WinCC 101: An Introduction to the Basics

One of the most important functions of a Process Control System is to convey information to the operator. There are many commercially available hardware components and software applications that can be installed and configured to provide this window into the process.

These systems are typically called HMI, or Human Machine Interface, systems. Automation Engineers have many choices for their HMI systems. One popular HMI system used worldwide is Siemens WinCC, short for Windows Control Center. This article will introduce you to WinCC and its features.

What is WinCC?

Siemens began to develop the WinCC software platform in the early 1990s. WinCC was originally designed to be a feature-rich Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, or SCADA, solution.

Since that time, WinCC has been upgraded and enhanced to provide more functionality. In the early 2000s, Siemens integrated WinCC into the Totally Integrated Automation platform, called TIA Portal.

TIA Portal integrates WinCC with other Siemens automation products such as STEP 7 for PLCs and motion control applications, to provide a single software that can be used for development and monitoring.

The WinCC product is available in several versions, including WinCC Professional and WinCC Open Architecture.

WinCC Professional is a full-featured Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system, known as SCADA, which is integrated into TIA Portal.

WinCC Open Architecture provides customized, scalable, and flexible applications that can be used across hardware platforms.

WinCC is more than just an operator visualization software. It plays a pivotal role in Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things, also called IIoT.

By providing real-time data, advanced analytics, and connectivity via protocols such as OPC-UA, WinCC not only provides a robust platform for operator interface but also provides the required services to support integration with plant floor to cloud IIoT strategies.

Key features

WinCC provides a full-featured SCADA system for collecting and processing real-time data from sensors and other devices. WinCC has tools useful for the creation of intuitive graphics. Graphics are the key to providing the operators with an interactive window to the process.

WinCC also provides for other typical SCADA features such as data historian, alarm management, data logging, and advanced scripting.

In addition, advanced reporting and analytical tools built into WinCC help users use the data collected from the process to create trends and develop strategies to support informed decision-making.

WinCC includes tools for sophisticated advanced data analysis, enabling users to identify trends, respond to alarms and diagnostics, and optimize processes.

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WinCC’s built-in features for simulation and testing provide useful tools for Automation Engineers, ensuring that applications perform as expected once programming is complete.

As with any software application, strong cybersecurity is a requirement. WinCC has the latest cybersecurity protections built in. From encryption on program downloads to multiple levels of password protection, WinCC provides multiple options for managing cybersecurity.

Components of WinCC

WinCC is a client-server-based application. It is important to understand the structure of WinCC to effectively utilize the software.

WinCC Explorer

WinCC Explorer is used to configure and manage WinCC projects. WinCC Explorer includes user-friendly windows for navigation that allow users to access the various configuration tools and settings in the software.

Through WinCC Explorer, users can set up their projects, define system parameters, and manage data sources.

WinCC Tag Management

Tag Management in WinCC includes creating and managing tags. Tags are software entities that link real-world data from sensors and devices to the WinCC software.

Tags can be classified into two main types: analog and digital. Analog tags represent continuous values, such as temperature or pressure. Digital tags correspond to discrete signals, like on/off signals. Proper tag management is crucial for accurate data acquisition and effective control.

WinCC Runtime

WinCC Runtime is the online application that executes the programs developed with WinCC Explorer. This is the application with which the operator interacts with the process.

WinCC Runtime can be installed on multiple HMI stations to allow operations to be distributed across the plant. The reliability and robustness of WinCC is important to ensure uninterrupted process operations.

Conclusion

In summary, Siemens WinCC is a powerful and versatile tool in industrial automation, offering a range of features and components designed to enhance process control and monitoring.

From its historical development to its current role in Industry 4.0, WinCC has proven to be a key component in modern automation strategies. Understanding its background, features, and components is essential for leveraging its full potential.

That’s it for this article. If you want to learn more about WinCC development and you are a RealPars member, make sure to check out the practical video course we have available in the library. In this course, you will learn how to design an HMI using WinCC.

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