XStep Process Instructions for PI Sheets

Use

XStep process instructions for destination type PI Sheet are displayed as browser-based PI sheets in the SAP system. The process operator can process the PI sheet interactively. That is, the process operator is provided with the instructions for his work at the production line and he then enters data into the system accordingly, which is then further processed in the SAP system.

This graphic is explained in the accompanying text.

This example relates to the PI sheets of the process industries. However, you can also use XSteps in shop floor control for work instructions, where you have the same options as described here for the PI sheet.

Prerequisites

In order to create process instructions for an XStep, you must first assign a destination type to the XStep or a specific control recipe destination.

Features

Using XStep process instructions you can store the following contents and functions in the PI sheet:

Output

You can output information such as long texts, numerical values and images in the PI sheet.

For more information, see XStep: Outputs .

Input

Using the input fields, you can request production-relevant data, that the process operator should create in the PI sheet. For example, values and signatures can be created in the PI sheet.

For more information, see XStep: Inputs

Depending upon the data type, you can also define the following functions for input fields:

Input Validation

See: XStep: Input Validations in Input Fields

Error Handling

Control Functions

With the aid of control functions, you can enter confirmations and perform calculations for example. The following functions can be defined in the PI sheet:

Calculations

See: XStep Calculations

Manufacturing Data Access

See: XStep: Manufacturing Data Access

Automatic Entries

See: XStep Automatic Value Assignment

Tables

See: Tables

Function Calls

See: XStep: Dynamic Function Calls

Process Messages

See: Process Messages

Commands

See: XStep: Functions that can be Executed Automatically

Data Format

A value is suggested, as standard, for the majority of XStep process instructions, which determines the data format of the value. If you want to use a different format, you have to choose a different characteristic from the input help, or create a new characteristic.

You can create your own characteristics in Customizing for production planning – process industries under Process Instructions → Process Instruction Characteristics → Define Characteristics for Process Instructions .

Layout in the PI Sheet

The SAP standard layout is defined in such a way that all input and output fields, with the exception of long texts, are displayed on the right side of the PI sheet. If you have defined input and output fields as well as long texts, the long text will be displayed on the left of the PI sheet. In parallel, the input and output fields will also be displayed at the same level.

Layout Definition for the PI Sheets

If you want to change the standard layout of the PI sheet, or you want to define it yourself, you must choose characteristic PPPI_LAYOUT, as is the case with characteristic-based process instructions. To do this, proceed as follows:

Double-click node ( ) and choose the tab page Characteristics.

Create the characteristic PPPI_LAYOUT in the characteristic overview. It must be in first position in the characteristics list.

Go to the ( ) Long Text Editor and create your XML definition.

For more information, see Layout Definition for PI Sheets and Cockpits .

Activities

The following example illustrates how you can create an XStep process instruction:

Select a new XStep node and choose Create → Process Instruction. The system creates the entry ( ) < New Process Instruction > below the selected XStep node.

Select ( ) < New Process Instruction > and choose Create → Output → Long Text. The system creates the entry ( ) < Grouping > with the subnode < Long Text > below the ( ) < New Proces s Instruction> node.

Double-click the ( ) < Long Text > icon. The Values Output dialog box appears.

In the dialog box Value Output enter a description and a long text.

This graphic is explained in the accompanying text.