March 23, 2009 - Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. has enhanced its Simatic PCS 7 Process Automation System with new features designed to reduce engineering and lifecycle costs.
Advanced Process Library
Version 7.1 of Simatic PCS 7 includes a new “Advanced Process Library” that offers pre-engineered function blocks, faceplates and human machine interface symbols. Unlike typical library offerings that are relatively basic, the PCS 7 version 7.1 Advanced Process Library offers comprehensive functionality, greatly reducing the need for costly engineering customization and improving long term supportability.
Additionally, the Advanced Process Library’s faceplates have been designed to be more ergonomic and intuitive for the operator by linking them to other displays containing related process information. For example, the motor faceplate contains links that will allow the operator to easily trace the cause of the first out interlock and correct the condition. The standard PID controller faceplate contains a link that automatically calls up an integrated control performance monitoring display making it easy to analyze the control performance of the loop to identify valves that require maintenance or impact product quality.
“Siemens worked extensively with our alliance customers during the product definition process to ensure that the library met their specific requirements and those of the overall market,” said Todd Stauffer, Siemens PCS 7 marketing manager. “The new library will help these customers meet their automation requirements today and in the future.”
online Recipe Changes
PCS 7 version 7.1 also includes improvements that support reduced time to market and production optimization by providing a new level of flexibility for batch processes. Control recipes can be modified while running thereby giving operators greater flexibility to address unplanned events or to fine tune a recipe. As-run recipes can be saved as a new Master Recipe for future usage.
Better Trending and Reporting
The new version offers enhancements in historical / real-time trending and reporting. Operators and engineers can analyze production data and alarms working with Excel to better monitor, track and document key performance indicators.
As with previous versions of the PCS 7 system, version 7.1 breaks traditional DCS limitations by offering the world’s only platform that integrates new and existing automation systems (process, batch, discrete and safety) and devices (instrumentation, analytics, motors, drives and safety instrumented functions) within a single platform. The system also boasts common tools for engineering, visualization and plant-wide asset and maintenance management.
about Siemens:
Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. is one of Siemens’ operating companies in the U.S. Headquartered in the Atlanta suburb of Alpharetta, Ga., Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. manufactures and markets one of the world’s broadest ranges of electrical and electronic products, systems and services to industrial and construction market customers. Its technologies range from circuit protection and energy management systems to process control, industrial software and totally integrated automation solutions. The company also has expertise in systems integration, technical services and turnkey industrial systems.
Siemens AG (NYSE: SI) is a global powerhouse in electronics and electrical engineering, and operates in the industry, energy and healthcare sectors. For more than 160 years, Siemens has built a reputation for leading-edge innovation and the quality of its products, services and solutions. With 428,000 employees in 190 countries, Siemens reported worldwide sales of $116.6 billion in fiscal 2008. With its U.S. corporate headquarters in New York City, Siemens in the USA reported sales of $22.4 billion and employs approximately 69,000 people throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
