PLC Reports User Manual

5. Installation

5.1. General Information

This manual contains important information on available editions, installation and operation of PLC reports.

5.2. Editions

PLC Reports is available in graded functional range. Depending on the edition, the number of PLCs, variables, archives as well as the number of report sheets is limited. Excel macros are available starting with Edition S.

5.2.1. Starter Edition

The Starter Edition allows you to create reports for small plants in a cost effective manner. The Starter Edition has the full range of functions with the exception of running Excel macros.

5.2.2. Edition S, M, L und XL

The editions S, M, L and XL have the full functionality including the ability to expand the reporting capabilities by running your own Excel macros.

5.2.3. Functional Overview of the Editions

Edition PLCs Report Sheets Variables Archives Run Macros
Starter 1 3 10 20 No
Small (S) 3 10 25 50 Yes
Medium (M) 10 20 100 200 Yes
Large (L) 20 40 200 400 Yes
Extra Large (XL) Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Yes

5.2.3.1. PLCs

The number of PLCs indicates how many PLCs can be defined for data reading for reporting purposes.

5.2.3.2. Report Sheets

The number of report sheets indicates how many different Excel sheets reporting data can be written. Thereby only sheets into which PLC Reports writes data are counted. Different representations of the data in other worksheets, e.g. in trends or diagrams are not counted.

5.2.3.3. Variables

The number of variables indicates how many tag values can be read from the PLCs.

5.2.3.4. Archives

The number of archives indicates how many different archives can be defined.

5.2.3.5. Run Marcos

Run Macros indicates whether or not your own macros can be called during report creation. 

5.3. Installation Requirements

To install PLC Report, the following software and hardware requirements must be met:

Operating System Microsoft Windows   XP/Vista/7/8/Server 2003/Server2008 32Bit or 64Bit
CPU >= Intel   Pentium Core 2 Duo*
RAM >= 1GByte
Resolution >=1024×768
Hard drive > 100MB, depending   on the size of the report files and storage locations
Office Microsoft Office   2003**/2007/2010
Or single Excel Excel   2003*/2007/2010
.NET Microsoft .NET   Framework 4 Client Profile. Will be installed automatically during setup if   an Internet connection is available.
* Depending on the   size of the configuration.
** Limited   functionality in the PDF output, the available file formats as well as the   graphical design possibilities

5.4. How to Install

The installation of PLC Reports requires administrative privileges and is always carried out for all users. To meet the current security concepts particularly in Windows 7 and 8, the Public Documents folder is used for settings, templates and report output: „Drive:\Users\Public\Documents“

In Windows Vista or higher, Public Documents are displayed in the user’s documents folder. With Windows XP, the directory is located under “Documents and Settings”.

PLC Reports requires the Microsoft. NET Framework 4 to be installed on the target computer. If it is not already installed, the .NET Framework 4 will automatically be downloaded and installed during the setup process if connected to the Internet. In case no internet connection is available during setup, the .NET Framework must be manually installed before running the PLC Reports setup program.

To install PLC Reports proceed as follows:

  1. Download the latest version of PLC Reports from the Internet.
  2. Make sure that you are logged on with administrative privileges.
  3. Run the downloaded PLC Reports installation program: Setup.exe.
  4. Confirm the Windows Security Alert and allow the installer to make changes to the computer.
  5. The installer of PLC Reports starts:
    PLC Reports Installer 1
  6. Read the terms and conditions as well as the license terms. To install and use PLC Reports, the terms and conditions must be accepted.
    Setup2 EN
  7. Select the installation directory. Accepting the suggested directory is recommended.
    Setup3 EN
  8. Confirm to start the installation.
    Setup4 EN
  9. The setup process will start. A dialog will inform you about the successful installation after the installation finishes.
    Setup5 EN
  10. PLC Reports is now installed on your computer.
  11. You can start PLC Reports by means of the Start menu or by double-click on the desktop icon.

5.4.1. Approach to Using PLC Reports by Multiple Users and Share Data

User files of PLC Reports are always located in the Public Documents folder. Therefore, all settings as well as definition files are always available for all users.

1.5. How to Uninstall

To uninstall PLC Reports, proceed as follows:

  1. Open the control panel
  2. Depending on your Windows version, select „Add and Remove Programs“ or „Programs and Features“
  3. Select PLC Reports from the list of installed programs
  4. Click the button „Uninstall“
  5. PLC Reports is now being uninstalled

You will be informed about the completion of the uninstall process.