Engineering framework portal reduces time to market

The TIA Portal interacts with other systems and exchanges data through open interfaces. The Teamcentre gateway has an interface for product data management in Teamcentre, the Siemens data collaboration platform for design, planning and engineering. The user can easily create model-based programs with an interface to Matlab/Simulink.

Cloud-based engineering is also avaiable. From their private cloud, users can access the plant controller with the TIA Portal Cloud Connector, or use MindSphere, the Siemens cloud solution for industry, for additional digital services from Siemens.

Another feature is PLCSim Advanced with interfaces to simulation software, such as Plant Simulation and Process Simulate. A Simatic S7-1500 controller can be simulated as a digital twin with PLCSim Advanced to achieve efficient, virtual commissioning. Based on the 'one-for-all' guiding principle, the TIA Portal combines parameter assignment and programming of automation components – from controllers and HMI devices to drives – with over-arching functionalities, such as security and safety. A harmonised package, comprising the Simatic Advanced Controller and the Sinamics servo drive system, has been integrated into the V14 TIA Portal for motion control applications.

Simon Keogh General Manager, Factory Automation and Control Products, Siemens UK and Ireland expanded further on functionalities in TIA Portal V14, together with the benefits it will deliver to end users. He said: “The Simatic S7-1500 T-CPU controller handles the control tasks and the Sinamics V90 servo drive system with Profinet brings the required speed and precision into the machine. The package now enables Simatic users to solve advanced motion control tasks, such as gearing and camming, in a familiar environment.

“The multi-user function is applied for decentralised work concepts. This provides several operatives with efficient and simultaneous access to a server project, based on automatic synchronisation, facilitating device, object and function-based organisation of automation tasks. Parameter assignment and evaluation of the 3VA molded-case circuit breaker and the 7KM PAC series of measuring instruments are also features of the TIA Portal V14. This simplifies acquisition of energy values for the in-feed system, electrical outputs and individual loads.”

Further functionalities in TIA Portal V14 reduce engineering requirements and increase transparency during operations. The ProDiag option offers detailed plant and machine monitoring with minimal configuration and visualisation costs and provides support thanks to automated code generation and synchronisation of HMI devices. ProDiag detects errors in the user process and can supply information on the type, location and cause of such errors on a display device, together with data on how to correct the error.

The Simatic Energy Suite facilitates parameter assignment and evaluation of many measuring components, with the requisite control program being generated simply by pressing a button. The Simatic Energy Suite increases the transparency of energy flows and helps to save energy in accordance with ISO 50001. The energy data is easily acquired, and integrated into the automation solution. WinCC/WebUX help not only to monitor plant processes but also, if necessary, to control them via the Internet or intranet via mobile HMI devices, such as tablet PCs and smartphones.

The process data are available worldwide providing easy access to the machine. The TIA Portal V14 now gives all Simatic S7-1500 controllers OPC UA server functionality, such as for standardised connections to a Manufacturing Execution System for vertical plant integration.