ProgressBar

ProgressBar

The ProgressBar is a control object used to visually indicate how much of a process has been completed or the position of a value (level, speed, etc.) within a defined range (Minimum/Maximum).
This object does not accept input from the operator; it is a strictly read-only indicator. It does not allow the operator to change the value.

Common Use Cases
  • Tank Level: Visually displaying a tank’s fill rate (e.g., 0% – 100%).
  • Process Progress: Showing the progress of a recipe or a long-running script (e.g., “Generating Report…”).
  • Timer Indicator: Showing the remaining time for a cycle to complete (e.g., 0-60 seconds).
  • Indeterminate Wait: Displaying a process of unknown duration (e.g., “Connecting to Database…”) using the Marquee style.

Basic Configuration and Operation

1. Defining the Range (Advanced Panel) The object’s operational logic is defined in the Advanced panel. Here, you determine the maximum and minimum values the bar will represent.

2. Binding the Value (Properties Panel) The instantaneous progress value to be displayed is linked to a SCADA tag via the Value -> Tag property in the Properties panel. This is a one-way link (Tag -> Object).

Properties Panel – Key Properties

Value

  • Tag:
    • Function: This is the single most important dynamic property of the ProgressBar. The instant value of the connected tag determines the fill rate of the bar.
    • Direction: This link is one-way (Tag -> Object). The operator cannot change this value by clicking the bar.
  • Minimum:
    • Function: Defines the starting value considered as “empty” (0%).
    • Usage: This property can be configured in two ways:
      • Fixed Value: Leave it empty to use the static minimum value set in the Advanced panel.
      • Dynamic Tag: In advanced scenarios, bind a tag (e.g., Min_Limit_Tag) here to change the lower limit dynamically (e.g., based on a value coming from a recipe).
  • Maximum:
    • Function: Defines the ending value considered as “full” (100%).
    • Usage: Similar to the Minimum property, this can be configured in two ways:
      • 1. Fixed Value: Leave it empty to use the static maximum value set in the Advanced panel.
      • 2. Dynamic Tag: In advanced scenarios, bind a tag (e.g., Max_Limit_Tag) here to change the upper limit dynamically.

Advanced Panel – Key Properties

The Advanced panel defines the appearance and behavior of the bar.

  • Minimum
    • The lowest numeric value the bar can take (e.g., 0).
  • Maximum

The highest numeric value the bar can take (e.g., 100).

  • Style
    • Determines how the bar behaves.
    • Continuous (Recommended): The bar fills as a smooth, single block. Ideal for displaying values like level or temperature.
    • Blocks: The bar fills in small, segmented blocks.
    • Marquee: The bar does not show specific progress; instead, it shows a moving animation (a block sliding from right to left). This is used for processes with unknown durations (e.g., “Connecting…”). The Value property is effectively ignored in this mode.

Common Usage Examples

Example 1: Tank Level Indicator (0-100%)

  1. Add a ProgressBar to the screen.
  2. Go to the Advanced panel:
    • Minimum: 0
    • Maximum: 100
    • Style: Continuous (For a smooth appearance).
  3. Go to the Properties panel:
    • Bind Value -> Tag to the Tank_Level tag.

Result: When the Tank_Level tag is 75, the bar appears 75% full.

Example 2: Cycle Time (0-60 Seconds)

To show a 60-second cycle for a process.

  1. Add a ProgressBar to the screen.
  2. In the Advanced panel, set Minimum = 0 and Maximum = 60.
  3. In the Properties panel, bind the Tag to a PLC tag that counts from 0 to 60.

Result: The bar fills slowly over 60 seconds and resets when the counter resets.

Example 3: “Connecting…” Indicator (Marquee)

A wait indicator during a database connection of unknown duration.

  1. Add a ProgressBar to the screen.
  2. In the Advanced panel, set the Style property to Marquee.
  3. Go to the Properties -> Visible property.
  4. Use + New to add a condition:
    • Condition: Connection_Bit = “true”
    • (Note: The Default value should be False).

Result: When Connection_Bit is True, the ProgressBar becomes visible and plays the continuous animation. When the process finishes and the bit becomes False, the bar disappears.

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