Siemens adds code-based HMI engineering tool

Key Takeaways

Siemens introduces SIMATIC AX WinCC Unified Elements, a code-based HMI engineering tool for the SIMATIC WinCC Unified system
The tool enables automation engineers to build, version control, and deploy visualization engineering projects using IT software development workflows
Key features include project generation from YAML files, hybrid workflows, open architecture, and collaboration tools with native Git integration
SIMATIC AX WinCC Unified Elements extends the SIMATIC AX family, providing a unified environment for developing control logic and operator interfaces

Introduction to SIMATIC AX WinCC Unified Elements

Siemens has launched a new engineering application, SIMATIC AX WinCC Unified Elements, designed to simplify the development of visualization engineering projects. This tool is part of the SIMATIC WinCC Unified system and allows automation engineers to leverage workflows commonly used in IT software development.

Challenges in Automation Engineering

Manufacturers face increasing pressure to reduce product development and change cycles, while also dealing with limited automation engineering resources. To address these challenges, SIMATIC AX WinCC Unified Elements provides an open, code-based engineering environment for visualization. This environment can be used in conjunction with traditional graphical and drag-and-drop editor workflows, offering greater flexibility and efficiency.

Comparison of SIMATIC AX WinCC Unified Elements with Traditional Methods

Feature	Traditional Methods	SIMATIC AX WinCC Unified Elements
Project Generation	Manual configuration	Automatic generation from YAML files
Workflows	Graphical and drag-and-drop	Hybrid workflows with code editing
Architecture	Closed	Open architecture with custom web controls
Collaboration	Limited	Native Git integration with project history and branching

Key Development Features

The new tool offers several key development features, including:

Project Generation

Engineers can generate automation projects from human-readable YAML files, including code, configurations, scripts, and reusable library packages.

Hybrid Workflows

Users can work with graphical development environments and direct code editing, with changes reflected between the two.

Open Architecture

Custom web controls can run in the same environment without external APIs.

Collaboration Tools

Native Git integration supports project history, branching, and merge-request workflows for visualization project development among distributed teams.

Conclusion and Availability

SIMATIC AX WinCC Unified Elements extends the SIMATIC AX family, providing a unified environment for developing control logic and operator interfaces. This new tool is now available in the United States, offering automation engineers a more efficient and flexible way to develop visualization engineering projects.

Bottom Line

The introduction of SIMATIC AX WinCC Unified Elements marks a significant step forward in automation engineering, providing a code-based HMI engineering tool that streamlines the development of visualization engineering projects. With its open architecture, hybrid workflows, and collaboration tools, this tool has the potential to revolutionize the way manufacturers approach automation engineering, enabling them to respond more quickly to changing market demands and improve overall efficiency.