Accord Controls and the

Accord Server SDK. There are three supported data types for External Tags, these are as

follows:

1. Boolean Supporting values that are either True or False.

2. Integer Support values ranging from -2147483648 to 2147483647.

3. Real Supporting values ranging from -3.40282e+038 to 3.40282e+038.

External Tags

External Tags use the same OPC Server that the project uses however, it is not required that

they use the same Channel/Device configuration as used by the various groups within the

project. This means it is possible to configure an External Tag to read data from an entirely

different PLC than that used by the project. When configuring an External Tag, it is

important to remember that the absolute tag address must be used. This means that if the

tag requires a specific OPC Channel and Device, those must be included in the address.

Accord Server


For example, if you wish to read value the Life Byte value for a Siemens S7 project, located

in data block 3 at offset 4, using an OPC Channel called ‘S7’ and an OPC Device called

‘Device’, you would need to use the following address:

S7.Device.DB3,BYTE4

In this example, since the data is a whole number, the correct type to configure the External

Tag as is Integer. It is important to note that if the wrong address is configured, or the

wrong data type is used, the data obtained by Accord Server would be highly unreliable. For

more information regarding supported address formats, please consult the help

documented for the selected OPC Server.

7.3.3.1 Adding an External Tag

To add a new External Tag, simply do the following:



3. Select ‘External Tags’ under the ‘Communications’ node from the settings tree.



6. Click the ‘+’ button on the top right of the ‘Tags’ listing.

7. Type a unique name for the new tag.

8. Click ‘Ok’.

9. To complete configuration of the External Tag, see section 7.3.3.

Add an External Tag

Accord Server


7.3.3.2 Deleting an External Tag

To delete an external tag, simply do the following:



3. Select ‘External Tags’ under the ‘Security’ node from the settings tree.



6. Select the desired tag from the ‘Tags’ list.

7. Click the ‘X’ button on the bottom right of the ‘Tags’ listing.


Deleting an External Tag

7.3.3.3 Changing the OPC Tag

To change/set the OPC Tag used by an External Tag, simply do the following:






6. Select the ‘OPC Tag’ column of the desired tag from the ‘Tags’ list.

7. Type the new address value.

8. Press ‘Return’ or click away from the field

Accord Server


7.3.3.4 Changing the Engineering Unit

Integer and Real values have an associated Engineering Unit. To change the engineering for

an External Tag, simply do the following:






6. Select the ‘Engineering Unit’ column of the desired tag from the ‘Tags’ list.

7. Type the new ‘Engineering Unit’ value.


7.3.3.5 Changing the Active/Inactive State

Boolean values have an associated Active/Inactive state. When the External Tag reads a

True state, the Active State is displayed, whereas when the value reads False, the Inactive

State is displayed. This allows users to configure a more meaningful display value to assist

operators in their decision making process. To change the Active/Inactive State for an

External Tag, simply do the following:






6. Select the ‘Active State’ column of the desired tag from the ‘Tags’ list.

7. Type the new ‘Active State’ value.

8. Select the ‘Inactive State’ column of the desired tag from the ‘Tags’ list.

9. Type the new ‘Inactive State’ value.

10. Press ‘Return’ or click away from the field

Accord Server


7.3.3.6 Exporting External Tags to CSV File

A list of external tags (of the same Group) can be exported to a CSV file for reference or to

be imported at a later time. An export using this method will export the name, the OPC

address and the appropriate Engineering Unit or Active/Inactive state text.





5. Right click anywhere in the ‘Tags’ list.

6. Select the ‘Export As’ option.

7. Browse to the desired folder in the browser window that appears and enter a file name.

7.3.3.7 Importing External Tags from CSV File

Multiple external tags (of the same Group) can be imported from a CSV file. This file can be

created from a previous export, can be manually created or a combination of both. An

export using this method will import the name, the OPC address and the appropriate

Engineering Unit or Active/Inactive state text. Existing tags with the same name will be

replaced with the new address.

When entering the address for an External Tag in the CSV file, it is important to remember

that the absolute tag address must be used. This means that if the tag requires a specific

OPC Channel and Device, those must be included in the address.

For example, if you wish to read value the Life Byte value for a Siemens S7 project, located

in data block 3 at offset 4, using an OPC Channel called ‘S7’ and an OPC Device called

‘Device’, you would need to use the following address:

S7.Device.DB3,BYTE4






6. Click the arrowed ‘Import’ button.

7. Browse to the desired folder in the browser window that appears and select the file to

be imported.

Accord Server


7.3.4 Redundancy

Service Redundancy enables an Accord Server installation to act as a backup for another

networked Accord Server Service installation. Using Redundant Communications, a user can

decide what role, if any, this installation will perform in their redundancy solution. A Accord

Server service can act as both a primary and a partner server at the same time however,

primary services will always take priority over partner services in this scenario.

Service Redundancy

Accord Server


7.3.4.1 Primary Service versus Partner Service

A Primary Service is a service that is intended to be the first point of contact for all services

relating to one or more Accord Server projects. In a typical network scenario, the Primary

Service would be installed on the machine that is of optimal performance and in the best

location to provide the required services as efficiently and as affectively as possible. Any

Accord Server service that has a project deployed directly through its service is

automatically considered a Primary Service, even if the Primary Service option is not

enabled for that service. The difference here is that if Primary Service is not selected for a

given service, it means that projects managed directly by this service cannot be partnered

with another Accord Server installation, and thus, they have no backup in the event of a

failure.

A Partner Service is a service that is acting as a backup for a Primary Service, and is only

contacted by clients in the event of a failure in the Primary Service. Projects imported into a

service from a remote Primary Service are automatically considered Partner projects, and

are given a lower priority than projects managed directly by that service. This means that if

a project managed by the service shares the same name as the project on the remote

Accord Server installation, the service will not import the project as to do so would

compromise its primary duty. Partner projects are also only activated on an as needed

basis, and historical data is maintained only until the Primary Service indicates that it is

ready to receive the data.

Accord Server


7.3.4.2 How does it work?

Once Accord Server Service is started, with the Primary Service option enabled, the service

publishes access to project related data via the network. If another service on the network

wishes to form a partnership with this service, it will now be able to do so. If a partnership

is established and the Partner Service is started, the Partner Service will request permission

to perform consolidation of data between the two services, ensuring that both are in a

consistent state. This means that any projects managed by the Primary Service will be

automatically copied to the Partner Service, as long as the Partner Service does not possess

existing projects that are considered a higher priority than those managed by the Primary

Service.

Once consolidation has completed, the Partner Service will watch the state of the Primary

Service, ensuring the service is operating correctly. If the Partner Service detects that the

Primary Service is no longer operating, it will trigger the activation of all projects it obtained

from that service, performing their roles until such a time as the Primary Service is restored.

Upon restoration of the Primary Service, the Partner Service will deactivate all projects it

obtained from that service, to conserve resources, and automatically consolidate all changes

that occurred during the downtime with the Primary Service.

This means that all exchange of data between the services is handled automatically,

significantly simplifying the configuration process. Any changes that are performed during

the downtime are automatically consolidated on an as needed basis, without any need for

external interaction by the user. The distinct advantage of this approach is that the user is

not restricted from performing downloads and altering logging or security configurations for

the project while the Partner Service is providing the required services. Changes to the

Primary Service while it is active are also automatically consolidated with its respective

partners.

Accord Server


7.3.4.3 Configuring a Primary Service

To configure a service as a Primary Service, simply do the following:



3. Select ‘Redundancy’ under the ‘Communications’ node from the settings tree.

4. Tick the ‘Primary Service’ box if the intent is to enable Primary Services, otherwise un-

tick the box.

5. Type the desired Port number into the ‘Communications Port’ field. This is the Port that

Partner Services will use to communication with the service.

7.3.4.4 Configuring a Partner Service

To configure a service as a Partner Service, simply do the following:




4. Tick the ‘Partner Service’ box if the intent is to enable Partner Services, otherwise un-

tick the box.

7.3.4.5 Creating a Partnership

To create a partnership between a Partner Service and a Primary Service, simply do the

following:




4. Ensure the ‘Partner Service’ box is ticked.

5. Click the ‘+’ button on the top right of the partnerships listing to produce the ‘New

Redundancy Pairing’ dialog.

Note: As Redundancy requires a direct connection between both SQL Server instances and

is configured to use Windows Authentication, both computers hosting the database

servers must be part of the same domain or have login credentials properly configured to

allow for access.

Accord Server


Creating a Partnership

6. Type a unique ‘Friendly Name’ for the partnership.

7. Assign a ‘Priority’ value to the partnership, indicating how Accord Server should treat

this partnership with regards to conflicts with other potential partnerships. If you are

unsure what value to assign it, use the value Accord Server automatically assigned it.

8. Type the desired Port number into the ‘Service Port’ field. This number corresponds

with the ‘Communications Port’ configured for the Primary Service.

9. Select the desired Service from the ‘Services’ list.

Note: If the desired Service is not listed, click the green ‘Refresh’ button that will

become visible at the bottom right of the Services list, once it has completed the task

of searching for services.

Accord Server


7.3.4.6 Deleting a Partnership





5. Select the desired user from the partnerships list.

6. Click the ‘X’ button on the bottom right of the partnerships list.


Xxx Deleting a Partnership

7.3.4.7 Changing a Partnerships Name

To change the name for a partnership, simply do the following:





5. Select the ‘Name’ field for the desired partnership.

6. Type the new unique name value.


Note: If the new name conflicts with an existing name, no change will be made.

Accord Server


7.3.4.8 Changing a Partnerships Server

To change the target server for a partnership, simply do the following:





5. Select the ‘Server’ field for the desired partnership.

6. Type the new server value.


7.3.4.9 Changing a Partnerships Port






5. Select the ‘Port’ field for the desired partnership.

6. Type the new port value.


7.3.4.10 Changing a Partnerships Priority






5. Select the ‘Priority’ field for the desired partnership.

6. Type the new priority value.


Note: If an existing partnership has the same priority value, the existing

partnership will be automatically demoted, along with any other partnerships beneath

it in priority.

Accord Server


7.4 Start-up Modules

Start-up Modules allows the user to enable/disable optional Service modules. This is useful

when dealing with limited system resources. For example, if the computer is intended only

as a Data Historian, then all modules other than the Data Archiving and Data Historian could

be deactivated to save system resources.

Start-up Modules

7.4.1 Enabling/Disabling Auto Start

To Enable/Disable Auto Start, simply do the following:



3. Select ‘Start-up Modules’ from the settings tree.

4. Tick the ‘Auto Start’ box.

a. To disable Auto Start, simply un-tick the ‘Auto Start’ box.

Note: Deactivating Auto Start means that Accord Server will no longer automatically run

when Windows starts.

Accord Server


7.4.2 Enabling/Disabling a Module

To Activate/Deactivate a module, simply do the following:



3. Select ‘Start-up Modules’ from the settings tree.

4. Tick the ‘Enabled’ box for the appropriate module.

a. To disable a module, simply un-tick the ‘Enabled’ box for that module.

Note: Deactivating a module means that all functionality that module provides to

other dependent modules is no longer available. It is strongly recommended to verify

the service operates as intended following the deactivation of a module.

Accord Server


7.5 Event Logging

The Event Logging section allows users to configure the type of messages relating to the

internal operations of Accord Server are recorded by the Event Logging module, along with

the location of the log file. It is recommended to choose a lower setting unless otherwise

required to save disk space and reduce processing load.

Logging Setup

There are three possible logging settings that users can choose from, each with different

levels of verbosity, from lowest to highest they are as follows:

Setting Description

Error Only log messages relating to errors encountered by Accord Server and its

dependent modules.

A failed connection attempt to the Accord Server database is an example of

an error event.

Info Log Accord Server specific informational messages, such as user requested

actions along with errors encountered by Accord Server and its dependent

modules.

A module changing status from Inactive to Active is an example of an

informational event.

Accord Server


Debug Log Accord Server specific debugging messages, such as information relating

to current activity and calculations, along with informational messages and

errors encountered by Accord Server and its dependent modules.

The ActiveX Communications module attempting to initiate the process of

listening for Accord Controls is an example of a debug event.

7.5.1 Choosing Log File Location

By default, Accord Server will set the log file location to match that of Accord Server. Users

can also choose to have this file saved in an alternative location. To change the log file

location for Accord Server, simply do the following:


2. Select ‘Logging’ from the settings tree.

3. Click ‘Choose Log’.

4. Select the location for the log file and click ‘Ok’.

7.5.2 Clearing the Log File

To simplify log file management, Accord Server has an easy to access method of clearing the

log file. To clear the log file, simply do the following:



3. Click ‘Clear Log’.

4. Click ‘Yes’ to confirm the deletion of the current log file.

7.5.3 Configuring a Log Level

To configure the level of verbosity of the Accord Server log, simply do the following:



3. Click the desired level name to move the level indicator to the desired setting.

Accord Server


7.6 Performance

The Performance section allows users to configure how many system resources Accord

Server will reserve while the service is active. The values assigned here depend entirely on

the specification of the computer and the needs of the user. If Accord Server is expected to

host multiple projects, or a large quantity of data logging is expected, a higher memory

rating is recommended. A higher memory rating decreases the response time from Accord

Server, but has the negative effect of increasing the amount of RAM Accord Server uses. If

you notice a slow response times from Accord Server it may indicate that you need to

increase this setting.

In addition, it is possible to adjust how much your processor should prioritise the Accord

Server service. If the host computer is dedicated almost entirely to Accord Server, a rating

of High would be ideal since the computers primary role is to serve Accord Server. If other

applications, such as a Scada system, are also hosted on the computer, it is recommended

to use a lower setting. A poorly configured Processor priority setting can drastically affect

performance.

Performance

Accord Server


7.6.1 Computer Rating

Under the performance area your computer will receive a rating that is designed to help the

user to determine the best performance setting for them. A computers rating is determined

by its maximum threading capability (its ability to perform multiple actions concurrently).

The greater it’s threading capability, the better the rating the computer will receive. The

maximum threading capability of a computer is determined by Windows and is based on the

amount of memory and the number of processor cores available. The following is a list of

possible performance ratings:

Rating Description

Superb The computer is capable of allowing at least 1500 threads per process. A

computer with this rating typically has a large amount of RAM available and

perhaps a quad core processor. A computer with this rating can host

multiple active projects containing a large number of devices.

Excellent The computer is capable of allowing at least 1000 threads per process. A

computer with this rating typically has a large amount of RAM available and

perhaps a dual core processor. A computer with this rating can host multiple

active projects containing a medium/large number of devices.

Good The computer is capable of allowing at least 500 threads per process. A

computer with this rating typically has a moderate amount of RAM available

and perhaps a dual core processor. A computer with this rating can host

multiple active projects containing a small/medium number of devices or a

single project containing a large number of devices.

Average The computer is capable of allowing at least 300 threads per process. A

computer with this rating typically has a low amount of RAM available or

perhaps a hyper-threaded processor. A computer with this rating can host

only one active project at a time containing a small/medium number of

devices.

Below Average The computer is capable of allowing at least 150 threads per process. A

computer with this rating typically has a low amount of RAM available and

perhaps a single-threaded processor. A computer with this rating can host

only one active project at a time containing a small number of devices.

Poor The computer is capable of allowing at least 75 threads per process. A

computer with this rating typically has a very low amount of RAM available

and perhaps a single-threaded processor. A computer with this rating can

host only one active project at a time containing a very small number of

devices.

Below Requirements The computer is incapable of allowing a minimum of 75 threads per process.

A computer with this rating is below the minimum requirements for Accord

Server and is likely incapable of hosting any projects.

Accord Server


7.6.2 Understanding Threading

In Accord Server, a thread is essentially a unit of work. Anytime a request is made to Accord

Server to perform a task, a new thread is created to perform that task. The easiest example

is when an Accord Control connects to the Accord Server service, a thread is created to

service that control therefore, if a screen contains 50 controls, the service will need to

assign a minimum of 50 threads to service those controls. Additionally, the historian also

needs to create a thread for each time it has to log data to the database. On a busy system

this can add up to several hundred threads running concurrently. While most of these

threads perform minor, short-term duties, once the permitted limit per process is achieved,

any future requests will have to wait until existing threads are freed up.

7.6.3 Memory

The memory setting you choose depends on your requirements, along with your computers

specification. The memory setting in Accord Server represents a percentage of the

maximum amount of threads the computer supports for a given thread. For example, if a

computer supports 2000 threads and the memory setting is set to Low, then Accord Server

will reserve resources for a minimum of 500 concurrent threads when the service is active.

The means that connections from Accord Controls, OPC Reads/Writes, Database

Reads/Writes will be significantly more responsive, as long as those 500 have not been

exceeded at any one time.

If the system is extremely busy, Accord Server will request additional resources above the

500 allocated to it. This process involves a slight delay and can effect response times. Once

Accord Server has determined it no longer needs the extra resources it requested, it

releases them.

As a general rule, it is recommended to estimate the maximum number of Accord Controls

that can connect to the service at a given time (e.g. the SCADA screen with the most ActiveX

controls on it), doubling that value and then adding to it the number of devices selected for

logging. Then divide it by the maximum threading capability of your computer and

converting that to a percentage.

(([𝑀𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑋 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑙𝑠]∗2) + [𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐿𝑜𝑔𝑔𝑒𝑑 𝐷𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑠]

[𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑀𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑇ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐶𝑎𝑝𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦]) ∗ 100 =

𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑆𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔

For example, on a computer that can handle up to 1000 threads for a single process and has

a SCADA system with a maximum number of 50 Accord Controls on a single screen and logs

150 devices, the performance setting would be as follows:

((50 ∗ 2) + 150

1000) ∗ 100 = 25%

Accord Server


7.6.3.1 Setting the Memory Level

The performance settings tab contains a vertical level indicator with a series of fixed points

to simplify user configuration. The following is a list of fixed settings that users can choose

to utilise:

Setting Description

Max Reserve a minimum of 100% of the maximum supported threads per process.

High Reserve a minimum of 75% of the maximum supported threads per process.

Medium Reserve a minimum of 50% of the maximum supported threads per process.

Low Reserve a minimum of 25% of the maximum supported threads per process.

Min Reserve a minimum of 10% of the maximum supported threads per process.

To change the desired performance setting, simply do the following:



3. Select ‘Performance’ from the settings tree.

4. To use a fixed level, simply click on the name of the ‘Memory’ setting to auto adjust the

level indicator.

a. To use a variable setting, simply drag the level indicator up/down to the desired

level.

7.6.4 Processor

The processor setting you choose depends entirely on the role played by the computer that

hosts Accord Server. Accord Server is a multi-threaded application, meaning it takes full

advantage of all available cores on its host computer. This means that resources will never

be underutilised, which is advantageous when dealing with a particularly busy system. In

some circumstances, it may be desirable to prioritise Accord Server over other

applications/services hosted on the computer. By default, Accord Server assigns itself an

Above Normal priority, meaning it will always receive attention from the processor over

applications such as web browsers. This does mean that if the computer is being used

regularly for other purposes, such as hosting a Scada system, the Scada system itself may

perform poorly if Accord Server is currently under a heavy load. It is highly recommended

to set the processor priority to Normal if the computer is intended to host a HMI or Scada

application of any kind.

Accord Server


7.6.5 Setting the Processor Priority Level

The performance settings tab contains a vertical level indicator with a series of fixed points

to simplify user configuration. The following is a list of the three possible priority settings:

Setting Description

Normal Accord Server receives the same attention from the processor as any other

application. The performance of Accord Server may suffer if the host

computer is handling many applications and services.

Above Normal Accord Server receives more attention that most applications and services on

the host computer. This is ideal if the computer is not intended to host a

HMI, as any HMI would receive less attention from the processor as may

perform poorly if Accord Server is under a heavy load.

High Accord Server receives a significant amount of attention from the processor.

This is recommended if the host computer is almost entirely dedicated to

Accord Server and is particularly useful when Accord Server is expected to

handle a large number of client requests.

To change the desired processor priority setting, simply do the following:


2. Select ‘Performance’ from the settings tree.

3. Click on the name of the ‘Processor’ setting to auto adjust the level indicator.

Accord Server


7.7 Email

The Email section allows users to configure an optional SMTP Server for Accord Server.

When an SMTP server is provided, Accord Server will be able to automatically email reports

generated using the Data Reporting module to any of the users defined by the specific

trigger.

Email Settings

Accord Server


7.7.1 Configuring an SMTP Server

To configure an SMTP Server, simply do the following:



3. Select ‘Email’ from the settings tree.

4. Click ‘Select Server’.

5. On the ‘SMTP Server Selection’ dialog, select the desired SMTP Server instance and click

‘Select’.

SMTP Server Selection

Note: If the desired server is not listed simply click the green ‘Refresh’ button that

appears at the bottom left of the listing. It will take a few moments for the list to

populate, depending on the number of computers in your network.

Accord Server


7.8 Language

The Language section allows users to select which language the Accord Server user interface

will use. This also affects the language used when generating any reports using either

Accord Server or Accord Reports. Once the language has been changed, Accord Server will

automatically restart using the selected language.

Language

7.8.1 Changing Language

To change the current language, simply do the following:



3. Select ‘Language’ from the settings tree.

4. Select the desired language from the ‘Language’ list.

Accord Server


7.9 Version

The Version section provides a summary of all assembles Accord Server is dependent on,

along with their version numbers. It is not possible to configure any settings from this area.

Its purpose is simply to provide additional information relating to the product currently

installed.

Accord Server Version Information

Accord Server


7.10 License

The License section provides a summary of all features currently licensed to Accord Server.

A new license may be applied by clicking the “Change License” button.

Accord License Information

7.10.1 Configuring a License

To configure a license for Accord Server, simply do the following:

1. Click ‘Change License’.

2. On the ‘Voucher Activation’ dialog:

a. Ensure an internet connection is established.

Note: If no internet connection is available, please contact your supplier who will

provide you with a valid license code. At this point, proceed to step 3.

b. Type the ‘Voucher Code’ provided by your supplier into the ‘Voucher Number’ field.

c. Click ‘Activate’. Accord Server will attempt to contact the Licensing service online.

This process may take up to a minute, depending on the internet connection speed.

d. Once the license code is returned, proceed to step 4.

3. Type the license code into the ‘License Code’ field. The letters are not case sensitive,

nor do you need to type the minus character.

Accord Server


Voucher Activation

4. Click ‘Ok’.

5. Verify the information displayed in the ‘License’ section matches the requested

functionality.

Accord Server


8 The Service

8.1 Understanding the Service

Accord Server does not run as a Windows Service, instead Accord Server runs as a standard

windows based application, controlled and managed using the Accord Server user interface

you use to configure projects, OPC and security settings. This has the added advantage of

allowing the Accord Server user interface to provide the user with real time status and

diagnostic information relating to its current activity. Once installed, Accord Server will

automatically run silently upon windows start-up and automatically activate all configured

Service modules. For simplicity, these Service modules are referred to as the Accord Server

Service, since they provide service functionality.

8.2 Determining Service State

The Accord Server Service tab displays information relating to the current state of each of

the Accord Server modules. Additionally this tab also displays the status of the service itself

in two different ways.

Accord Server Service Status

Accord Server


The first method Accord Server uses to display the status of the service is in the current

state of the ‘Service Control’ buttons. The following is a list of their possible states and their

related meaning:

Start Stop Description

Enabled Disabled The service is currently not running and can be activated by clicking

‘Start’.

Disabled Enabled The service is currently running and can be deactivated by clicking

‘Stop’.

Disabled Disabled The service is currently running however, it is in a busy state and

cannot be deactivated at this time. Typically this state occurs during

activation or deactivation of the service.

The second method Accord Server uses to display the status is in the status of the ‘Accord

Server Service’ status indicator under ‘Module Status’. The Accord Server Service status

indicator represents the state of the Accord Server Service itself, rather than the state of a

particular module therefore, if this indicator shows an Active status, the service is

considered active, even if the other modules are in different states. This is particularly

useful since Accord Server modules may encounter errors during start-up and it may not be

obvious at a glance if the modules are currently active or inactive since their Notice,

Warning, Error or Critical states take priority over any other status.

Accord Server


8.3 Starting the Service

Once Accord Server has been configured successful activation of the service is as simple as a

single click. Simply do the following:

1. Make sure Accord Server is currently displaying the ‘Service Manager’ tab. If not, select

the ‘Service Manager’ tab.

2. Click ‘Start’.

Accord Server while Active

When successfully activated, Accord Server will display Active/Stand By for each module

that has been enabled for activation. If a module is not needed for any reason, the module

will display a status of Not Required. To understand more about module status messages,

see section 4.1.2.

Accord Server will not activate the service unless the following conditions have been met.

A valid DBMS Server has been configured.

If the DBMS server is currently offline, Accord Server will wait until a

connection can be established.

Accord Server


At least one valid OPC Profile, configured with the following:

A valid OPC Server.

Accord Server will attempt to activate the OPC Server if it is not

current running.

At least one active group configured with a Channel/Device.

A valid license.

The OPC configuration matches the PLC for the license.

At least one Project has been imported, flagged as active and uses a valid OPC

Profile.

8.4 Stopping the Service

Stopping Accord Server is as easy as a single click. To stop Accord Server simply do the

following:

1. Make sure Accord Server is currently displaying the ‘Service Manager’ tab. If not, select

the ‘Service Manager’ tab.

2. Click ‘Stop’.

If the ‘Stop’ button is not enabled, Accord Server is currently busy processing a request and

cannot be stopped at this time. Accord Server will only enable the ‘Stop’ button if it is safe

to perform a clean shutdown of the service.

8.4.1 Shutting Down Windows

Accord Server can automatically detect a Windows Shutdown in progress and will attempt

to perform a clean shutdown of the Accord Server service when this occurs. Under normal

circumstances, Accord Server will deactivate quickly, without adding a delay to the Windows

Shutdown procedure. It is strongly recommended that you do not perform a forced

shutdown of Accord Server, as it may leave Accord Server in an inconsistent state and result

in potential problems the next time Accord Server attempts to activate the service. A forced

shut down of Accord Server occurs when a user performs the Windows Task Manager’s ‘End

Task’ procedure on the Accord Server process, or if Windows has been instructed to shut

down using the force switch.

Accord Server


9 Tools & Diagnostics

Accord Server contains a number of tools and diagnostic utilities, making it easy to maintain

the system and diagnose potential issues, such as issues relating to communications and

performance. The following sections discuss in detail the list of tools and diagnostic utilities

available in Accord Server.

9.1 Accord Server Diagnostics Manager

Many of Accord Server’s diagnostic tools run as part of the Accord Server Diagnostics

Manager. The manager enables the ability to view multiple diagnostic tools simultaneously

and also enables the ability to use the Accord Server user interface while the tools are open.

In addition, the Diagnostics Manager provides the ability to export and print diagnostic data,

along with the ability to arrange tools using a variety of sorting options.

Accord Server Diagnostics Manager

Accord Server


9.2 ActiveX Connection Monitor

The Legacy ActiveX Connection Monitor allows users to view statics relating to the Legacy

ActiveX Communications module. These statistics are only available while the ActiveX

Communication module is running. The ActiveX Connection Monitor tool automatically

updates without the need to manually refresh. The statistics displayed by this tool are as

follows:

Statistic Description

Current Sessions The total number of Accord Controls currently connected to the ActiveX


Total Sessions The total number of Accord Controls connected to the ActiveX

Communications module during the current session.

Total Bytes The total number of bytes sent and received by the ActiveX


In addition to displaying the module statistics, the ActiveX Connection Monitor also displays

the current status of the ActiveX Communications module and provides the ability to export

the current data being displayed to a variety of file formats.

9.2.1 Accessing the ActiveX Connection Monitor

There are two methods of launching the ActiveX Connection Monitor. These are as follows:

1. Select the ‘Service Manager’ tab.

2. Click ‘ActiveX Communications’ under ‘Module Status’.

Alternatively:

1. Select the ‘Tools’ tab.

2. Click ‘ActiveX Connection Monitor’.

Accord Server


9.3 Data Archiving Monitor

The Data Archiving Monitor allows users to view statics relating to the Data Archiving

module. These statistics are only available while the Data Archiving module is running. The

Data Archiving Monitor tool automatically updates without the need to manually refresh.

The Data Archiving Monitor

The statistics displayed by this tool are as follows:

Statistic Description

Last Run The date and time when the module last checked to determine the

size of the current database.

Next Run The date and time when the module next plans to check the size of

the current database.

Last Archived The date and time (if any) when the module last performed an

archiving procedure during the current session.

Database Size (Max Allowed) The maximum allowable database size (GB) as configured by the user

for the current session.

Database Size (Last Check) The size (GB) of the current database when it was last checked during

this session.

Accord Server


9.3.1 Accessing the Data Archiving Monitor

There are two methods of launching the Data Archiving Monitor. These are as follows:


2. Click ‘Data Archiving’ under ‘Module Status’.

Alternatively:


2. Click ‘Data Archiving Monitor’.

Accord Server


9.4 Manual Archiving

Under normal circumstances, Accord Server will only archive the current database when it

reaches the threshold as defined by the user. This approach helps ensure Accord Server

historical queries perform optimally. The disadvantage of this approach is that on a

particularly busy system, Accord Server may be forced to initiate the archiving at an

undesirable time. To overcome this potential issue Accord Server allows users to manually

trigger the archiving procedure. To manually trigger the archiving procedure, simply use

either of the following methods:


2. Click ‘Manual Archiving’.

3. Click ‘Yes’ to initiate archiving.

Alternatively:


2. Click the ‘Manual Archiving’ shortcut on the left-side panel. .

Archiving Confirmation

Note 1: While archiving is in progress, the Data Archiving module will display a status of

Busy. As a result, it will not be possible to Stop or Start the service during the archiving

procedure.

Note 2: Archiving can be performed while the Service is active or inactive.

Accord Server


9.5 Database Management

The Database Management tool allows users to manually change the DBMS server Accord

Server is currently using. Once a new server has been selected, Accord Server will attempt

to establish a connection. If a connection can be successfully establish, Accord Server will

then check if there is an existing Accord Server database on the DBMS, a new database will

be created. If however, the existing Accord Server database is incompatible with the

current version of the product, Accord Server will offer to upgrade the database to the

current version. If for any reason, the database cannot be upgraded, Accord Server will

request permission to delete the database instead, and create a new, blank database, in its

place. Upon successful completion of this check, Accord Server will disconnect from its

current database and use the database on the new DBMS server. It is not possible to

change DBMS Server while the service is active.

DBMS Server Selection

Accord Server


9.5.1 Accessing the Database Management Tool

There are two methods of launching the Database Management tool. These are as follows:


2. Click ‘Database Communications’ under ‘Module Status’.

Alternatively:


2. Click ‘Database Management’.

9.5.2 Selecting a DBMS Server

To select a new DBMS server simply do the following:


2. Open the ‘Database Management’ tool.

3. Click ‘Select’ the desired server from the ‘Servers’ list.

Note 1: To ensure optimum performance and reliability, it is recommended that

you select a local DBMS server.

Note 2: If the desired DBMS is not listed, click the green ‘Refresh’ button at the

bottom right of the DBMS listing, as soon as it becomes available. This process may

take a few moments to complete, depending on the number of computers in your

network.

Note 3: If an existing Accord Server database is present, Accord Server will attempt

to upgrade it automatically however, if the database is not upgradable or compatible

with the installed version of Accord Server, the existing database will be deleted with a

loss of all data contained. Accord Server will warn you prior to performing either an

upgrade or a deletion.

4. Confirm ‘Yes’ for upgrade or deletion, if that is your preference.

5. Click ‘Close’.

Accord Server


9.6 OPC Diagnostics

The OPC Diagnostics tool displays detailed information relating to the current activities of

the OPC Communications module. The purpose of the OPC Diagnostics tool is to help

diagnose potential issues that may arise, such as missing devices, bad quality reads and

communication delays.

OPC Diagnostics

Upon opening the OPC Diagnostics tool, users are presented with a list of each active device

configured for the current session, along with summary details for each device selected.

Selecting the summary details for a device produces additional information relating to that

device on the right-side panel. If this list does not contain an expected device, simply verify

the device meets the following conditions:

The device is part of an active project. See section 6.5.

The project has uses a valid OPC Profile. See section 5.

The group the device belongs to is active in the selected OPC Profile. See section 5.9.

Accord Server


The device listing summarises the following pieces of important information for each device

currently available to the OPC Communications module:

Item Description

Project The name of the project the device belongs to.

Type The type of the device, e.g. Digital Input, Program etc.

Parent The name of the devices parent, typically a unit.

Device The name of the device.

Active A flag indicating if the module is currently actively reading data for this

device. The following may result in a device being active:

An Accord Controls control is currently monitoring the device.

The Device Communications module has produced an active proxy

for the device.

The Data Historian is logging device data for this device.

The Data Reporting module is watching the device as part of a

trigger or file name value.

A scheduled task is currently in the process of performing a write.

The user has manually activated the device by selecting it on the

OPC Diagnostics list.

Received A flag indicating if the module has successfully received any data for this

device, whether it is good or bad.

Quality A flag indicating if the OPC Server has reported (in general) a good or bad

quality read for this device. A device typically possesses multiple properties

to read, if any of these properties have a bad quality read the device will be

given a Bad quality flag.

Current Value The default value as last read by the module for the device. If the device is

not current active then this value may not be the value in the PLC.

9.6.1 Accessing the OPC Diagnostics Tool

There are three methods of launching the OPC Diagnostics tool. These are as follows:


2. Click the ‘OPC Diagnostics’ shortcut on the right-side panel. See section 9.6.

Alternatively:


2. Click ‘OPC Communications’ under ‘Module Status’.

Alternatively:


2. Click ‘OPC Diagnostics’.

Accord Server


9.6.2 OPC Device Communications Diagnostics

The OPC Device Communications Diagnostics tool provides a detailed display of each

property for a given device on the right-side panel. This tool is useful when attempting to

diagnose potential communications related issues. The following information is displayed

for a given device:

Item Description

Property The name of the OPC property for the current device.

PLC Address The OPC Address used by the OPC Communications module to retrieve data

from the selected OPC Server.

Last Updated The date and time when this property was lasted updated by the OPC

Server, typically when the property last changed.

Active A flag indicating if the module is currently actively reading data for this

property. The following may result in a property being active:

The device itself has been activated, thus reading all properties for

the device.

A HMI/Control being served by the Advanced Communications

module is currently monitoring the property.

Received A flag indicating if the OPC Communications module has successfully

received data for the property, whether it is good or bad.

Quality A flag indicating if the OPC Server has reported a good or bad quality read

for the property.

Value The value for the property as last read by the OPC Communications

module.

Accord Server


9.6.3 UDT Layout Viewer

The UDT Layout viewer displays the definition for each property being read for a particular

group. Whenever a device is selected, the UDT information is automatically displays along

with the device information on the right-side panel. This tool is intended primarily for use

by developers who wish to use the XML input features of the ActiveX Communications

module.

The UDT Layout Viewer

The following information is displayed for each property of a UDT:

Item Description

Property The name of the property of the UDT.

XML Tag The XML tag used by the ActiveX Communications module to represent the

property.

PLC Address The prefix of the OPC Address used by the OPC Communications module to

retrieve data from the selected OPC Server.

Offset The address offset in the PLC for the current property.

Min The minimum physical acceptable value for the current property.

Max The maximum physical acceptable value for the current property.

Modify A flag indicating if the property can be modified using Accord Server.

Extended A flag indicating if the property is used exclusively for diagnostic purposes.

Accord Server


9.7 PLC Register Status

The PLC Register Status tool displays detailed information relating to the current activities of

individual property managed by the Accord Server Service. Using the OPC Communications

and PLC Register Communications modules, this provides access to every property of each

device available to the Accord Server Service. Unlike the OPC Communications Diagnostics

tool, the PLC Register Status tool provides direct access to all extended properties of a

device UDT. In addition, the PLC Register Status tool allows for the creation of profiles that

can be customised to suit the specific needs of the user, facilitating easier diagnosis of

potential problems that may arise. It is also possible to modify the current value of any

modifiable property using this tool, removing any requirement to refer to a Scada

component or third party tool. Properties configured for a given Profile are referred to as

Tags.

Upon opening the PLC Register Status tool, users are presented with a list of currently

selected Tags, if any. These Tags belong to the Profile selected in the Profiles section, on the

bottom right-side panel. By default, Accord Server creates a profile known as ‘Default’ for

which users can customise. This profile is required and cannot be deleted. Once a profile is

selected, the Tags list will display a summary for each configured property. Selecting the

summary details for a property produces additional information relating to that property on

the top right-side panel. If this list does not contain an expected property, simply verify the

device the property belongs too meets the following conditions:

The device is part of an active project. See section 6.5.

The project uses a valid OPC Profile. See section 5.

The group the device belongs to is active in the selected OPC Profile. See section 5.9.

The property listing summarises the following pieces of important information for each

device currently available to the OPC Communications module:

Item Description

Name The custom name given for the property by the user.

Last Updated The date and time when this property was lasted updated by the OPC

Server, typically when the property last changed.

Current Value The value for the property as last read by the OPC Communications

module.

Modifiable If the property is modifiable, a ‘Change’ hyperlink will be presented,

enabling write access to the property, otherwise the value will read as

‘Read Only’.

Accord Server


9.7.1 Accessing the OPC Diagnostics Tool

There are two methods of launching the PLC Register Status tool. These are as follows:


2. Click ‘PLC Register Communications’ under ‘Module Status’.

Alternatively:


2. Click ‘PLC Register Status’.

9.7.2 Adding a Register Profile

To add a Register Profile, simply do the following:

1. Open the ‘PLC Register Status’ tool.

2. Click the ‘+’ button at the bottom left of the ‘Profiles’ list.

3. Type a new unique name for the profile and click ‘Ok’.

Adding a Register Profile

Register Profile list

Accord Server


9.7.3 Deleting a Profile

To delete a Register Profile, simply do the following:


2. Select the desired Profile.

Note: The Default profile cannot be deleted.

3. Click the ‘X’ button at the bottom right of the ‘Profiles’ list.


Deleting a Register Profile

Accord Server


9.7.4 Adding Tags

Properties listed using the PLC Register Status tool are referred to as Tags. To add one or

more Tags to an existing profile, simply do the following:


2. Select the desired Profile.

3. Click the ‘+’ button at the bottom left of the ‘Tags’ list to produce the ‘Tag Selection’

dialog.

4. Using the left-side panel of the ‘Tag Selection’ dialog, browse to the specific Tag type,

which is categorised by the Device Type and the Data Type of the Tag.

5. Using the right-side panel of the ‘Tag Selection’ dialog, select the desired devices that

support the selected Tag Type.

6. Click ‘Ok’.

Note: The ability to click ‘Ok’ will only become available once a specific Tag type

has been selected using the left hand pane.

Tag Selection

Accord Server


9.7.5 Changing Tag Values

A changeable value may be modified by clicking on Change beside the item, a New Tag

Value will appear and a new value may be entered.

PLC Register Status value change

9.7.6 Deleting a Tag

To delete a Register Profile, simply do the following:


2. Select the desired Tags.

3. Click the ‘X’ button at the bottom right of the ‘Tags’ list.


Deleting Tags

Accord Server


9.8 Scan Time Optimiser

The Scan Time Optimiser enables the ability to monitor the current PLC scan time for a

specific OPC Profile and optimise it, by configuring the number of items to process per scan.

Using the Scan Time Optimiser, an engineer can determine if the performance of the target

hardware meets project requirements and can make the necessary adjustments to improve

performance where necessary. The Scan Time Optimiser uses the OPC Configuration for the

General OPC Group to monitor the PLC. If this group has been disabled, or has otherwise

been configured incorrectly, the current scan time will be unavailable. The Scan Time

Optimiser can only be performed against projects currently deployed to PLC’s using Accord

Server.

The Scan Time Optimiser

The graph shows effect of reducing Items per Scan down,

9.8.1 Accessing the Scan Time Optimiser

To launch the Scan Time Optimisation tool, simply do the following:


2. Click ‘Scan Time Optimiser’.


4. Click ‘Ok’.

Accord Server


9.8.2 Optimising Scan Time

To optimise the PLC Scan Time, simply do the following:

1. Open the ‘Scan Time Optimiser’ tool.

2. Observe the current ‘Scan Time’ to verify if a change is required.

3. Adjust one of the five possible values for ‘Items Per Scan’.

4. Observe the effects of the changes on the ‘Scan Time’ prior to making additional

changes, adjust as required until desired result is achieved.

Note: Changes to the ‘Items Per Scan’ make take a few moments to have an

impact on the PLC ‘Scan Time’. In addition, making scans longer may have an effect on

PLC interrupt processing outside Accord PLC, such as for processing items such as

pulses for Flowmeters.

Accord Server


9.9 Device Report (Basic)

The Device Report (Basic) produces an exportable report containing a list of all devices and

their location on the PLC for a user selected project.

Device Report (Basic)

The following information is displayed in the Device Report (Basic):

Item Description

Group The group the device belongs to, e.g. Digital Input.


Name The name of the device.

Position The location of the device in its respective Data Area in the PLC.

Accord Server


9.9.1 Accessing the Device Report (Basic)

There are three methods of launching the Device Report (Basic). These are as follows:


2. Click on the ‘Size’ field for the desired project.

Alternatively:




4. Select ‘Device Report (Basic)’.

Alternatively:


2. Click ‘Device Report (Basic)’.

3. Select the desired project from the list.

4. Click ‘Ok’.

Accord Server


9.10 Device Report (Complete)

The Device Report (Complete) produces an exportable report containing a list of

configuration data for each device in a user selected project. In addition, the PLC address

for each property, along with the devices location in the PLC, is included.

Device Report (Complete)

The following information is displayed in the Device Report (Complete):

Item Description

Group The group the device belongs to, e.g. Digital Input.


Name The name of the device.

Position The location of the device in its respective Data Area in the PLC.

PLC Address The absolute address in the PLC where the property resides.

Item The name of the device property.

Value The value for the device property, as imported from Accord Builder.

Accord Server


9.10.1 Accessing the Device Report (Complete)

There are two methods of launching the Device Report (Complete). These are as follows:




4. Select ‘Device Report (Complete)’.

Alternatively:




4. Click ‘Ok’.

Accord Server


9.11 Excel Tag List

The Excel Tag List allows users to export a Comma Separated Values (CSV) file containing

configuration information relating to devices for a user selected project. This information

can be imported into the InTouch Scada system, or modified for import into another HMI or

Scada system. This facilitates the generation of tags with correct PLC Data Types, Addresses

and Comment. Microsoft Excel does not need to be installed to use this feature.

9.11.1 Generating an Excel Tag List

There are three methods of generating an Excel Tag List. These are as follows:


2. Click the ‘Excel Tag List’ shortcut on the right-side panel. See section 9.11.


4. Click ‘Ok’.

Alternatively:




4. Select ‘Excel Tag List’.

Alternatively:




4. Click ‘Ok’.

Accord Server


9.12 Accord Server Configuration Report

The Accord Server Configuration Report allows users to export a Microsoft Word Document

(docx) containing the current configuration of Accord Server. Microsoft Word does not

need to be installed to use this feature. The information in this document may be

particularly useful after commissioning has been completed. The following information is

stored in the document:

Item Description

Modules The list of modules currently available in Accord Server along with an

indicator stating if the module has been selected for use.

System Configuration Various settings and useful pieces of information relating to the computer

Accord Server is currently installed on. The following is the list of items

displayed here:

Archiving Limit

Computer Name

DB Version

DBMS Server

Domain

Install Date

Install Location

Logging

Operating System

Performance

Accord Builder Version

Processor Count

Memory

SMTP Server

Windows User

OPC Configuration Contains a listing of all OPC Profiles along with all settings relating to an

OPC Profile, such as update rates, OPC Server and Channel/Device setups.

Project Configuration Contains a listing of all Projects including detailed list of all entities in each

project (Alarms, Programs, Devices, etc.), deadband & logging setup,

security settings and project related schedule information.

Accord Server


9.12.1 Generating a Config Report

There are two methods of generating an Accord Server Configuration Report. These are as

follows:


2. Click the ‘Accord Server Configuration Report’ shortcut on the right-side panel. See

section 9.12.

Alternatively


2. Select ‘Accord Server Configuration’.

Accord Server


9.13 Resource Monitor

The Resource Monitor allows users to monitor the current system resources available to

Accord Server. This tool is useful when identifying possible performance related issues and

can aid in tweak the Performance setting. See section 7.5. In addition to displaying the

system resource information the Resource Monitor also displays the current status of the

service.

The Resource Monitor

Resources are displayed in the form of a horizontal level indicator along with a textual

description of the percentage of resources available. Once resources reach 0%, Accord

Server will have an increased response time to incoming requests. If Accord Server regularly

reaches this point while active, it may indicate Accord Server needs additional resources

allocated to it. See section 7.5.

9.13.1 Accessing the Resource Monitor

There are two methods of launching the Resource Monitor. These are as follows:


2. Click ‘Accord Server Service’ under ‘Module Status’.

Alternatively:


2. Click ‘Resource Monitor’.

Accord Server


9.14 Project Downloader

The Project Downloader allows users to import existing Accord Builder projects into Accord

Server. Once imported, a project can be downloaded to a target OPC Profile. Accord Server

also supports the ability to perform a Partial Download. A Partial Download allows users to

download only the elements of a project that changed, rather than the entire project as a

whole. This is an extremely useful feature, as it allows normal plant operation to continue

in the majority of situations while the changes are applied. Downloads may be performed

while the Accord Server service is running however, some changes may necessitate an

automatic restart of some elements of the service upon completion.

9.14.1 Accessing the Project Downloader

There are three methods of launching the Project Downloader. These are as follows:


2. Click the ‘Project Downloader’ shortcut on the right-side panel. See section 9.14.

Alternatively:


2. Click ‘Import New Project’.

Alternatively:


2. Click ‘Project Downloader’.

9.14.2 Importing a Project

The Project Downloader is designed to guide the user through the steps required to perform

either a Full or Partial download. The number of steps may vary, depending on the type of

download being performed. For example, download a new project for the first time will

require the selection of the target OPC Profile, along with the configuration of spare

memory for that project however, downloading an existing project does not require either

of these steps. In addition, the Project Downloader also provide a wealth of information

relating to the actions it intends to perform, along with an analysis on of the potential

impact to Accord Server services and the PLC itself. Using this information, a user can

determine if the project they import will have the effect they intended, at which point they

can choose to either proceed or cancel either. Accord Server and the PLC are unaffected by

the Project Downloader up until the point at which the user clicks ‘Download’, so there is no

risk to simply performing an import operation, only to cancel it midway through.

Accord Server


There are three different types of download that a user may be presented with, these are as

follows:

Download Type Description

Full Download with Reset A download that involves a full re-configuration of the PLC, wiping

any existing project that may be hosted on that PLC and the

rearrangement of download addresses to ensure optimal usage of

available space, where appropriate.

Full Download without Reset A download that involves a full deployment of all information relating

to the project to the same PLC that it was previously downloaded

too, usually used to restore a project to its last known good state.

Partial Download A download that involves the deployment of all aspects of the project

that have changed since the last download to the PLC.

9.14.3 Full Download with Reset

A Full Download with Reset is most commonly performed during the initial download only.

When performing a Full Download with Reset, Accord Server arranges all items in their

optimal configuration, usually contiguously, grouped based on common semantics. In

addition, PLC memory is re-configured based on the projects requirements, resulting in a full

clean of existing project data that may be deployed on the PLC. A Full Download with Reset

is only ever required on an existing project in the following circumstances:

1. If the newly imported project exceeds the spare space currently available on the target

PLC. It is important to note that if this happens, any previously assigned download

positions may change in the new download, which may impact custom hard-coded tags

addresses in use in a Scada system. For this reason, it is recommended that a Full

Download with Reset be avoided by properly configuring the available PLC memory in

advance of the initial download to the PLC. To configure the available memory for a PLC,

see section 5.7.

2. If the existing project has since been displaced, or detached, from the OPC Profile that

managed it. This means, as far as Accord Server is concerned, the target PLC does not

contains any data relating to project and therefore, requires reconfiguration.

If a Full Download with Reset is selected, the following dialogs will be presented in order:

1. Project Selection, see section 9.14.6.

2. Import Progress, see section 9.14.7.

3. Profile Selection, see section 9.14.8.

4. Memory Assignment, see section 9.14.10.

5. Priming Progress, see section 9.14.11.

6. Download Confirmation, see section 9.14.12.

7. Download Progress, see section 9.14.13.

Accord Server


8. Download Summary, see section 9.14.14.

9.14.4 Full Download without Reset

A Full Download without Reset is the least common type of download, as its function is to

merely restore a project to its last known good state. Since no download positions are

change and no PLC reset is performed, this type of download is affectively a Partial

Download of everything contained within the project, including flags relating to removed

items. This is only likely to ever be required if an external editor has been used to modify

key values in the PLC, outside of the control of Accord Server, something that is strongly

discouraged. A Full Download without Reset is only possible if the following conditions are

met:

1. The imported project matches an existing project currently being managed by Accord

Server.

2. The existing project is attached to an OPC Profile.

3. There are no changes between the imported project and the existing project.

In the event a Full Download without Reset is selected, the following dialogs will be

presented in order:



3. Download Type Selection, see section 9.14.9.





9.14.5 Partial Download

Partial Downloads are the most common type of download likely to be performed using

Accord Server. Partial Downloads occur when a project is imported that matches an existing

project currently managed by an OPC Profile. A Partial Download involves the download of

any information that has changed between the existing project and the newly imported

project. This is an extremely useful feature, as it often allows for the rapid modification of

existing PLC data without impacting its current operation, depending on the changes being

made. A Partial Download is only possible if the following conditions are met:

1. The imported project matches an existing project currently being managed by Accord

Server.

2. The existing project is attached to an OPC Profile.

Accord Server


3. The imported project does not exceed the maximum block capacities as defined by the

existing project, configured during the initial Full Download with Reset.

4. The imported project does not exceed the license band being used by the existing

project.

5. The imported project contains differences between it and the existing project.

In the event a Partial Download is selected, the following dialogs will be presented in order:



3. Download Type Selection, see section 9.14.9





9.14.6 Project Selection

The Project Selection dialog allows for the selection of the target project for which the

Project Downloader will process. The dialog is usually presented whenever the target

project is not immediately known when the Project Downloader is launched. The only time

it is not presented is usually when the ‘Re-Import’ option is selected, as in this case the last

known Accord Builder server and source are known, see section 6.2. The Project Selection

dialog lists two types of projects, existing projects and Accord Builder Projects. Existing

projects are merely listed by name, as the previous source the project was imported using is

known to Accord Server. Accord Builder projects are listed by Project name, with their

database name in brackets, to aid selection, as often more than one database may exist for

the same project on a given DBMS.

Accord Server


Project Selection – Displaying Local Accord Builder Projects

To aid in the rapid selection of the target project, the Project Selection dialog has three

different behaviours, optimised based on the most common usage of the feature. These are

as follows:

1. In the event that one or more existing projects are being managed by Accord Server, the

Project Selection dialog will initially present a list of these projects only. This enables the

rapid selection of existing projects, which is often the most common usage of the Project

Downloader tool. If however, the target project is not listed as an existing project, it is

possible to trigger the next listing by clicking the green ‘Refresh’ button, as soon as it

becomes available.

2. In the event that there are no existing projects being managed by Accord Server, or that

a manual refresh has been triggered, the Project Selection dialog will present a list of

any Accord Builder projects that existing within the DBMS currently in use by Accord

Server. This enables the rapid selection of new projects that are likely hosted on the

local computer, the most common location for Accord Builder projects to be hosted. If

however, the target project is not listed as a member of the DBMS Accord Server is

currently using, it is possible to trigger the next listing by clicking the green ‘Refresh’

button, as soon as it becomes available.

Accord Server


3. In the event that there are no existing projects, or Accord Builder projects in the DBMS

currently managed by Accord Server, or that a manual refresh was triggered on an

earlier selection, the Project Selection dialog will attempt to locate Accord Builder

databases within any DBMS located within the local network. This particular listing is

the least common, and significantly slower than the previous two, which is why it is the

last resort. The duration of the listing may vary, depending on the number of computers

in the local network and the security permissions being employed within the networked

hosts.

Note: It is important to note that only Accord Builder databases that are

compatible with the installed version of Accord Server are listed.

9.14.7 Import Progress

The Project Downloader obtains its configuration information from the Accord Builder

configuration utility, meaning it is necessary for Accord Server to convert that information

into a format suitable for download to the PLC. Accord Server does this during the Import

Progress stage of the Project Downloader tool. At this point, there is no need for user input,

and it is possible to cancel the process without any negative effect on either Accord Server

or Accord Builder. During the import process, Accord Server will create a full picture of the

project, as it would appear on the PLC, and attempt to determine the follow:

1. If the project is in a consistent state, as defined by Accord Builder.

2. If the project is an existing project current being managed by Accord Server.

3. If it is possible to download the project to any of the OPC Profiles currently defined

within Accord Server.

4. If a Partial Download is possible (see section 9.14.5), or a Full Download with Reset is

required (see section 9.14.3).

During the import process, the Import Progress dialog will present a wealth of information

relating to the current activity and provides summary justifications for many of the

important decisions it makes. At the end of the import process, the next dialog in the

process will be presented based on the type of download(s) available. In the event that the

import does not end in the expected result, it is possible to click ‘Decide Later’ on whichever

dialog is presented, so that the summary of each stage of the Import Progress dialog can be

reviewed. Clicking ‘Continue’ will allow for the process to resume.

Accord Server


The import process is divided into a series of steps. It is important to note that the current

step in the process will be displayed at the top of the Import Progress dialog and drop down

the list as they complete. The steps are as follows:

Step Description

Alarm Import During this step, all Program Alarm defined in Accord Builder are

imported.

Analog Device Import During this step, all Analog Devices defined in Accord Builder are

imported.

Analog Input Import During this step, all Analog Inputs defined in Accord Builder are

imported.

Condition Import During this step, all Conditions and Combined Conditions defined in

Accord Builder are imported.

Digital Device Import During this step, all Motors, Valves and Digital Outputs defined in

Accord Builder are imported.

Digital Input Import During this step, all Digital Inputs defined in Accord Builder are

imported.

Program Import During this step, all Programs defined in Accord Builder are imported.

PID Import During this step, all PID Loops defined in Accord Builder are

imported.

Task Import During this step, all Tasks defined in Accord Builder are imported.

Step Import During this step, all Steps defined in Accord Builder are imported.

Unit Import During this step, all Units defined in Accord Builder are imported.

Variable Import During this step, all Variables defined in Accord Builder are imported.

Alarm Linking During this step, all Alarms, including Device Alarms, are linked to the

objects to which they relate.

Interlock Linking During this step, all Interlocks are linked to the objects to which they

relate.

Program Linking During this step, all elements of each defined Program are linked to

the Program. This is often the longest step in the Import Progress

stage of the process, as Programs contain the majority of the Accord

Builder configuration data.

PID Linking During this step, all PID Loops are linked to the Analog Devices to

which they relate.

Unit Linking During this step, all equipment objects are linked to the Units to

which they belong.

System Linking During this step, a series of system specific objects are generated and

linked to the devices to which they relate.

Transition Linking During this step, Transition are link to the recipes that utilise the

steps in which they are defined.

Accord Server


Integrity Check During this step, all raw data imported from Accord Builder is verified

to ensure it has not be corrupted by an external editor, such as

manual manipulation through an database management utility,

something which is strongly discouraged.

License Calculation During this step, Accord Server determines what license type, if any,

the project requires to enable download to a PLC.

Profile Retrieval During this step, Accord Server retrieves any OPC Profile that

possesses a license capable of supporting the project. The Project

Importer will always favour the existing OPC Profile, if suitable,

otherwise it will attempt to select a project that does not currently

manage a project.

Existing Project Check During this step, Accord Server determines if the project matches an

existing project that it currently manages and if the existing project is

suitable for deployment without forcing a reset. Review sections

9.14.3, 9.14.4, and 9.14.5 to understand the rules which determine

what type of download may be selected at this stage.

9.14.8 Profile Selection

When performing a Full Download with Reset (see section 9.14.3), it is necessary to select

the OPC Profile for which the project will be downloaded. By default, the Profile Selection

dialog will automatically select the last profile used by the project, if suitable. In the event

that the project is not being managed by any profile, or the current profile is no longer

suitable, the Profile Selection dialog will list profiles in order of their suitability, preferring

profiles that are closest to the license band size required and those that are not currently

managing a project. It is important to note that if a profile is selected that is managing an

existing project, that project will become detached and can no longer be used as part of

Accord Server services. More importantly, if you download to an OPC Profile that is

currently managing a different project, that project will be overwritten on the PLC. To aid

the selection process, the Profile Selection dialog lists the license band size, the amount of

memory available, and the current project being managed for each profile listed. To make a

selection, simply tick the radio button adjacent the desired profile and click ‘Continue’.

Profile Selection

Accord Server


9.14.9 Download Type Selection

In the event an imported project has been determined to as being suitable for a Partial

Download (see section 9.14.5), or Full Download without Reset, (see section 9.14.4), the

Import Progress dialog will present the Download Type Selection dialog. This prompt will

present you with three possible download choice, as even if a Partial Download is possible,

it may be preferred to perform either of the possible alternatives, these are as follows:

1. Full Download with Reset, see section 9.14.3.

2. Full Download without Reset, see section 9.14.4.

3. Partial Download, see section 9.14.5.

By default, the Download Type Selection will automatically select Partial Download

however, if this is not the desired choice, simply select the radio button adjacent the desired

option and click ‘Continue’.

Download Options (Type Selection)

Accord Server


9.14.10 Memory Assignment

When performing a Full Download with Reset (see section 9.14.3), it is necessary to

configure the allocation of PLC memory for the target project. It is highly recommended

that when performing a Full Download with Reset, an OPC Profile that has a configured

Available Memory (see section 5.7) is selected. When amount of memory available will

allow the Memory Assignment dialog can assist in the assignment of spare space by

automatically dividing the available memory among the various object types. It is important

to note that the Memory Assignment dialog will not enforce the amount of memory

available as the absolute maximum, and treats the value as indicative only. It is entirely up

to the engineer to ensure that the amount of memory they assign to a project is actually

correct for the PLC in question. To aid in this process, the Memory Assignment dialog

presents a total figure for the amount of memory required, labelled as ‘Total Memory

Assigned’.

Memory Assignment – 64KB of Available Memory

Accord Server


If no amount of memory is assigned to the OPC Profile, the Memory Assignment dialog will

only utilise the absolutely minimum memory required to allow the project to download.

This is not an ideal situation, because any future changes to the project will likely require a

subsequent Full Download with Reset if the imported project exceeds the space previously

assigned to the project. It is recommended that this option is only ever used in a

development environment, where changes to download positions are not likely to have an

impact on the smooth operation of the system. The Memory Assignment dialog will not

restrict the configuration of spares in this situation, therefore it is important to note that the

responsibility rests solely on the engineer to ensure the amount of memory allocated to the

project is actually available on the target PLC.

Memory Assignment – No Available Memory Specified

Spare space can be assigned for any object type by typing a value into the appropriate

‘Spares’ field for a given object type. Once the value has been provided, the relevant totals

will update to reflect the change. If an amount of memory has been specified, the value for

‘Total Memory Remaining’ will change colour to indicate if the figure is favourable, for

example, if the amount of memory remaining falls below 0, the value will be displayed in

red, otherwise it will be green. Once the correct values have been supplied, click ‘Continue’

to resume the process.

Accord Server


9.14.10.1 Assigning Spares

To assign an amount of spares for a specific object, simply do the following:

1. Select the ‘Spares’ field for the desired object type.

2. Type a positive numeric value.

3. Press tab, or simply click away from the field.

4. Observe the effect of the change on the ‘Total Memory Assigned’ and the ‘Total

Memory Remaining’.

9.14.10.2 Automatically Assigning Spares to Pending Objects

Objects that current have a zero value are considered pending for configuration. If an

amount of memory has been specified, showing in the ‘Memory Available’ area, the Auto

Assignment feature can be used to distribute the remaining memory among items currently

possessing a zero value. This is particularly useful, as it means you can manually assign

preferred values to priority items, and then distribute the remaining memory easily among

the lower priority objects. To use this feature, simply do the following:

1. Right-click on the ‘Memory Assignment’ grid.

2. Select ‘Auto-Assign Remaining Memory’.

3. Observe the values assigned to ensure they meet potential future requirements.

9.14.10.3 Resetting Assigned Spares

Whenever the available memory has been specified, the Memory Assignment dialog will

automatically distribute the spare space upon initial opening of the dialog. The amount of

memory provided to a number of items may not be suitable, or you may simply wish to

manually assign all items. To assist in this process, a feature is available to reset all values to

zero. To use this feature, simply do the following:

1. Right-click on the ‘Memory Assignment’ grid.

2. Select ‘Reset All’.

9.14.11 Priming Progress

The Priming Progress stage is involved in all possible downloads and involves a series of

steps that prepare the project for download to the target PLC. This essentially involves the

assignment of download positions, the propagation of addresses to cross referenced

objects, the comparison of the imported project against the existing project and an analysis

of the changes on both the PLC and Accord Server, where appropriate. Depending on the

download type, some steps of this process may be skipped entirely. During the priming

process, the Priming Progress dialog will present a wealth of information relating to the

current activity and provides summary justifications for many of the important decisions it

Accord Server


makes. At the end of the priming process, the Download Confirmation dialog will be

presented based on the type of download(s) available. In the event that the priming does

not end in the expected result, it is possible to click ‘Decide Later’ on the Download

Confirmation dialog, so that the summary of each stage of the Priming Progress dialog can

be reviewed. Clicking ‘Continue’ will allow for the process to resume.

The priming process is divided into a series of steps. It is important to note that the current

step in the process will be displayed at the top of the Priming Progress dialog and drop

down the list as they complete.

The steps are as follows:

Step Description

Memory Assignment During this step, the configured memory values, defined during the

Memory Assignment (see section 9.14.10) stage of the Project

Download process, are distributed and validated. This step is only

ever required if a Full Download with Reset is selected, see sections

9.14.3 and 9.14.9.

Connection Status In the event of the imported project possessing an existing

counterpart within Accord Server, a comparison will be required.

During this step, the connection to the DBMS currently being used by

Accord Server is made.

Project Comparison During this step, the comparison between the existing project and

the imported project is performed. This step is by far the most

complex and therefore is often the longest step in the process.

Recipe Propagation During this step, modifications to Program Recipes, if any, are

propagated among alternative recipes that may have been defined

through Accord Server.

Transition Propagation During this step, modifications to Transitions, if any, are propagated

among alternative recipes that may have been defined through

Accord Server.

Reference Propagation During this step, modifications to the relationships between objects

within Accord Builder are propagated, ensuring the

Check/Diagnostics tool offers accurate information to aid in the

diagnosis of the current state of a given object.

Address Assignment During this step, download positions for any object currently

requiring them, are assigned.

Dependant Mapping During this step, PLC addresses for relationships between objects on

the PLC are generated and assigned accordingly.

Accord Server


PLC Impact Analysis During this step, an analysis of the potential impact of the changes

being planned for download is performed. The impact may vary,

depending on the download type or the specific changes. These may

involve a temporary suspension to the processing of affected objects,

or a complete reset of the PLC, wiping all existing data on the PLC.

Service Impact Analysis During this step, an analysis of the potential impact of the changes

being planned for commit to the Accord Server database is

performed. In the event the changes involve the addition or deletion

of objects covered by either the ActiveX or Advanced

Communications modules, a soft reset may be required. This reset is

automated and may result in a temporary disruption to any Scada UI

currently connected using the affected modules.

9.14.12 Download Confirmation

The Download Confirmation dialog presents wealth of information relating to the planned

changes that will be made once the ‘Download’ button is clicked. This is the last step along

the Project Download process at which the process can be cancelled without any

modifications to either the Accord Server database or the PLC therefore, it is strongly

recommended that you review the information presented by the Download Confirmation

dialog prior to initiating the download. The information presented by the Download

Confirmation dialog is divided into two sections, Download Actions and Project Summary.

Download Actions displays summary information relating to the overall changes that will

occur once the download is initiated, these are as follows:

Download Action Description

Project The name of the project being downloaded.

Profile The name of the profile being used to manage the project, hosting

the OPC settings and license for the target PLC.

Displaced Project The name of the project currently being managed by the target

profile (if any). This project will be deleted from the target PLC upon

download and detached from the OPC Profile in favour of the newly

downloaded project.

Project License Band The minimum license band required by the project.

Profile License Band The license band offered by the target profile.

Required Memory The minimum amount of memory, in bytes, required to download

the project.

Available Memory The amount of memory available for download by Accord Server on

the target PLC, if configured.

Download Type The type of download being performed, these are:

1. Full Download with Reset, see section 9.14.3.

2. Full Download without Reset, see section 9.14.4.

3. Partial Download, see section 9.14.5.

Accord Server


Download Necessary An indication if Accord Server believes if the download is actually

necessary. This is usually ‘Yes’ however, if no changes are detected

between the newly imported project and any existing project current

managed within Accord Server, this will display ‘No’ instead.

Full PLC Reset Required An indication of whether or not the Project Downloader will trigger a

full PLC reset upon initiation of the download process.

Processing Hold Required An indication of whether or not the Project Downloader will trigger a

temporary suspension to the processing of affected objects upon

initiation of the download process.

Service Reload Required An indication of whether or not the Project Downloader will trigger a

soft reset of affected Accord Server modules once the download

completes.

Project Summary displays totals relating to a series of important objects that exist as part of

the project, including the overall number of objects and, in the case of an existing project,

the number of which have been modified in the imported project. In addition, the Project

Summary provides detailed reports for each object type, listing specific information relating

to each of the objects that form part of the summary figures. The objects covered by the

Project Summary are as follows:

Download Action Description

Devices Devices refers to a range of entities that usually reside on the PLC,

such as equipment devices, Programs and units. See section

9.14.12.2 for more information.

List Space List Space refers to objects that manage the segments of spare space

that may exist between the various object lists that are used by

project elements such as Programs or Units. See section 9.14.12.3

for more information.

Data (Download) Data (Download) refers to the raw information that is downloaded

directly to the PLC for the range of Devices contained with the

project. See section 9.14.12.4 for more information.

Data (Config) Data (Config) refers to the setup information that is stored within the

Accord Server database for the range of Devices contained with the

project. See section 9.14.12.5 for more information.

Recipes Recipes refers to the recipes defined as part of a Program, containing

custom Steps and Parameters definitions for a given process. See

section 9.14.12.6 for more information.

Transitions Transitions refers to specific step behaviours, defined as part of a

Program, involving a change of step from the current step to another

that does not usually form part planned step order. In Accord

Builder, this is often referred to as the Alternative Step On. See

section 9.14.12.7 for more information.

References References refer to the relationships between certain devices within

Accord Server


the project, and are used by the PB-Diagnostics tool to provide

detailed information relating to the reasons why a given device has

entered a specific state. See section 9.14.12.8 for more information.

Download Summary – Full Download with Reset (New Project)

Accord Server


9.14.12.1 No Changes Detected

When selecting a Partial Download (see section 9.14.5), it is entirely possible that the

imported project may contain no changes when compared against the existing project. If

this happens, the download is deemed to be unnecessary, as the PLC is already up-to-date

therefore, the Download Summary dialog will prompt, asking if a Full Download without

Reset is preferred instead.

No Changes Detected

If you select ‘Yes’, the Download Summary will update to reflect this change, otherwise the

Project Download process will terminate without any changes to either Accord Server or the

PLC.

Download Summary – No Changes, Full Download without Reset

Accord Server


9.14.12.2 Device Summary Report

The following information is listed for each device as part of the Device Summary Report:

Item Description

Action The type of change triggered by the process, if any, for the device.

Group The category for which the device belongs, usually indicating the UDT to

which the device belongs.

Type The sub-category for which the device belongs, usually differentiating the

device from others of the same Group.

Name The name of the device, as configured through Accord Builder.

Position The relative position within the target UDT assigned by the priming stage of

the Project Download process.

Device Summary Report – Newly Imported Project

Accord Server


9.14.12.3 List Space Summary Report

The following information is listed for each list segment as part of the List Space Summary

Report:

Item Description

Action The type of change triggered by the process, if any, for the list segment.

Type The category for which the list represents, usually indicating the UDT to

which it belongs.

Start The relative starting position within the UDT for the list segment.

Size The number of free elements contained in the UDT for this list segment.

List Space Summary Report – Newly Imported Project

Accord Server


9.14.12.4 Data (Download) Summary Report

The following information is listed for each download entry within the Data (Download)

Summary Report:

Item Description

Action The type of change triggered by the process, if any, for the download entry.

Device The device for which the download entry belongs.

Property The aspect of the device the download entry represents.

PLC Address The download position for the particular entry, as assigned by the priming

stage of the Project Download process.

Value The raw value for the download entry, as imported from Accord Builder.

Data (Download) Summary Report – Newly Imported Project

Accord Server


9.14.12.5 Data (Config) Summary Report

The following information is listed for each entry within the Data (Config) Summary Report:

Item Description

Action The type of change triggered by the process, if any, for the configuration

entry.

Device The device for which the configuration entry belongs.

Property The aspect of the device the configuration entry represents.

Value The raw value for the configuration entry, as imported from Accord Builder.

Data (Config) Summary Report – Newly Imported Project

Accord Server


9.14.12.6 Recipe Summary Report

The following information is listed for each Recipe as part of the Recipe Summary Report:

Item Description

Action The type of change triggered by the process, if any, for the Recipe.

Program The Program for which the Recipe belongs.

Name The name of the Recipe.

Recipe Summary Report – Newly Imported Project

Accord Server


9.14.12.7 Transition Summary Report

The following information is listed for each Transition as part of the Transition Summary

Report:

Item Description

Action The type of change triggered by the process, if any, for the Transition.

Source The name of the object that initiates the transition.

Step The name of the preferred target Step, as defined for the Source through

Accord Builder.

Property The name of the aspect of the Source object that is modified when the

transition is applied.

Transition Summary Report – Newly Imported Project

Accord Server


9.14.12.8 Reference Summary Report

The following information is listed for each Reference as part of the Reference Summary

Report:

Item Description

Action The type of change triggered by the process, if any, for the Reference.

Type The type of relationship this Reference represents.

Target The name of the object that originally defined the relationship.

Source The name of the object that is the basis of the relationship, usually the

object that triggers the state that affects the outcome of the Target’s state.

Step The name of the Step, if any, that governs the enforcement of the

relationship.

Condition The condition, if any, that is applied to the state of the Source object, which

in turns affects the resulting state of the Target.

Transition Summary Report – Newly Imported Project

Accord Server


9.14.13 Download Progress

The Download Progress stage is involved in all possible downloads and contains a series of

steps that perform the necessary modifications to both the target PLC and the Accord Server

database, where applicable. The actions performed throughout the various steps vary

significantly, depending on the type of download selected. It is important to note that once

this stage has been triggered, it is no longer possible to cancel the process, as to do so could

potentially leave the PLC in an unpredictable state. For this reason, it is strongly

recommended that you verify the download actions conform to your expectations at the

Download Confirmation stage of the process, see section 9.14.12.

During the download process, the Download Progress dialog will present a wealth of

information relating to the current activity and provides summary justifications for many of

the important decisions it makes. At the end of the download process, the Download

Summary dialog will be presented. In the event that the download does not end in the

expected result, it is possible to click ‘Decide Later’ on the Download Summary dialog, so

that the summary of each stage of the Download Progress dialog can be reviewed. Clicking

‘Continue’ will allow for the Download Confirmation dialog to be reviewed.

The download process is divided into a series of steps. It is important to note that the

current step in the process will be displayed at the top of the Download Progress dialog and

drop down the list as they complete. The steps are as follows:

Step Description

Atomicity Check During this stage, the planned download is verified against the current state

of Accord Server, verifying that the changes do not conflict with any actions

that may have been performed external to this process. For example, if a

Recipe Download is performed for the same project during any of the

previous stages, without the knowledge of the person attempting the

download, it will result in changes that may conflict with the planned

changes. This type of conflict cannot be allowed, as it means neither person

is truly aware of the effects of their changes, therefore, this stage of the

process ensures the changes being made do not have any negative or

unexpected impact on any other users. Once this stage has been passed, no

other user can perform a download against the project until after the process

completes, verifying the download is performed in a single, atomic,

transaction.

Write Generation During this stage, the planned PLC writes are generated and consolidated to

ensure optimal performance during the download stage of the process.

Download

Preparation

During this stage, a temporary project is generated using the OPC

Communications module, containing references to all devices and properties

that are relevant for the download stage of the process.

Connection Status During this stage, a connection is made to the PLC using the OPC

Accord Server


Communications module. This process triggers the verifications steps, which

may complete prior to the completion of this step. This is normal behaviour

and happens due to the asynchronous nature of the communications

protocols being used by Accord Server to communicate with the PLC.

License Verification During this stage, the license supplied by the OPC Profile is verified against

the target PLC, ensuring that the target PLC is correct.

Life Byte Verification During this stage, the life byte counter, executing in any active Accord Builder

PLC is verified, ensuring that it is counting every one second. If the life byte

counter fails to verify, it usually means the PLC is in stop and therefore, in an

unsuitable state for download.

Project Verification This stage of the process only applies to a Partial Download (see section

9.14.5) or a Full Download without Reset (see section 9.14.4). During this

stage, the project currently stored on the PLC is verified against the project

being downloaded, ensuring that the PLC is actually executing the correct

project. In the event that this stage fails, it usually indicates that a download

was performed to the data area for Accord Builder in the PLC, external to the

installation of Accord Server that usually manages the target PLC, something

that is strongly discouraged.

PLC Preparation During this stage, required writes and handshakes are made with the PLC to

ensure the PLC is in a state that is ready to receive the download

information. In the case of a Full Download with Reset (see section 9.14.3),

PLC memory is formatted based on the values configured during the Memory

Assignment stage of the process (see section 9.14.10). During any other type

of download, objects that are being deleted are flagged and if necessary,

processing of affected objects are temporarily suspended.

Download During this stage, the bulk of the download information is passed to the PLC.

The duration of this stage depends upon the type of download selected, the

size of the project and the performance of the OPC Servers communications

link to the PLC. In the majority of situations, this stage of the process usually

takes the longest.

Project Activation During this stage, objects that require an activation flag are provided with

the necessary value, enabling them for processing on the PLC.

Project Commit During this stage, all changes to the project are committed to the Accord

Server database. It is important to note that once this stage has been

reached, the PLC has been successfully updated and is ready for use. Accord

Server on the other hand needs to be updated to enable the range of

services it provides. The duration of this step varies depending on the type

of download selected and the nature of the changes being applied. During a

full Download of an existing project, every single object in the system is

marked with a download date and therefore is updated in the Accord Server

database, which usually takes the longest to perform. Proper configuration

of the DBMS can aid in the rapid execution of this process. Please consult

the documentation for your DBMS to find out more about optimal

configuration for the deployment.

Accord Server


9.14.14 Download Summary

The Download Summary stage of the Project Download process is almost identical to that of

the Download Confirmation stage (see section 9.14.12). The purpose of this stage is to

simply confirm the actions take, rather than the actions planned, and offer a second

opportunity to review the modifications to the PLC and/or Accord Server database. Once

you have successfully reviewed the Download Summary, the process can be completed by

clicking ‘Finish’. All steps required by the Project Download have been performed, or are

being performed (such as updating the Audit trail or restarting Accord Server), so there is

reason to close the Download Summary prematurely or to leave it open simply to ensure

the actions pending are performed.

Download Summary – Full Download with Reset (New Project)

Accord Server


9.15 Project Synchroniser

The Project Synchroniser allows users to synchronise an existing Accord Server project with

the last Accord Builder project that was used to download the project. This is useful in

order to capture all current changeable settings before performing modifications to the

project in Accord Builder, or perhaps before performing a subsequent download through

Accord Server. Once synchronised, any differences between the three possible sources of

download information will be consolidated based on the user’s selections. A project can

only be synchronised while it is being managed by a valid OPC Profile, see section 5. The

following is a list of synchronisable properties for each device group:

Group Properties

Analog Device Min Range

Max Range

Analog Input Min Range

Max Range

Alarm High High Setpoint

Alarm High Setpoint

Alarm Low Setpoint

Alarm Low Low Setpoint

Time Setpoint

Hysteresis Setpoint

Digital Device Alarm Setpoint

Lift Alarm Setpoint

Delay On Setpoint

Delay Off Setpoint

Pulse Cycle Time

Pulse Cycle Setpoint

Digital Input Delay On Setpoint

Delay Off Setpoint

Parameter Current Value

PID P (Gain Setpoint)

I (Integral Setpoint)

D (Derivative Setpoint)

Store Integral when Steady State

Steady State Hysteresis

Step Time Setpoint

After project synchronisation has been performed, any modifications to the target Accord

Builder configuration will result in that configuration being flagged as inconsistent, requiring

a consistency check to be performed prior to any subsequent download attempt.

Accord Server


9.15.1 Accessing the Project Synchroniser

There are three methods of launching the Project Synchroniser. These are as follows:


2. Click the ‘Project Synchroniser’ shortcut on the right-side panel. See section 9.15.

3. Select the desired project from the ‘Projects’ list.

4. Click ‘Ok’.

Alternatively:



3. Click ‘Synchronise’.

Note: The synchronise option is unavailable for projects that are not currently

managed by a valid OPC Profile, see section 5.

Alternatively:


2. Click ‘Project Synchroniser’.

3. Select the desired project from the ‘Projects’ list.

4. Click ‘Ok’.

Accord Server


9.15.2 The Synchronisation UI

Once the Project Synchroniser has been launched, a list of all supported devices and

synchronisable properties is loaded, presenting the values in each of the possible data

sources.

Project Synchronisation

The information presented by the Project Synchroniser is as follows:

Item Description

Type The category for which this device belongs, usually its type as defined in

Accord Builder.

Name The name assigned to the device, as configured through Accord Builder.

Property The name of the aspect of the device that will be synchronised.

Configured Value (PB) The value currently configured for the property in Accord Builder.

Stored Value (Accord

Server)

The value last downloaded and currently stored within Accord Server for

the property.

Actual Value (PLC) The current value for the property in the PLC.

Synchronise Action The action to be performed for this property whenever the ‘Synchronise’

property is selected.

Accord Server


There are four possible synchronisation actions that can be selected using the Project

Synchroniser, these are as follows:

Action Description

Do Nothing Upon synchronisation, ignore the selected property.

Apply Actual (Upload) Upon synchronisation, upload the value stored in the PLC and apply

it to the Accord Builder database and the Accord Server database.

Apply Configured (Download) Upon synchronisation, download the value stored in the Accord

Builder database to the PLC and update the Accord Server database

to reflect this change.

Apply Stored (Restore) Upon synchronisation, download the value stored in the Accord

Server database to the PLC and update the Accord Builder database

to reflect this change.

The Project Synchroniser has a number of features designed to aid the configuration

process, the details of which are discussed in the following sections.

9.15.2.1 Synchronisation Aids

The Synchronisation UI contains a number of colourful highlights, designed to assist in the

configuration process. Whenever an action is selected, the appropriate source value is

highlighted in yellow, indicating that this value is considered the to be the correct value. All

adjacent columns for the configured property will update, changing colour depending on

how their state relates to the selected state. For example, if the state matches the selected

state, the value will be coloured in a neutral ivory colour, otherwise it will be highlighted in

orange, indicating that the value will be changed to match the selected value once the

‘Synchronise’ button is clicked.

9.15.2.2 Device Filtration

Projects often contain a wide range of devices that support synchronisation, making the list

quite long and often difficult to navigate. To help speed up the selection of the appropriate

devices, a device filter can be activated by clicking on the small ‘Configuration’ button on

the bottom left side of the grid. Once clicks, a filter pane will appear, allowing for the

selection of items by their type, or even by their name. It is important to note that filtering

devices does not cause the Project Synchroniser to ignore the settings of devices that are

currently hidden, therefore when you click ‘Synchronise’, the ‘Synchronise Action’ for the

hidden items will still be applied. The feature is only intended to make the configuration

process more manageable by reducing the list to a more manageable size. Using

combinations of the ‘Apply to’ features in conjunction with the Device Filter can significantly

reduce the time it takes to configure the Project Synchroniser.

Accord Server


Device Filtration

9.15.2.3 Apply to All

The Apply to All feature, selected using the right-click menu, is used to apply whatever

‘Synchronise Action’ has been configured for the selected item to every single

synchronisable property, even those which may be hidden by the Device Filter (see section

9.15.2.2). To use this feature, simply do the following:

1. Configure the desired property as required by selecting the ‘Synchronise Action’ using

the drop down list.

2. Right-click on the desired property.

3. Select ‘Apply to All’.

9.15.2.4 Apply to Selection

The Apply to Selection feature, selected using the right-click menu, is used to apply

whatever ‘Synchronise Action’ has been configured for the selected item to every

synchronisable property that is currently on the grid. This will have no effect on any

properties currently hidden by the Device Filter (see section 9.15.2.2). To use this feature,


1. Expand the ‘Device Filter’ by clicking on the button on the bottom left side of the grid.

2. Ensure the desired filter has been selected.


the drop down list.

4. Right-click on the desired property.

5. Select ‘Apply to Selection’.

Accord Server


9.15.2.5 Apply to Highlighted

The Apply to Highlighted feature, selected using the right-click menu, is used to apply

whatever ‘Synchronise Action’ has been configured for the selected item to every

synchronisable property that is currently highlighted by selection on the grid. To use this

feature, simply do the following:


the drop down list.

2. Highlight the desired properties by dragging the mouse across the properties ‘Name’

cells, much in the same way you would select cells using Microsoft Excel.

3. Right-click on the ‘Synchronise Action’ field for the property that matches the desired

‘Synchronise Action’, configured in Step 1.

4. Select ‘Apply to Highlighted’.

9.15.3 Performing Synchronisation

To perform synchronisation, simply do the following:

1. Launch the Project Synchroniser, see section 9.15.

2. Configure the desired ‘Synchronise Action’ for each of the required properties.

3. Click ‘Synchronise’.

4. Click ‘Ok’ to confirm the confirmation of process completion.

Synchronisation Confirmation

5. Observe the changes on the Synchronisation UI.

6. Click ‘Close’ to exit the Project Synchroniser.

Accord Server


9.16 Security Log Viewer

The Security Log Viewer allows users to query the Accord Server security logs. The security

logs contain a wide range of information regarding user interaction with Accord Server, both

through the Accord Server user interface and the Accord Controls. In addition to displaying

data from the security log, the Security Log Viewer also displays the current status of the

Security Logging module and provides the ability to export the current data being displayed

to a variety of file formats.

The Security Log Viewer

The following information is displayed for each log event:

Item Description

Date The date & time when the event occurred.

Type The type of the event. For example, Manual Start.

Project The project (if any) that was modified.

Device The device (if any) that was modified.

Group The group of the device (if any) that was modified.

User The Accord Server user (if any) that performed the action.

Entity The target entity (if any) that was modified. E.g. The name of the target

Recipe or OPC Profile.

Login The username of the Windows account that performed the action.

Location The identity (typically IP address) of the computer that initiated the

request.

Action Additional information relating to the requested action (if any). E.g. The

OPC property to modify.

Accord Server


Request Additional information relating to the requested change (if any). E.g. The

value assigned to an OPC property.

Result The end result of the request as reported by Accord Server.

Reason Additional information relating to the end result as reported by Accord

Server (if any). Typically this contains an explanation for a failed result.

The security log viewer possesses a number of filtration options to better enable users to

find the desired information. These are as follows:

Item Description

Logs Each log event is categorised using a combination of three possible

categories:

Management

Engineering

Operations

Using this option, users can choose to filter logs by specific categories.

Verbose Using this option, users can choose to show/hide log entries that are

flagged as verbose. This includes log information relating to the specifics of

a Project Download.

Start Date The start date of the query. No log entries prior to this date will be

included.

End Date The end date of the query. No log entries beyond this date will be included.

Event Type The Accord Server Security Auditing module logs events of various types,

such as OPC Writes and Communication Port changes. This list allows for

the selection of a specific event type. Only logs of the selected event type

will be included in the search result.

Project Using this options, users can choose to limit the search result to events

carried out on a specific project.

Group Using this options, users can choose to limit the search result to events

carried out on a specific device group.

Device Using this options, users can choose to limit the search result to events

carried out on a specific device. In order to use this option, a Project and a

Group must be selected.

User Name Using this options, users can choose to limit the search result to events

carried out by a specific user. In order to use this option, a Project must be

selected.

Accord Server


9.16.1 Accessing the Security Log Viewer

There are three methods of launching the Security Log Viewer. These are as follows:


2. Click the ‘Security Log Viewer’ shortcut on the left-side panel. See section Error!

eference source not found..

Alternatively:


2. Click ‘Security Logging’ under ‘Module Status’.

Alternatively:


2. Click ‘Security Log Viewer’.

9.16.2 Searching the Log

To search the security log simply do the following:

1. Launch the ‘Security Log Viewer’.

2. Select the desired ‘Log’ categories.

3. Select the ‘Verbose’ to include events flagged as verbose.

4. Select the ‘Start Date’ by clicking on the calendar on the right side of the control.

5. Select the ‘End Date’ by clicking on the calendar on the right side of the control.

6. Select the desired event (if any) from the ‘Event Type’ list.

7. Select the desired project (if any) from the ‘Project’ list.

8. Select the desired group (if any) from the ‘Group’ list.

9. Select the desired device (if any) from the ‘Device’ list.

10. Select the desired user (if any) from the ‘User Name’ list.

11. Click ‘Search’.

Accord Server


9.17 Schedule Management

The Schedule Management tool allows users to manage scheduled OPC writes. A schedule

is a user configured event that automatically modifies the specific property of a device at a

defined time. This tool is particularly useful when scheduling events such as the start of a

Program or initiating maintenance. The Schedule Management tool displays the following

information:

Item Description

Project The name of the project that contains the device to be modified.

Group The name of the group for the device to be modified.

Device Name The name of the device to be modified.

Start The date when the action will be performed for the first time.

End The date when the action will no longer be performed.

Last Run The date when scheduled task last performed the requested action.

Next Run The date when scheduled task will next perform the requested action.

Interval The time interval in hours, minutes and seconds in which the action will

perform the action next.

The Schedule Management Tool

NOTE: As this causes Real Time Automatic Operation care should be taken to

Accord Server


9.17.1 Accessing the Schedule Management Tool

There are three methods of launching the Schedule Management tool. These are as follows:


2. Click the ‘Schedule Management’ shortcut on the left-side panel. See section Error!

eference source not found..

Alternatively:


2. Click ‘Task Scheduling’ under ‘Module Status’.

Alternatively:


2. Click ‘Schedule Management’.

9.17.2 Defining/Editing a Schedule

Editing a schedule is almost identical to creating a new schedule. To perform either action,


1. Open the ‘Schedule Management’ tool.

2. Click ‘New’ to create a new schedule, otherwise click ‘Edit’ adjacent the appropriate

schedule.

3. Select the project from the ‘Project’ list.

4. Select the group from the ‘Group’ list.

5. Select the device from the ‘Device’ list.

6. Select the property of the device from the ‘Property’ list.

7. If the ‘Value’ field takes the form of a list, select the desired value, otherwise type the

value for the property.

8. Select the ‘Start Date’ by clicking on the calendar button to the right side of the field.

9. If the schedule needs to run more than once tick ‘Repeat’, otherwise leave it un-ticked.

a. Select the time interval by adjusting the arrows up or down on the right side of

the ‘Interval’ field. The field displays the time interval in the format of hh:mm:ss.

To adjust hours, select the hour’s portion of the control and adjust it by clicking

the arrows.

b. If the schedule needs to end on a specific date tick ‘End On Date’, otherwise

leave it un-ticked.

i. Select the ‘End Date’ by clicking on the calendar button to the right side

of the field.

Accord Server


10. Click ‘Save’.

Note: Accord Server does not need to be restarted, the new/edited schedule will be

automatically loaded by Accord Server during its next check cycle.

9.17.3 Deleting a Schedule

To delete an existing schedule, simply do the following:

1. Open the ‘Schedule Management’ tool.

2. Click ‘Delete adjacent the appropriate schedule.

Note: Accord Server does not need to be restarted, the schedule will be

automatically be removed by Accord Server during its next check cycle.

Accord Server


9.18 Exporting Data

Each grid based list displayed on Accord Server or Accord Reports possess the option to

export. This export option supports a variety of different file types. This may be useful,

particularly when dealing with diagnostic information, as it may be needed for future

reference. To perform an export, simply do the following:

1. Right click on the desired grid.

2. Click ‘Export As’.

3. Select the export location for the file.

4. Select the export type from the ‘Save as type’ list.

5. Click ‘Ok’.

Alternatively, when using the Diagnostics Manager:

1. Ensure the desired tool is selected.

2. Click ‘Export’ in the top toolbar.

3. Select the export location for the file.

4. Select the export type from the ‘Save as type’ list.

5. Click ‘Ok’.

Accord Server


10 Troubleshooting

The following sections contain possible solutions to potential issues that may arise during

the use of Accord Server. In the event of an issue occurring that is not covered by this

document please visit http://www.accord-platform.com/support.

10.1 OPC Configuration

During the configuration of an OPC Profile it is possible that either of the following issues

may occur. The most common of these issues are as follows:

10.1.1 No OPC Servers Found

Accord Server initially checks for the existence of OPC Servers on start-up. If no OPC Servers

have been found or a particular OPC Server is missing, verify the following:

Verify there is no error on the OPC Communications module. See section 4.1.2.

Perform a manual refresh of OPC Servers. See section 5.3.

Make sure the OPC Server in question has been installed correctly.

If the problem persists it may be necessary to perform a repair installation of the affected

OPC Server(s).

10.1.2 OPC Channel/Device Not Found

Accord Server automatically queries new OPC Servers on start-up for channel/device

configurations. If a Channel/Device configuration is not listed, simply do the following:


Perform a manual refresh of OPC Servers. See section 5.3.

Verify the OPC Server is running. (If a demo mode is active or expired, Accord Server

may not be able to query the OPC Server).

Verifying the OPC configuration is classed as active by the OPC Server. Some OPC

Servers do not provide details of settings that have not yet been committed to the

service.

If the problem persists it may be necessary to perform a repair installation of the affected

OPC Server.

http://www.accord-platform.com/support

Accord Server


10.1.3 The PLC ID Cannot Be Loaded

When attempt to activate a license for an OPC Profile, Accord Server will load the PLC ID

based on the OPC Settings provided.

In the event the PLC ID does not load in a timely manner, verify the following:

Verify the correct OPC Server has been configured. See section 5.3.

Verify the correct OPC Channel/Device setup has been configured for each group,

ensuring the General group is Active. See sections 5.6 and 5.9.

Verify the OPC Server has been configured to point to the correct PLC.

Verify the PLC is currently running the Accord Builder correct version of the PLC

operating system for the installed version of Accord Server.

Reset the PLC ID in OPC Setup

10.1.4 Voucher Activation Failure

There are a number of possible reasons why a voucher may fail to activate, these are as

follows:

1. The PLC ID has not loaded correctly, see section 10.1.3.

2. The voucher is Not Intended Product, consult the documentation that accompanied

the voucher to confirm the correct voucher has been provided.

3. The Voucher is Invalid and could not be located by the licensing service, consult the

documentation that accompanied the voucher to confirm the number is correct.

4. A connection to the internet is unavailable to the local computer.

5. Access to licensing server site is being restricted locally, either by firewall or local

network configuration.

6. The DNS server being used by the local computer, or the local network, is unable to

route requests to licensing server site

7. The licensing server site is unavailable due to an unexpected outage.

In the event that all attempts have been made and the PLC ID is available, it will become

necessary to contact your supplier to manually obtain the required license code.

Accord Server


10.2 The Service

During service start-up and shutdown Accord Server performs a series of operations that

can potentially delay the operation or even halt the operation. The following sections

discuss possible reasons for issues that may arise when performing service start-up or

shutdown:

10.2.1 The Service Fails to Start

Accord Server will not activate the service under certain conditions. If Accord Server fails to

start, verify the following:

Verify at least one valid OPC Profile exists and it is flagged as active. See section 5.

Verify there is no error displayed for the Accord Server Service. See section 4.1.2.

Verify there is no error on the Database Communications module. See section 4.1.2.

Verify an OPC Profile has been configured with a valid OPC Server and at least one

active group has a valid Channel/Device configuration. See section 5.

Verify at least one Project has been imported, flagged as active and uses a valid OPC

Profile. See section 6.

Verify the target OPC Server is running.

Accord Server will attempt to launch it automatically however, it is possible it

may not be successful in some circumstances. For example, if the product is

in demonstration timeout mode.

Verify the computer meets the minimum requirements. See section 3.1 & 7.5.

10.2.2 The Service Fails to Stop

Accord Server may have difficulty stopping under the certain circumstances. If Accord

Server fails to stop, verify the following:

Verify the Data Reporting module is not currently busy or in error. See section 4.1.2

Processing the reports queue can be time consuming and may halt service

shutdown until the queue has been cleared.

Verify there is no error on the Database Communications module. See section 4.1.2.

If the DBMS has stopped it may delay shutdown as the modules attempt to

finalise current activities.

Verify the Data Historian is not currently busy or deactivating. See section 4.1.2.

If the Data Historian is experiencing a large number of device changes they

need to be processed before a clean shutdown of the service can be

completed. Allow time for successful completion of its activities.

Accord Server



If the OPC Server has shut down or its demonstration period has expired,

Accord Server may be attempting to restore the connection, if the

demonstration period has expired, shutdown the OPC Server manually.

Verify no open Diagnostic Tools are placing a demand on the service.

Some modules, such as the OPC Communications module, are known as

Demand modules. These are modules that activate when needed. As a

result, an open Diagnostic tool for that module will prevent the service from

shutting down while it is open. Simply closing the tool will allow shutdown to

proceed.

If after a prolonged period of time Accord Server fails to Stop or report a change in status it

may be necessary to end the process using Task Manager however, this should only be

viewed as a measure of last resort.

10.2.3 The Service Cannot be Stopped/Started

If both the Start and Stop buttons are disabled it may indicate that Accord Server is

currently processing a start-up or shutdown procedure. Verify the following:

Verify no modules are currently Activating. See section 4.1.2.

Verify no modules are currently Deactivating. See section 4.1.2.

Verify no modules are currently Busy. See section 4.1.2.

Verify no demand modules are currently in use by diagnostic tools. See section 9.

See section 8.2 for more information.

Accord Server


10.3 ActiveX Communications

The ActiveX Communications module has a number of dependencies, both internal and

external, that can prevent it from successfully performing its duties. The following sections

discuss potential reasons for a number of issues that may arise when using the ActiveX

Communications module:

10.3.1 Accord Controls Unable to Connect

If the Accord Controls are unable to connect to the service, verify the following:

Verify the service is running. See section 8.2.

Verify the ActiveX Communications module has been selected as a start-up module.

See section 7.4.

Verify there is no error on the ActiveX Communications module. See section 4.1.2.

Verify the Accord Controls are using the correct service address. Consult the Accord

Controls documentation.

Verify the Accord Controls use the same TCP Port configured for the ActiveX

Communications module. See section 7.3.1.

Verify the network visibility of the ActiveX Communication module allows a

connection from the Accord Controls host computer. See section 7.3.1.

Verify there is no firewall blocking connections to Accord Server. The firewall maybe

on the Accord Server machine, or the Accord Controls machine.

Verify the version of the Accord Controls are compatible with the version of Accord

Server.

10.3.2 Accord Controls Showing Missing Status

There are a number of possible reasons why Accord Server may report a device as missing.

If a device shows as missing verify the following:

Verify the device is listed under as part of the ‘OPC Diagnostics’ listing. See section

9.6.

If present, verify the Project and Group matches those used by the Accord

Controls control.

Verify the device is listed under ‘Device Selection’. See section 7.1.1.

Verify the device is part of an active project. See section 6.5.

Verify the project has a valid OPC Profile assigned to it. See section 6.

Verify the license used by the OPC Profile possesses the ActiveX Communications

add-on. See section 5.11.

Verify the group the device belongs to is active in the selected OPC Profile. See

section 5.9.


Accord Server


If the problem persists, rebind the Accord Controls control. Consult the Accord Controls

documentation.

10.3.3 Accord Controls Showing Bad Communications

If an Accord Controls shows Bad Communications verify do the following:


Verify the quality of the current OPC read on the device using the ‘OPC Diagnostics’

tool. See section 9.6.

Bad Quality Read

1. Verify the OPC Server used by the project is running normally.

2. Confirm the ‘Downloaded Date’ of the project against the date shown in

Accord Builder. See section 6.

3. Confirm the IP address of the PLC configured in the OPC Server matches the

IP address used to download the project in Accord Builder.

Good Quality Read

4. Rebind the Accord Controls control. Consult the Accord Controls

documentation.

Note: A bad quality read on any Program will result in all Programs

showing bad communications.

Accord Server


10.4 Advanced Communications

The Advanced Communications module uses a feature of the .Net framework, known as

.Net Remoting to provide access to object representations of devices present on the PLC.

This advanced feature of the framework has a number of dependency that may affect its

performance. The following sections discuss potential reasons for a number of potential

issues that may arise when using the Advanced Communications module:

10.4.1 Accord Controls Unable to Connect

If the Accord Controls suite are unable to connect to the service verify the following:

Verify the service is running. See section 8.2.

Verify the Advanced Communications module has been selected as a start-up

module. See section 7.4.

Verify there is no error on the Advanced Communications module. See section 4.1.2.

Verify Accord Controls are using the correct service address. Consult the Accord

Controls documentation.

Verify Accord Controls uses the same TCP Port configured for the Advanced


Verify the selected interface is capable of offering services to the Accord Controls

host computer. See section 7.3.2.

Verify there is no firewall blocking connections to Accord Server. The firewall maybe

on the Accord Server machine, or the Accord Controls machine.

Verify the version of the Accord Controls are compatible with the version of Accord

Server.

10.4.2 Accord Controls Showing Missing Status

There are a number of possible reasons why Accord Server may report a device as missing.

If a device shows as missing verify the following:

Verify the device is listed under as part of the ‘OPC Diagnostics’ listing. See section

9.6.

If present, verify the Project and Group matches those used by Accord

Controls.




Verify the license used by the OPC Profile possesses the Advanced Communications

add-on. See section 5.11.


section 5.9.

Accord Server



Verify there is no error on the Device Communications module. See section 4.1.2.

If the problem persists, rebind the control. Consult the Accord Controls documentation.

10.4.3 Accord Controls Showing Bad Communications

If Accord Controls shows Bad Communications verify do the following:


Verify the quality of the current OPC read on the device using the ‘OPC Diagnostics’

tool. See section 9.6.

Bad Quality Read

1. Verify the OPC Server used by the project is running normally.

2. Confirm the ‘Downloaded Date’ of the project against the date shown in

Accord Builder. See section 6.

3. Confirm the IP address of the PLC configured in the OPC Server matches the

IP address used to download the project in Accord Builder.

Good Quality Read

4. Rebind the control. Consult the Accord- HMI / Controls documentation.

Note: A bad quality read on any Program will result in all Programs

showing bad communications.

10.4.4 Accord Controls Interaction Sluggish

If interaction between the Accord Controls and the Accord Server service seem sluggish,

please verify the following:

Verify there is sufficient resources available for Accord Server to operate. See

section 9.13.

Verify the selected interface for the Advanced Communications module is correct.

See section 7.3.2.

Verify that no firewall on the client or service computers are configured to filter the

content of communications on the port configured for the Advanced


Verify the DNS settings for the computer are configured for optimal performance on

the local area network. For example, if your computer is called “ServicePC” then it

should be possible for the IP address for ServicePC to be resolved rapidly by any

Accord Server


client on the local network. If no DNS server is available, modification of the clients

host file can improve performance. The steps are as follows:

Note: Incorrect modifications to the hosts file may negatively affect your

computers performance. If you are unsure about performing this procedure, please

consult an IT professional.

1. Configure a Static IP for ServicePC. For example, 192.168.1.1.

2. On the client machine, open the ‘Run’ dialog. Pressing Start+R will display

the dialog.

3. Type %SystemRoot%\system32\drivers\etc\hosts and click ‘Ok’.

4. Select ‘Notepad’ and click ‘Ok’.

5. At the bottom of the file, add an entry as follows based on your own internal

values:

192.168.1.1 ServicePC

Note: You need to substitute the IP and the name of the service host for

those used by your organisation.

6. Save the file.

7. Restart the application using Accord Controls.

Accord Server


10.5 OPC Communications

The OPC Communications module is perhaps the single most important module in Accord

Server. It provides functionality required by almost all other Accord Server modules. There

are a number of reasons why the OPC Communications module may be unable to perform

its duties. The following sections discuss some potential issues that may arise when using

the OPC Communications module:

10.5.1 Device Not Listed

There are a number of possible reasons why Accord Server may fail to include a device in

the list of devices available to the OPC Communications. If a device is not listed verify the

following:





section 5.9.


If the problem persists, despite all settings being correct, perform a re-import of the project.

See section 9.14.2.

10.5.2 Project Mismatch

Accord Server uses a unique identifier for each project to verify that the project running on

the target PLC is in fact the project it expects. In some circumstances it may be possible for

a mismatch to occur if an external application or service is also managing the PLC. To

prevent potential undesirable interaction with the PLC, Accord Server constantly verifies

that the unique identifier is as expected. If it detects that the identifier has changed, Accord

Server will shut down all communications services relating to that project. This is necessary

as the application now hosted on the PLC may behave entirely differently than that

expected by Accord Server. When such an event occurs, the OPC Communications module

will report a Critical status message indicating Project does not match Project on PLC:

Accord Server


10.5.3 Bad Quality Reads

The reason for bad quality reads may depend on the number of devices affected. If bad

quality reads are reported diagnose as follows using the ‘OPC Diagnostics’ tool:


A Single Device

Confirm the ‘Downloaded Date’ of the project against the date shown in Accord

Builder. See section 6.

A Group

Confirm the OPC Channel/Device setup for the group is correct for the OPC Profile

used by the project. See section 5.

A Project

Confirm the OPC Server used by the projects OPC Profile is running normally and has

not reported any errors.

Verify the Channel/Device setup for each group is correct. See section 5.

Ensure only one Accord Server is currently connected to the target PLC.

If the problem persists it may indicate a problem with the OPC Server or perhaps a firewall

issue.

Accord Server


10.6 Project Deployment

10.6.1 Accord Builder Project Not Listed

Accord Server will only list Accord Builder Projects that are compatible with the current

version of the product. If the desired database is not listed for a given server, please consult

the Accord Builder documentation to verify the version of Accord Server compatible with

the version of Accord Builder installed. To view the version of Accord Builder compatible

with the installed version of Accord Server, consult the Accord Server Configuration Report,

see section 9.12.

10.6.2 Accord Builder Project Incompatible

Accord Server can only support Accord Builder Projects that are generated using a version of

the product compatible with the current version of the product. In the event that an

incompatible database is selected, Accord Server will abort the import process. To view the

version of Accord Builder compatible with the installed version of Accord Server, consult the

Accord Server Configuration Report, see section 9.12.

10.6.3 Inconsistent Accord Builder Project

During the first two stages of the project import process, Accord Server reads all

configuration information from the target Accord Builder project. It is essential that this

information is consistent, as to download an inconsistent project to the PLC could have

undesirable consequences. To prevent this, Accord Server performs a two stage check, both

before and after the data import. If Accord Server determines at any point that the data

may be inconsistent, it will abort the import process. This includes if any changes are made

to the project using the Accord Builder during the import.

If Accord Server reports a project inconsistency, simply re-run the Accord Builder

consistency check and click ‘Retry’.

Accord Server


10.6.4 Partial Download Expected, But Full Download With Reset Required

Partial Downloads are only permitted if all the following conditions exist:

The imported project matches an existing project currently being managed by

Accord Server.

The existing project is attached to an OPC Profile.

The imported project does not exceed the maximum block capacities as defined by

the existing project, configured during the initial Full Download with Reset. See

section 9.14.10

The imported project does not exceed the license band being used by the existing

project.

The imported project contains differences between it and the existing project.

For more information on Partial Downloads, see section 9.14.5.

10.6.5 Partial Download Larger Than Expected

During the initial import of a project, the Project Downloader will attempt to assign objects

in an optimal layout for the given data block. This generally means all objects are laid out

contiguously, leaving any spare space at the end of the data block. Over time, as Partial

Downloads are made, objects containing lists may be deleted, or the number of entries in

those lists may change. The Project Downloader will always aim to make the changes

necessary with the minimum number of PLC writes however, in the event a change cannot

be accommodated within the existing layout of a data block, the Project Downloader will be

forced to reorganise that data block. This reorganisation involves laying out all objects in a

contiguous manor which may involve modifications to the positions of lists for a range of

objects. Although this behaviour is often undesirable, it is considered the Project

Downloaders measure of last resort, and helps ensure that the number of PLC write for the

majority of Partial Downloads are kept to a minimum.

10.6.6 The Reserved Entry

During the assignment of spare space, users may notice that the amount of space already

used by a list is one element larger than expected. This happens because the PLC requires

an End of List entry to mark the termination of that list. Accord Server automatically assigns

a placeholder device, known as Reserved, to the end of each list. While this object is not

part of the Accord Builder configuration, it is an essential operational component of the PLC

code. The Reserved entry does not impact on the size of the license band required for a

project. See section 5.11.1 for more information regarding license types.

Accord Server


10.6.7 PLC Reset Failure

There are a number of reasons why the PLC Reset procedure might result in failure, the

majority of which require an engineer’s intervention to correct. There is however, one

possible failure that may not directly relate to the PLC itself, a failure due to timeout. In the

event that the PLC Reset reports a timeout failure, it is necessary to check that the OPC

Communications module has not encountered an issue of bad quality reads. Accord Server

uses the General group of an OPC Profile to perform the reset. If this group is not properly

configured for any reason, or the OPC Server has encountered issues while reading the

target OPC group, the reset procedure will fail. In addition, the PLC Reset procedure

requires that the PLC is running during the download procedure. If the PLC is current in Stop

or an error is preventing execution of the PLC code, the reset procedure will fail.

To diagnose these potential issues, verify the following:

Verify the target OPC Profile for the download has a correct Channel/Device

configuration for the General group. See section 5.6.

If performing a download on an existing project, use the OPC Diagnostics tool to

verify a good quality read on the General group. See sections 9.6 and 10.5.3.

If the OPC Server possesses a tag viewing facility, verify a successful read on the

LifeByte address (Siemens – DB3, Byte4)

Verify the target PLC is not in Stop or Error.

The other possible failure that may occur are:

In Siemens Simatic Manager for S7-300, S7-400,

1. Data block compression failure

2. Data block creation failure

3. Data block deletion failure

4. Data block test failure

These may require a PLC programmer engineer to connect.

Accord Server


10.6.8 Project Mismatch

During a Partial Download (see section 9.14.5), or a Full Download without Reset (see

section 9.14.4), Accord Server verifies that the project on the target PLC has a unique

identifier matching the unique identifier assigned to the project upon initial download. If a

mismatch is confirmed, Accord Server will automatically abort the download process. A

mismatch in the unique identifier happens when an external application or service has been

used to manage the project on the target PLC. For safety reasons, Accord Server will

assume it is unsafe to interact with the project and shutdown communications.

Performing a Full Download with Reset (see section 9.14.3) will correct this issue however, it

is strongly advised to determine the original cause of the mismatch prior to performing the

download.

Accord Server


10.7 Service Redundancy

10.7.1 Primary Service Not Found

When configuring a Partner Service, it is required to select an active Primary Service. If the

‘New Redundancy Pairing’ dialog is unable to connect to the service, verify the following:

Verify the Primary Service is running. See section 8.2.

Verify the Service Redundancy module has been selected as a start-up module on

the Primary Service. See section 7.4.

Verify there is no error on the Service Redundancy module for the Primary Service.

See section 4.1.2.

Verify the Primary Service has been configured to publish as a Primary Service. See

section 7.3.4.3.

Verify the ‘Service Port’ configured on the Partner Service matches the

‘Communications Port’ configured on the Primary Service. See sections 7.3.4.3 and

7.3.4.5.

Verify there is no firewall blocking connections between the two Accord Server

services. The blockage is usually on the side of the Primary Service.

Verify the version of the each Accord Server Service matches. See section 4.5.9.

10.7.2 Consolidation Failures

Accord Server has a robust consolidation mechanism that ensures changes between the

Primary and Partner Services are synchronised on a regular basis. Much of the work is

processed by the Partner Service, reducing the strain on the Primary Service. This approach

is logical since consolidation never happens while the Primary Service is down, meaning that

once the Primary Service is operational, the Partner Service usually is idle and has resources

to perform the complex consolidation process. In the event of consolidation failure, issues

usually arise as a result of SQL Server communication issues, since the consolidation process

requires a reliable connection between the Primary Service database and the Partner

Service database be maintained throughout the procedure. If consolidation failures, verify

the following:

Verify the SQL Server Installation for the Primary Service is configured to permit

connections over TCP/IP.

Verify there is no firewall blocking SQL Server connections. This problem is more

likely to be as a result of poor firewall configuration on the computer hosting the

Primary Service.

Verify a stable network connection exists between both the Primary Service and the

Partner Service.

Accord Server


10.7.3 Partner Service Fails to Deactivate a Partner Project

The Partner Service will automatically activate/deactivate any project obtained from the

Primary Service whenever the state of the Primary Service is detected to have changed. If

the Primary Service and Partner Services are in states that contradict this model, the likely

cause is related to a communications failure. The end result in this situation is that both the

Primary and Partner Services will both be active at the same time. The Partner Service will

not deactivate until such as time as communications with the Primary Service is restored,

and that the Primary Service confirms services are operating as expected. To diagnose the

potential cause of a communications failure, see section 10.7.1.

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