Siemens has equipped version 7.1 of its Simatic PCS 7 process control system with numerous new functions.
Their primary purpose is to help to shorten engineering, installation and commissioning times, while also reducing operating and maintenance costs.
The additions to version 7.1 of Simatic PCS 7 relate to virtually all function areas.
For engineering, the Advanced Process Library offers several new operating modes and facilitates enhanced interaction between the operator and equipment, including "Local" and "Out of Service" operating modes, and faceplate views such as "Preview" and "Note."
Easy-to-use interlocking modules with first-signal information are also provided. Commissioning can now be simulated in advance directly on the operator station.
With the new “CFC-Forcing” function, users can manually enter values for interconnected inputs, to simulate functionality.
This shortens testing times and, therefore, configuration time during commissioning and maintenance.
In addition, the new version has made automation of complex batch processes more flexible, through online modification of master recipes.
The user interface in version 7.1 of Simatic PCS 7 has also been modified with the aim of achieving greater efficiency and productivity.
An optimised colour scheme and improved alarm functions mean that operating personnel can see critical states faster.
New faceplates and trending capabilities create a higher degree of data transparency, allowing operators to react quickly to process changes.
Process images for large displays with a 16:9/16:10 wide-screen format allow more space for additional information; new ergonomic icons and task-oriented faceplates in the Advanced Process Library V7.1 provide the user with a coherent control environment and uniform display of status information, and the faceplates can be easily adapted to the respective operating philosophy of the plant.
For example, confirmation steps can be stipulated for when a motor starts operating.
With the new "Interlock" faceplates, the operator can quickly check the status of interlock conditions and navigate to the source of the interlock.