> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.videc.de/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.videc.de/acron-9.3/en/anlagenkonfiguration/prozessanbindung/provider/providerid/treiberauswahl/wincc_historischer-datenimport-aus-dbase-dateien-bis-version-5x.md).
# WinCC - Historical data import from DBASE files up to version 5.x
#### Background
The measurement data connection is implemented by way of the DBASE files generated by WinCC and linked by a process connection driver. The ACRON Provider cyclically imports the content from the DBASE files into the ACRON database. In contrast to direct connection via ODK, this interface is useful whenever you are looking to import historical data with a time stamp, such as from external structures.
Alerts cannot be imported via this interface.
Note
If the last three letters of the DBASE file name are "MIN" or "MAX", the values are interpreted by ACRON as minimums or maximums as appropriate.
Tag logging must be activated in WINCC for all tags being imported into ACRON, and the database type for logging muss be set to DBASE. A dedicated archive is required. The access rights for this archive should be set to "unprotected". The archive must be of the circulation type. The data must be on the hard disk and not in the memory. DBASE data can be imported directly from the tag logging path. The files can also be copied from WinCC to a different path using a script, from which ACRON imports them and then deletes them.
WinCC has a list of programs to be started along with the runtime module. The list is accessed by right-clicking on the computer icon in WinCC. The ACRON Provider must be included in this list. Whenever the runtime module is activated the Provider will automatically start too. Likewise, the Provider will shut down when the runtime module is shut down. Multiple Providers in the startup list can also be started, provided the parameters are written
directly after the program names rather than in the Parameters box.
Syntax: Program Plant identification Provider identification (Provider number)
e.g. `C:\ACRON\ACProv.exe PLANTDEMO 1`.
Service pulses cannot be imported! Here service counters must be formed in the PLC.
{% hint style="info" %}
Attention
In general, all data is imported. Existing data with the same time stamp are overwritten.
{% endhint %}
#### Syntax of external variable
Name of the WinCC variable when defining the external variable
## Driver
### Driver file
Display the name of the selected driver and select a driver from the list of installed drivers
### Version
Version of the driver file
### Interface type
Display the driver interface type
### Data transfer type
Description of the data transfer type
## Driver parameters
### Path
The complete path to the DBASE files generated by tag logging in WINCC. In this path ACRON expects files named:
* VARIABLENAME.DBF
* VARIABLENAMEMIN.DBF
* VARIABLENAMEMAX.DBF
### Delete flag
This flag indicates whether ACRON is to delete the data following successful import, or whether they are retained, such as for use in other applications.
Deleting data prevents them from being repeatedly imported.
0 = No
1 = Yes
Note
In the case of the measured values, if the delete flag is = 0, data already imported once are overwritten again in each read cycle, resulting in degraded performance.
## Settings
### Measure interval
In this cycle the data are imported from the DBASE files.
Recommended entry 900 sec.
### Polling delay after start
Start of data logging in seconds after the ACRON Provider has successfully established process communication. This is useful, for example, if the opposite party takes some time after a restart to initialize all the variables.
Recommended entry: Depending on the startup duration of the runtime module, about 30 seconds
### Always display provider window on top
Provider windows are always displayed on top
### Activate test mode
Display a window with diagnostic messages
On startup the ACRON Provider opens a window with diagnostic messages. The log file is stored under the relevant provider name in the ACRON installation path, in the `Log` directory.
Note
As diagnosis mode heavily influences the performance of the application, and the recorded messages can normally only be evaluated by Technical Support, you should only activate it when prompted to do so by Support.
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