DMC recently released Version 19 of the Siemens Open Library, which was updated to include SIMATIC WinCC Unified support. The free, open-source Siemens Open Library was developed by DMC in partnership with Siemens as a development resource for the Siemens community. It has been downloaded more than 12,000 times.
The Siemens Open Library is a tool in helping industrial companies face the opportunities and challenges of modernization. DMC added HMI elements and faceplates for Siemens SIMATIC WinCC Unified, an integrated visualization system, to the code library to help users improve the digitalization and transparency of their industrial machines and operations.
“From the start, our goal has been to help standardize and accelerate Siemens PLC and HMI development among integrators, OEMs, and end-users when modernizing their automation and control systems and solutions,” said Nick Shea, DMC Senior Director, Automation.
Device Faceplates in the Siemens Open Library
What is WinCC Unified?
WinCC Unified is a visualization system that links data from production’s operational technology (OT) with IT enterprise intelligence systems and other parallel PC applications running at the control system layer. This data is displayed in a holistic operating concept offering transparency across operations.
DMC decided to upgrade the Siemens Open Library after Siemens released its SIMATIC WinCC Unified System in 2022 as part of TIA Portal v16. The library is now updated for TIA Portal V18 and V19.
“With WinCC Unified’s feature-rich Javascript functions, the Library is much more usable for future-proofing PLC and HMI automation capabilities,” said Carl Remler, DMC Senior Project Engineer. “It also makes cross-platform development much easier and faster by enabling the programming of lightweight and maintenance-free HTML5 web clients.”
According to Remler, “WinCC Unified enables a near object-oriented engineering approach to designing and configuring production lines and processes. This means engineers can define the characteristics of plant assets just once and reuse them as instances in hierarchically structured operations.”
WinCC Unified folder in the Siemens Open Library
Advantages of WinCC in the Siemens Open Library
SIMATIC WinCC Unified brings three key advantages to the Siemens Open Library.
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Future-proofing applications
Whether they’re used onsite or remotely, WinCC Unified offers functionality across all HMI platforms. Using the latest technology like HTML5, JavaScript and SVG, WinCC Unified powers HMI platforms from tablets to machine control panels to system PCs.
Pump, Motor, and Tank Graphics in the Siemens Open Library
Other benefits that DMC has found using WinCC Unified include easier script debugging and modernized out-of-the-box styles. Additionally, the "openFaceplateInPopup" function automatically creates faceplate popups during runtime to speed up development and improve project organization.
Left: hopper level bar; Right: VFD pop-up
Opening the Siemens Open Library in TIA Portal V19
DMC looks forward to more opportunities help users modernize their industrial plants and operations using the Siemens Open Library and WinCC Unified. According to Shea, “With all the many advanced capabilities WinCC Unified provides DMC, we can expand our creative horizons on keeping our customers competitive and profitable today and futureproofing them with the flexibility and scalability they need for [tomorrow].”
DMC has been recognized as a Siemens WinCC Specialist. Learn more about our WinCC expertise and contact us for your next project.