About integral variables

The integral variable supports multiple reporting points to calculate integral values, when they point to the same SCADA data tag.

An integral variable calculates how much area in a graphical representation of data is under-the-curve. For example, if you know rate and time, you can multiply rate x time to determine a quantity over time.

In cases with a single reporting point, you could use a Production reporting point and Production field with the CalculationType property set to Integral to calculate the production quantity. However, with the integral variable, you can use multiple reporting points and combine the collected data.

The integral variable is positioned between the reporting points and the SCADA tag and acts as a intermediary; the variable makes calculations that it passes back to the reporting points. This takes into consideration the data from the other reporting points. Because of the calculation performed by the integral variable, each reporting point reports the accurate totals.

This is particularly important to calculate values that represent the over consumption of energy.

Example scenarios

You might use an integral variable in the following scenarios:

• Multiple products pass down the same production line. Single reporting points might trigger for certain products; however, you want to combine the production totals of products to create total overall production quantity.

• A product passes through a production line and is shipped by means of several different shipping channels. For example coal passes through the production facility and then is distributed to Ship A, Ship B, Ship C, Ship D.

  Note: Integral variables exist specifically to support the Inventory module; however, you can use them in any AVEVA™ Production Management module.

Related topics

• About Energy events

• Add and configure an integral variable

• Add and configure an integral calculation condition

• Add and configure a Production reporting point

• About Production custom fields