Efficient access to device data via online configurator

The Siemens Industry Automation Division is expanding the functional scope of its Comos 10.0 engineering software solution to include the selection and configuration of field instruments and analytical products. The PIA Selector online configurator makes it easy to select and arrange correctly the order numbers of devices. It provides efficient access at all times to device data, no matter whether it is required for detailed engineering, plant operation or modernization work.

The integration of the Comos engineering software solution with the Simatic PCS 7 process control system helps to organize engineering activities along just one electronic workflow throughout all phases of a project. An interface ensures consistent, bidirectional exchange of information between Comos 10.0 and PCS 7. Every change in Comos is transferred directly to the control logic of the PCS 7, and vice versa. This allows serial engineering processes to be run in parallel to an even greater extent, starting with the development process, and continuing with the engineering of the mechanical and electrical systems right through to the automation level. The user has all the data and documents available at all times, not only from the engineering phase of a plant but also from the actual plant, and can use them for maintenance and service purposes, including the scheduling of shutdowns.

The user connects to the web via a link implemented in Comos 10.0, which takes him to the homepage of the PIA Selector. The engineering data stored in Comos is automatically transferred to the PIA Selector. The measured data can be specified even further in the configurator in order to narrow down the selection of the field devices. The user is shown a list of devices to match his inputs and he selects the one he requires accordingly. The data of the selected product is transferred automatically from the configuration tool to Comos 10.0, where it remains available throughout the entire life cycle of a plant. This enables the data to be used in the next steps of the engineering, for example to create a bill of materials (BOM) and the order list.