Product category:
Mid-range and Large PLCs
News Release from: Siemens Automation and Drives | Subject: PCS 7 Version 7
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 18 July 2007
Platform eases alarm handling
Siemens Automation and Drives' DCS Platform - PCS 7 Version 7 - allows intelligent alarm handling techniques to be developed in a cost-effective way
Siemens Automation and Drives has released the latest version of its DCS Platform - PCS 7 Version 7 - with the aim of helping customers achieve operational excellence by maximising uptime, reducing maintenance costs, improving plant security and enhancing plant flexibility The enhanced alarm management in PCS 7 addresses a key challenge in the process sector, namely presenting a manageable amount of information to operators
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 6 Mar 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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The system enhancements mean that intelligent alarm handling techniques can be developed in a cost-effective way.
Furthermore, the system is intuitive enough to be continually improved by the end user as process knowledge evolves.
On the same theme of maximising uptime, Version 7 includes an innovative redundant ring topology for Profibus PA.
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Reducing maintenance costs have a significant impact on the profitability of process automation customers.
The asset management tools integrated into PCS7 have been improved to offer complete freedom in developing templates for process assets.
This approach provides an integrated platform on which to build a predictive maintenance strategy that can yield significant savings in operational costs.
As the adoption of open network standards becomes common place in industrial applications, the requirement for enhanced security has increased.
PCS7 Version 7 realises a holistic approach to security, including industrial networking components with built-in Firewall and VPN technology, user administration, and defence-in-depth architecture.
This complete security solution is system tested and well documented for ease of configuration.
From a safety perspective, PCS7 now supports Profisafe PA, the safety fieldbus based upon Profibus PA.
Plant flexibility is partially dependant on how quickly the process control system can support new production regimes.
Open PCS7 simplifies the integration of control and batch systems into higher-level system, such as MES and ultimately ERP.
This link significantly improves manufacturing agility through direct integration between customer orders, production schedules and production.
Anthony Mayall, Product Manager for process control systems, comments: "The new version PCS7 Version 7 reaffirms Siemens' commitment to supporting our customers in achieving operational excellence in the areas of production uptime, reduced maintenance costs, improved plant security and enhanced plant flexibility".
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