SIMATIC PCS 7 is the distributed process control system (Distributed Control System, DCS) from Siemens. It is completely integrated in TIA and uses standardized hardware and software components that can be connected to the MES level (Manufacturing Execution System) without any problems. The advantages that SIMATIC PCS 7 offers for the glass industry are, for example: Time savings through using one engineering tool for the complete process, PCS 7-ESUniform visualization of all process data on PCS 7 operator stations – reduced production downtimeControl of the configuration from all operator stations – minimizes the general costs Function blocks and libraries tailored to sector-specific requirements simplify the configuration of high-performance automation systems with SIMATIC S7-400 PLCs over Ethernet with up to 10/100 Mbit/s and PROFIBUS DP and PA for communication at the process level – in both cases, glass fiber technology prevents electromagnetic interferenceRedundant control and PROFIBUS communication for fault tolerant processes ensure uninterruptible operation and reduce the production downtimes Field devices connected to PROFIBUS DP and PA Standard and fail-safe distributed I/O modules on PROFIBUS DP ensure reliable data transmission and diagnostics.

The ET 200M distributed I/O modules offer numerous digital and analog input and output channels. Field devices, sensors, motors and drives are completely integrated in Totally Integrated Automation and PCS 7. Thanks to its modular and open architecture based on selected hardware and software components from the standard SIMATIC product range, SIMATIC PCS 7 can be efficiently used in both small and large plants. SIMATIC PCS 7 can be easily extended and modified – even online. In this way, it can respond flexibly to changing production requirements in your manufacturing installations. SIMATIC PCS 7 is scalable – from the smallest individual system, such as a supply subsystem or batch system through to a distributed multi-user system with client/server architecture, for example, for automating extremely large production plants or large-scale integrated plants. Depending on the specific requirements of the plant, operators can: Choose between numerous different automation systems with graded performance featuresUse step-by-step distributed or centralized I/O modules

Design an optimum architecture for the operator control and monitoring system: from stand-alone stations for individual users through to a distributed multi-user system. Select the engineering and runtime system software in accordance with the size of the system (scaled using process objects) Configure communication networks and specify network components to support the required degree of redundancy and fault toleranceExpand the functionality of the operation and monitoring stations by adding various hardware and software modules Integrating other applications by connecting SIMATIC PCS 7 to legacy systems and the IT world.

Maximum plant availability with redundancy on all levels

Plant availability is a key criterion of glass production. The availability of the automation solution itself therefore also plays an important part in the efficiency of a plant. The total investment for a plant in the glass industry is extremely high, and production downtimes directly result in detectable commercial losses. Plants are therefore operated, wherever possible, without interruption. To ensure maximum availability for the automation system, all facets of the system must be taken into account: from the controllers through to the operator level, including the complete plant communication network – from the field level through to the production control level. Taking your specific requirements into account, and further aspects such as environmental protection and possible weak points in the plant, you can implement the right degree of redundancy using TIA and SIMATIC PCS 7. Building on a flexible, all-round concept, the most stringent availability requirements can be satisfied and all levels of the plant can be seamlessly integrated.  

Asset management for systematic automation and maintenance of plants Siemens offers an efficient solution for plant maintenance: SIMATIC PCS 7 Asset Management. The highlight is that the new functionality can be easily integrated into the SIMATIC PCS 7 process control system. No additional hardware or tools are necessary. Plant operators and maintenance engineers use the same SIMATIC PCS 7 tools and operator panels and receive the filtered and conditioned information for the respective application area. Complete integration of the SIMATIC PCS 7 field devices supports distributed integration of the field devices in the process control system and relies on the PROFIBUS technology. SIMATIC PCS 7 can be combined with redundant and fail-safe architectures and supports online expansion of the system. It can be used both in standard environments and in areas subject to explosion hazards. The plant can either be equipped with classical SIMATIC ET200 distributed I/O stations or with the most up-to-date intelligent field devices.