Configuration options with SIMATIC PDM

SIMATIC PDM (Process Device Manager) is a universal, vendor-independent tool for the configuration, parameter assignment, commissioning, diagnostics and servicing of intelligent field devices (sensors and actuators) and field components (remote I/Os, multiplexers, control-room devices, compact controllers), which in the following sections will be referred to simply as devices.

With one software product, SIMATIC PDM enables users to work with over 3 500 devices and device variants of Siemens and over 200 other manufacturers worldwide on a single homogeneous user interface.

The user interface satisfies the requirements of the VDI/VDE GMA 2187 and IEC 65/349/CD directives. Parameters and functions for all supported devices are displayed in a consistent and uniform fashion independent of their communications interface. Even complex devices with several hundred parameters can be represented clearly and processed quickly. Using SIMATIC PDM it is very easy to navigate in highly complex stations such as remote I/Os and even connected field devices.

From the viewpoint of device integration, SIMATIC PDM is the most powerful open process device manager on the global market. Devices which previously were not supported can be integrated in SIMATIC PDM by importing their device descriptions (EDD). This provides security for your investment and saves you investment costs, training expenses and follow-up costs.

SIMATIC PDM supports the operative system management in particular through:

• Uniform presentation and operation of devices
• Uniform representation of diagnostics information
• Indicators for preventive maintenance and servicing
• Detection of changes in the project and device
• Increasing the operational reliability
• Reducing the investment, operating and maintenance costs

Maintenance personnel can assign field device parameters using Microsoft Internet Explorer at mobile and stationary workstations with SIMATIC PDM. Practically every workstation integrated in the production plant can be used for configuration. Service personnel are thus able to work directly at the location of the field device, while data is stored centrally in the engineering station or maintenance station. This leads to a significant shortening of maintenance and travel times.

When a maintenance station is configured in the SIMATIC PCS 7 process control system, SIMATIC PDM is integrated in it and transmits parameter data and diagnostic information. You can switch directly to the SIMATIC PDM views from the diagnostics faceplates in the maintenance station.

A SIMATIC PDM user administration system based on SIMATIC Logon is used to assign various roles with defined function privileges to users. These function privileges refer to SIMATIC PDM system functions, e.g. writing to the device.

For all devices described per Electronic Device Description (EDD), SIMATIC PDM delivers a range of information for display and further processing on the maintenance station, e.g.:

• Device type information (electronic rating plate)
• Detailed diagnostics information (manufacturer information, information on error diagnostics and troubleshooting, further documentation)
• Results of internal condition monitoring functions
• Status information (e.g. local configuration changes)
• Information on changes (audit trail report)
• Parameter information