Ok, so hopefully this will be an easy one. I've started getting into performance equations and all things possible with it, but haven't seen or come across a way to start a timer. I see tons of after the fact calcualtions between two values of tags, but I need a REALTIME value.
So I monitor the equipment to ensure it is in the proper running state. Lets say that state is 5. That value is sent from the PLC to a PI Tag "EQUIPXX:SEQ_STATE"
I can monitor these tags, and see what is running and what is in a ware transfer. If the transfer takes too long, I want to know about it by using a multistate object and changing the color based on time elapsed.
In my head, I see this as a performance equation where it looks to see if the tag changed from a value of 5 to anything BUT 5, and starts a timer. (IF NOT) After it reaches 5 again, it stops counting, and displays the elapsed time until it happens again and starts from zero again.
. I will have a multistate object beside this value (a circle) that changes color based on how many seconds have elapsed.
Being able to catch sequence hangups and other issues is essential, but there's no quick and dirty way to do this from what I have found.
Is there a timer function that can be utilized by performance equations, or do I need to look elsewhere for a solution?
Thanks