WinCC HMI Offers Easier Manufacturing Integration

The newly released Simatic WinCC Version 5.0 Human-Machine Interface (HMI) offers such new features as plant floor, database and MES/ERP integration and Internet and thin client technologies. It also supports a broad range of standards that make it easier to integrate into manufacturing.

According to the developer Industrial Software Business Unit of Siemens Energy and Automation Inc. (Alpharetta, GA), Simatic WinCC is true 32-bit HMI software that is completely integrated with Microsoft Windows NT V4.0. Developed with the cooperation of Microsoft, Siemens says WinCC is a core element in PC Based Automation.

In addition to advanced connectivity, WinCC offers such common HMI features as graphics, alarms, trends, recipe management, and security. Its advanced features include reporting, project cross referencing, process diagnostics, multiple language support, and complete redundancy.

WinCC supports a broad range of industrial and business open standards, allowing it to link plant floor information with business systems throughout the enterprise. On the industrial side, it supports OPC (OLE for Process Control), the industry standard for communicating with automation hardware and software devices on the factory floor.

It also supports ODBC (Open Database Connectivity), the industry standard for exchanging information with MS SQLServer, MS Access, Oracle, and other databases. These standards enable WinCC to shuttle information into SAP and other enterprise business systems.

WinCC also provides some Internet and client/server functionality. It hosts Web browsers providing online help files. WinCC/Web Navigator, a thin client that provides secure access to the plant floor, enables users to view and control process settings from company intranets, the Internet, and remote locations. Multiclient/server options enable production and plant managers to view many processes from a single desktop.

For more information: Information Services, M/S 1204, Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc., 4900 Old Ironsides Dr., Santa Clara, CA 95052-8075. Phone: 800-964-4114.

Edited by Alan S. Brown