SIMATIC WinCC flexible - Siemens New Zealand

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible 

Flexibility in every HMI application – 

from Micro Panels to PCs 

simatic hmi 

WinCC FLEXIBLE 

1 

April 2007 

Brochure ·

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible – 

Flexibility and security of investment 

There are two software families in the range of SIMATIC® 

HMI® operating and monitoring products. 

SIMATIC WinCC® fl exible is the innovative HMI software 

package under Windows for all applications close to 

machines and the process in machine-tool, serial machine-tool 

building and plant engineering. The engineering 

software allows you to carry out consistent confi guration 

of all SIMATIC HMI operator panels. In this connection, the 

operator units range from Micro Panels, that are designed for 

applications with SIMATIC S7-200 controllers (Micro Automation), 

through to local solutions using SIMATIC Panel PCs and 

local control rooms with standard PCs. 

WinCC fl exible represents the highest levels of confi guration 

effi ciency: libraries with object primitives, reusable faceplates, 

intelligent tools up to automated text translation in 

the case of multilingual projects. 

WinCC fl exible Runtime offers a cost-effective solution for 

basic operating and monitoring functions, including an 

alarm and logging system and expansion via options on an 

as-required basis. The runtime functions that are available on 

SIMATIC HMI operator control and monitoring devices (Panels, 

Micro Panels, Mobile Panels and Multi Panels) depend on 

the device class. 

Concepts containing Sm@rtClients and Sm@rtServers allow 

cross-plant access to tags and pictures, distributed operator 

stations as well as remote operation and diagnostics across 

the Web – in conjunction with SIMATIC Operator Panels too. 

2 

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible 

The scalable SIMATIC WinCC process visualization system 

is available for more complex PC-based applications in the 

fi elds of plant and mechanical engineering. Version 6 of 

WinCC offers complete SCADA functionality under Windows 

for all branches of industry ranging from single-user systems 

through to distributed multi-user systems with redundant 

servers and cross-site solutions using Web clients. With its 

integrated process database (Historian), WinCC is the information 

exchange for cross-company, vertical integration, 

and offers more transparency for production by means of 

Plant Intelligence. 

With WinCC fl exible, SIMATIC HMI has made a signifi cant 

step in innovating its software landscape. However, this is 

only the fi rst step on the way to realize the ambitious idea 

of creating one software platform for all HMI tasks 

ranging from confi guring Micro Panels through to process 

visualization by means of a multiuser-capable SCADA system. 

SIMATIC HMI will approach this path on a step-by-step basis 

and in an exemplary way will link innovation and continuity 

to guarantee long-term security of investment. Thanks to 

the ability to apply existing confi guration data, this has 

already been implemented for users of SIMATIC ProTool and 

ProTool/Pro. 

This brochure is based on the SIMATIC WinCC fl exible 2007 

version.

Contents 

Product range ......................................... 4 

Highlights .............................................. 7 

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible – Basic system 

Engineering ............................................ 9 

Runtime functionality ........................... 14 

Technical data ...................................... 17 

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible – Options 

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible/Archives ........... 18 

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible/Recipes ............. 19 

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible/Sm@rtAccess .... 20 

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible/ISm@rtService .. 22 

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible/OPC-Server ....... 24 

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible/ProAgent .......... 25 

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible/Audit ................ 26 

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible/ChangeControl . 27 

More information ................................. 28 

Contents 

3


Product range 

SIMATIC HMI 

With SIMATIC HMI, Siemens Automation and Drives offers 

you a complete range for many different tasks in the fi eld 

of operation and monitoring – from a single source. From 

operator control and monitoring devices and visualization 

software for machine-level HMI through scalable SCADA 

systems (process visualization) for a wide variety of different 

requirements in process visualization: We offer you a fi nely 

graduated range of innovative and economic products and 

systems. 

SIMATIC HMI operator interfaces 

All SIMATIC HMI operator panels are eminently suited to being 

deployed close to machines in a harsh industrial environment 

– they are extremely vibration-resistant, with safe fl ash 

data memory for operation with no fan fi tted, and with IP 65 

protection on the front and high levels of EMC compatibility. 

You carry out confi guration (on Micro Panels and above) on 

a user-friendly basis using the appropriate WinCC fl exible 

engineering software. 

Push Button Panels 

The bus-compatible alternative to conventional keypad 

operator panels. They are preassembled and ready for use. 

Confi guration software is not required. Adaptations are performed 

on the device via parameterization without a special 

confi guration software 

Micro Panels 

Tailored to applications with the SIMATIC S7-200 Micro PLC 

for automation tasks in the lower performance range. 

4 

Process visualization 

Machine-level 

human machine interface 

Product range 

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) 

Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) 

Mobile Panels 

The portable operator panels facilitate operator control and 

monitoring at the actual scene of the event with direct access 

and visual contact to the process. They offer simple and 

secure hotswapping and can be used fl exibly on machines or 

systems − even in wireless applications. 

Panels 

For the effi cient operation and monitoring of machines in 

various performance classes – either as Touch Panels (TP) 

with touch-sensitive displays or as Operator Panels (OP) with 

membrane keyboards. 

Multi Panels 

These can be used for operator control and monitoring in the 

same way as the panels, with operation by means of touch 

screens or membrane keyboards. The main differentiation of 

Multi Panels (MP) are their high performance, openness and 

expandability due to a Windows CE based operating system. 

They also allow the integration of several automation tasks 

on one platform. 

Panel PCs 

SIMATIC Panel PCs are suitable for use in standard switching 

cabinets, consoles and control boards. SIMATIC HMI offers 

three different device categories that are customized in an 

optimum way for various industrial requirements: from embedded 

PCs through to powerful keyboard and touchscreen 

devices with high-quality 19“ displays. 

Single-user PC Client/server Internet client WinCC SCADA system 

Push Button Panels Micro Panels Mobile Panels Panels Multi Panels Panel PCs HMI software 

WinCC flexible 

Field level, drives 

INTERNET 

SIMOTION Motion Control SIMATIC controllers Other automation systems

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible engineering software 

The WinCC fl exible product range includes innovative engineering 

tools for consistent confi guration of all SIMATIC HMI 

operator control and monitoring devices as well as PC-based 

systems using WinCC fl exible Runtime. You can confi gure all 

the current HMI devices in the SIMATIC HMI product range as 

well as local PC single-user solutions using WinCC fl exible. 

WinCC fl exible is available as several variants that are graduated 

on a price and performance basis that can extend one 

another and are tailor-made for individual classes of operator 

control and monitoring devices in an optimum way. In this 

context, the larger software package always includes the 

confi guration options of the smaller packages. 

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible Micro 

Micro Panels: OP 73micro, TP 170/177micro 

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible Compact 

Same as WinCC fl exible Micro plus 

70 Series Panels: OP 73, OP 77A, OP 77B 

170 Series Panels: TP/OP 170, Mobile Panel 170/177 

TP 177A, TP/OP 177B 

C7 devices: C7-635 (touch & keys) 

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible Standard 

Same as WinCC fl exible Compact plus 

270 Series Panels: TP/OP 270, TP/OP 277, 

Mobile Panel 277/277F IWLAN 

270/370 Series 

Multi Panels: MP 270B, MP 277, MP 370, 

MP 377 

C7 devices: C7-636 (keys) 

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible Advanced 

Same as WinCC fl exible Standard plus 

SIMATIC, SIMOTION, SINUMERIK Panel PCs and standard 

PCs 

Engineering 

(ES) 

Runtime 

(RT) 

WinCC flexible Advanced 

WinCC flexible Standard 

WinCC flexible Compact 


Micro 

SIMATIC Micro Panels SIMATIC Panels and 

Mobile Panels 

70/170 Series 

SIMATIC Panels and 

Multi Panels 

270/370 Series 

WinCC fl exible – Engineering software and target systems 

PC-based 


Runtime 

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible runtime software 

With SIMATIC HMI operator control and monitoring devices, 

the runtime software is on-board and, depending on the 

equipment‘s hardware, this gives you different HMI functionality 

and performance profi les. For PC platforms, 

WinCC fl exible Runtime can be used on a graduated basis 

through the use of PowerTags: 

128, 512 or 2048 PowerTags 

Only those variables with process connection to the controller 

count as PowerTags. Variables without a process link, 

constant limit values of variables as well as (up to 4000) 

messages are available with the core product. 

Powerpacks 

Powerpacks allow you to increase the number of useable 

PowerTags. As your application grows, so does WinCC fl exible. 

Start off with the smallest tag count and then add tags 

via Powerpacks as your requirements increase. Powerpacks 

also allow you to upgrade your engineering software to 

grow from an initial use of Panels and Multi Panels (in WinCC 

fl exible Standard) to full deployment of PC solutions (WinCC 

fl exible Advanced). 

Options 

You can obtain individual functional or vertical market extensions 

to the engineering and runtime software in the form 

of WinCC fl exible options. Some options are already integrated 

as standard functions in some operator panels; others 

are only available from specifi c device classes onwards. 

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WinCC fl exible – Runtime options for Panels, Multi Panels and PCs 

Product range 

5


Product range 

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible/Archives 

Process value archiving and alarm logging using WinCC 

fl exible/Archives is for acquiring and processing process 

data from an industrial plant/machine. In this context, you 

can document the course of the process; check the rate of 

utilization or quality of production; or verify repeated error 

status conditions. 

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible/Recipes 

The WinCC fl exible/Recipes option is for managing data 

records that contain connected machine or production data. 

You can, for example, transfer the contents of a data record 

from the operator panel to the controller to switch production 

to another product variant. 

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible/Sm@rtAccess 

The WinCC fl exible/Sm@rtAccess option makes available 

simple client/server mechanisms for Panels and Multi Panels 

from OP/TP 177B and above and for PCs with WinCC fl exible 

Runtime: 

Display and enable operator input to screens using the 

Sm@rtClient concept 

Communication between HMI stations using the SIMATIC 

HMI HTTP protocol 

Web service (SOAP) for accessing tags from external applications 

via VBA macros 

6 

Product range 

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible/Sm@rtService 

You can use the WinCC fl exible/Sm@rtService option for 

remote control, diagnostics and maintenance of operator 

stations on-site via the Internet with Panels and Multi Panels 

from OP/TP 177B and above as well as PCs using WinCC fl exible 

Runtime. 

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible/OPC-Server 

In conjunction with the SIMATIC WinCC fl exible/OPC-Server 

option, you can use Windows-based systems like SIMATIC 

Panel PCs with WinCC fl exible Runtime or SIMATIC Multi 

Panels for tasks close to machines and the process while at 

the same time communicating with OPC-capable applications 

via an Ethernet connection. 

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible/ProAgent 

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible/ProAgent – makes possible selective 

and rapid process diagnostics with plant and machinery. 

Due to its complete integration into the SIMATIC process 

diagnostics world, ProAgent offers a consistent solution 

based on STEP 7, the Engineering Tools S7-PDIAG, S7-GRAPH 

and S7-HiGRAPH and on SIMATIC S7 control systems S7-300/- 

400® and WinAC®. 

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible/Audit 

In applications that need traceability and simple validation, 

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible/Audit allows you to conveniently 

confi gure GMP-relevant functions, to record operator inputs 

in Audit Trails and to easily comply with legal requirements. 

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible/ChangeControl 

WinCC fl exible/ChangeControl makes it possible to version 

and track changes in projects. To do this, the system consistently 

manages the confi guration data in a database and 

carries out version management (with a rollback function). 

In the fi nal analysis, this provides unbroken verfi cation of the 

change history for the entire life cycle and makes validation 

easier. 

Software updates 

You can download free of charge on the Internet Hardware 

Support Packages, which allow you to confi gure SIMATIC 

HMI Panels that are new on the market, as well as Service 

Packs to remove bugs and faults in software. If desired, you 

can use our Software Update Service, which automatically 

provides you with all the Upgrades and Service Packs that are 

released over a period of twelve months at a fi xed price per 

installed WinCC fl exible Engineering System or option.


Highlights 

Implement on a fl exible basis 

WinCC fl exible is ideal for use as the HMI software in all 

applications in which operator control and monitoring is 

required on site – whether in production and process automation. 

WinCC fl exible is designed for use in all industries 

and offers a single software solution for SIMATIC HMI operator 

control and monitoring devices from the smallest Micro 

Panel up to PCs under Windows 2000/XP (engineering 

software and PC runtime software). You can transfer projects 

to different HMI platforms without needing to convert the 

projects. 

Connectivity 

to SIMATIC S7 via PPI, MPI, PROFIBUS-DP and PROFINET 

(TCP/IP), 

to SIMATIC S5 and SIMATIC 500/505 via serial link and via 

PROFIBUS DP, 

to SIMOTION and SINUMERIK, 

drivers for controllers made by leading manufacturers 

and via OPC 

ensure that you always have the right connection for 

a wide variety of automation solutions. 

WinCC fl exible supports PROFINET, the innovative standard 

for industrial communications from the fi eld level to the 

supervisory level. You can use PROFINET IO to make timecritical 

inputs by means of direct keys or a hand wheel with 

operator panels in real-time. 

Highlights 

Implement on a fl exible basis 

Provide operator access close to the process and/or 

machine level 

For applications on operator panels and PCs 

(using a single software solution) 

Connectivity to a wide variety of automation solutions 

Worldwide deployment (multiple languages available) 

Highest confi guration effi ciency 

Convenient user interface 

Libraries, reusable faceplates 

Intelligent tools 

Multilingual confi gurations 

Importing tag lists in Excel format 

Text import/export in Excel format (Unicode) 

Innovative HMI concepts 

Plant-wide access to tags and screens 

Distributed HMI stations 

Networking standalone production cells 

Local control room solutions 

Link to the Offi ce world 

Web enabled Service and Diagnostics 

Automatic e-mail dispatch 

Remote control of HMI stations 

Remote diagnostics and download 

Traceable and easy to validate 

Tracking of manufacturer processes by means of 

Audit Trails 

Versioning and tracking project changes 

Validation support in engineering and at runtime 

Part of Totally Integrated Automation 

Can be integrated within SIMATIC STEP 7, SIMATIC iMap 

and SIMOTION 

Leverage prior Siemens investment while implementing 

new technologies 

Use existing ProTool confi guration data 

Multilingual engineering software that can be switched at 

the push of a button; the option of creating projects with up 

to 32 languages at the same time – up to 16 of which (device-depending) 

you can switch online are excellent reasons 

for using WinCC fl exible on a worldwide basis. Coupled with 

Web-based service concepts, OEMs and large multinational 

companies can promote their business globally. 

Highlights 

7


Highlights 

Highest confi guration 

effi ciency 

The WinCC fl exible engineering 

software is based on the 

latest software technologies; 

it is available in fi ve languages 

(plus four Asian ones included 

in the ASIA version) and has a 

simple user interface that offers 

confi guring engineers: 

Libraries with ready-made objects and reusable 

faceplates 

Intelligent tools to easily create projects, for graphic confi 

guring of a screen hierarchy and of motion paths, as well 

as for confi guring bulk data 

Support for multilingual engineering with automated text 

translation and text export and import function 

Innovative HMI and 

automation concepts 

Using the WinCC fl exible/ 

Sm@rtAccess option, operator 

stations have access to each 

others‘ tags and screens. This 

yields innovative TCP/IP communication-based 

concepts for 

the HMI and automation tasks 

that you have to solve: 

Operator stations with plantwide 

access to current process values and screens 

8 


Distributed operator stations for operating large, physically 

distributed machines 

Local control room solutions with options for central 

archiving, analysis and further-processing of process data 

Link to Offi ce applications 

Web enabled Service and 

Diagnostics 

The WinCC fl exible/ 

Sm@rtService option gives 

you new service concepts: 

Event-driven sending of 

e-mail and text messages to 

the service staff 

Remote control of on-site 

stations across the Web 

Highlights 

Diagnosing operator stations 

using ready-made diagnostic 

functions and screens 

Service and maintenance 

functions (downloading 

projects, downloading/uploading 

recipes) 

Traceability and simple 

validation 

WinCC fl exible‘s Audit und 

ChangeControl options offer 

high levels of support to mechanical and plant engineers 

that must meet strict quality requirements with regard both 

to the products to be manufactured and to the manufacturing 

process 

User-friendly confi guration of GMP-relevant functions 

(Good Manufacturing Practice) 

Recording of operator inputs in Audit Trails with an 

electronic signature and comment for PCs and 270 Series 

Panels and above 

Versioning and change tracking of projects 

Easy fulfi llment of the legal requirements for traceability 

according to EU 178/2002 and 21 CFR Part 11 

Part of Totally Integrated 

Automation (TIA) 

TIA, with its unique consistency, 

makes it possible to 

use WinCC fl exible to reduce 

engineering and lifecycle 

costs. TIA is also the basis 

of integrated system and 

process diagnostics. 

Apart from this, you can 

integrate WinCC fl exible within the scope of TIA in different 

engineering worlds (SIMATIC Step 7, SIMATIC iMap and 

SIMOTION Scout); this means that it supports integrated, 

reduced engineering confi gurations. 

Leverage prior Siemens investment 

while implementing new technologies 

Compatible application of complete ProTool projects for Windows-based 

devices means that you can use all your previous 

engineering effort with WinCC fl exible, protecting prior investments. 

In a later expansion stage, this is also planned for 

projects of the SIMATIC WinCC process visualization system.


Engineering – Convenient, effi cient and fl exible 

A simple and convenient user interface 

The engineering software is based on the latest software 

technology (e.g. Microsoft .NET); it is currently available in 

the European languages German, English, French, Spanish 

and Italian (plus in conjunction with the ASIA variant) in the 

Asian languages Chinese (Chinese simplifi ed),Taiwanese 

(Chinese traditional), Korean and Japanese. The software 

contains a range of editors and tools for different confi guration 

tasks. You carry out confi guration using up to 32 screen 

layers. For confi guring the screens, you have available 

convenient functions for zooming in and out, for rotating 

and aligning objects. 

In WinCC fl exible, you can set up a working environment that 

exactly matches your needs. During engineering, the system 

displays on the confi guration computer‘s monitor a working 

environment that is oriented toward the task you are carrying 

out at any one time. Here, you will fi nd everything you 

need to do your work on a user-friendly basis: 

the project window for representing the project structure 

(project tree) and for managing the project, 

the tool box containing different object and access to the 

object library, 

the object window for choosing objects that you have 

already created (including copying into the screen using 

Drag & Drop), 

the workspace in which 

you can create screens 

(layout and links), 

the property window to 

parameterize objects in 

the workspace. 

Intelligent tools for effi 

cient confi guration 

WinCC fl exible provides you 

with a range of intelligent 

tools for effi cient confi guration. 

Using the Project Wizard, 

for example, you can create 

a basic project, including 

navigation and system 

screens, using just a few 

user default settings. The 

system uses dialogs to 

navigate and enable you to 

choose the desired objects, 

and to create the project at 

the push of a button. 

Setting the confi guration using the Project Wizard 

WinCC fl exible Advanced – Clear due to task-oriented windows 

Project window 

Object window 

You can of course manually change the settings that you 

made using the Project Wizard if required. 

Graphic confi guration makes it easier to carry out complex 

confi guration tasks like defi ning motion paths or creating 

screen navigation. 

The motion path of a screen object is composed of the start 

point and the end point, which you can easily determine 

using the mouse. You assign a variable to this motion path. 

At runtime, the variable value then determines the relative 

position of the object on the motion path. 

Workspace 

Property window 

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible – Basic System 

Tool box 

9


Engineering – Convenient, effi cient and fl exible 

Confi guring a motion path 

Table-based editors make it easier to create and edit objects 

of the same type, e.g. for tags, texts or messages. You 

can use the advantages at confi guration of a large number 

of objects, e.g. when creating and editing tags. If you create 

several tags with a process connection that are created one 

after the other in the controller‘s memory, you can have the 

system automatically increment the address range for each 

tag. You can, however, also change identical settings for 

several tags at one time, e.g. the tag type or the connection. 

Interconnection dialog for faceplates 

10 


Convenient fi nd and replace functions allow you to carry 

out a project-wide search for objects, to carry out central 

rewiring of tags and to fi nd and replace texts. Apart from 

this, the cross reference list gives you direct access to all the 

objects in the project. 

You can also group confi guration data in one project documentation 

report and print it with the screens being stored 

as separate graphics fi les. 

Handling graphics in different formats is much easier. 

Using a graphics browser, you can display supplied graphics 

and your own pictures, process them and integrate them in 

a project screen using Drag & Drop. If you want to process 

the image, the system automatically starts the associated 

external editor. When placing graphics using Drag & Drop 

in the workspace in the open picture, the system opens a 

graphic display or makes possible labelling of a pushbutton 

or softkey. 

Get there quicker with reusable faceplates 

WinCC fl exible has a large number of basic and enhanced 

objects and graphics that are scalable and can be dynamized; 

you can use these objects in your pictures. The Symbol Factory, 

for example, contains a large number of general and 

vertical market representations with different colour depths. 

Apart from this, you can combine project-specifi c faceplates 

from simple picture objects and store them in the library. You 

can now use tags to interconnect the dynamic properties of 

a faceplate‘s picture elements, 

e.g. the design and visibility. 

This means that at runtime you 

can, for example, hide and display 

individual components of 

the faceplate or of the complete 

faceplate in dependence on a 

tag value. You can carry out 

modifi cations in the entire project 

from one central location 

and the system then changes 

the module at the same time 

in all the screens of the project 

where it is used. 

You can use faceplates without 

needing to invest a lot of time 

and effort in wiring, since they 

can be linked with structured 

data types. Each time you use 

the faceplate in a picture, you 

only need to confi gure one 

structure variable of the same 

data type on the faceplate to 

establish the complete link.


Engineering – Multilingual, expandable and future-enabled 

Multilingual – with automatic translation 

WinCC fl exible also supports you in an optimum way when 

creating multilingual confi gurations in up to 32 languages 

(16 of which can be switched online, depending on the 

target device) for worldwide deployment. Switchable views 

allow operators to enter confi guration data on a multilingual 

basis. You can manage language-dependent texts and 

graphics in a central text library that carries out automatic 

translation on the basis of the system- and user-specifi c 

dictionaries. 

Using an import and export interface in Excel format, 

you can now further-process any texts from the project you 

like in Unicode format using external tools, e.g. for service 

providers to translate the texts into another language. This is 

particularly interesting if you are a machine tool builder with 

worldwide operations and you want to translate your WinCC 

fl exible project to Asian pictogram languages (Chinese, 

Taiwanese, Korean, and Japanese). 

Individual extensions using VBScript 

As standard, WinCC fl exible offers a large number of dynamic 

options for objects. However, if you want to be even 

more fl exible, in projects with 270 Series Panels and above 

you have available VBScript, which is a powerful and easy 

to learn script language based on Visual Basic. You can 

immediately leverage your Visual Basic knowledge. The IntelliSense 

function allows you to quickly program accesses 

to runtime objects and to simply establish control sequences 

within the script. Script debugging is possible during engineering 

using the Simulator and, if required, at runtime. 

Security of investment by taking over 

confi guration data 

WinCC fl exible is enabled for the future and offers security 

of investment because WinCC fl exible is a consistent furtherdevelopment 

of the ProTool family. You can apply existing 

projects on an “as is” basis and use them for a project with 

WinCC fl exible. In the case of Windows CE-based devices 

(170/270/370 Series Panels and Multi Panels) and PCs, this 

works without you needing to make any changes at all. With 

other target systems (OP7, OP27/37, TP27/37 RMOS Panels), 

Export to 

.csv 

Converter 

Convert to Excel format – Import into WinCC fl exible 

Extract from the system dictionary (9 languages) 

you can convert the confi guration data for an appropriate 

device that WinCC fl exible supports (e.g. OP 7 to OP 77B); 

after this you can carry out customizing and add additional 

functions if required. 

Applying and reusing entire projects from SIMATIC WinCC is 

planned for a later WinCC fl exible expansion stage. 

WinCC fl exible can import tags from other systems as Excel 

fi les. This is possible for general tag lists. Apart from this, 

Taking over confi guration data – Compatible or by conversion 

there are converters for leading manufacturers‘ programming 

software (e.g. Rockwell RS Logix 500, Modicon 

Telemecanique PL7, GE Fanuc VersaPro) that convert the 

manufacturer-specifi c formats in the Excel xls format. 

Import from 

.xls 


11


Engineering – Integrated in automation systems 

Integration in SIMATIC STEP 7 

Due to integration in the confi guration interface of SIMATIC 

STEP 7 (V5.3 and above), it is possible to manage WinCC 

fl exible projects within STEP 7 and to share the use of communications 

settings, tags and messages. This results in 

considerably fewer errors and in the fi nal analysis much less 

time and effort for confi guration. 

In an integrated application situation, Simatic Manager, 

a component of STEP 7, supports project management. 

The SIMATIC Manager gives you access to all the objects 

of WinCC fl exible. In this connection, the system makes it 

possible to create/copy/delete HMI devices or even individual 

HMI objects like screens or recipes, for example. During confi 

guration, you directly access the STEP 7 symbols and data 

blocks, that you specifi ed when you created your controller 

program. This means that you no longer have to defi ne tags 

within WinCC fl exible. 

Accessing STEP 7 symbols from WinCC fl exible 

12 


Integration in SIMATIC iMap 

Component based Automation (CbA) is the response to 

the increasing infl uence of mechatronics in mechanical and 

plant engineering. As a new concept of Totally Integrated 

Automation (TIA), CbA supports consistent modularization 

due to component technology in mechanical and plant 

engineering. 

This means that at the engineering and commissioning 

stages you can achieve exceptional increases in productivity. 

Component-based automation is based on the “PROFINET“ 

standard defi ned by the PROFIBUS Nutzerorganisation e.V. 

The SIMATIC iMap engineering tool makes possible graphic 

combination of distributed applications on a cross-plant basis 

and it is an integral component of the SIMATIC software 

landscape. Graphic confi guration takes the place of timeconsuming 

and costly programming of communications 

relationships between intelligent devices. 

WinCC fl exible integrated in 

the SIMATIC Manager

Completed and tested modules for mechanical components, 

electronics and software for individual machine functions 

speed up the creation of complex machines. This reduces the 

number of faults and errors and reduces total costs. Using 

WinCC fl exible, you create the HMI view of a module, 

that consists of one or more faceplates and that you group 

into a total module together with the control section. In the 

SIMATIC iMap interconnection editor, you connect together 

the interfaces of the modules on a graphical basis. You do 

not need to program the communications relationships. The 

system then uses this interconnection information and the 

Integrating WinCC fl exible in SIMOTION Scout 

Creating a PROFINET 

component in 

WinCC fl exible 

HMI sections in the modules to automatically create the basis 

of visualization using WinCC fl exible. In this context, you use 

a PC in conjunction with the PROFINET OPC Server as the 

visualization platform. 

In this way, the system supports modular machine concept 

based on PROFINET CbA. 

Integration in SIMOTION SCOUT 

Based on an innovative system approach that combines control 

tasks (typically logic functions), motion control functions 

and technologal functions, SIMOTION is an optimized system 

platform for automation solutions of machines focusing on 

motion control and technological tasks. The motion control 

system consists of the SCOUT engineering system, the 

technology packages and a common runtime system for various 

SIMOTION platforms. 

Integrating WinCC fl exible in SIMOTION SCOUT will provide 

the same advantages as integration in SIMATIC STEP 7; apart 

from this, it offers complete integration in the SIMOTION 

SCOUT user interface as well as automatic generation of 

process screens in dependence on confi gured technological 

objects. These can be axis screens for manual operation for a 

machine‘s confi gured axes, for example. 


13


Runtime functionality 

Basic functions and options 

The runtime functionality depends on the features of the 

target system and you can expand it using options. Some 

of the options are only available for operator panels of a 

specifi c class and above, others are integrated to a certain 

extent (cf. page 5). 

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible Runtime offers you all the features 

you need for PC based HMI: 

User management and access protection (user groups, 

passwords, access rights) 

Windows-compliant user interface with language support 

Process representation using vector graphics, I/O fi elds, 

bar graphs, curve displays, etc. 

Message system with free message classes, acknowledgement 

and archiving 

Report and logging system (shift, batch and message logs) 

Visual Basic script for user functions 

Archiving messages and process values (option) 

Recipe management (option) 

OPC communication (option) 

Service & Diagnostics across the Web (option) 

Sm@rtClient/Server concepts (option) 

Process diagnostics (option) 

Logging and tracking of operator actions (option) 

Due to its individually scalable system functionality, 

with WinCC fl exible you only pay for the functionality that 

you need to solve your current HMI task. Coupled with 

Powerpacks to increase the number of PowerTags (cf. page 

5), this provides low initial costs. You can also fl exibly 

extend the runtime functionality at any time using Visual 

Basic scripts. VBScript is a component of the WinCC fl exible 

engineering software. 

User administration and access protection 

If necessary, you can activate access protection. In this 

context, it is possible to create user groups that have specifi c 

privileges. To be able to carry out particular operator inputs, 

users must log on to the HMI system with their user names 

and passwords. Other user management functions include 

time for automatic logout, password aging and blocking 

users by the administrator. With the integration in a central, 

plant-wide user administration with SIMATIC Logo, SIMATIC 

WinCC fl exible also covers FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements. 

14 


WinCC fl exible Runtime – Furnace representation 

Using WinCC fl exible/Audit, the system records all relevant 

changes to tags and any operator actions as Audit Trails and 

saves them to a CSV fi le (cf. page 26). Operator actions of 

this type can include, for example, entering process values, 

starting recipes or acknowledging messages, as well as messages 

from user management like logging a user on and off. 

You can provide additional prompts for an electronic signature 

and a commentary in the case of operator actions like 

entering specifi ed values or saving and loading recipes. This 

is of course automatically logged in the Audit Trail. 

Language support for multilingual projects 

You can confi gure texts and graphics on a language-dependent 

basis. In this connection, the project can include up to 

16 online languages (including Asian and Cyrillic texts). You 

can then switch between these languages at runtime. This 

means that different operators can choose the optimum 

language setting for their own needs. And if the supplier of 

a machine or plant is responsible for servicing and maintenance 

abroad, the service personnel can, if necessary, switch 

on-site from an Asian language to English, for example, if 

you have confi gured this feature. 

Operating and representation options 

The options that operators of a machine or plant have 

depend on how the project was created and the functionality 

that the operator panel has that is being used. This functionality 

is provided to operators by means of a number of confi 

gured screen objects on the user interface. Depending on 

your operator panel, you can operate WinCC fl exible Runtime 

using a keyboard and mouse or a touchscreen.

In WinCC fl exible, the system carries out visualization by 

means of a Windows-conformant user interface that is 

composed of parameterizable screen objects and screens 

that you create on a project-specifi c basis: 

Static text and graphics display as well as vector graphics 

Graphics displays for different standard graphics formats, 

e.g. bmp, .jpg, .wmf 

Pushbuttons, switches and sliders for process operation 

Date/time fi elds 

Numeric and alphanumeric input/output fi elds 

Symbolic and graphic input/output fi elds 

Fields for status/forcing variables 

Dynamizable graphics from the symbol factory 

Bar charts and analog displays 

Trend graphics with paging and zoom functions and cursor 

line 

Alarm displays, alarm window with operator controls, 

alarm indicator 

Recipe displays 

Sm@rtClient displays and HTML browser for plant-wide 

displaying of tags and screens 

Technological faceplates created from basic objects 

Alarms and messages 

Alarms indicate events and states on the HMI device which 

have occurred in the system, in the process or on the HMI 

device itself. You can either log alarm events on your printer 

or save them to the message archive (Archives option) for 

further processing and evaluation. 

In this connection, WinCC fl exible differentiates between 

user-defi ned alarms – that show process status conditions 

or acquire process data from the PLC on the operator panel 

and log it – and predefi ned system messages that show 

specifi c system status conditions of the operator panel or the 

PLC. 

The system generates user-defi ned alarms in WinCC fl exible 

in three ways: 

Bit alarms, 

Analog alarms, 

Alarms via alarm procedure Alarm_S with SIMATIC S7. 

WinCC fl exible Runtime – cement manufacture 

Using freely defi nable alarm classes, you can determine the 

acknowledgement response and the representation of the 

alarm events. 

Alarms can have the status “active“, “active/acknowledged“, 

“activated/deactivated” or “active/deactivated/acknowledged“. 

In this connection, WinCC fl exible differentiates 

between different acknowledgement mechanisms, which 

means that the operator as well as the PLC can acknowledge 

messages. 

“Error“, “operation“ and “system“ are predefi ned alarm 

classes with specifi c properties. This classifi cation is adequate 

for many applications. Using freely defi nable alarm 

classes, you can determine the acknowledgement response 

and the representation of the alarm events on an indidual 

basis. 

For displaying messages on the screen, you can use confi 

gurable alarm displays, which can be one line long or 

occupy an automatically displayed alarm window. You can 

set confi gurable message fi lters which restrict selectively in 

ongoing operation the current messages that you want to 

display. In this connection, the fi lter affects the user text in 

the message and can comprise a fi xed character string of be 

set dynamically by means of a variable. The alarm indicator 

shows you that a alarm is pending. 

Reports 

In WinCC fl exible, reports are used to document process data 

and completed production cycles. You can report messages 

and recipe data in order to create shift reports, output batch 

data, or to document a manufacturing process for the acceptance 

test. 


15


Runtime functionality 

Mixing plant with a displayed message window 

You can create separate report fi les for reporting different 

types of data. You can set the triggering of the output 

separately for each report fi le. You can choose to trigger the 

output of data at a specifi c time or in defi ned intervals, or 

by other events. In this way, you can selectively confi gure 

individual logs for different requirements. In this context, 

you can design the layout in any way you like. 

Process communication 

WinCC fl exible‘s scope of supply includes drivers for various 

system links with the Siemens controller families and automation 

systems and with other manufacturers‘ controllers 

(see Technical Data on page 17). In addition, an OPC client 

is available for PCs. Since all controller manufacturers 

provide appropriate OPC servers for their hardware, there 

are virtually no limits to what you can connect to WinCC 

fl exible. WinCC fl exible Runtime allows you to use the OPC 

client channel in-parallell with any controller link you like 

(multiprotocol capability). 

It is also possible to connect series 177 and above SIMATIC 

Panels (colour variant), Multi Panels and PCs with WinCC 

fl exible Runtime via PROFINET to the PLC. The SIMATIC HMI 

operator panels in question already have a corresponding 

Ethernet interface on-board. 

PROFINET is based on Industrial Ethernet and uses the 

TCP/IP standard for parameterization, confi guration and 

diagnostics. Real-time communication for transferring the 

user/process data is carried out over the same line. Distributed 

fi eld units (IO devices e.g. signal modules as well as 

HMI operator panels) can be integrated either directly or 

using IO controllers in the Industrial Ethernet (PROFINET IO). 

16 


WinCC fl exible Runtime – wood manufacture 

SIMATIC HMI 177 and 277 series operator panels support 

PROFINET IO. This means that it is possible to carry out timecritical 

operator inputs, like the ones with DP direct keys 

and PROFIBUS, on the basis of Industrial Ethernet too. This 

affects the direct keys with OP/TP 177B Operator Panels and 

above, with MP 277 Multi Panels as well as the direct keys 

and the hand wheel with Mobile Panels 177 and 277. 

PG IO-Device IO-Controller 

IO-Device IO-Device IO-Device 

Operator Panels as IO devices on the PROFINET


Technical data 

WinCC fl exible Runtime 

The specifi cations are maximum values 

Diagrams 500 

Fields per diagram 400 

Variables per diagram 400 

Static text 30,000 

Graphics objects 

Complex objects per picture 

2000 

(e.g. bars) 40 

Trend curves 800 

Graphics lists 500 

Text lists 500 

Number of entries in symbol lists 3500 

Variables 2048 

Messages bit-triggered/analog 4000/500 

Message text (no. of characters) 80 

No. of process values p. message 8 

Message buffer size 1024 

Pending message events 500 

Archive 100 

Archivable data 

Max. number of entries per 

Process values (max. 100), 

messages 

archive (incl. sequential archive) 500,000 

Archive types Short-term archives, sequential 

archives (max. 400 p. archive) 

Data storage format CSV (Comma Separated 

Values) and interfacing to 

ODBC database (database not 

included in scope of supply) 

Recipes 1000 

Elements per recipe 2000 

Records per recipe 

Password protection 

5000 

User privileges 32 

No. of user groups 10 

Visual Basic scripts 200 

Online languages, max. 16 

Communication 

SIMATIC S7 MPI interface/PROFIBUS DP interface 

Number of connectable partners, max. WinCC fl exible Runtime 

permits up to 8 connections, depending on the scope of confi guration 

(communication) 

SIMATIC S7 PPI interface 

Max. number of connectable partners: 

1 for WinCC fl exible Runtime 

SIMATIC S5 PROFIBUS DP interface 

Max. number of connectable partners: 

1 for WinCC fl exible Runtime 

Multi-protocol operation Yes; 

OPC client or SIMATIC HMI HTTP protocol are additive, that is, they 

can be used in combination with other controller connections 

System requirements WinCC fl exible 

Operating system 

For multi-language 

Windows 2000 SP4, 

Windows XP Professional SP1/2 

confi gurations Windows 2000 SP4 MUI, 

Windows XP Professional SP1 MUI 

For WinCC fl exible Micro: 

Processor 

Windows XP Home 

Engineering Pentium IV ≥ 1,6 GHz 

Runtime Pentium II 233 MHz 

Resolution 

Engineering ≥ 1024 x 768 

Runtime 

RAM 

≥ VGA 

Engineering ≥ 1 GByte (≥ 512 MB using 

WinCC fl exible Micro) 

Runtime 

Hard disk (free memory) 

≥ 128 MB 

Engineering ≥ 1 GByte 

Runtime ≥ 100 MByte 

Diskette drive 3,5“/1,44 MB 

DVD-ROM drive For software installation 

Integration 

Siemens PLCs 

SIMATIC S7 PPI 

MPI 

PROFIBUS-DP, 

TCP/IP (Ethernet), PROFINET 

integr. interface (WinAC) 

SIMATIC S5 AS 511 

PROFIBUS-DP 

SIMATIC 500/505 NITP 

PROFIBUS-DP 

SIMATIC HMI HTTP Protocol HTTP/HTTPS (Ethernet) 

SIMOTION PROFIBUS-DP 

SINUMERIK 

Non-Siemens PLCs 

Allen Bradley DF1,DH485 

EtherNet/IP 

GE Fanuc SNP 

SNPX 

LG GLOFA GM 

Mitsubishi FX 

MP4 

Modicon Modbus 

OMRON Link 

Multilink 

OPC (Client + Server) Data Access V2.0 + 

Data Access V1.1 (COM) 

V1.0 (XML) client only 


17

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible/Archives – 

Archiving process values and messages 

Process value archiving and alarm logging using WinCC 

fl exible/Archives is for acquiring and processing process 

data from an industrial plant/machine. Evaluating archived 

process data then gives you information about the operating 

status of the plant/machine in the course of the industrial 

process (production, machining, processing, etc.). In this 

context, you can document the course of the process; check 

the rate of utilization or quality of production; or verify 

repeated error status conditions. 

In WinCC fl exible, you can select from the following log 

types: 

Circular log 

Segmented circular log 

Circular log which sends a system alarm message when it 

is full 

Circular log which executes system functions when it is 

full. 

Trend displays 

To represent and evaluate archived process values, you can 

use a confi gurable trend display in your screens. A cursor line 

helps you to read off the values. 

Archiving and evaluation 

You can export acquired process values and messages 

for long-term archiving either manually or on a processcontrolled 

basis. Depending on the length of the archiving 

period, you can save the process data in sequence or cyclic 

archives either as CSV fi les or in ODBC databases (e.g. 

Trend representation using a confi gurable trend display 

18 


Benefi ts 

Early detection of danger and disturbances 

Avoidance of down times due to predictive diagnostics 

Increased product quality and productivity due to regular 

evaluation of archives 

Microsoft Access). In this context, the system uses all the 

archiving media that Windows supports. 

Curve displays can be supplied with different values depending 

on the confi guration: 

Log: For displaying the logged values of a tag 

Realtime pulse triggered: For time-triggered display of 

values 

Realtime bit triggered: For event-triggered display of 

values 

History bit-triggered: For event-triggered display with 

buffered data acquistion 

Archiving and evaluation 

The values from external and internal tags can be saved in 

data logs. You can individually specify the log in which 

each tag will be saved. 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. 

In runtime, the tag values which are to be logged are 

captured, processed and stored in an ODBC database (e.g.: 

MS Access, only for PC projects) or a fi le. Depending on the 

hardware confi guration of the HMI device, the data may be 

logged locally (on the hard disk of a PC or on the storage 

card of a panel) or, if present, on a network drive. Saved data 

can undergo additional processing in other programs, e.g. 

for analysis purposes. 

Alarm logging 

Using WinCC fl exible, you can log alarms and document 

operating and disturbance status conditions of the industrial 

plant. The system saves all the messages of a alarm class in 

one message archive; in this connection, you can, in principle, 

assign the same archive to several message classes. 

Archiving of messages can be carried out automatically or on 

an operator-controlled basis. 

An archive can be stored in an ODBC database or in a fi le. 

The complete range of functions of the database is available 

for further-processing and evaluating the archive data.

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible/Recipes – 

Recipes – Managing data records in recipes 

Benefi ts 

Simple transfer of recipes to the controller 

Clear representation in table form of the data elements 

Representation in a technological context across several 

process screens 

Import/export functions of data records for further-processing 

using other tools (e.g. Microsoft Excel) 

The WinCC fl exible/Recipes option is for managing data 

records that contain connected machine or production data. 

You can, for example, transfer the contents of a data record 

from the operator panel to the controller to switch production 

to another product variant. Recipes are often used for 

parameterizing plants/machines in manufacturing industry 

but especially in the context of batch-oriented production in 

the food or plastics industries. 

Pre-assignment of recipes 

With WinCC fl exible, you can use a separate editor to conveniently 

create recipes and the associated data records and to 

pre-assign them with data. The following data entry options 

are available: 

Data entry during runtime 

Data import during runtime (using a csv.* fi le) 

Data entry during confi guration 

Displaying and managing recipes at runtime 

A confi gurable table object is for displaying and managing 

data at runtime. If necessary, you can also represent 

Recipe 

display 

Recipe picture 

Recipes – presetting data records during confi guration 

the individual data record elements directly as standard input/output 

fi elds across several process screens. This means 

that the system can present the data to operators in clear 

technological views. 

Data exchange with the controller, 

storage and logging 

Data record elements are linked to the process via a direct 

tag link with the tags in the controller. It is possible to 

transfer the data records in both directions, i.e. specifi cations 

from the operator stations result in production data from the 

controller. In this context, powerful interfaces make possible 

synchronized data exchange with the controller. You can 

store the data records on local data carriers or on a network 

drive; if desired, you can also import and export them in 

CSV format. To record individual production and process 

sequences, it is possible to document the data records in the 

form of a batch or shift log. 


19

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible/Sm@rtAccess – 

Innovative HMI concepts 

Innovative concepts 

20 

Distributed operator stations for operating large, 

physically distributed machines 

Local operator stations with plant-wide access to 

variables, e.g. networking standalone production cells 

Local control room solutions with options for central 

archiving, analysis and further-processing of process 

data 


Simple client/server mechanisms 

The WinCC fl exible/Sm@rtAccess option makes available 

simple client/server mechanisms for Panels and Multi Panels 

from OP/TP 177B and above and for PCs with WinCC fl exible 

Runtime: 

Display and enable operator input to screens using the 

Sm@rtClient concept 

Communication between HMI stations using the SIMATIC 

HMI HTTP protocol 

Web service (SOAP) for accessing tags from external applications 

via VBA macros 

Within the scope of the Sm@rtClient concept, a station can 

make its screens available to another station. In this context, 

the fi rst station functions as a Sm@rtServer and the second 

one functions as a Sm@rtClient. The server function can 

easily be activated in the device settings by a mouse click. 

The system can represent the screen on the Sm@rtClient 

using a Sm@rtClient display in View only mode; in the same 

way, you can also set up a fully-fl edged, coordinated operator 

station. 

In this context, coordinated operation implies that at any 

one time only one station has operator input status, i.e. 

either the Sm@rtServer station or the Sm@rtClient station. 

Depending on the basic hardware, a Sm@rtServer can supply 

up to fi ve clients at the same time with updated process 

screens (in the case of PCs; with (Multi) Panels, a maximum 

Benefi ts 

Flexible solution for location-independent access to 

HMI systems and process data 

Simple, fast confi guration of communications relationships 

between the operator panels 

Reduction in load on fi eld buses using TCP/IP communication 

between the operator panels 


of three clients are possible) with one channel always being 

reserved for service purposes (see the Sm@rtService option). 

In the case of communication using the SIMATIC HMI- 

HTTP protocol (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), HMI stations 

have read and write access to each others‘ tags. The station 

that makes its tags accessible to another station functions 

as an HTTP server, with the other one functioning as an 

HTTP client. The server function can also be activated at 

confi guration at a click of the mouse button. You confi gure 

the connection on the client in the same way as the connection 

to a controller. At runtime, Panels or Multi Panels can 

manage up to eight HTTP connections; PC systems can even 

manage up to 16. 

In both cases, operator stations can be servers and clients 

at the same time, with both stations needing a separate 

license in this case. Communication is carried out using the 

TCP/IP protocol, i.e. via Ethernet or Intranet/Internet. 

External standard applications like Microsoft Excel can also 

have read and write access to tags. This is carried out by 

means of the higher level Simple Object Access Protocol 

(SOAP) and a VBA script that is embedded in the application. 

Exchanging data between operator stations and between 

operator stations and higher level systems based on Ethernet 

Networks reduces the load on the fi eld bus, since process 

values that are needed on a multiple basis only need to be 

requested once by the controller from an HMI station across 

the fi eld bus and can then passed on to several „interested 

clients“ across the Ethernet or the Intranet/Internet. 

On the whole, this yields innovative concepts for HMI and 

automation tasks. 

Distributed operator stations 

Operating large, physically distributed plant and machinery 

is made much easier, since you can use WinCC fl exible to 

confi gure distributed operator stations such that operators 

can carry out exclusive operating and monitoring from 

different locations – and all this with just one confi guration. 

This means that it is only necessary to make changes to the 

confi guration once. The operator sees the same screen at 

every operator station, with only one station being operatoraccessible 

at any one time (coordinated operation). 


Plant-wide read and write access to tags makes it possible, 

for example, to easily exchange data between what were 

originally standalone sections of a production system 

(i.e. automation units; c.f. the example application):

Example of a large-scale machine with several operator stations 

Automatic activation of the fi lling process as soon as the 

cleaning process is fi nished 

Warning message to the cleaning, fi lling and labeling station 

if the packing station cannot accept any more bottles 

due to a disturbance 

Local control room solutions 

Plant-wide access to tags and screens even allows you to 

set up favorably priced, local control room solutions. In 

this context, you can display at a higher level head station 

(client) important process values from the local operator 

stations (servers) and if required, make operator inputs to 

them on a central basis. If you use a PC for the head station, 

this yields additional options for archiving, analyzing and 

further-processing the acquired process data. 


It is also possible to exchange data using tags between 

WinCC fl exible and Offi ce applications (e.g. Microsoft Excel) 

using an appropriate (Excel) script. In this way, you can use a 

standard tool to carry out analysis and statistical calculations 

and, if necessary, to derive specifi cations for optimizing 

production. 

Sm@rtAccess – Control room solution with switchable view to local 

stations (Sm@rtClient display) 

Sm@rtAccess – Large machine with distributed operator stations 

Using WinCC fl exible/OPC-Server (c.f. page 24) offers further 

options for linking to higher level systems (SCADA systems, 

production management systems, ERP applications) for 

further-processing. 

Sm@rtAccess – Control room solution with central access to tags 

and screens 


21

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible/Sm@rtService – 

Service and diagnostics via Web 

Service and diagnostics via Web 

22 

Selective, event-driven reporting of errors via e-mail 

and text messages 

Diagnosing operator stations using ready-made diagnostic 

functions 

Service and maintenance functions (downloading 

projects, downloading/uploading recipes) 

Remote control of an on-site station across the Internet 

with the help of Microsoft‘s Internet Explorer 

You can use the WinCC fl exible/Sm@rtService option for 

remote control, diagnostics and maintenance of operator 

stations on-site via the Internet with Panels and Multi Panels 

from OP/TP 177B and above as well as PCs using WinCC fl exible 

Runtime. 

A typical service situation could look like this: the local 

station informs the service staff by e-mail or a text message 

and the engineer then contacts the station across the 

Internet and diagnoses the situation. There are a number 

of standard diagnostic functions available for this including 

remote control. After this, engineers can make the necessary 

modifi cations including even downloading a complete 

project. Apart from this, they have the option of downloading 

recipes or parameter sets. 

SMTP-Server 

ISDN/DSL 

Modem/Router 

WWW, MES, 

Office area 

Industrial Ethernet 

PROFIBUS 

Sequence in a “typical“ service case Sm@rtService – Automatic dispatch of e-mails / text messages 


Automatic e-mail dispatch 

WinCC fl exible can automatically send e-mails to the maintenance 

personnel via an SMTP server (Simple Mail Transfer 

Protocol). Dispatching e-mails of this type can be triggered 

by the following events: 

The system reporting a specifi c alarm class 

Actions for a parameterizable standard function (e.g. 

change in the value of a tag, a script, etc.) or user action 

The potential contents of this type of e-mail are: 

Reference 

An alarm text containing process values 

(maximum of 256 characters) 

Date/clock time 

E-mail address for responses 

If you use e-mail/SMS gateways, you have access to standard 

networks and, in critical situations, the system can even send 

a text message to your cell phone from the local station. For 

this, you need an external service provider. 

Internet 

Service 

Provider

Sm@rtService – Diagnostics and maintenance options 

Diagnostics and maintenance 

The local station makes available standard HTML pages for 

diagnostics and maintenance, which you can supplement on 

an as-required basis. The standard functions below can be 

activated from the home page: 

Remote controlling the station 

Starting and stopping runtime for maintenance purposes 

Remote access to recipe data records, passwords and 

system-specifi c information (e.g. system messages) 

Accessing the station‘s fi les using a fi le browser 

Downloading confi guration data 

To exclude unauthorized access, it is possible to activate 

password protection; depending on the functions to be 

triggered (e.g. system diagnostics, fi le browser etc.), you 

can confi gure different passwords. For access to critical tags 

in the target system, you can confi gure additional password 

protection. 

Within the scope of the maintenance functions, you can 

transfer the latest confi guration data, recipe data records or 

passwords to the operator panel without a service engineer 

needing to be present on-site. 

Remote control via Internet Explorer 

Number or IP adress 

of the operator panel 

For remote operating and monitoring stations using WinCC 

fl exible, you only need a standard browser (Microsoft Internet 

Explorer V6.0 SP1 and above). On the standard remote 

control HTML page, you can download the executable 

Sm@rtClient Viewer that allows you to view (without any 

Benefi ts 

Global access of the service and maintenance personnel 

to machines/plants 

Increasing productivity by quickly eliminating disturbances 

or down times 

Avoiding expensive on-site service callouts 

additional installation effort) not just the selected screen but 

also the layout of the device on-site, including, for example 

the membrane panel of a keyboard unit. Using this tool, you 

can then make inputs to the operator panel in the same way 

as if you were on-site, with the only difference being that 

you don‘t actually press the keys, rather you click on them 

with your mouse. 

Sm@rtService – Remote control 

of an on-site station across the 

Internet 

Sm@rtService – Remote control of a operator panel 

via Sm@rtClient Viewer 


23

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible/OPC-Server – 

Non-proprietary communication 

Benefi ts 

24 

Incorporation of automation components from different 

vendors into an automation concept 

Saving of development costs through communication 

Reduction in load on fi eldbuses 

OPC (Openness, Productivity and Collaboration) designates a 

standardized, open and non-proprietary software interface. 

OPC is based on COM (Component Object Model), DCOM 

(Distributed COM) Windows technologies or on XML (Extended 

Markup Language). 

Using the SIMATIC WinCC fl exible/OPC-Server option, 

you can use Windows-based systems like the SIMATIC Panel 

PC with WinCC fl exible or SIMATIC Multi Panels, for example, 

for tasks that are close to machines and the process. At the 

same time, they can communicate with any OPC-capable 

application across an Ethernet. In this connection, WinCC 

fl exible Runtime or the SIMATIC Multi Panel as an OPC server 

makes available current process data for one or more OPC 

clients. From PC platforms, you can make available current 

process data in this way via OPC DA (Data Access) or, in the 

case of multifunctional platforms via OPC XML, to several 

OPC clients. 

This means that locally acquired data is available on a plantwide 

basis to provide important information at a central 

location or to make possible (central) archiving of process 

data. Among other things, linking to SCADA (e.g. SIMATIC 

WinCC), MES, ERP or Offi ce applications is possible. You can 

choose the relevant tags on the OPC client across the entire 

network using the OPC Browser from the OPC server‘s Tag 

Management. 

OPC communication with higher level systems 


PCs with WinCC fl exible Runtime can also be OPC DA clients 

and acquire data from other OPC servers, e.g. process values 

of any controllers that are connected via OPC to WinCC fl exible 

or process specifi cations from higher level applications 

for controlling production. The OPC client is delivered as 

standard with WinCC fl exible Runtime.

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible/ProAgent – 

Higher availability due to process diagnostics 

Increases in productivity are being increasingly achieved 

by saving costs. Maintenance is becoming of increasing 

importance. Of prime importance is the elimination of faults 

as fast as possible with as small a personnel overhead as 

possible. In the ideal case, the operating personnel should 

also handle part of the maintenance tasks. Operating 

personnel are on site, are acquainted with the sequences, 

and can intervene rapidly. This saves time and costs. This is 

where ProAgent supports the operating personnel with fast 

fault identifi cation especially in the automobile industry 

and machine tool construction sector. 

When a process fault occurs, SIMATIC ProAgent provides 

information on the location and cause of the fault and 

provides support with fault rectifi cation. ProAgent provides 

a solution which is tailored to SIMATIC S7-300, S7-400 and 

WinAC. It can be used in combination with the S7-PDIAG, 

S7-GRAPH and S7-HiGraph engineering tools for STEP 7. The 

ProAgent option package contains standard views that are 

updated during runtime with process-specifi c data. 

Standard views instead of confi guration 

ProAgent is available for different equipment and software 

platforms from the SIMATIC HMI range: Operator Panels and 

Multi Panels, WinCC fl exible and WinCC. ProAgent contains 

standard views that are geared to the requirements of process 

diagnostics on a plant or a machine. This is based on the 

interaction of STEP 7 option packages and ProAgent. During 

confi guration, the data relevant to process diagnostics, such 

as symbols, comments, alarm texts, are stored in a standardized 

database organization. During runtime, the standard 

screens are fi lled with process-specifi c data. 

The standard views include alarm view, unit overview 

diagram, diagnostic detail view, motion view, sequencer 

operating view. 

Process diagnostics using WinCC fl exible/ProAgent and the STEP 7 

Engineering Tools 

Benefi ts 

Integral component of Totally Integrated Automation 

(TIA): increases productivity, minimizes the engineering 

outlay, reduces the lifecycle costs 

Provides support in locating and correcting faults, 

improves plant availability and reduces downtimes, 

There is no additional confi guration effort for the 

diagnostics functionality due to automatic generation 

of the diagnostics-relevant portions for control and HMI 

Reduces PLC memory and processor usage 

No special user know-how required fort he operator 

Unloading the controller with regard to memory 

required and program execution times 

Function 

Context-sensitive activation of the diagnostics based on a 

process error message 

Output of the operands with symbolic code and comment 

Changeover is possible between LAD, STL and the signal 

list 

Supportive troubleshooting by direct process access when 

using the motion view 

Output of the incorrect operand directly in the message, 

complete with address, symbol and comment1) 

Consistency check in RT: icons are used to identify inconsistent 

diagnostics units. Fast error localization is possible 

during the start-up phase with regard to the confi gured 

data. 

Direct, context-sensitive switching to the diagnostics view 

for each unit through the use of ProAgent functions 

Context-sensitive switching to STEP 7 (LAD/STL/CSF editor, 

S7-GRAPH and HW-CONFIG on system fault messages), 

fully automatic support 

S7-GRAPH OCX for graphic representation of sequencers 

(overview representation) 


25

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible/Audit – 

Traceability and simple validation 

Benefi ts 

26 

Conforms to the GMP requirements of the Food and 

Drug Administration (FDA) for the pharmaceutical 

industry 

Reduced time and effort for engineering and validation 

Available for SIMATIC Panels and Multi Panels of the 

270 Series and above as well as for PC-based solutions 

Matched in an optimum way for mechanical and plant 

engineers who must meet strict quality requirements 

(e.g. when supplying machines and plant subsystems 

in applications that are subject to compulsory validation) 

WinCC fl exible‘s Audit und ChangeControl options offer high 

levels of support to mechanical and plant engineers that 

must meet strict quality requirements with regard both to 

the products to be manufactured and to the manufacturing 

process. 

Validiation and traceability 

“Ready for Validation“ now also applies to machine-level applications. 

The WinCC fl exible/Audit option covers the main 

requirements of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and of 

the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for compulsory 

validation of applications according to CFR 21 Part 11 in the 

pharmaceutical industry, to active ingredient manufacture 

in the pharmaceutical industry and to some extent in the 

cosmetics industry and in the precision chemical industry if it 

is integrated in the pharmaceuticals sector or markets basic 

products. 

Audit makes it easier to construct machines for these sectors 

of industry, since the important functions to meet these 

requirements are already offered as-standard, which means 

that it is possible in this way to qualify individual machines 

or standalone plant sections at the suppliers‘ and not until 

integration in the complete plant. 

At the same time, Audit Trails are also suitable for tracking 

manufacturer processes to increase product quality as 

required by guideline EU 178/2002, for example. 

Secure access control including electronic signature 

Even the basic system guarantees access protection which 

means that only authorized personnel have access within 

the scope of their responsibility at the operator panel. In this 

context, each user is assigned to a user group with defi ned 

function privileges. This prevents unauthorized users, from 

changing recipes or starting process steps without permission, 

for example. The operator panels can be integrated in a 

central, plant-wide user administration with SIMATIC Logon. 

Since all activities in the plant must be uniquely assigned to 

specifi c individuals, the login and logout processes must be 

logged in the Audit Trail with a time stamp. Apart from this, 

you must meet other regulations, e.g. two-component authorization 

comprising a user ID and password, password 

aging (to ensure that passwords are renewed on a regular 

basis), blocking users by the administrator and automatic 

logout if users are inactive for a relatively long period of 

time are additional system functions that ensure high quality 

standards in production and make validation easier. 

You can provide additional prompts for an electronic signature 

and a commentary in the case of operator actions like 

entering specifi ed values or saving and loading recipes. This 

is of course automatically logged in the Audit Trail. 

Audit Trail – Displayed using a viewer Parameterizing GMP-relevant tags 

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible – Options

Recording operator actions in Audit Trails 

In operation, the system records all relevant changes to 

tags and any operator actions in accordance with Good 

Manufacturing Practice (GMP) as Audit Trails and saves 

them to a CSV fi le. Operator actions of this type can include, 

for example, entering process values, starting recipes or 

acknowledging messages, as well as messages from user 

management like logging a user on and off. 

It is possible to visualize in a user-friendly way the Audit 

Trails that are registered in the project using the Audit Viewer. 

Then you can see exactly who operated what and when 

– all this with a minimum of confi guration effort! Apart from 

this, a checksum is used to ensure that the data in the Audit 

Trail has not been tampered with. 

Tracking changes in manufacturing processes by means of 

Audit Trails is possible from 270 Series Panels onwards. 

Two variants of the option package are offered: 

WinCC fl exible/Audit for Panels 

WinCC fl exible/Audit for PCs 

Archiving and logging 

WinCC fl exible makes it possible to carry out archiving and 

logging in dependence on the requirements, i.e. on a local 

basis, or, in distributed systems on a central basis too. In this 

context, “local“ means that the CSV fi les are stored on the 

operator panel. On the other hand, „central“ means that the 

system uploads these fi les cyclically, for example, to a PC in 

a local control room or to a higher level SCADA system (e.g. 

SIMATIC WinCC). For this, there is support for solutions for 

long-term archiving and data recovery. 

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible/ 

ChangeControl – Versioning 

and tracking changes 

Benefi ts 

Management of project versions in ChangeControl 

Consistent saving of confi guration data 

Management in a database 

Version management for changes to the project data 

(with a rollback function) 

Comparison of confi guration data 

Tracking of changes to confi gurations 

Contiguous verifi cation of the change history for the 

entire life cycle 

Validation support 

Makes validation easier after project changes 

Support in retaining the validated status of the plant 

Once a machine or plant has been commissioned and 

validated, it may be necessary to make changes to the 

confi guration due to the machine or plant being adapted 

or extended. In this connection, you must record all the 

changes to a plant from the start of production for the 

entire service life and, with software in particular, you 

must document reproducible versions. This means that you 

must log the changes in confi guration, in a similar way to 

runtime operation, in the Audit Trail of the confi guration: 

what is known as the “Change Log“. Using the WinCC fl exible/ChangeControl 

option, it is also possible to carry out 

versioning and change tracking of WinCC fl exible projects. 

This means that, amongst other things, the of FDA Change 

Control requirements are complied with. 

In general, you can use ChangeControl to secure interim 

status conditions in the case of complex innovations or extensions 

and to carry out a rollback. OEMs and custom machinery 

builders can benefi t from this capability that enables 

you to manage your projects 

with a clear overview, record 

delivered customer versions 

and later modifi cations, for 

example. In the case of sub 

contracting work, tracking 

changes via ChangeControl 

may provide the basis for calculating 

the time and effort 

needed for modifi cations. 

Versioning and the rollback 

function are particularly 

required in the automobile 

industry. 


27

More information 

on the Internet 

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible – Homepage 

www.siemens.com/simatic-wincc-fl exible 


www.siemens.com/simatic-wincc-fl exible-options 

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible – Traceability 

www.siemens.com/simatic-wincc-fl exible-audit 

SIMATIC WinCC fl exible – Validation 

www.siemens.com/simatic-wincc-fl exible-fda 

SIMATIC Panels 

www.siemens.com/simatic-panels 

SIMATIC Panel PCs 

www.siemens.com/simatic-panelpc 

Service and Support 

www.siemens.com/automation/service&support 

SIMATIC Contact Partners 

www.siemens.com/automation/partner 

Further information material 

www.siemens.com/simatic/printmaterial 

www.siemens.com/simatic-wincc-fl exible 

Siemens AG 

Automation and Drives 

Industrial Automation Systems 

Postfach 4848 

D-90327 NUERNBERG 

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY 

www.siemens.com/automation 

The information provided in this brochure contains merely general descriptions 

or characteristics of performance which in case of actual use do not 

always apply as described or which may change as a result of further development 

of the products. An obligation to provide the respective characteristics 

shall only exist if expressly agreed in the terms of contract. Availability 

and technical specifi cations are subject to change without notice. 

All designations in the brochure marked with ® are registered trademarks 

of Siemens AG. 

Subject to change without prior notice I Order Number: 6ZB5370-1CD02-0BA6 I 09403 I Edition 0407 3. I Printed in Germany I © Siemens AG 2007

SIMATIC WinCC flexible - Siemens New Zealand

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