Process Automation System Can Reduce Engineering Costs

Siemens Energy & Automation Inc. has enhanced its Simatic PCS 7 Process Automation System with new features designed to reduce engineering and lifecycle costs.

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 is said to offer comprehensive functionality, greatly reducing the need for costly engineering customization and improving long term supportability.

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. 
  
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.