pressgrove
Member
- Join Date
- Jun 2003
- Posts
- 3
I have a project I am working on that will be deployed at all of our sites (globally). Basically, we'll have a PLC that operates some fairly simple functions (basic I/O, some analog) with an HMI/SCADA console that will interface with it, in addition to some other systems in the same cell (primarily through Modbus).
Our plants have lots of German equipment in them (most with S7-xxx). Considering Siemens' global footprint and familiarity at other sites with Siemens and that seems like that's the direction we'll most likely go. The problem is, I don't speak Siemens. The only Siemens controls I've ever used were TI305 and TI405 (the AD versions). I have experience with AB, Automation Direct, etc. and have experience designing systems. That said, I have never done SCADA either.
I've done a little research and think I at least have an idea of what questions to ask, so here it goes (by all means correct me if I'm off base):
1. WINCC or TIA? I get the impression from what I read that Siemens is moving towards TIA being the do-all application that does PLC programming, HMI, and SCADA. The application I have will have data collection, but probably less than 1000 tags per area.
2. Which PLC platform? - One of our plants has installed some S7-1200s, and their local guy said we should start using S7-1500s. From what I read, they aren't really intended for the same purpose. That said, I would pay up for more connectivity options and longer life cycle (I don't want to replace this stuff in 5 years).
3. Can the HMI/SCADA talk ProfiNet and Modbus TCP/IP at the same time? Some of what we need to connect to is Modbus only, but I would assume the Siemens stuff is much easier with ProfiNet. The way I understand TIA, it has to run on ProfiNet (is this correct?).
4. We'll have 6-10 of these systems running in each plant. Does it make more sense to collect the data at each system, then back-up to a plant server, or should all of the data go directly to the plant server?
5. How much traffic does this put on the network? Our existing systems are on the same network with our office. Should they be on a separate network or does it matter (maybe a question for our IT folks)?
6. Any other words of wisdom?
7. (edit) I understand the S7 to use different programming methods. I have lots of ladder logic experience, but really nothing else. What is the best route to take? I'm not adverse to learning something new if it gets me additional functionality, etc. That said, one of the goals is to make it easy to troubleshoot and customize at the various sites.
Our plants have lots of German equipment in them (most with S7-xxx). Considering Siemens' global footprint and familiarity at other sites with Siemens and that seems like that's the direction we'll most likely go. The problem is, I don't speak Siemens. The only Siemens controls I've ever used were TI305 and TI405 (the AD versions). I have experience with AB, Automation Direct, etc. and have experience designing systems. That said, I have never done SCADA either.
I've done a little research and think I at least have an idea of what questions to ask, so here it goes (by all means correct me if I'm off base):
1. WINCC or TIA? I get the impression from what I read that Siemens is moving towards TIA being the do-all application that does PLC programming, HMI, and SCADA. The application I have will have data collection, but probably less than 1000 tags per area.
2. Which PLC platform? - One of our plants has installed some S7-1200s, and their local guy said we should start using S7-1500s. From what I read, they aren't really intended for the same purpose. That said, I would pay up for more connectivity options and longer life cycle (I don't want to replace this stuff in 5 years).
3. Can the HMI/SCADA talk ProfiNet and Modbus TCP/IP at the same time? Some of what we need to connect to is Modbus only, but I would assume the Siemens stuff is much easier with ProfiNet. The way I understand TIA, it has to run on ProfiNet (is this correct?).
4. We'll have 6-10 of these systems running in each plant. Does it make more sense to collect the data at each system, then back-up to a plant server, or should all of the data go directly to the plant server?
5. How much traffic does this put on the network? Our existing systems are on the same network with our office. Should they be on a separate network or does it matter (maybe a question for our IT folks)?
6. Any other words of wisdom?
7. (edit) I understand the S7 to use different programming methods. I have lots of ladder logic experience, but really nothing else. What is the best route to take? I'm not adverse to learning something new if it gets me additional functionality, etc. That said, one of the goals is to make it easy to troubleshoot and customize at the various sites.
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