Plants in the process industry have to satisfy increasingly tougher demands in terms of flexibility, scalability, availability and security, while still offering sustainability and protection of the investment. Digitalisation is opening up entirely new perspectives within these complicated and competing demands.
Step by step, Simatic PCS 7 V9.0 is paving the way toward digital transformation for the process industry. With its hardware and software innovations, the new version of the proven process control system is making it safer and easier to plan the path to digitalisation.
Delegates at the PCS 7 V9.0 launch at Irene Country Lodge.
At the recent African product launch in Pretoria, head of Siemens Process Automation Mikhail Vakhutinskiy explained; “With Version 9 of its Simatic PCS 7 process control system, Siemens is opening up scope for new perspectives to plant operators in the process industries. This represents another important step forward by Siemens towards digitalisation. In addition, Version 9 of the process control system Simatic PCS 7 supports the leading industrial Ethernet standard Profinet with two new distributed I/O lines for greater digitalisation down to the field level and a range of software innovations.
Despite its space-saving design – the width of the new module has been reduced by almost half – it allows the operation of up to 16 channels. The number of modules per head assembly or per station has been increased from 12 to 56, corresponding to just under 900 I/O signals instead of the previous 96 (when using 8-channel modules).
Another benefit is its consistently modular and flexible structure, which allows modules to be conveniently hot swapped while running in operational mode. The Simatic ET 200SP HA stations can be easily extended as requirements change, since the permanent wiring and use of uniform terminal blocks enable control cabinets with a standardised structure.
The Simatic Compact Field Unit (CFU) opens up new scope for the integration of field devices since the field distributor connected over Profinet is able to overcome the restrictions of conventional I/O concepts, providing consistent decentralisation coupled with flexible structures.
“This version significantly enhances the performance of the Simatic PCS 7 process control system in order to fulfil the continuously increasing demands of the process industry,” concludes Vakhutinskiy. “Thanks to its new hardware and improved software features, PCS 7 can now be used for an even larger spectrum of applications. It simplifies processes and saves costs as well as space and time. Plants thus become more flexible, more efficient and easier to modernise.”
For more information contact Keshin Govender, Siemens Digital Factory and Process Industries and Drives, +27 (0)11 652 2000, [email protected], www.siemens.co.za
Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.
Read more...Enhancing cyber security for industrial drives Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
The growing connection between production networks and office networks as part of IT/OT integration and the utilisation of IoT have many benefits for industrial companies. At the same time, they also increase the risk of cyber threats. Siemens ensures that your know-how and plants are protected at all times.
Read more...Schneider Electric launches first Innovation Hub in Africa Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric has officially launched its first Innovation Hub in Africa. This provides an interactive environment where visitors can explore the company’s integrated solutions across key segments and businesses such as energy, buildings, data centres, industrial, and power and grid.
Read more...A strategic milestone for Conical Technologies Conical Technologies
News
Conical Technologies has been appointed as the sole distributor in southern Africa for Mibbo, manufacturers of a vast array of products for the automation industry.
Read more...Robotics TechTalk at UKZN
News
The Scientific Multidisciplinary Advanced Research Technology Lab at the University of KwaZulu-Natal recently held an exciting TechTalk. It was an opportunity to introduce students to the IEEE Robotics and Automation chapter, SAIMC, and the Robotics Association of South Africa.
Read more...Schneider Electric honoured with Gender Leader Award Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric has been awarded the Gender Leader Award at this year’s Africa CEO Forum. This award acknowledges those organisations operating in Africa that have shown a significant and continuous commitment to gender diversity and inclusion.
Read more...Africa Automation Technology Fair 2025 closes on a high note
News
The Africa Automation Technology Fair 2025 officially wrapped up after three dynamic days at Gallagher Convention Centre, cementing its status as Africa’s leading platform for industrial automation, AI and IoT.
printer friendly version