Simatic PCS v7 enhancement address cyber security, change management, more

Version 7 gives plant operators new ways to protect automation assets and modernize existing installed systems.

By Control Engineering Staff January 15, 2009

Version 7 of Simatic PCS 7 process automation system from Siemens Energy & Automation

Version 7 of Simatic PCS 7 process automation system from Siemens Energy & Automation 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.

As with previous versions of the PCS 7 system, v7 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.

New capabilities 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 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

“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 Division. “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.”

Siemens

– Edited by Renee Robbins , senior editor Control Engineering News Desk Register here .