The APACS+ process control system, introduced in the 1990s by U.S.company Moore Products, is used successfully in many plants around the world.Its functionality, reliability, and ease of use have been proven in over 10,000installations. With migration to SIMATIC PCS 7, these attributes are fully retained, expanded functions are available, and the future viability of the system is assured.
Strategy
Depending on the size of the system, the hardware and user software of an installed APACS+ system can represent a considerable investment amount and together with the know-how of the operators and maintenance personnel represent an enormous value. In order to retain, expand, and increase the value of the installed base, Siemens developed a migration strategy with the objective of using SIMATIC PCS 7 to modernize existing operator and engineering systems while retaining the APACS+/QUADLOG controllers as well as the subordinate I/O level.
This strategy enables the customer to migrate its existing system efficiently and economically without replacing the controllers, I/O devices, or associated wiring and without forfeiting the related investment in the system configuration. In addition, the AS 41x of SIMATIC PCS 7 also offers excellent alternatives on the controller level. This applies, in particular, to system expansions: These are supported by the controller-controller communication via Industrial Ethernet Module (IEM) as well as by PCS 7/APACS+operator systems that can communicate via dual-channel both with APACS+/QUADLOG controllers and with AS 41x.
Approach
The modern SIMATIC PCS 7/APACS+ OS fits seamlessly with existing controllers, replaces obsolete systems, and opens the way for connection of SIMATIC IT, for plant operation via the World Wide Web or via OPC data exchange with other IT applications. Our DBA tool enables fast and reliable connection of the new OS. On request, we also offer a conversion service for existing process pictures.
When you expand your system by installing SIMATIC PCS 7,common operator control and monitoring and controller-controller communication via a SIMATIC PCS 7/OS is available as a matter of course.
In order to integrate existing input/output modules in the new SIMATIC PCS 7 architecture, the DP/IO Link has been developed. This link enables communication between new SIMATIC controllers and the APACS+ I/O modules. Existing investments in field cabling and I/O modules can be preserved in this way.
Increasingly, customers are opting for direct migration of APACS+ to SIMATIC PCS 7 and thereby committing to the globally proven system components of SIMATIC. As a result, they benefit from the features of a modern process control system and from the synergy effects brought by TIA, while retaining the option to continue using existing APACS+ I/O devices. Siemens is supporting this trend with new migration products as well as optimized services and in-house tools for hardware and software modifications.
Advantages of migration to SIMATIC PCS 7
The migration of an old system to SIMATIC PCS 7 pays off many times over: It assures the continuity of process control system investments, makes the systems more efficient and productive, and extends the system service life in a cost-effective manner.
Additional winning advantages:
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