STEP 7 basic software provides users with different tools for carrying out their automation projects:

• SIMATIC Manager:
  For the common and orderly management of all tools and data for the SIMATIC S7, SIMATIC C7 and SIMATIC WinAC
• Symbol editor:
  For defining symbolic designations, data types and comments of global tags
• Hardware configuration:
  For configuration of the automation system and for parameterization of all settable modules
• Communication:
  For configuring connections. Cyclic data transmission between automation components via MPI or for event-driven data transmission by means of either MPI, via PROFIBUS or Industrial Ethernet
• Information functions:
  For a fast overview of CPU data and the causes of trouble during execution of a user program

For the creation of a user-written program, STEP 7 offers the following field-proven, standardized PLC programming languages:

• Statement list (STL)
• Ladder diagram (LAD)
• Function Block Diagram (FBD)

Furthermore, for special tasks, additional programming languages or technology-oriented configurations can be employed.