Why Print Preview of Batch Reports is Disabled in BatchCC with Process Historian and Information Server

In SIMATIC BATCH Control Center (BatchCC), the "Print Preview" option for batch reports is automatically disabled (grayed out) whenever the batch system is configured to archive data to SIMATIC Process Historian (PH) and SIMATIC Information Server (IS). In standalone architectures without PH/IS, BatchCC utilizes legacy Crystal Reports / Advanced Report components to render local print previews directly on client PCs. However, once long-term archiving to Process Historian is active, report generation authority is delegated entirely to Information Server's centralized, web-based Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) engine. Batch reports must be viewed, previewed, and printed via the Information Server web portal or through an embedded WinCC IS Report control.

Architecture of SIMATIC BATCH Reporting: Standalone vs. PH/IS Integration

In SIMATIC PCS 7, batch documentation and electronic batch records (EBR) operate under two distinct reporting paradigms:
- Standalone BATCH Architecture: The BATCH Server archives completed batches into local SQL database files (*.mdf). BatchCC uses internal reporting engines (Crystal Reports or SIMATIC BATCH Advanced Report) to render previews and print reports directly to Windows printer queues.
- Enterprise Enterprise Historian Architecture (PH/IS): Completed batch data, recipe step transitions, trends, and electronic operator signatures are streamed cyclically to the central SIMATIC Process Historian (PH) archive server.
- The Centralized Reporting Engine: SIMATIC Information Server (IS) connects directly to PH, using Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) and web-based templates to generate regulatory-compliant PDF/Excel reports.

Why BatchCC Disables Local Print Preview Under Process Historian

When an engineer opens BatchCC on an operator client, right-clicks an archived batch, and observes that Print Preview is grayed out, this is intended system behavior rather than a software defect:
* Delegation of Reporting Authority: During PCS 7 engineering, assigning Process Historian as the long-term archive sets an internal system flag in the BATCH database (bcsCentralArchiveActive = TRUE).
* Data Relocation: Once a batch is closed and transferred to Process Historian, the detailed second-by-second analog trend values and operator audit events are purged from the local BATCH Server cache to optimize operational performance.
* Integrity Enforcement: Because local client workstations no longer host the granular historical trend data, BatchCC intentionally disables the local print preview to prevent operators from generating partial, non-compliant, or outdated paper reports.

The Role of SIMATIC Information Server in Regulatory Batch Records

In pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and food-and-beverage facilities regulated by FDA 21 CFR Part 11 / EU GMP Annex 11, centralized reporting via Information Server provides essential compliance safeguards:
- Tamper-Proof Archiving: Reports are synthesized directly from cryptographically validated Process Historian database tables.
- Automated Report Subscriptions: Information Server automatically generates PDF batch reports upon batch closure, storing them in secure network repositories or emailing them to quality assurance managers.
- Zero-Client Reporting: Quality personnel can view, validate, and print batch records using standard web browsers (Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge) without installing proprietary PCS 7 or BatchCC software.

Method: Accessing, Previewing, and Printing Batch Reports via Information Server

To view and print batch reports when Process Historian is active, use the Information Server reporting interface:

Step 1: Open the Information Server Web Application

On any networked client or engineering PC, open a web browser.
Navigate to the Information Server URL:
text https://<Information_Server_Computer_Name>/InformationServer
Log in using authorized Windows domain or local credentials with Reporting privileges.

Step 2: Select the Standard SIMATIC BATCH Report Template

In the Information Server navigation menu, select Reports.
Expand the SIMATIC BATCH report template category.
Select the desired report template:
- Batch Report (Standard): Detailed record containing recipe headers, unit allocations, step durations, and alarms.
- Batch Trend Report: High-resolution historical trend curves of critical process variables (temperatures, pressures, agitator speeds).
- Batch Recipe Comparison Report: Comparative variance analysis between master recipe parameters and actual execution.

Step 3: Filter by Batch ID and Generate Preview

In the parameter selection pane, choose the active Process Cell.
Select the batch search filter: enter the Batch ID, Batch Name, or date range.
Click Preview (or Run Report).
The SSRS engine compiles the data from Process Historian and renders the complete batch record with interactive navigation bookmarks.

Step 4: Export and Print

Click the Export icon on the top toolbar:
- Select PDF for tamper-proof regulatory filing.
- Select Excel for statistical engineering analysis.
Open the downloaded PDF and send it to an authorized plant network printer.

Verification

To verify that the reporting channel is fully operational:
- Complete a test batch in BatchCC and confirm that the batch status transitions from Closed to Archived.
- Open SIMATIC Process Historian Management Console: verify that the batch database entry is transferred with status Archived / Synchronized.
- Open Information Server: query the Batch ID: confirm that the batch appears in the selection list and generates a complete multi-page PDF report within seconds.
- In WinCC OS Runtime, click the Information Server Report button: verify that the embedded web control displays the preview directly within the operator HMI screen.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Do Not Sever PH-BATCH Connection to Force Local Previews: Removing the Process Historian assignment to regain the local BatchCC print preview breaks long-term data archiving and risks catastrophic data loss on high-volume production lines.
Information Server Template Versioning: When upgrading PCS 7 (e.g., from V9.0 to V9.1), always reinstall and update the SIMATIC BATCH Report Templates inside Information Server to maintain compatibility with updated database schemas.
Time Synchronization: Ensure the Information Server, Process Historian, and BATCH servers are strictly time-synchronized via NTP. Timestamp skews cause missing trend slices on generated reports.

Engineer FAQ

Can an operator preview a report directly from a WinCC OS screen?

Yes. By embedding the WinCC Information Server Report Control into a standard WinCC process picture (.pdl), operators can trigger and view Information Server batch reports directly from the WinCC runtime interface.

Is it possible to print a batch report automatically when a batch finishes?

Yes. In Information Server, create an Event-Triggered Subscription. Configure the trigger condition to "Batch Status = Closed", which causes Information Server to generate the PDF and dispatch it to a network printer automatically.

Why does a batch show in BatchCC but report 'No Data Found' in Information Server?

This occurs if the batch has closed in BatchCC but the Process Historian Archive Service has not finished transferring the temporary batch data segments into long-term storage. Wait a few minutes for the synchronization buffer to flush, or check the PH diagnostic console.

Can I preview a batch report while the batch is still running?

Yes. Information Server provides "Batch Running" report templates that query active runtime tables in Process Historian, allowing interim reporting before batch completion.

Technical References

Siemens Industry Online Support: SIMATIC BATCH Operating Manual (A5E38012658).
Siemens Industry Online Support: SIMATIC Process Historian and Information Server Manual.
SIOS Entry 109742323: PCS 7 Compendium Part A - Configuration Guidelines (Section: Historical Archiving).
SIOS Entry 109809264: SIMATIC Process Control System PCS 7 Advanced Process Library Manual.