Automation

Siemens adds code-based HMI engineering tool

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 streamline the development of visualization engineering projects. This code-based HMI engineering tool is part of the SIMATIC WinCC Unified system and is now available in the United States.

Benefits and Features of SIMATIC AX WinCC Unified Elements

The new tool addresses the challenges faced by manufacturers, including shorter product development cycles and limited automation engineering resources. SIMATIC AX WinCC Unified Elements provides an open, code-based engineering environment that can be used alongside traditional graphical and drag-and-drop editor workflows. The key features of this tool include:

Development Features

  • Project generation from YAML files, allowing engineers to create automation projects from human-readable files
  • Hybrid workflows, enabling users to work with graphical development environments and direct code editing
  • Open architecture, supporting custom web controls without external APIs
  • Collaboration tools, featuring native Git integration for project history, branching, and merge-request workflows

Comparison of SIMATIC AX WinCC Unified Elements with Traditional Methods

SIMATIC AX WinCC Unified Elements Traditional Methods
Development Environment Code-based, open architecture Graphical, drag-and-drop editor
Project Generation From YAML files Manual creation
Collaboration Native Git integration Limited or no integration
Customization Custom web controls without external APIs Limited or no customization

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 tool is now available in the United States, and more information can be found on the Siemens website.

Bottom Line

The introduction of SIMATIC AX WinCC Unified Elements marks a significant step forward in HMI engineering, providing automation engineers with a powerful tool to streamline their development processes. With its open, code-based environment and collaborative features, this tool has the potential to increase productivity and efficiency in the manufacturing industry.

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