Predictika · Temperature controller orders

An AI sales agent's panel mount temperature controller order, checked before it goes out

An AI sales agent prepares an order for a Watlow EZ-ZONE PM panel mount controller, the PID model or the integrated PID model, with its package size, controller function, outputs, communications and options. Before it goes out, the agent sends it to Predictika, which checks it against a declarative model of the ordering tables in the public EZ-ZONE PM specification sheets, and returns a verdict, every reason and the figures it computed.

Scope: EZ-ZONE PM PID and integrated PID controller orders: package size, controller function, power supply, outputs 1 to 4, communications, auxiliary function and options. See everything this validator covers

This validator models orders for the EZ-ZONE PM PID model and the integrated PID model in the 1/32, 1/16, 1/8 and 1/4 DIN sizes, not just the scenarios shown below.

  • Package size — the integrated model is not offered in 1/32 DIN; battery-backed profiling, the second PID channel and the 6 digital I/O options are limited by size; Bluetooth is a 1/16 DIN option.
  • Outputs — the output 1 and 2 pairs and, on the integrated model, the output 3 and 4 pairs, including the 15 A NO-ARC power output, counted against the number of outputs the customer needs and the number the quote states.
  • Communications and auxiliary functions — Bluetooth, Modbus, EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, PROFIBUS and J1939 options, the second PID channel, auxiliary input, current transformer input and integrated limit, and the combinations the sheets rule out.
  • Customer needs — sensor type, site supply, ramp/soak profiling, real-time clock, cascade control, a second loop, an integrated limit and heater current monitoring.
  • Custom options — the Class 1, Division 2 option and which output types and limits it excludes.

Any EZ-ZONE PM order that touches these rules is in scope — not only the scenarios pictured here. Not covered: prices (none are published in the sources), the PM Express and standalone limit models, custom firmware, the two digital I/O point power options as a separate need, and other Watlow product lines.

The AI sales agentBuilds the controller order from the conversation and says it is ready.
Predictika validatorChecks every rule at once and returns the verdict, each finding, and the computed figures.

8 scenarios in 3 groups · each group runs from the agent’s first attempt to the outcome · click one to switch

What the agent proposes

The AI sales agent says

Illustrative agent statement. The validator receives the structured request below.

Proposing agent: AI sales agent (scripted)

Before sending, the agent must call Recorded run

Predictika validator


      

        
        
        
      

      
Waiting for the call.

      
    

  

  
  

    
Where rules-based CPQ gets it wrong
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Our assessment of what a typical rules-based CPQ (product rules, price rules and validation rules, as in Salesforce CPQ) does with the same cases. It is a judgment about effort and reliability, not a claim that nothing can be built.

    
What the validator caughtTypical rules-based CPQPredictika
An option that the package size does not offerOnly with care
Availability depends on the size, so each option needs its own size rule and every new combination has to be added.		Package size and every option arrive in one request and are checked together on every call.
A communications option that rules out other options on 1/16 DINOnly with workarounds
One digit of the part number restricts two others, and rules usually check one choice at a time.		The communications option, auxiliary function and outputs 3 and 4 are compared on every call, in any order.
Class 1 Division 2 with the wrong output typesOnly with care
The exclusion depends on letters inside the output code, so lookup tables are needed.		The output codes and the option are compared together, including the integrated limit.
Every problem returned in one answerOnly with workarounds
Rules tend to fire as a step is completed, so a rep often fixes one error and meets the next.		All findings come back together, whatever order the choices arrived in.

  

  

    
What this validator catches: findings from its test cases
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Every rule is checked on every call, in any order the choices arrive; one problem never hides another. Blocking findings stop the quote; approval findings need a person to sign off; everything else is computed.

    
1The integrated controller is offered only in the 1/16, 1/8 and 1/4 DIN sizes, not in 1/32 DIN.
2The profiling controller with battery backup and real-time clock is not available in the 1/32 DIN or 1/16 DIN sizes.
3The 15 A NO-ARC power output is not a valid selection in the 1/32 DIN size.
4The Bluetooth communications options are offered on the 1/16 DIN size only.
5Bluetooth is not available in all countries; a person should confirm availability for the destination country with the factory.
6The 6 digital I/O communications options are not available on 1/16 DIN modules.
7The PID model offers only no option, Bluetooth, EIA 485 Modbus RTU, or both; the chosen communications option belongs to the integrated model.
8The PID model has no auxiliary control function, no outputs 3 and 4 and no enhanced firmware; these belong to the integrated model.
9The second PID channel auxiliary function is not available on 1/16 DIN models.
10On 1/16 DIN models a fieldbus communications option requires no auxiliary function and no outputs 3 and 4.
11On 1/16 DIN models the output 3 and 4 options with the 15 A NO-ARC power output are not valid.
12The current transformer input cannot be combined with a universal process output on outputs 3 and 4.
13An integrated limit controller is valid only with a mechanical relay on output 4 (output 3 and 4 codes CJ, EJ or AJ).
14The Class 1, Division 2 option is not available with a mechanical relay or NO-ARC output type (letters E, H or J in the output code) or with an integrated limit.

  

  

    
Scenarios and results
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The recorded result of the validator for each scenario on this page: the request the AI agent sent, the verdict, and every finding, in the order they appear above.

    
1. Package size and options: A PID controller in 1/32 DIN with battery-backed profiling and a 15 A output

    
The agent's request. Please quote a Watlow EZ-ZONE PM PID controller in the 1/32 DIN size as a PID controller with universal input, ramp/soak profiling, battery backup and real-time clock, with a 100 to 240 VAC power supply, outputs 1 and 2 of switched dc/open collector as the first and NO-ARC 15 A power control as the second, no communications option and the standard EZ-ZONE PM face plate. The site has a mains (100 to 240 VAC) supply and a universal-input (thermocouple, RTD or process) sensor, and the customer needs 2 control outputs, ramp/soak profiling and a real-time clock with battery backup. The quote states 2 outputs. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • Battery-backed profiling not offered in this size. The profiling controller with battery backup and real-time clock is not available in the 1/32 DIN or 1/16 DIN sizes.
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  • 15 A power output not valid in 1/32 DIN. The 15 A NO-ARC power output is not a valid selection in the 1/32 DIN size.
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2. Package size and options: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please quote a Watlow EZ-ZONE PM PID controller in the 1/8 DIN horizontal size as a PID controller with universal input, ramp/soak profiling, battery backup and real-time clock, with a 100 to 240 VAC power supply, outputs 1 and 2 of switched dc/open collector as the first and NO-ARC 15 A power control as the second, no communications option and the standard EZ-ZONE PM face plate. The site has a mains (100 to 240 VAC) supply and a universal-input (thermocouple, RTD or process) sensor, and the customer needs 2 control outputs, ramp/soak profiling and a real-time clock with battery backup. The quote states 2 outputs. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Allowed.

    
    
      
  • Order summary. 2 control outputs in total, all on outputs 1 and 2; outputs 3 and 4 are not fitted.
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3. Integrated 1/16 DIN controller: An integrated 1/16 DIN controller with a second channel, EtherNet/IP and Class 1 Division 2

    
The agent's request. Please quote a Watlow EZ-ZONE PM integrated PID controller in the 1/16 DIN size as a PID controller with universal input, with a 100 to 240 VAC plus 2 digital I/O points power supply, outputs 1 and 2 of mechanical relay 5 A Form C as the first and mechanical relay 5 A Form A as the second, outputs 3 and 4 of switched dc/open collector as the first and NO-ARC 15 A power control as the second, EtherNet/IP and Modbus TCP with Bluetooth, auxiliary function: second PID channel (universal input), enhanced firmware and the Class 1, Division 2 option. The site has a mains (100 to 240 VAC) supply and a universal-input (thermocouple, RTD or process) sensor, and the customer needs 4 control outputs, 2 PID loops and cascade control. The quote states 4 outputs. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • Second PID channel not offered in 1/16 DIN. The second PID channel auxiliary function is not available on 1/16 DIN models.
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  • Fieldbus option on 1/16 DIN needs no extras. On 1/16 DIN models a fieldbus communications option requires no auxiliary function and no outputs 3 and 4.
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  • 15 A power output 3 and 4 not valid in 1/16 DIN. On 1/16 DIN models the output 3 and 4 options with the 15 A NO-ARC power output are not valid.
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  • Class 1 Division 2 not available with this configuration. The Class 1, Division 2 option is not available with a mechanical relay or NO-ARC output type (letters E, H or J in the output code) or with an integrated limit.
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  • Bluetooth availability to confirm. Bluetooth is not available in all countries; a person should confirm availability for the destination country with the factory.
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4. Integrated 1/16 DIN controller: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please quote a Watlow EZ-ZONE PM integrated PID controller in the 1/8 DIN vertical size as a PID controller with universal input, with a 100 to 240 VAC plus 2 digital I/O points power supply, outputs 1 and 2 of mechanical relay 5 A Form C as the first and mechanical relay 5 A Form A as the second, outputs 3 and 4 of switched dc/open collector as the first and NO-ARC 15 A power control as the second, EtherNet/IP and Modbus TCP with Bluetooth, auxiliary function: second PID channel (universal input), enhanced firmware and the Class 1, Division 2 option. The site has a mains (100 to 240 VAC) supply and a universal-input (thermocouple, RTD or process) sensor, and the customer needs 4 control outputs, 2 PID loops and cascade control. The quote states 4 outputs. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • Bluetooth only on 1/16 DIN. The Bluetooth communications options are offered on the 1/16 DIN size only.
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  • Class 1 Division 2 not available with this configuration. The Class 1, Division 2 option is not available with a mechanical relay or NO-ARC output type (letters E, H or J in the output code) or with an integrated limit.
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  • Bluetooth availability to confirm. Bluetooth is not available in all countries; a person should confirm availability for the destination country with the factory.
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5. Integrated 1/16 DIN controller: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please quote a Watlow EZ-ZONE PM integrated PID controller in the 1/8 DIN vertical size as a PID controller with universal input, with a 100 to 240 VAC plus 2 digital I/O points power supply, outputs 1 and 2 of switched dc/open collector as the first and SSR Form A 0.5 A as the second, outputs 3 and 4 of switched dc/open collector as the first and switched dc as the second, EtherNet/IP and Modbus TCP, auxiliary function: second PID channel (universal input), enhanced firmware and the Class 1, Division 2 option. The site has a mains (100 to 240 VAC) supply and a universal-input (thermocouple, RTD or process) sensor, and the customer needs 4 control outputs, 2 PID loops and cascade control. The quote states 4 outputs. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Allowed.

    
    
      
  • Order summary. 4 control outputs in total (2 on outputs 1 and 2, 2 on outputs 3 and 4).
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6. Current monitoring and Bluetooth: An integrated 1/16 DIN controller with no current transformer input and a wrong output count

    
The agent's request. Please quote a Watlow EZ-ZONE PM integrated PID controller in the 1/16 DIN size as a PID controller with thermistor input, with a 20 to 28 VAC or 12 to 40 VDC power supply, outputs 1 and 2 of switched dc/open collector as the first and switched dc as the second, outputs 3 and 4 of switched dc/open collector as the first and mechanical relay 5 A Form A as the second, Bluetooth, auxiliary function: none, standard firmware and the standard EZ-ZONE PM face plate. The site has a low-voltage (20 to 28 VAC or 12 to 40 VDC) supply and a thermistor sensor, and the customer needs 4 control outputs, heater current monitoring. The quote states 3 outputs. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • Current monitoring not on the quote. The customer needs heater current monitoring, but the quote has no current transformer input.
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  • Stated output count does not match. The quote states 3 outputs, but the quoted controller has 4.
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  • Bluetooth availability to confirm. Bluetooth is not available in all countries; a person should confirm availability for the destination country with the factory.
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7. Current monitoring and Bluetooth: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please quote a Watlow EZ-ZONE PM integrated PID controller in the 1/16 DIN size as a PID controller with thermistor input, with a 20 to 28 VAC or 12 to 40 VDC power supply, outputs 1 and 2 of switched dc/open collector as the first and switched dc as the second, outputs 3 and 4 of switched dc/open collector as the first and mechanical relay 5 A Form A as the second, Bluetooth, auxiliary function: current transformer input, standard firmware and the standard EZ-ZONE PM face plate. The site has a low-voltage (20 to 28 VAC or 12 to 40 VDC) supply and a thermistor sensor, and the customer needs 4 control outputs, heater current monitoring. The quote states 4 outputs. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Needs approval.

    
    
      
  • Bluetooth availability to confirm. Bluetooth is not available in all countries; a person should confirm availability for the destination country with the factory.
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  • Order summary. 4 control outputs in total (2 on outputs 1 and 2, 2 on outputs 3 and 4).
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8. Current monitoring and Bluetooth: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please quote a Watlow EZ-ZONE PM integrated PID controller in the 1/16 DIN size as a PID controller with thermistor input, with a 20 to 28 VAC or 12 to 40 VDC power supply, outputs 1 and 2 of switched dc/open collector as the first and switched dc as the second, outputs 3 and 4 of switched dc/open collector as the first and mechanical relay 5 A Form A as the second, EIA 485 Modbus RTU, auxiliary function: current transformer input, standard firmware and the standard EZ-ZONE PM face plate. The site has a low-voltage (20 to 28 VAC or 12 to 40 VDC) supply and a thermistor sensor, and the customer needs 4 control outputs, heater current monitoring. The quote states 4 outputs. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Allowed.

    
    
      
  • Order summary. 4 control outputs in total (2 on outputs 1 and 2, 2 on outputs 3 and 4).
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Narration transcript
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The text of the narrated walkthrough, step by step.

    
    
      
  1. Welcome to a demo of Predictika's Validator. An AI sales agent prepares an order for a Watlow EZ-ZONE PM panel mount controller, the PID model or the integrated PID model. Before it goes out, the agent sends it to Predictika, which checks it against a declarative model of the ordering tables in the public EZ-ZONE PM specification sheets, and returns a verdict, every reason and the figures it computed.
    2. 
      
  2. I will start with the first request by the agent.
    3. 
      
  3. The agent says. Please quote a Watlow EZ-ZONE PM integrated PID controller in the 1/16 DIN size as a PID controller. The site has a mains (100 to 240 VAC) supply and a universal-input (thermocouple, RTD or process) sensor, and the customer needs 4 control outputs. The rest of the request is on screen.
    4. 
      
  4. Before it goes out, the agent calls the validator.
    5. 
      
  5. Blocked, with four findings and one approval, all in one answer. The second PID channel auxiliary function is not available on 1/16 DIN models. On 1/16 DIN models a fieldbus communications option requires no auxiliary function and no outputs 3 and 4. On 1/16 DIN models the output 3 and 4 options with the 15 A NO-ARC power output are not valid. The other one is on screen.
    6. 
      
  6. The validator returned four blocking findings and one approval in one answer. A check that reads one field at a time would pass most of this; it shows only when the choices in the quote are checked against each other.
    7. 
      
  7. What this shows: for class 1 Division 2 with the wrong output types, a rules-based CPQ is error-prone for this.
    8. 
      
  8. Now the agent resubmits.
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  9. The corrected request. It changes the package size to 1/8 DIN vertical.
    10. 
      
  10. It calls the validator again.
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  11. Still blocked, with two findings and one approval, all in one answer. The Bluetooth communications options are offered on the 1/16 DIN size only. The Class 1, Division 2 option is not available with a mechanical relay or NO-ARC output type (letters E, H or J in the output code) or with an integrated limit.
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  12. Three findings cleared. Still blocking: Class 1 Division 2 not available with this configuration. Newly found: bluetooth only on 1/16 DIN. One approval also remains for a person: bluetooth availability to confirm.
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  13. The agent resubmits once more.
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  14. The revised request. It changes the outputs 1 and 2 to Switched dc/open collector / SSR Form A 0.5 A, the outputs 3 and 4 to switched dc/open collector / switched dc and the communications to ethernet/ip and modbus tcp.
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  15. It calls the validator once more.
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  16. This time the validator clears it.
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  17. All three earlier findings are cleared, and the validator's figure matches the quote.
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  18. Five problems caught in one call, fixed in two passes, and a clean quote. That is the value of Predictika's validator: catching mistakes before they reach the customer. Now you can try the other scenarios yourself.
    19.