Options for SIMATIC WinCC (TIA Portal)

• Integrated scalability from the single-user system to the client/server solution

• Economic solution for SCADA applications with higher complexity

• Configuration of distributed operator stations with little effort

The server establishes the connection to the automation system, handles the communication and coordination of the clients, and performs all archiving in the integrated Microsoft SQL database. WinCC clients access the configuration data of the server directly. Access rights are used to define the functions or plant sections that are available to a user on an operator station. The configured authorizations are user-related, not computer-related. They therefore work with all operator stations with the same login.

The following licenses are required for configuring a multi-user system:

• WinCC Server license on the server in addition to a WinCC RT Professional license

• One WinCC Client license on each client.

• Increased system availability with continuous data integrity
• Automatic switch-over when a server fails or the S7 communication to the server fails
• Continuous operation and visualization through automatic switchover of the clients to the intact server
• Automatic synchronization of all archives (process value and user archives), message information and internal tags in the background after a fault is cleared

Normally, two WinCC stations or process data servers run completely in parallel, which means each station has its own process connection and own archives. The clients that are connected to the servers can be distributed to the servers as required, which leads to a reduced load. When one of the two WinCC stations fails, the other takes over the archiving of messages, process data and user data. This ensures complete data integrity. In client/server mode, the clients are automatically switched from the failed server to the redundant partner. This ensures continuous plant visualization and operation on every operator station.

When a failed partner is restored, all of the archived process values, messages (including statuses, acknowledgements, lists and comments), data from the user archive of the failure period and internal tags are automatically synchronized with the partner in the background – without affecting the running system. Once this is complete, two equivalent servers/stations will be available again. The clients connected to the servers are distributed among their original server partners again. The automatic switchover to the redundant partner takes place not only when a server fails, but also in case of disturbed S7 process communication or faulty applications.

Additional increase in system availability

In addition to the option of using two servers connected in parallel via the WinC Redundancy option, you can also design the communication channels to the controller redundantly in a WinCC application. Two communications processors are plugged in and the communication paths are doubled. The use of fail-safe SIMATIC S7 controllers can, if required, further increase availability at the control level. Combining the system solutions creates a security concept that meets even high demands.

The WinCC Redundancy option includes licenses for both redundant servers. A Redundancy license is required on each of the two servers in addition to other necessary licenses

• Early detection of danger and fault conditions

• Avoidance of downtimes by means of predictive diagnostics

• Increase in product quality and productivity due to regular evaluation of log

Logging of process data
The values from external and internal tags can be saved in process data logs. You can individually specify the log in which each tag will be saved. Configured logging cycles are used to ensure continuous acquisition and storage of the tag values.
In addition, data logging can also be triggered by events, e.g.when a value changes. These settings can be made for each tag individually.

Alarm logging
WinCC Logging also lets you log alarms and document operational states and error states of the industrial plant. All alarms of an alarm class are stored in the same alarm log, enabling you in principle to assign the same log to several alarm classes. Alarms can be logged automatically or managed by an operator.

The following log variants are available:

• Short term archive

• Segmented short term archive

• Short term archive with level-dependent system alarm ¹⁾

• Short term archive which executes system functions when it is full ¹⁾

Trend views
A configurable trend view can be used to display and analyze logged process values when configuring the screens. Reading of the values is facilitated by a read line.

¹⁾ Not for WinCC Runtime Professional

The following licenses are available:

• SIMATIC WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced
• SIMATIC WinCC Logging for Runtime Professional 1500 LoggingTags
• SIMATIC WinCC Logging for Runtime Professional 5000 LoggingTag
• Licenses may be added, the total number of Logging Tags increases by the respective number

• Simple transmission of recipes to the controller

• Clear tabular display of the data elements

• Display in technological contexts across several process pictures

• Export/import of data records for further processing with other tools (e.g. MS Excel)

For SIMATIC Panels and WinCC Advanced RT, recipes are saved on the HMI device or on an external storage medium.
For WinCC Professional RT, they are saved in an SQL database.

The various data records for the recipes can be created as early as the engineering phase of the project. This means that they are available directly after the transfer of the configuration in Runtime. This data can function as the initial basis for an optimization during runtime or it even can be the result of such a process. During operation, the data records can be conveniently created, deleted, or modified across different views. In addition, recipe data can be imported into or exported from Runtime.

In addition to the option of using recipe data exported from the HMI device on other HMI devices, it can also be re-imported into engineering. This data can then either be logged with the project or reused for other projects.

Configurable screen objects are used for displaying andmanaging the data at runtime. If necessary, the individual data record elements can also be displayed directly as standard input/output fields across several process pictures. In this way, the data in technological views can be presented clearly to the operator.

Recipes can be used in the following situations:

• Manual production
  The desired recipe data is selected and displayed on the HMI device. The data can be modified and saved on the HMI device as needed. The recipe data is then transferred to the controller.

• Automatic production
  The control program initiates the transfer of the recipe data between the PLC and HMI device. The transfer can also be started from the HMI device. Production is thus implemented adapted. It is not essential to display or modify the data.

• Teach-In mode
  Production data is optimized manually on the system, e.g. axis positions or filling volumes. The values thus determined are transferred to the HMI device and saved in a recipe data record. You can then transfer the saved recipe data back to the controller at a later date..

• For WinCC Runtime Advanced  a license is required for every operator station

• For WinCC Runtime Professional you need a license for the server

• Distributed operator stations for controlling large machines that are spread out over a large area

• Flexible solution for access to operator stations from any location

• Global access by the service and maintenance personnel to machine/plants

An on-site operating station can basically be accessed in two different ways.

Display and operation of screens via the Sm@rtClient concept
Within the scope of the Sm@rtClient concept, a station can make its screens accessible to another station. It then assumes the function of a Sm@rtServer, while the other station assumes that of the Sm@rtClient. The server function can be activated quite simply with a mouse-click when making the device settings. The screen can be displayed on the Sm@rtClient by means of a Sm@rtClient display in "View only" mode, but a full-fledged, coordinated operator console can be set up as well. "Coordinated operation" implies that at any one time only one station has the right of operation, i.e. either the operator station with Sm@rtServer function or that with the Sm@rtClient function. Depending on the basic hardware, a Sm@rtServer can supply up to five clients simultaneously with updated process pictures (for PCs; for panels it is a maximumof three clients). One channel should always be reserved for service purposes.

Distributed operator stations
The operation of large, physically distributed machines and plants becomes easier, because distributed operator stations can be configured by means of the Sm@rtClient concept, so that the operator can control and monitor from various locations - while only needing to configure one time. Changes to the configuration therefore only have to be performed once on the Sm@rtServer. The operator can see the same display on every operator station, although only one station can beoperated at any one time (coordinated operation).

Remote control via Internet Explorer
For remote operating and monitoring of SIMATIC Panels or WinCC Advanced RT, a standard browser, which gives the user direct access to the HMI device on-site via the standard HTML pages of the operating stations, is sufficient. If the Sm@rtViewer is used instead of a browser, it not only displays the selected screen, but also the layout of the on-site device, for example, the membrane front of a keypad device. With this tool, the HMI device can then be operated as if the user were on site, except that the keys are not really actuated, but operated by clicking the mouse.

• The single license must be installed on the server HMI device (Panel or RT Advanced system).
  A license is not required for the engineering system for configuring the runtime option.

• Starting with WinCC Runtime Advanced V14 SP1 the Sm@rtServer functionality is part of the Runtime Software, separate licensing is no longer needed.
  For older versions of WinCC Runtime Advanced see the table below.

• For SIMATIC Comfort Panels und Mobile Panels with a Version V14 Runtime Module a Sm@rtServer license is no longer needed. Basic Panels and Comfort Panels/Mobile Panels with a runtime module prior to V14 do need the corresponding license.

• Parallel web-based operator control and monitoring (MS Internet Explorer)

• Integrated configuration and user administration / access authorizations

• User-specific functionalities, e.g. language, plant (unit) view

• Fast update rates (e.g. after value change, picture change)

• Minimum maintenance costs thanks to centralized software administration

• High Internet security standards

• Remote monitoring using the secure WinCC Web Viewer application

• Flexible thin client solutions for a variety of platforms (PC, on-site panel, mobile PDA)

• Efficient remote diagnostics with WebDiagnostics server/client

• Increased security and availability due to separation of WinCC and Web server

• Maximum availability and performance thanks to Web server farms (load balancing)

All Web operator stations are integrated into the user administration of the system. Authorization levels govern whether an operator can simply monitor the plant (view only) or has partial or full authorization for operator control and monitoring. Every login and logout can be traced via system events. For applications with very strict security requirements, logout after a user-defined time span is just as important as the ability to disable key combinations when it comes to security. Furthermore, the WebNavigator supports all commonly used IT security mechanisms such as routers, firewalls, proxy servers, SSL encryption and VPN technologies.

A security concept made to order

The All Web operator stations are integrated into the user administration of the system. Authorization levels govern whether an operator can simply monitor the plant (view only) or has partial or full authorization for operator control and monitoring. Every login and logout can be traced via system events. For applications with very strict security requirements, logout after a user-defined time span is just as important as the ability to disable key combinations when it comes to security. Furthermore, the WebNavigator supports all commonly used IT security mechanisms such as routers, firewalls, proxy servers, SSL encryption and VPN technologies.

Thin client solutions

Inexpensive but lower-performance Windows PCs, rugged on-site devices (e.g. SIMATIC Thin Clients) and mobile clients (PDA – Personal Digital Assistant) can be connected via thin client solutions with Microsoft Terminal Services. Only minimum requirements are placed on the hardware here because the entire application, i.e. including the WebNavigator client, runs on the terminal server

Siemens offers rugged SIMATIC Industrial Thin Clients as operator terminals with high-resolution wide screen touch displays. These are optimally suited for use in harsh industrial environments.

Flexible remote diagnostics

The WebDiagnostics client was designed for maintenance and service of widely distributed plants. In this case, the Web licensing is made for a diagnostic client locally on a service computer instead of on the system servers. Through the diagnostic client, the service technician has secure access to any number of plants that have a WebNavigator server.

• A (server-based) license is required for the WebNavigator. This is a graduated license based on the number of simultaneous Web client accesses, which can be incremented at any time using additive Web client licenses..

• The WebNavigator client software can be installed as many times as required without the need for a license.

• A (client-based) license is required for the WebNavigator diagnostics. This provides access to all Web servers with WebNavigator server WebNavigator diagnostic server license.

• Licenses of WinCC/WebUX and WinCC/WebNaviagtor can be combined if necessary

WinCC Web Navigator up to V7.3
Up to Version 7.3 licensing was managed by purchasing packages with a maximum number of licenses which could be upgraded by powerpacks.
For further information see the > Industry Mall

• Central, cross-plant user management, integrated in Windows User Management

• High levels of security due to measures on both the administrator and user sides

• Configurable login procedures (Keyboard input, chipcard)

• Can be used in different configurations (single-user, client/server systems up to highly available solutions)

User management with SIMATIC Logon integrates itself in the safety system and user management of Windows and in this way meets the FDA requirements.

A configuration tool allows user specific settings:

• Language (german, english, french)

• Environment : Domain and workgroup

• Login device: Keyboard / Chipcard Reader/other devices

Thus users can login in their own language via keyboard or with a chipcard on which name, domain and password are encrypted.

In the SIMATIC WinCC environment, you can use Logon on a wide variety of different structures such as single user stations or client/server configurations. With SIMATIC Logon, the high availability is provided by primary/ secondary domain controllers and the local Windows User Management system.

• A SIMATIC Logon Basic License is needed to set up a user administration on a single user station

• A client connected to the user administration needs an additional Remote Access License

• For WinCC RT Professional SIMATIC Logon is in the scope of delivery, the clients need no additional licensing.

• Operator actions are traceable

• Compliant to the GMP requirements for the pharmaceuticals industry
  (e.g. the Food and Drug Administration)

• Reduced engineering and validation overhead

• Ideally suitable for machine manufacturers that must meet high quality requirements
  (e.g. in the supply of machines and plant components for applications requiring validation)

In process operation, all GMP-relevant changes to tags and any operator actions are recorded as Audit Trails in a CSV file. Such operator actions can be, for example, the input of process values, the starting of recipes, or an alarm acknowledgment, but also alarms from the user administration, such as the logging on or off of a user. This shows exactly who operated what and when – with minimal configuration overhead. In addition, a checksum procedure is used to check that the data in the Audit Trail has not been manipulated. The Audit Trails can also contain Asian texts, which can be printed directly from the panel.

Logging and reporting
Depending on the requirement, WinCC Audit allows the logging and reporting to be done locally, i.e. in the HMI device, or centrally in distributed systems, e.g. in a PC in a local controlroom. This supports solutions for the long-term archiving and restoration of the data.

• A license is required for every operator station for which an audit trail is generated

• WinCC Runtime Advanced systems require an additional WinCC logging license