Because the ibaQDR function is merely an add-on to the ibaPDA software and thus all the ibaPDA features can be simultaneously used with the ibaQDR function on a system, it would be easy to consider doing without a separate ibaPDA system. This is not recommended because of the different objectives of the systems. In actual fact, a separate ibaPDA system should always be available when using an ibaQDR system.

The ibaPDA system is used for diagnostics and analysis of fast-moving process events. It is the preferred solution for maintenance, monitoring, and fault analysis. Therefore, it is often necessary to change the signal configuration, e.g. to apply new signals. However, every change to the I/O configuration in ibaPDA requires acquisition to be stopped and restarted.

By contrast, the ibaQDR system requires uninterrupted operation when production is in progress. Every time acquisition stops, ibaQDR loses synchronization with the production process, which means that the data acquired up to that point is normally lost and the finished product files can no longer be generated. Each time acquisition is restarted, synchronization with the production process must be carried out first. This means that an entire (dummy) product has to pass through the line before all measuring locations are re-synchronized. This prevents spontaneous work, as is sometimes necessary during maintenance.

In addition, the measurement signals for the ibaQDR system are usually defined once and are then not, or only very infrequently, changed. These configuration changes should be carried out during scheduled system stoppages.

Some of the process signals to be measured are often required by both systems. Depending on the interfaces used to transfer the measurement signals from the process automation system to ibaPDA or ibaQDR, different solutions for supplying the data to the two systems are possible.

PROFIBUS DP, Ethernet TCP/IP and other bus systems: Measured values generated by the automation system and to be stored in both systems (ibaPDA and ibaQDR) are transferred in separate telegrams, once to the ibaPDA system and once to the ibaQDR system.

ibaNet: If required, measured values supplied via optical fibers (e.g. from ibaPADU, ibaLink, ibaFOB,...) can be forwarded directly from one system to the other using ibaFOB-OF-Link interface connections or ibaBM-FOX-i-3o modules (optical fiber multipliers) and fiber optic cables. When using ibaFOB-OF-Link interface connections, the signals should first be routed to the ibaQDR system and then forwarded from there, as ibaQDR is usually operating constantly.

ibaNet-E: The required signals can be received by both ibaQDR and ibaPDA via this Ethernet-based protocol, provided that ibaNet-E-compatible devices are the data source, e.g. ibaM-COM.

Furthermore, it is useful to use the ibaPDA system for storage and analysis of the installed material tracking system in the basic automation (level 1).

In any case, a time-based standard store with all signals should always be configured and used on an ibaQDR system alongside the QDR store. Storage can be carried out locally and in a relatively short time. It provides practical assistance in support cases (playback) and with installation and configuration of the system.