AB has not been forthcoming with examples of how best to use this block--I have also been looking for some professional guidance in this matter.
Anyway, in the interim, I setup about 15 PIDE's on a CLogix chassis, replacing the same number of single-loop PID controllers. I ended up using my own configuration of their block--testing rigorously as I went for bugs. So far, so good.
To answer your question, pp 1-62 in AB's publication #1756-RM006D-EN-P states that the block can either be run by a software app. (presumably a computer program), or by Operator Interface. They are apparently giving us the ability to use a multi-layered control scheme, should we so choose to use it.
My scheme is run in Program mode with a "1" wired to the pin to keep the block in that mode at all times. I have had no issues using it this way--