Product category:
Plantwide control
News Release from: Siemens Automation and Drives | Subject: PCS7 Version 6
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 03 February 2003
System provides totally integrated
automation
As part of its strategy to develop the concept of totally integrated automation across different platforms, Siemens Automation and Drives has an all-new version of its PCS7 process control system.
As part of its strategy to develop the concept of totally integrated automation (TIA) across a number of different platforms, Siemens Automation and Drives has developed an all-new version of its PCS7 process control system Based on the hardware and software components developed as part of the Siemens Simatic family of products, PCS7 Version 6 can be configured to provide users of both factory and process automation systems with open, scalable process control systems
Both continuous or batch control can be achieved across a plant or an entire enterprise.
Built on the success of earlier versions of Simatic PCS7, which is now installed in over 2000 sites worldwide, Version 6 includes a number of significant new developments.
PCS7 Version 6 is more scalable than ever before.
Small applications, for example laboratory or pilot plant control, can be accommodated using a 160-point entry-level system.
Large plants or multiple-site applications are also catered for, with PCS7 Version 6 capable of handling up to 60,000 process control points.
Another major development, aimed at industries including pharmaceutical production and food manufacturing, is the release of Simatic Batch Flexible V6.0, which is tightly integrated within the engineering system of PCS7 Version 6.
Operating to international S88 standards, Batch Flexible can manage both hierarchical and unit independent recipes.
Improved validation support, including full electronic signature verification for 21 CFR part 11 compliance is also included.
Built in redundancy has also been extended on the new PCS7 Version 6, especially within Batch Flexible, making it ideal for large plants where critical applications are controlled.
Further enhancements of the new process control system include failsafe operation.
PCS7 Version 6 is the first integrated failsafe system of its type, combining standard process automation functions and safety related technology in the same system.
This ensures that investments in hardware, software, engineering and training are minimised.
At the same time, system availability is maximised and the protection of people and plant is provided with extremely high safety integrity, while the requirement for interfaces is actually reduced.
Siemens believes that its concept of totally integrated automation is the only system that provides complete horizontal and vertical integration.
Horizontal integration can be achieved from goods inwards, primary and secondary process control through to goods outwards.
Vertical integration is possible from field level components right through to enterprise wide ERP systems and, with further new developments in Simatic products aimed at the MES (manufacturing execution system) layer of control, PCS7 Version 6 is able to manage the control of entire plants at all levels.
An important part of the TIA philosophy is open platform control and automation.
Many of the world's major automation projects currently involve the refurbishment and upgrade of existing plants.
PCS7 Version 6 is designed to operate using a variety of communication protocols, enabling existing legacy systems to be seamlessly integrated into a new plant control hierarchy, without the need for extensive replacement or reconfiguring of equipment.
For customers of global automation suppliers like Siemens, systematic migration strategies for existing systems are extremely important.
Many plants throughout the world already benefit from Siemens technology, including Siemens Teleperm and the APACS+/Quadlog from Moore, which have to be capable of being upgraded.
The Siemens migration strategy enables customers to integrate these proven plant solutions into the engineering system of PCS7 Version 6.
As a tool to enable open operation, the integration of existing plant and future-proof expansion of sites and enterprises, PCS7 provides a powerful platform to both existing and new Siemens users.
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