The latest release (version 7) of Simatic PCS 7 Process Automation System from Siemens Energy & Automation Inc. reportedly gives plant operators new ways to minimize total cost of ownership, protect automation assets, increase plant availability, minimize downtime, optimize process performance, and modernize existing installed systems.
Alpharetta, GA — The latest release (version 7) of Simatic PCS 7 Process Automation System from Siemens Energy & Automation Inc. reportedly gives plant operators new ways to minimize total cost of ownership, protect automation assets, increase plant availability, minimize downtime, optimize process performance, and modernize existing installed systems. Version 7 is said to break traditional DCS limitations by integrating new and existing automation systems (process, batch, discrete and safety) and devices (instrumentation, analytics, motors, drives, and safety instrumented functions) in a single platform. The system also features common tools for engineering, visualization, and plant-wide asset and maintenance management.
“These improvements are the result of experience gained from installing over 5,000 PCS 7 systems worldwide over the past 10 years,” said Raj Batra, vice president, Siemens Automation and Motion Div. “Version 7 eliminates the limitations of common control systems with a single platform that can start small and be expanded with future growth. Regardless of the size or scope of the operation, PCS 7 can handle the process.”
New capabilities of the release include:
Configuration / Change Management . New tools, including security and access control, version trail, version management, and change logging help minimize project risk, maximize traceability, and comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11.
Redundant fieldbus with safety communication . New Profibus PA redundancy provides increased availability and reliable safety communication for instrumentation and control elements.
Integration of Foundation Fieldbus . Engineers who have standardized on Foundation Fieldbus instrumentation can integrate with PCS 7 and Siemens plant-wide asset management system.
Smart alarm management . Advanced alarm management tools help minimize unplanned downtime and achieve operational excellence with state-based alarming and alarm shelving.
Industrial / cyber security . A comprehensive approach to industrial security (virus scanners, firewalls, user management, access control, auto-configuration of Microsoft Windows firewalls, and “defense in depth” architectures) helps protect automation assets from cyberspace threats.
Plant asset management and condition monitoring. Siemens plant asset management system has been expanded to support user-defined equipment assets (including heat exchangers, distillation columns, tanks, and others). The expansion also defines key asset condition monitoring (including pump power consumption and pressure drop). As a result, plants may implement preventive and predictive maintenance strategies to minimize costs.
— Control Engineering Daily News Desk
Edited by Renee Robbins , Control Engineering editorial director