SITRANS MDS increases the transparency of a plant by centrally compiling diagnostic information, directly from the accessible field devices. In principle, all devices that are integrated in SIMATIC PDM can be included in the compilation process.

SITRANS MDS can be used where the installed automation system does not support an integrated acyclic communication of parameters and diagnostic information with the devices. In the case of HART devices, this applies to 85% of all installed devices.

The modern SIMATIC PCS 7 process control system allows for this type of continuous communication from the engineering system up to the devices. It also features a decidedly higher performance asset management system. The use of SIMATIC MDS therefore does not make sense in a SIMATIC PCS 7 environment and is hence not approved for that purpose.