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Start/Stop Machine Simulation - Wonderware-intouch Typing CST Test
Start/Stop Machine Simulation — Wonderware-intouch Code
Simulate a machine start/stop using buttons and a boolean tag.
# wonderware_intouch/demo/StartStopApp
1. Create a Boolean Tag 'MachineRunning'.
2. Drag two buttons: 'Start' and 'Stop'.
3. Configure 'Start' button: On Click -> Set 'MachineRunning' = True.
4. Configure 'Stop' button: On Click -> Set 'MachineRunning' = False.
5. Add an animated indicator light bound to 'MachineRunning'.
6. Run the runtime to control the machine state.Wonderware-intouch Language Guide
Wonderware InTouch (now AVEVA InTouch HMI) is a graphical Human-Machine Interface (HMI) development platform used to design real-time industrial visualization, SCADA dashboards, and operator control screens for manufacturing, utilities, and automation systems.
Primary Use Cases
- ▸SCADA dashboards and operator control panels
- ▸Real-time process monitoring
- ▸Alarm and event visualization
- ▸Historical trending and data logging
- ▸Multi-PLC and multi-protocol SCADA integration
Notable Features
- ▸SmartSymbols and reusable graphics
- ▸Built-in alarming and trending
- ▸Scripting using QuickScript
- ▸Connectivity via OPC, Modbus, DDE, SuiteLink
- ▸Integration with Historian and System Platform
Origin & Creator
Originally developed by Wonderware Corp. (founded 1987), later acquired by Invensys and now part of AVEVA.
Industrial Note
Extremely common in SCADA environments where operator monitoring, industrial visualization, and centralized control are required-especially in water treatment, power distribution, and manufacturing plants.
Quick Explain
- ▸InTouch is used to create visualization screens for real-time industrial control.
- ▸Offers drag-and-drop graphics, animation links, and scripting for automation.
- ▸Communicates with PLCs, RTUs, sensors, and SCADA systems.
- ▸Provides trending, alarming, historian integration, and secure operator control.
- ▸Widely used across factories, energy, water plants, and large SCADA networks.
Core Features
- ▸HMI screen development
- ▸Data tags and I/O addressing
- ▸Alarms and events management
- ▸Scripting engine
- ▸Runtime for operator control
Learning Path
- ▸Basic HMI design
- ▸Tag configuration & comms
- ▸Scripts and animations
- ▸Alarms and historian
- ▸System Platform integration
Practical Examples
- ▸Pump control and status dashboard
- ▸Water tank level monitoring
- ▸Power plant turbine display
- ▸Factory production line HMI
- ▸SCADA alarm management screen
Comparisons
- ▸InTouch vs WinCC: InTouch easier to learn; WinCC more integrated with Siemens tools
- ▸InTouch vs FactoryTalk View: InTouch more flexible; FTView more Rockwell-centric
- ▸InTouch vs iFIX: InTouch more graphical; iFIX stronger in data handling
- ▸InTouch vs Citect SCADA: Citect better for large SCADA; InTouch better HMI builder
- ▸InTouch vs Ignition: Ignition is modern & cross-platform; InTouch has stronger legacy industrial base
Strengths
- ▸Very user-friendly interface
- ▸Fast to build industrial dashboards
- ▸Strong ecosystem with Historian and System Platform
- ▸Connects to many PLC brands
- ▸Highly scalable for small HMIs to large SCADA
Limitations
- ▸Windows-only
- ▸Requires licensing for runtime and development
- ▸Older UI design (legacy versions)
- ▸Limited 3D visualization
- ▸Heavier setups for large SCADA deployments
When NOT to Use
- ▸Non-Windows environments
- ▸Very small embedded HMIs
- ▸Budget-constrained projects
- ▸High-end 3D visualization needs
- ▸Cloud-only architectures
Cheat Sheet
- ▸F2 -> Tag Browser
- ▸Ctrl + N -> New Window
- ▸Double-click object -> Animations
- ▸Use Globals for common scripts
- ▸Historian -> Trend setup
FAQ
- ▸Is InTouch still supported? -> Yes, now by AVEVA.
- ▸Is it easy to learn? -> Very beginner-friendly.
- ▸Does it support scripting? -> Yes, QuickScript.
- ▸Does it connect to most PLCs? -> Yes via OPC/SuiteLink.
- ▸Is it free? -> No, licensed.
30-Day Skill Plan
- ▸Week 1: HMI basics + navigation
- ▸Week 2: Tags + alarms
- ▸Week 3: Trends + scripts
- ▸Week 4: PLC connectivity
- ▸Week 5: SCADA architecture
Final Summary
- ▸Wonderware InTouch is a powerful HMI/SCADA design tool.
- ▸Best for industrial visualization and operator control.
- ▸Supports multiple PLCs and industrial protocols.
- ▸Easy-to-use graphical environment with scripting.
- ▸Common in manufacturing, utilities, and plant SCADA setups.
Project Structure
- ▸Application folder
- ▸Tagname dictionary
- ▸Window files
- ▸Scripts
- ▸Graphics and SmartSymbols
Monetization
- ▸SCADA development projects
- ▸Factory HMI setups
- ▸Maintenance contracts
- ▸System Platform consulting
- ▸Training services
Productivity Tips
- ▸Use templates and symbol libraries
- ▸Reuse screens where possible
- ▸Avoid redundant tags
- ▸Use diagnostic viewer frequently
- ▸Keep scripts simple
Basic Concepts
- ▸Tags - variables linked to PLCs or internal memory
- ▸Windows - main HMI screens
- ▸Animation links - dynamic graphic bindings
- ▸Scripts - QuickScript logic
- ▸Alarms - condition monitoring
Official Docs
- ▸https://www.aveva.com/
- ▸AVEVA InTouch HMI Documentation Portal