• New version 8.2 of the Simatic PCS 7 process control system • Efficient, mobile plant monitoring • Intuitive plant management and efficient plant engineering • Runs under Microsoft Windows 10 and Microsoft Server 2012

To meet the rising demands of automation, Siemens has further developed its Simatic PCS 7 process control system and released Version 8.2, which comes with a range of new functionalities to improve not only user convenience but also the performance and efficiency of the process control system over the entire life cycle of process plants - from the planning stage through to maintenance. Plant engineers will also benefit from more efficient engineering solutions, while operators will find the system even more convenient in daily operation due to greater system availability and lower overall running costs.

To allow production processes to run with the greatest possible stability and efficiency, Version 8.2 of Simatic PCS 7 offers individual, networked and reliable plant monitoring. Web systems can now also be operated and observed over the Intranet/Internet with Simatic PCS 7, for instance. For this, operators can use extensive configuration possibilities for individual and secured online access to the operating and monitoring level of a production plant, enabling the implementation of benefits such as remote control room concepts.

The integration of mobile terminals in Simatic PCS 7 has also been extended. This allows information such as production characteristics, trend or alarm functions to be viewed at any time from any location using smartphones or tablets - no matter which operating system is used.

Simatic PDM (Process Device Manager) supports plant-wide access to field devices. Diagnosis, maintenance, parameterization, configuration and commissioning can be performed by mobile terminals with standard browsers as well as by any optional computer within a system. By enabling the parameterization of field devices, the PDM solutions help improve servicing productivity.

The new version of Simatic PCS 7 supports operators with a new range of search and visualization functions: one of these is the measuring point browser, which accelerates the selective search for measuring points with relevant plant information. The Operator Trend View tool depicts the process sequence in the form of trend graphs for a rapid overview, helping the operator achieve optimized plant monitoring and process control. The group view visualizes existing measuring points, making operation faster and more intuitive for plant personnel.

The new Logic Matrix plays a key role in ensuring efficient plant engineering. It allows the efficient switching of interlock statuses in a production plant in compliance with the cause and effect principle. The Logic Matrix can be efficiently processed, exported or imported with Microsoft Excel. In Simatic PCS 7 version 8.2, mass data engineering has also been substantially extended: for instance technological engineering with function, system and layout plans and the relevant documents for Simatic PCS 7 projects. This substantially reduces the work entailed in compiling PCS 7 documentation.

To avoid load peaks in the power supply, the new version of PCS 7 also offers integrated monitoring of all energy-relevant consumption data for a complete plant. The load management functions to control loads such as drives are a constituent part of the technology library and can be simply implemented. This supports plant operation within contractually agreed energy supply conditions and enables the selective optimization of power consumption.

For 24 volt power supply concepts, there is a new library containing modules and faceplates for the direct integration of Sitop power supplies in Simatic PCS 7. Software modules supply the faceplate of the Simatic PCS 7 user interface with operating and diagnostic data, generate messages and guarantee connection to the Simatic PCS 7 maintenance system.

To ensure that the process control system will stay abreast of the latest technological developments at all times, Siemens offers a Software Update Service (SUS) for Simatic PCS 7. This also encompasses support for new operating systems such as Microsoft Windows 10 and Server 2012 for PCS 7 V8.2.

Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global technology powerhouse that has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality for more than 165 years. The company is active in more than 200 countries, focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. One of the worlds largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is No. 1 in offshore wind turbine construction, a leading supplier of gas and steam turbines for power generation, a major provider of power transmission solutions and a pioneer in infrastructure solutions as well as automation, drive and software solutions for industry. The company is also a leading provider of medical imaging equipment - such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging systems - and a leader in laboratory diagnostics as well as clinical IT. In fiscal 2015, which ended on September 30, 2015, Siemens generated revenue of €75.6 billion and net income of €7.4 billion. At the end of September 2015, the company had around 348,000 employees worldwide. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.