Ideally, the material tracking system supplies the following signals that can be used for ibaQDR (example of strip processing line):

  • Measured strip length values or length counter for the individual line sections, where available

  • Internal tracking IDs for the tracked parts in these sections

  • Trigger signal for completion of tracked parts (e.g. cut signal from exit shear)

  • Operating statuses of uncoilers and coilers and / or active entry pathsand the speeds in these sections

From text signals (e.g. from Level 2):

  • Product ID of next product coil

  • Setpoints

  • Further information such as customer ID, material class, setpoints, tolerances, etc.

What if there are not sufficient signals?

If there is no material tracking available, or the material tracking system installed only supplies very rudimentary or imprecise data, it is possible to compensate for this deficit to a limited extent in ibaQDR itself. Special functions and virtual signals can be used to determine or calculate the required information.

You can find information about this under Adjustments with virtual signals

If a good supply of data to ibaQDR is not feasible using this method, either more effective material tracking should be planned or expansion of a PLC program should be considered.

Reducing the number of tracking signals required

On very large lines with a high number of measuring locations, the signal volume at the interface between the material tracking and basic automation systems or with ibaQDR can be considerable.

ibaQDR provides effective functions to enable this signal volume to be reduced.

For example, it is possible to use the same speed signal for multiple measuring locations if they are located within a line section with the same material speed. This is the purpose of the measuring locations with offset, where only the relevant distance (offset) to a standard measuring location has to be known.