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Setting Up A PCS7 Project With Import Export Assistant

The Import/Export Assistant (IEA) tool in PCS7 is used to efficiently create and modify multiple similar control modules called process tags from a template process tag type. The IEA tool allows for consistent creation of process tags at a bulk level, one-time approval of the template, and accommodation of bulk modifications. It provides advantages over manual creation of each process tag individually by saving engineering time and reducing room for error. The IEA tool works by defining a process tag type template, populating an import file with instance-specific data, and importing that file to create customized process tags based on the template.

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657 views6 pages

Setting Up A PCS7 Project With Import Export Assistant

The Import/Export Assistant (IEA) tool in PCS7 is used to efficiently create and modify multiple similar control modules called process tags from a template process tag type. The IEA tool allows for consistent creation of process tags at a bulk level, one-time approval of the template, and accommodation of bulk modifications. It provides advantages over manual creation of each process tag individually by saving engineering time and reducing room for error. The IEA tool works by defining a process tag type template, populating an import file with instance-specific data, and importing that file to create customized process tags based on the template.

Uploaded by

moxlinde
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SETTING UP A PCS7 PROJECT WITH

IMPORT/EXPORT ASSISTANT (IEA)

SETTING UP A PCS7 PROJECT WITH


IMPORT/EXPORT ASSISTANT (IEA)
What is Import/Export Assistant (IEA)?
The Import/Export Assistant tool in PCS 7 is used to deploy and populate multiple
continuous function charts (CFCs), called process tags, from a standard template CFC,
called a process tag type, by using a user-defined import file.

Why would this tool benefit


my application?
Some advantages of using this tool:
Create consistency among control modules of the same type
Provide for efficient, bulk creation
Allow for one-time approval of a type template
Accommodate bulk modifications of process tag charts
The alternative to using the IEA tool is to manually create each and every control module.
This method would undoubtedly require more engineering time, while creating more
room for error, and a lack of consistency.
While using IEA will take more upfront planning and consideration, it saves time in
creating, testing, and modifying the individual charts.

How does Import/Export Assistant work?


A user creates a process tag type chart for any control module that will have multiple
instances. Some common examples are control modules created to control valves or
motors, or to monitor process values or alarms. The process tag type provides a standard
template by which all similar control modules will follow.
When defining a chart as a process tag type, the user can specify parameters that will
differ between modules of that type, such as limits, alarming, units, and block comments.
The user can also specify signal inputs or outputs that will be specific to each control
module. These are the parameters and signals that will be available for population in the
import file.

An import file is made up of rows and columns. The rows of the import file denote an
instance, or process tag, and each variable defined in the process tag type is shown as
a column header. Each row of the file can be populated with its individual parameter
values, as well as signal connections to I/O. Given the proper planning, one can even
create pre-determined connections to other charts.
Once the process tag type is defined and the import file is created and assigned to the
type, the IEA tool can be run as an import. The result is a process tag for each entry in
the import file, where the data from the import file are written to the corresponding
parameters, signals, or blocks.
After creation of process tags, there is a continued benefit available if modifications are
to be made to some or all process tags of a certain type. By viewing a project in Process
Object View, the process tag type can be used as a filter to display only the charts created
from that process tag type.
IEA also has an export feature that allows exporting of chart information from the
project back into the corresponding import files. This can be used as a backup or as
documentation of any modifications made to process tags.

Example application of
Import/Export Assistant
The following example will show the creation of process tags deployed from an analog
monitoring process tag type:
First, insert a CFC in the library of the project under Charts and include in the chart any
blocks and connections that are common to all desired instances. This simple example
shown in Fig.1 will monitor an analog value.

Fig.1 Creating a Process Tag Type

Second, in Plant View, right-click on this CFC and under Process Tags, select Create/Change
Process Tag Type. Here, select from the left-hand list and move any inputs or outputs to
the right-hand list that should be included in the import file (i.e. to specify the differences
between process tags). In this application, I selected input signal, range, scale, and alarm
limits, displayed in Fig.2.

Fig.2 Assigning I/O to the Process Tag Type

When the process tag type is complete, assign it an import file (new or existing) by a
right-click on the type and selecting Assign/Create Import File under Process Tags.
Here is a new import file, shown in Fig.3, with each process tag row populated with
instance-specific information.

Fig.3 Populating an Import File


Lastly, right-click on the type and, under Process Tags, select Import. IEA will produce
a notification if it either encounters an error or completes successfully. Now view the
process tags created where specified, with their unique characteristics populated.

Deciding to use Import/Export Assistant


Like any other tool, expertise in Import/Export Assistant comes from use and practice. The
more familiar one becomes with IEA, the more one can recognize how to utilize it to its
full potential. Additional experience increases the ability to foresee the upfront planning
and decisions that promote optimal results with minimal engineering.
Innovative Controls has been utilizing Import/Export Assistant over the past few years
with notably effective results. Our engineers have taken the time to get to know the ins
and outs of this tool to fully realize its power. Whether working on a new process or a
migration, we work with our customers to develop their vision and use our experience
to help guide the process. The IEA tool has proven to be a valuable component in this
process that helps us produce systems with top-notch customer satisfaction.

About Lindsey Clark,


Innovative Controls Systems
Integration engineer
Lindsey Clark is a Systems Integration Engineer with Innovative
Controls a Cross Company Integrated Systems Group. Lindsey has
been working in System Integration for the past four years, after
graduating Summa Cum Laude from Virginia Tech with a degree in
Chemical Engineering.
Lindsey has gained experience among multiple controls platforms
and HMI packages, but specializes in Siemens PCS7. Lindsey has been
trained in PCS7 System Engineering I & II and PCS7 SIMATIC Batch. In 2011, she became
certified in PCS7 Best Practices methods.
To visit Innovative Controls website go to: innovativecontrols.com
To Contact Lindsey Clark:
Phone. 865-671-7700 or Fax. 865-671-1920
To View Lindsey Clarks profile: www.linkedin.com/pub/lindsey-clark/12/816/5a6

624 Reliability Circle | Knoxville, TN 37932

4400 Piedmont Parkway | Greensboro, NC 27410

Phone. 865.671.7700 | Fax. 865.671.1920

Phone. 336.856.6000 | Fax. 336.856.6999

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