Displaying Process Tag Names in APL Faceplate Trend Printouts in SIMATIC PCS 7

In SIMATIC PCS 7 APL faceplates, process tag names do not automatically appear on paper printouts when pressing the print button from the faceplate trend view because the default trend control layout prints only the visual graph canvas without an active data legend. To display the process tag name, engineering unit, and current value on the printed report: 1. Enable the 'Ruler Table' property in the WinCC Online Trend Control embedded in @pg_apl_trend.pdl, which renders a tabular legend containing the tag name beneath the trend curve; 2. Utilize the Advanced Operator Trend Control (AOTC) by pressing Ctrl+Click on the block icon, which includes full tag names and limits in its print job; or 3. Customize the underlying WinCC Report Designer print layout (@Trend_Online_Report.rpt).

Executive Summary

In process manufacturing and regulatory compliance monitoring, operators frequently print hardcopy reports of real-time and historical trend curves directly from APL faceplates during upset conditions. However, in standard SIMATIC PCS 7 V8.2 installations, clicking the print icon in the APL faceplate trend view often outputs only the raw graphical curve and time axis, omitting the tag name, plant identifier, and engineering units. This omission renders the printed document ambiguous for quality audits and shift turnover. This article explains the architectural relationship between APL faceplate trend windows, WinCC Online Trend Control properties, and WinCC Report Designer print jobs, providing three verified solutions to ensure full tag identification on all trend hardcopies.

Architecture and Fundamental Mechanics

APL Trend Faceplates, WinCC Online Trend Control, and Report Generation Mechanics:

APL Faceplate Trend Architecture (@pg_apl_trend.pdl):
In PCS 7 Advanced Process Library (APL), the trend view of any analog faceplate is driven by the standardized sub-picture @pg_apl_trend.pdl.
This picture hosts an instance of the WinCC Online Trend Control (f(t) control) configured dynamically at runtime using the tag prefix passed from the parent faceplate.
When the operator clicks the print button on the trend toolbar, the control executes an internal WinCC print job (typically @Trend_Online_Report.rpt or a direct graphical hardcopy screen dump).
The Ruler Table (Ruler Grid) Solution:
By default, the Online Trend Control in APL faceplates is configured with the 'Ruler Table' hidden to preserve compact screen real estate.
When the Ruler Table is enabled in the control's properties, a structured grid is displayed alongside or beneath the trend. This grid lists: Tag Name, Curve Color, Archive Tag Name, Current Value, Minimum, Maximum, and Engineering Units.
When a printout is triggered, the control prints both the graphical curves and the ruler table, clearly identifying all tags.
Advanced Operator Trend Control (AOTC):
Introduced natively in PCS 7 V8.2 (with enhancements in SP1), AOTC allows operators to dynamically combine multiple process tags into a single trending window.
Holding the Ctrl key and clicking any APL block icon opens the tag directly inside AOTC.
AOTC includes a comprehensive header, legend, and ruler table containing tag names, descriptions, and high/low alarm limits. Its native print function produces a fully labeled report ready for compliance documentation.
WinCC Report Designer Print Layout Customization:
In WinCC Explorer, the 'Print Jobs' and 'Layouts' editors manage system printouts.
Customizing @Trend_Online_Report.rpt allows inserting dynamic text objects bound to @CurrentTag or WinCC system tags, printing the plant area, timestamp, and tag name in a formal report header.

Step-by-Step Implementation Procedure

Enable the Ruler Table in the APL Faceplate Trend Control:
* On the Engineering Station, open WinCC Explorer and open Graphics Designer.
* In Graphics Designer, open the picture @pg_apl_trend.pdl (located in the project GraCS folder).
* Double-click the WinCC Online Trend Control object to open its Properties dialog.
* Select the Ruler (or Table) tab.
* Check the box Display Ruler Table (or enable 'Ruler window active').
* Under Table Columns, ensure Tag Name, Value, and Unit are checked for visibility.
* In the Toolbar tab, ensure the 'Ruler' toggle button is visible so operators can toggle it if needed.
* Save @pg_apl_trend.pdl.
Utilize Advanced Operator Trend Control (AOTC) for Standard Trends:
* In WinCC Runtime, locate the block icon of the analog tag you wish to trend.
* Press and hold the Ctrl key on your keyboard and left-click the block icon.
* The AOTC window opens with the tag pre-populated, displaying its full Tag Name, Description, and Engineering Unit.
* Click the Print icon in the AOTC toolbar to generate an immediate, fully labeled hardcopy.
Customize the WinCC Report Designer Print Job (Optional Formal Layout):
* In WinCC Explorer, navigate to Report Designer -> Layouts.
* Open @Trend_Online_Report.rpt.
* Insert a Dynamic Metafile or Tag Name text object in the page header.
* Save the layout and verify that the default print job Hardcopy or @Trend_Online_Report is assigned to your designated report printer.

Verification

In WinCC Runtime, open the faceplate of an analog monitoring block (e.g. MonAnL).
Switch to the Trend view of the faceplate.
Verify that the Ruler Table is visible beneath the trend line displaying the exact Tag Name and unit.
Click the Print icon on the trend control toolbar.
Inspect the printed document or PDF output; confirm that the Tag Name, curve color, timestamp, and process value appear clearly.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Modifying @pg_apl_trend.pdl directly in the project GraCS directory can be overwritten by the OS Project Editor if 'Update Typical Pictures' or system picture updates are executed during future upgrades. To prevent overwriting, maintain a backup in your Master Data Library. AOTC features require PCS 7 V8.2 SP1 or higher for full functionality. Enabling the ruler table in the faceplate trend view reduces the vertical pixel height of the graphical curve area on small client monitors.