Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 To help shorten engineering, installation and commissioning times, while reducing operating and maintenance costs, Siemens has introduced new functions into most areas of version 7.1 of its Simatic PCS 7 process control system. For engineering, the Advanced Process Library offers several new operating modes and facilitates interaction between operator and equipment. Example highlights are the Local and Out of Service operating modes, as well as faceplate views, such as Preview and Note. 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 and configuration times 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 company also updated the user interface through features such as an optimized color scheme; new trending capabilities that provide a higher degree of data transparency; and ergonomic icons and task-oriented faceplates in the Advanced Process Library provide the user with a coherent control environment and uniform display of status information.
The faceplates can be 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 check the status of interlock conditions and navigate to the source of the interlock.
The polling and analysis of historical and current process data have also been improved in the latest version. The Trend Control function allows access to and visualization of trends directly at the operator station.
With the new Data Monitor tool, a direct connection to process data can be established in Excel. The user is thus able to utilize efficient analysis and reporting functions in the familiar Excel environment. MES and MIS software has access to these data via the OpenPCS 7 interface.
The operator system now offers configurable Alarm Control functions, as well, which enable alarms to be displayed and processed effectively. Alarm Control includes, for example, individual filtering of alarms and export of alarms for thorough analysis of critical plant states. In addition, the maintenance functions have been improved. For example, diagnostic information now provided to web clients via a web server, offers greater maintenance flexibility. The maintenance information can be transferred by LAN, SMS or e-mail.
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