Next to analyzing the errors after the Production Process execution in Monitor Production Processes, it is also possible to use the debugger to try out processes and spot errors. Like debuggers in other programming environments, the Production Process Debugger allows you to execute the processes step by step and edit variables while doing so. The information on the execution is the same as you see in the Production Process Monitor. Therefore, it is the choice of the production process engineer if the Production Process Monitor or the Debugger is the tool of choice. The Production Process Monitor shows the results of the execution much faster and allows for quicker cycle times. On the other hand, the Debugger allows you to go from step to step and change variables, which might help you in understanding what is going on, especially for novice users.
Note
The Production Process Debugger works on the Production Process level. In case you face issues in developing a script task you may use the test run function in the Production Process Designer or copy the code into a JavaScript intelligent development environment of your choice and debug a more complex script task there.
Let's now break down the highlighted sections of the preceding graphic.
The UI has six main input areas. On the top right, you find the controls (1) to navigate the steps. In the screen area, (2) you find the usual graphical representation of the process. When you switch on the toggle button, you can add break points to your production process by selecting the element. In the screenshot, you will find two break points, one on the start element and one on the script task. The breakpoints allow you to jump faster to the action that you want to inspect more closely, by using the Next Breakpoint button. The Select Step (3) screen area shows the input and output variables of the selected step. This does not include the value of the variables, even if the step has been executed already. This is because if a step is executed multiple times, it can be quickly misleading. However, the screen areas (4), (5), and (6) provide more insights into the variable values. The Processing Step (4) shows you the inputs passed into the current step and, below that, the output of the previous step. The log (5) is the same as in the Production Process Monitor. Lastly, the Parameters and Variables View (6) shows the input parameters and the local variables of the process. It also allows you to change the values as well, so you can perform targeted changes to address the use cases you have in mind.