Security information 1

What's new in SFV? 2

SFC Visualization (SFV) 3

SIMATIC
Basic SFC settings 4
Process Control System PCS 7
SFC Visualization (V9.0) 5
Configuration

Operating and monitoring

SFCs 6
Programming and Operating Manual

Appendix 7

05/2017
A5E41356392-AA
Legal information
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WARNING
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NOTICE
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Table of contents

1 Security information......................................................................................................................................5
2 What's new in SFV?.....................................................................................................................................7
3 SFC Visualization (SFV)...............................................................................................................................9
4 Basic SFC settings.....................................................................................................................................11
5 Configuration..............................................................................................................................................13
5.1 Configurations for SFC Visualization.....................................................................................13
5.2 Configuring SFC block icons..................................................................................................15
5.3 Configuring SFC faceplates...................................................................................................17
5.4 Adapting SFC faceplates.......................................................................................................18
5.5 Preparing the controls............................................................................................................19
5.6 Configuring status picture "PCS 7 SFC Control"....................................................................20
5.7 Configuring status picture "PCS 7 SFC MultiChart Control"..................................................22
5.8 Configuring status picture "PCS 7 SFC Topology Control"....................................................24
5.9 Configuring the SFC button....................................................................................................25
5.10 Configuring the SFC Browser Selection.................................................................................26
5.11 Using functions for user-specific scripts (SFC API Calls)......................................................27
5.12 What you should know about OS Server and OS Client........................................................28
5.13 What you need to know about the Web server and Web client.............................................30
6 Operating and monitoring SFCs.................................................................................................................31
6.1 Access control........................................................................................................................31
6.2 Operating and monitoring the SFC by means of faceplate....................................................32
6.3 "SFC chart" faceplate, "SFC section" view.............................................................................34
6.4 "SFC Chart" faceplate, "Messages" view...............................................................................36
6.5 "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Actual Values" view.....................................................................37
6.6 "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Block contacts" view...................................................................41
6.7 "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Prepared Values" view................................................................42
6.8 "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Parameters" view........................................................................43
6.9 "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Messages" view..........................................................................44
6.10 "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Batch" view.................................................................................45
6.11 "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Equipment modules" view...........................................................46
6.12 "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Equipment phases" view.............................................................48

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Table of contents

6.13 Operating and monitoring the SFC by means of SFC status picture.....................................50
6.14 PCS 7 SFC Control................................................................................................................51
6.15 PCS 7 SFC MultiChart Control...............................................................................................53
6.16 PCS 7 SFC Topology Control................................................................................................57
6.17 Visualization of the SFC Status by Means of an SFC Selection Button in the Button Set
or an SFC Browser Selection in the Display..........................................................................58
6.18 Information on the SFC block icon.........................................................................................59
6.19 Information and operator input in the detail view...................................................................60
6.20 Setting the Operating Mode...................................................................................................64
6.21 Setting the Operating State....................................................................................................65
6.22 Setting the Step Control Mode...............................................................................................66
6.23 Setting the sequence options.................................................................................................67
6.24 Acknowledging Operator Prompts and Step Errors...............................................................68
6.25 Overview of the "Properties" dialog boxes.............................................................................69
6.26 "Properties" Dialog Box for the Sequencer............................................................................70
6.27 "Properties" Dialog Box for the Start Condition......................................................................71
6.28 "Properties" Dialog Box for the Step......................................................................................72
6.29 "Properties" Dialog Box for the Transition..............................................................................74
6.30 "Calculation for SFC" dialog box in SFV................................................................................76
6.31 Messages...............................................................................................................................78
6.32 Operating state logic..............................................................................................................79
6.32.1 Operating State Logic for SFC (SFC OSL)............................................................................79
6.32.2 Operating state logic for sequencers (sequencer OSL).........................................................82
6.33 Operator control and monitoring using the Web client...........................................................85
6.33.1 Running SFC Visualization on the Web client........................................................................85
7 Appendix.....................................................................................................................................................87
7.1 Allocation request and allocation status.................................................................................87
7.2 SFC System Variable.............................................................................................................90
7.3 SFC API functions..................................................................................................................91
7.4 Icons for Operating States.....................................................................................................95
Index...........................................................................................................................................................97

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Security information 1
Siemens provides products and solutions with industrial security functions that support the
secure operation of plants, systems, machines, and networks.
In order to protect plants, systems, machines and networks against cyber threats, it is
necessary to implement – and continuously maintain – a holistic, state-of-the-art industrial
security concept. Siemens’ products and solutions only form one element of such a concept.
Customer is responsible to prevent unauthorized access to its plants, systems, machines and
networks. Systems, machines and components should only be connected to the enterprise
network or the internet if and to the extent necessary and with appropriate security measures
(e.g. use of firewalls and network segmentation) in place.
Additionally, Siemens’ guidance on appropriate security measures should be taken into
account. You can find more information about industrial security by visiting:
http://www.siemens.com/industrialsecurity.
Siemens’ products and solutions undergo continuous development to make them more secure.
Siemens strongly recommends to apply product updates as soon as available and to always
use the latest product versions. Use of product versions that are no longer supported, and
failure to apply latest updates may increase customer’s exposure to cyber threats.
To stay informed about product updates, subscribe to the Siemens Industrial Security RSS
Feed under
http://www.siemens.com/industrialsecurity.

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Security information

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What's new in SFV? 2
Enhancements/changes in V9.0
Version V9.0 contains the following enhancements or changes compared with version V8.2:
● Configuration of technological actions and conditions in SFC types and its instances
Technological actions in steps and technological conditions in transitions/start conditions
of sequencers can be configured in the SFC editor.
The current values of technological actions and conditions can be displayed In SFV.
You can find additional information about this in the sections ""Properties" Dialog Box for
the Step (Page 72)", ""Properties" Dialog Box for the Transition (Page 74)" and ""Properties"
Dialog Box for the Start Condition (Page 71)".
● New views for SFC instances
The allocation status of an equipment module (EM) or equipment phase (EPH) is displayed
in the "Equipment modules" and "Equipment phases" views of an SFC instance.
You can find additional information about this in the sections ""SFC Instance" faceplate,
"Equipment modules" view (Page 46)" and ""SFC Instance" faceplate, "Equipment phases"
view (Page 48)".
● Status displays
– Status displays are available for the allocation status and context of the associated SFC
in the view of an SFC instance.
You can find additional information on this in the description of view layouts in the section
""SFC Instance" faceplate, "Actual Values" view (Page 37)".
– A status display for the allocation status is available at the block icon of the SFC type
or its instance.
You can find additional information about this in the section "Information on the SFC
block icon (Page 59)".

Enhancements/changes in V8.2
Version V8.2 contains the following enhancements or changes compared with version V8.1:
● Calculations in SFC
Calculations can be configured in steps, transitions or sequencers in the SFC Editor.
The current values of the calculation results and the output tags can be displayed for these
calculations in SFV.
You can find additional information about this in the section ""Calculation for SFC" dialog
box in SFV (Page 76)".

See also
Information and operator input in the detail view (Page 60)
Configuring SFC block icons (Page 15)

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What's new in SFV?

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SFC Visualization (SFV) 3
Introduction
You can use the "SFC Visualization" software package to configure SFC visualization in
WinCC and to perform operator control and monitoring of SFC charts and SFC instances in
the WinCC runtime system.

What is SFC?
SFC (Sequential Function Chart) is a sequential control system that is used for control flow-
oriented process control.
A sequential control system is a controller with automatic, step-wise execution. It switches from
one state to the next depending on conditions.

Note
In this manual, we generally refer to the SFC charts and SFC instances as SFCs, unless these
objects need to be distinguished in the respective context.

What does the SFC Engineering System offer?

The engineering system allows you to create SFC charts, SFC types and SFC instances,
compile and download them to the CPU, and test and commission them.
In order to be able to use the SFCs in the runtime system, you must transfer them to the runtime
system from the engineering system using the "AS-OS-Engineering" software package. You
can also transfer charts individually. You transfer the SFCs with their OS comments and
configured messages. Mechanisms are stored with the messages that enable you to directly
access the SFC that the message pertains to.
You can also perform the following actions:
● Configure the display of SFCs
● Configure global operator authorizations for the SFCs and specific operator authorizations
for each SFC
● Place objects in the WinCC display for calling the SFCs
You will find more information in the SFC Sequential Function Chart Manual in the SIMATIC
STEP 7 User Manual and in the corresponding online help.

What does the Runtime system for SFC offer?

The runtime system enables simultaneous operator control and monitoring of any number of
SFCs.

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SFC Visualization (SFV)

Note
● Configuration is not possible during runtime operation.
● You can transfer SFCs to the runtime system even while the OS is running. This may cause
a temporary inconsistency in the displays, since the SFCs must first be downloaded to the
automation system before being loaded on the OS. The potential for inconsistencies during
this period is unavoidable.

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Basic SFC settings 4
Settings in WinCC Explorer
The general settings for the visualization of SFC charts and SFC instances within the runtime
system are made in WinCC Explorer. You can make these changes globally for all displayed
SFCs or for specific objects.

Global Settings
Global settings for displaying SFCs affect the following areas:
● Topology
● Colors
● Authorization level
● Group display
To open the "SFC" dialog, select "SFC" in the WinCC Explorer and open the context menu.
Then, select the menu command Open.
You can specify the size of the objects and the distance between them for the topology in the
detail area and overview area.
Use the check box "Always show in faceplate" to specify if the SFC faceplate is always
displayed.
You choose colors to distinguish the states of steps, transitions and selected objects in the
display.
You change the authorization levels for operator inputs if you require levels other than the
default levels ("Monitoring", "Process Operation" and "Advanced Process Operation"). These
settings apply to all SFCs in the relevant WinCC project, unless specific authorization levels
have been set for the SFC in question.
These authorizations remain in place following OS compilation.
In order to grant a user the authorization to perform operator inputs in SFC Visualization, the
corresponding authorization levels must be enabled for this user (globally or area-specific) in
the User Administrator.
If no users are configured, all operator inputs are permitted without restriction. In this case, the
"Authorization Levels" tab is not available.
To access the configuration for the group display, choose the "Group Display Properties"
button on the "Group Display" tab.
In the Group Display window, the following additional tabs are available:

Tab Setting
Geometry Size of the display fields
Colors Background color of the display fields
Style 3D frame width (in pixels)

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Basic SFC settings

Tab Setting
Font Font attributes (font, alignment etc.)
Flashing Flashing frequency
Other Other attributes, such as enabled for operator, group relevant, display, group
value and acknowledgment pattern
Message types Display text and attributes (font color, background color, flashing) for the individ‐
ual message statuses
Lock Whether the messages are output or locked. An "x" (default setting) appears in
the display field to indicate that messages are locked. You can change the default
setting.
Assignment Message type for each display field

Note
Global settings when using the "User-configurable message classes" function
When the "User-configurable message classes" function is used in the PCS 7 message
system, the settings named above are defined for the group display of configurations for this
function and cannot be changed in WinCC.

Object-Based Settings (on server only)

You can make the following settings individually for each SFC:
● Configuring the update cycle
● Configuring the standard view.
This is the overview window or detail window with which the SFC is opened.
● Configuring the operator authorization levels
The available SFCs are displayed in the detail window of WinCC Explorer when "SFC" is
selected. To edit object-based settings, open the context menu of the selected SFC and select
the menu command Properties.

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Configuration 5
5.1 Configurations for SFC Visualization

Introduction
You can place objects in a WinCC display that enable you to open an SFC during runtime
operation.
The following objects can be used for this:
● Block icons
● "PCS 7 SFC Control"
● "PCS 7 SFC MultiChart Control"
● "PCS 7 SFC Topology Control"
● Any graphic object (such as a rectangle)
● A Windows object (such as a button)

Preparation
● Select the Options > 'Compile Multiple OSs' Wizard' > Start... command in SIMATIC
Manager in order to transfer the SFC charts and SFC instances to the OS.
● Then, carry out the Preparations for the Controls.
You can find additional information about this in the section: Preparing the controls
(Page 19)

Note
The controls "@PCS 7 SFC Panel Control" and "@PCS 7 SFC SP Control" supplied with SFC
Visualization are controls required internally in SFC Visualization. They have not yet been
approved for use in WinCC pictures.

You can configure the following objects for opening the SFC:
Configuring SFC block icons (Page 15)
Configuring SFC faceplates (Page 17)
Configuring status picture "PCS 7 SFC Control" (Page 20)
Configuring status picture "PCS 7 SFC MultiChart Control" (Page 22)
Configuring status picture "PCS 7 SFC Topology Control" (Page 24)
Configuring the SFC button (Page 25)
Configuring the SFC Browser Selection (Page 26)

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Configuration
5.1 Configurations for SFC Visualization

You can use SFC Visualization functions in order to create your own scripts.
You will find more detailed information in:
Using functions for user-specific scripts (SFC API Calls) (Page 27).

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 Configuration
5.2 Configuring SFC block icons

5.2 Configuring SFC block icons

SFC block icon templates

The block icon templates for the "@SFC_RTS" SFC and the instance of an "@SFC_TYPE"
SFC type are provided in the "@PCS7TypicalsBasisLibraryV8.pdl" template picture.
The templates for the block icons can be present in different versions.
The variants of a block icon are distinguished by the "/" character at the end of the icon name,
e.g. "<icon name>/2".
Variants "1" and "2" are already present as standard. Other variants are possible.

Variant Remark
1 Standard PCS 7 style
2 APL-based style
3 and higher User-defined variants
<Variant name> User-defined variant; freely selected variant name; max. 16 characters

Example: Block icon for an instance of an SFC type "@SFC_TYPE/2" in variant "2".

Procedure for creating variants

Use the following procedure to perform all changes, for example, to create several variants of
a type:
1. Copy this picture and save it with a new name in the project directory. Change, for example,
the previous file name "@PCS7TypicalsBasisLibraryV8.pdl" to
"@PCS7TypicalsBasisLibraryV8_1.pdl".
If there are several copies of this file, the one used to create OS pictures is always the one
with the alphabetically sorted ending. For example, the files with the ending "..._1.pdl" to
"..._3.pdl". In this case, the file with the ending "..._3.pdl" is used.
2. Create an additional block icon in this copy for each SFC type using the copy/paste
commands.
You assign a variant number or a variant name for the new block icon:
– Variant name: This name must be entered in full for configurations.
– Variant number:
Please observe the tag table mentioned above. For configurations, only the variant
number needs to be entered.
3. Then open the properties for each block icon.
4. Under "General", replace the value (@SFC_TYPE, for example) for the attributes
"StructureType" and "type" with the name of the corresponding SFC type.

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Configuration
5.2 Configuring SFC block icons

Create block icons

You can create block icons for your OS picture in two different ways:
● Automatic creation in the plant hierarchy
With this method, the required block icons are automatically inserted into the picture and
parameters are assigned, as appropriate, for all existing SFCs.
You can find additional information about this in the online help of the PH in the section
"How to automatically create/update block icons for OS pictures".
● You place the OS picture in WinCC in the Graphics Designer and configure it with the
Dynamic Wizard.
You can find this description below.

Procedure in WinCC
1. Copy the required block icon from the template to your current picture.
2. Adapt the "StructureType" and "type" property to the type name (not necessary for the block
icon for SFC).
3. Select the block icon and double-click "Connect faceplate to process tag" in the "Standard
Dynamics" tab of the "Dynamic Wizard" window.
The Dynamic Wizard opens.
4. Click on the"..." button on the "Set options" page.
The "Tags - Project:" dialog box opens.
5. In the WinCC tags, open the "List of all tags" and double-click the corresponding tag for the
chart or instance in the right window to select it.
The dialog box closes; the tag name is entered in the Dynamic Wizard.
6. Click "Next".
The next page shows what the wizard is now generating.
7. Click "Finish".
The block icon is now configured. You can use it to call the associated faceplate in runtime
operation.

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5.3 Configuring SFC faceplates

5.3 Configuring SFC faceplates

SFC faceplates
There are two types of faceplate templates for visualizing the various SFC instances of the
SFC types and for visualizing SFC charts in runtime:
● The "@pg_@sfc_rts.pdl" variant is used to visualize SFCs.
● The "@pg_@sfc_type.pdl" variant is used to visualize SFC instances of an SFC type. The
interface elements (setpoints, control strategies, for example) that are configured in the
"Characteristics" dialog box are included in this faceplate.
In addition to the display objects (type name/instance name, comment, group display, etc.)
that are created with the standard WinCC resources, the faceplates contain an OCX for
displaying and manipulating the operating state logic and an OCX (for SFC instance) for
displaying and manipulating the setpoints. You also use these OCX in SFC Visualization.
The meaning of the elements contained in the faceplate in all views is described in:
Operating and monitoring the SFC by means of faceplate (Page 32)

Configuration
The faceplates are supplied preconfigured and you can customize them individually.
You can also create your own faceplates from the templates. However, you use the available
OCX for displaying and manipulating the operating state logic and the setpoints (for SFC
instance).
You can find a detailed description of the configuration of faceplates in the manual PCS 7
Programming Instructions for Blocks.

Additional information
You can find additional information in the section: Adapting SFC faceplates (Page 18)

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Configuration
5.4 Adapting SFC faceplates

5.4 Adapting SFC faceplates

Introduction
You adapt the "Actual Values" (@pg_@sfc_type_actualsp.pdl) and "Prepared Values"
(@pg_@sfc_type_prepare.pdl) views in the Graphics Designer.

Procedure
1. Open the "@pg_@sfc_type_actualsp.pdl" or "@pg_@sfc_type_prepare.pdl " picture in the
Graphics Designer.
2. Double-click in the OCX area of the picture.
The "Properties of "@PCS 7 SFC SP Control"" dialog box opens.
3. In the "General" tab, use the '"Actual Values" view enabled' option to specify whether the
operator can edit the information in the setpoint column or if it is write-protected.
Note: This option can be set in the properties of the "Actual Values" and "Prepared Values"
views. It only affects the "Actual Values" view.
4. In the "Colors" tab, you can change the font and background colors of the respective OCX
elements.

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5.5 Preparing the controls

5.5 Preparing the controls

Introduction
You can prepare for the configuration of the controls in order to facilitate insertion of the controls
in a graphic picture.

Procedure
1. Open the desired picture in Graphics Designer.
2. Switch to the "Controls" tab in the object palette.
3. Select the "Add/Remove" command from the shortcut menu in the object palette.
The "Select OCX Controls" dialog box opens.
4. Select all entries in the list that begin with "PCS 7 SFC", for example, "PCS 7 SFC Control".
5. Click "OK" to close the dialog box.
The selected controls are now in the object palette and can be inserted directly from there into
the graphic picture using drag-and-drop.

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Configuration
5.6 Configuring status picture "PCS 7 SFC Control"

5.6 Configuring status picture "PCS 7 SFC Control"

Introduction
The states of an SFC can be output to a graphic picture by means of an PCS 7 SFC Control
which is assigned to this SFC. This control is also referred to as the status picture (just like the
PCS 7 SFC MultiChart Control). To this, you place and configure the status picture in a graphic
picture in the WinCC Graphics Designer.

Placing the PCS 7 SFC Control in the graphic picture

Open the desired graphic picture in the Graphics Designer.
● If you have performed the preparation for the controls, use drag-and-drop to drag the "PCS 7
SFC Control" from the "Controls" object palette to the picture. You can find additional
information in the section: Preparing the controls (Page 19)
● If the controls are not yet in the object palette, proceed as follows:
– Select the following entry in the "Smart Objects" tool palette

– Draw a frame in the graphic picture for the object to be placed.

The selection list of all installed "Controls" will be displayed.
– Select "PCS 7 SFC Control".

Assigning parameters
1. Double-click the PCS 7 SFC Control.
The "Properties" dialog box opens.
2. Open the "General" tab.
3. Specify whether the SFC should be opened as a "Faceplate", "Overview" or "Section"
display.
The respective button in SFC Control will be labeled accordingly.
4. Click "Assign SFC."
Another dialog box opens listing all the SFCs on this OS.
5. Select the desired SFC.
6. Close the dialog box with "OK".
Under "Connected SFC:" you can see the current SFC name. When you close the
"Properties" dialog box with "OK," the current SFC name is also in the control.

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 Configuration
5.6 Configuring status picture "PCS 7 SFC Control"

Options in the other tabs:

● You can individually configure the display of the SFC control.
● In the "Colors" tab, you can use the color palette to change the current colors for certain
elements (for example, title bar, window background, etc.).
Note
As in previous versions, you can also use the Dynamic Wizard to configure the status
picture.

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Configuration
5.7 Configuring status picture "PCS 7 SFC MultiChart Control"

5.7 Configuring status picture "PCS 7 SFC MultiChart Control"

Introduction
You can use "PCS 7 SFC MultiChart Control" to monitor and control multiple SFCs.
This control is also referred to as the status picture (just like the SFC control). As with the "SFC
Control", you insert the "PCS 7 SFC MultiChart Control" into a picture and then assign
parameters for it.

Placing the PCS 7 SFC MultiChart Control in the graphic picture

Open the desired graphic picture in the Graphics Designer.
● If you have performed the preparation for the controls, use drag-and-drop to drag the "PCS 7
SFC MultiChart Control" from the "Controls" object palette to the picture. You can find
additional information in the section: Preparing the controls (Page 19)
● If the controls are not yet in the object palette, proceed as follows:
– Select the following entry in the "Smart Objects" tool palette

– Draw a frame in the graphic picture for the object to be placed.

The selection list of all installed "Controls" will be displayed.
– Select "PCS 7 SFC MultiChart Control".
The control is displayed according to the size of the drawn frame.
– If you do not stretch the frame to its complete size, not all the columns will be visible. In
this case, a horizontal scroll bar is inserted to enable you to scroll through the contents
in the visible area during runtime mode.

Assigning parameters
1. Double-click the PCS 7 SFC MultiChart Control.
The "Properties" dialog box opens.
2. Open the "General" tab and assign the desired SFCs to the control or delete them from it.

Assigning:
1. Click the following button

The dialog box for selecting SFCs opens.

2. Select the desired SFC and then close the dialog box with "OK".
3. Repeat this procedure for every SFC that you want to include in the SFC MultiChart Control.
A row is inserted for each SFC. This row includes the columns that provide SFC information
in runtime mode.
You will find more detailed information on this topic in the section: PCS 7 SFC MultiChart
Control (Page 53)

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 Configuration
5.7 Configuring status picture "PCS 7 SFC MultiChart Control"

Deleting:
1. Select an SFC that is no longer needed in the "Properties" dialog box.
2. Click the following button

The SFC is deleted.

You can change the order of the selected SFCs at a later time.

Sorting:
You can move a selected SFC up or down using the following buttons:

Title:
You can specify a title for the PCS 7 SFC MultiChart Control which identifies it uniquely during
runtime mode.
Options in the other tabs:
● You can individually configure the display of the SFC control.
● In the "Colors" tab, you can use the color palette to change the current colors for certain
elements (for example, title bar, window background, etc.).
● In the "Fonts" tab, you can specify the font, the type style, and the font size.

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5.8 Configuring status picture "PCS 7 SFC Topology Control"

5.8 Configuring status picture "PCS 7 SFC Topology Control"

Introduction
The states of an SFC can be output to a graphic picture by means of an PCS 7 SFC Topology
Control which is assigned to this SFC. To this, you place and configure the status picture in a
graphic picture in the WinCC Graphics Designer.

Placing the PCS 7 SFC Topology Control in the graphic picture

Open the desired graphic picture in the Graphics Designer.
● If you have performed the preparation for the controls, use drag-and-drop to drag the "PCS 7
SFC Topology Control" from the "Controls" object palette to the picture. You can find
additional information in the section: Preparing the controls (Page 19)
● If the controls are not yet in the object palette, proceed as follows:
– Select the following entry in the "Smart Objects" tool palette.

– Draw a frame in the graphic picture for the object to be placed.

The selection list of all installed "Controls" will be displayed.
– Select "PCS 7 SFC Topology Control".

Assigning parameters
1. Double-click the PCS 7 SFC Topology Control.
The "Properties" dialog box opens.
2. Open the "General" tab.
3. In the "Connected SFC" field, configure the corresponding SFC to be displayed in the
control.
To do this, click on the button to the left of the text box to open a selection dialog.
4. Select the desired SFC and then close the dialog box with "OK".
5. Select the relevant option in the "Display mode" area.
6. Close the dialog box with "OK".

Note
As in previous versions, you can also use the Dynamic Wizard to configure the status picture.

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5.9 Configuring the SFC button

5.9 Configuring the SFC button

Introduction
For selecting an SFC, you can also configure any graphic object of your choice. Such an object
serves to represent the SFC chart. Unlike an SFC status display, however, it does not receive
any information on the current status of the SFC. Such an object can be a button, for example.

Procedure
The procedure is basically the same as that for configuring the SFC control:
1. Select the "Button" object from the "Windows Objects" view and draw a frame in the graphic
display.
A dialog box opens.
2. Make the required settings (text input for label, font, operator authorization, etc.). Click "OK"
to close the dialog box.
3. Double-click "Configure SFC button" in the Dynamic Wizard.
4. If an instructional page appears, exit it by clicking "Next".
5. On the next page, select the mouse action for opening the SFC, which you will assign in
the next step.
The "SFC Browser" opens.
6. Select the SFC to be associated with the button.
7. In the "Set Option" dialog box, choose the display in which the SFC is to be opened
("Faceplate", "Overview" or "Section").
8. Click "Finish" to complete the configuration.

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5.10 Configuring the SFC Browser Selection

5.10 Configuring the SFC Browser Selection

Introduction
You place an object in the graphic display in order to call the SFC browser in runtime. Use this
browser to select the SFCs.

Procedure
1. In the Graphics Designer object palette, select the desired object and draw a frame in the
graphic display.
2. Double-click "Configure SFC Browser" in the Dynamic Wizard.
3. If an instructional page appears, ignore it by clicking "Next".
4. In the next dialog box, select the mouse action for opening the SFC.
5. Click "Finish" to complete the configuration.

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5.11 Using functions for user-specific scripts (SFC API Calls)

5.11 Using functions for user-specific scripts (SFC API Calls)

SFC API functions

The Graphics Designer contains template scripts for assigning certain actions to objects.
SFC Visualization offers many functions. The most important functions are included in these
script templates.
You can also use the functionality of SFC Visualization in your own scripts. For this purpose,
you read in the "sfccli.h" header file. Insert the line ' # include "sfccli.h" ' in the script.
The most important functions are described in: SFC API functions (Page 91).

General Information about the Functions

● If a Boolean value is returned, then TRUE = success and FALSE = error.
● Functions that have "LPOHIO_ERRORSTRUCT IpdmError" as a parameter can be called
with "(void*)0". The error is not evaluated in this case.
● If a window handle is needed, specify the window of the "parent" for this new window.
"NULL" is also allowed as the assignment. In this case, the desktop is used as the "parent"
of the new window.

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5.12 What you should know about OS Server and OS Client

5.12 What you should know about OS Server and OS Client

What is an OS Server?
An OS Server is interconnected with the AS. It receives process data, however, it usually does
not provide any operating and monitoring functionality within a multi-user system. The OS
Server contains all of the configuration data, and you can modify these data here.

What is an OS Client?
An OS Client is an operator station (OS) on which you can operate and monitor the process
in runtime. A client neither has its own SFCs, nor any process I/O. The Client lets you operate
and monitor SFCs on the OS Servers, however, it does not allow their editing.

How do I access OS Server data?

Server project data are made known to the client by means of reference lists (packages). The
client can access the server data only after the packages have been generated and
downloaded.
The same applies to SFC Visualization, where only references to the SFCs are exported
instead of the actual data. You therefore do not have to recompile and download the packages
again after having edited an SFC. You only have to generate and download a new package
to the client only if SFCs have been deleted, added or renamed.
Additional information is available in the Process Control System PCS 7; Operator Station
Configuring Manual.

Configuring SFC Visualization

You can configure the visualization and operator controls in WinCC Explorer on the client as
described in the "Basic SFC settings" section of this documentation.
The basic SFC settings available for the server projects are not relevant to the client. If not
configured otherwise, the default settings are activated for the client.
In a multi-client project you can place objects for opening SFC charts in graphic displays and
interconnect these with SFC charts similar to the server project. You can find additional
information about this in the section: Configurations for SFC Visualization (Page 13). You must
download the corresponding packages to the client for this.

Note on server project configurations

● Configurations for SFC visualization in graphic displays (for example, SFC selection
buttons, SFC status display) will also work on the client.
● Server projects can be configured at the client. Information about corresponding procedures
is available in the Process Control System PCS 7; Operator Station Configuring Manual.

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5.12 What you should know about OS Server and OS Client

Permanent operability for clients

SFC Visualization supports "permanent operability" for clients. A preferred server configured
on the client is used as the server. This applies regardless of whether the server is the current
MASTER or STANDBY. If there is a redundancy failover SFC Visualization reacts in
accordance with the behavior defined in WinCC.

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5.13 What you need to know about the Web server and Web client

5.13 What you need to know about the Web server and Web client

Requirements for using the SFC block icons and SFC faceplates on the Web client
Web server:
● SFC Visualization is installed on the Web server
● The Web Navigator > Web Configurator command has been selected in the shortcut menu
of the Web Navigator node of WinCC Explorer on the Web server
Web client:
● Installation of the relevant plug-ins for SFC Visualization
– WinCC Basic Process Control
– WinCC Advanced Process Control
– PCS 7 Faceplates
– SIMATIC ES Common Services
– SIMATIC SFC Common Displays
– SIMATIC SFC Visualization
Additional information
You can find information on the Web client in the section "Running SFC Visualization on the
Web client (Page 85)".

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6.1 Access control

Access control
Operator input is allowed without restriction if no users are configured.
The following settings or functions are performed, depending on the logged on user and the
authorization levels configured for SFC Visualization:
● Operator input buttons are activated or deactivated.
● Operator input is subject to verification.
This input is either accepted or discarded, depending on the result.
● The change of the allocation status of equipment modules. The "Allocation" operation of
the "Higher process controlling" authorization level is required to perform this change.
The authorization levels set on the Engineering Station are transferred to the OS server (OS
> Load target system), where they are used in runtime operation.
● Global and SFC-specific authorization levels can be configured on an OS server. However,
these are overwritten the next time the function OS > Load target system is used. If SFC-
specific authorization levels exist on the OS server, these are used at runtime. If no SFC-
specific authorization levels are configured, the global authorization levels of the OS server
are used.
● On an OS multiclient, only SFC-global authorization levels can be configured. If SFC-
specific authorization levels exist on the OS server, these are used at runtime. If no SFC-
specific authorization levels are configured, the global authorization levels of the OS
multiclient are used.
● An OS Web Server does not have its own authorization levels. The relevant authorization
levels are transferred depending on whether it is an OS multiclient or an OS server.
● An OS Web Client does not have its own authorization levels. The authorization levels of
the OS Web server are used at runtime.
Note
If button or a setpoint is not enabled although the user has the necessary operator
authorization, then operation may be disabled on the block (for instance ENSTART = 0).

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6.2 Operating and monitoring the SFC by means of faceplate

6.2 Operating and monitoring the SFC by means of faceplate

Overview
You operate the SFC and the SFC instance by means of a faceplate.
● The faceplate for the SFC has the following views:
– "SFC chart" faceplate, "SFC section" view (Page 34)
– "SFC Chart" faceplate, "Messages" view (Page 36)
● The faceplate for the SFC instance has the following views:
– "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Actual Values" view (Page 37)
– "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Prepared Values" view (Page 42)
– "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Parameters" view (Page 43)
– "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Messages" view (Page 44)
– "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Batch" view (Page 45)
– "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Block contacts" view (Page 41)
– "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Equipment modules" view (Page 46)
– "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Equipment phases" view (Page 48)
Note
You can only ever start an SFC instance in the faceplate in the "Prepared Values" view.
This is most important if control strategies or setpoints are being used, because a control
strategy and setpoints have to be set prior to starting.

Holding the faceplate

In the top left-hand corner above the overview line there is a button that can be used to anchor
the faceplate on the screen in order to keep it in place if the focus is changed. The button is
visualized as follows:

Not pinned (after opening the faceplate)

Pinned (after pressing the key)

A pinned faceplate remains pinned until it is closed; this means pressing the button again has
no effect.

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6.2 Operating and monitoring the SFC by means of faceplate

Note
● When you open the faceplate, the "Prepared Values" view (Idle or MANUAL mode) or the
"Actual Values" view (in all other operating states) is displayed depending on the current
operating state of the SFC.
● When a faceplate is open, a change in the operating state does not automatically change
the view.

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6.3 "SFC chart" faceplate, "SFC section" view

6.3 "SFC chart" faceplate, "SFC section" view

"SFC section" view

SFC faceplate, "SFC section" view

The faceplate is divided into two parts, the detail view is on the left, the overview display is on
the right. The following information is contained in the faceplate:
● The overview line with the elements for the group display, message acknowledgment,
message suppression, batch assignment and selection of the views.
– "Continuous mode" status flag for bumpless changeover, for example, when restarting
an SFC to avoid having to switch it off first. Display if output QCONT = 1.
– "Ready to complete" status display, when the SFC is not self-terminating (SELFCOMP
= 0) and is waiting in the run state for the "Complete" command (display, if READY_TC
= 1).
● An overview of the SFC with selection for synchronization.
● Control and display section of the SFC

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6.3 "SFC chart" faceplate, "SFC section" view

● The button

For both views: A resizable window opens to view the sequencers.

● Overview with "Synchronize" check box.
You can find the meaning of the fields and buttons in the section: "SFC Instance" faceplate,
"Actual Values" view (Page 37) (under 1 and 2).

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6.4 "SFC Chart" faceplate, "Messages" view

6.4 "SFC Chart" faceplate, "Messages" view

"Messages" view
This view contains the elements of the "Standard" view plus the message window. You can
find additional information about this in the section: "SFC chart" faceplate, "SFC section"
view (Page 34).

D E F G H I J K L

Message window in the SFC Chart faceplate

Meaning of the buttons:

a Display message list

b Display long-term archive
c Acknowledge single message
d Acknowledge all visible messages
e Print page log
f Display first message
g Display last message
h Display next message
i Display previous message

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6.5 "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Actual Values" view

6.5 "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Actual Values" view

"Actual Values" view

SFC instance faceplate, "Actual Values" view

The faceplate is divided into two parts, the right section is the detail view, the left section is the
overview.

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6.5 "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Actual Values" view

The following information and buttons can be seen (from left to right) in the detail view:
1. Overview line:
– PCS 7 group displays: Alarm, warning, step error, operator prompt
The operator prompt icon is also displayed here if one of the following views is shown:

– Lock/Unlock Messages
– Message acknowledgement
– Message suppression
– Batch allocation
Indicates whether the associated SFC of the faceplate is allocated:

No icon Associated SFC is not allocated.

Associated SFC of an EPH/EOP has been allocated to SIMATIC BATCH.

Associated SFC of an equipment module (EM) is allocated by an equipment

phase (EPH).

– Context of the SFC associated with faceplate:

No icon Neutral SFC

Associated SFC is a sequential control for an equipment module (EM).

Associated SFC is a sequential control for an equipment phase (EPH).

Associated SFC is a sequential control for an equipment operation (EOP).

– View selection
2. Control and display section of the SFC:
In the fields of the first row:
– Status display and SFC operating status label
– Status display and name of the active sequencer
– Status display and name of the held sequencer
– Box with drop-down list for displaying and changing the switching modes
In the fields of the second row:
– The current operating mode (MANUAL/AUTO)
– "Continuous mode" status flag for bumpless changeover, for example, when restarting
an SFC to avoid having to switch it off first. Display if output QCONT = 1.

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– "Ready to complete" status display, when the SFC is not self-terminating (SELFCOMP
= 0) and is waiting in the run state for the "Complete" command (display, if READY_TC
= 1).
Note
To view "Continuous mode" and "Ready to complete", refer to the screenshot in the
section: "SFC chart" faceplate, "SFC section" view (Page 34).

– The status display of the sequencer after CPU startup

Startup with consistent data or

Startup with inconsistent data

– The display for an interconnection error (or empty box)

– The display for an operator error (or empty box)

– The display for a step error (or empty box)

– The display for an operator prompt (or empty box)

– The button for group acknowledgement

The buttons:
– For selecting "MANUAL" or "AUTO" mode
– For enabling changeover to "AUTO"

– Start (only active in the "Prepared values" view)

– Hold
– Resume
– Abort
– Complete
– Stop
– Restart
– Reset
The check boxes for enabling and disabling the execution options "command output",
"cyclic execution", and "time monitoring".

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6.5 "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Actual Values" view

3. The position text is used to display the current position within the sequencer. It consists of
a number and an assigned text. The text is displayed in the SFC faceplate.
4. The note text contains information for the operator. The operator can acknowledge this text
with the "O" button.
5. The line shows the active control strategy. The control strategy cannot be changed here.
The control strategy can only be selected in the "Prepared Values" view.
6. The setpoints and actual values assigned to the selected control strategy are displayed in
this table.
– Setpoint name
A setpoint can consist of more than one value. In the example picture, the "sw6" setpoint
has the additional values "Material" and "Batch ID".
– Setpoint
The current setpoints are displayed here. The setpoints can be edited if the "Actual
values view enabled" option is selected when configuring the properties of the control.
The configured upper and lower limit values are also shown during editing.
Note
If a setpoint is changed, the change must be confirmed by pressing the RETURN key
(exception: values with the Boolean data type). A window then opens in which the
change must be confirmed once more by clicking "OK". Otherwise, the change is not
adopted.

– Actual value
The values of the actual value output are displayed here.
– Unit
The unit labels are displayed here.
7. The following information and buttons can be seen (from top to bottom) in the overview:
– Selection of the view from the drop-down list
– "Synchronize" check box: If the check box is selected, the overview is synchronized with
the sequence in the AS.
The same line contains the following button:

Click this button to open the full overview as a resizable window.

– The sequencer is shown in small format in the lower window of the overview.

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6.6 "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Block contacts" view

6.6 "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Block contacts" view

"Block contacts" view

The upper part of the view is identical to the following view: "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Actual
Values" view (Page 37).
The following are also displayed:
A line containing the name, block type, status, and a button for opening the corresponding
faceplate for each block contact.

"Block contacts" view of an SFC instance

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6.7 "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Prepared Values" view

6.7 "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Prepared Values" view

"Prepared Values" view

The view is identical to the following view: "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Actual Values" view
(Page 37). You can change the control strategy and the setpoints here.
The changes made in this view are applied the next time you start the sequencer in MANUAL
mode.

Note
You can only ever start an SFC instance in the faceplate in the "Prepared Values" view.
This is most important if control strategies or setpoints are being used, because a control
strategy and setpoints have to be set prior to starting.

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6.8 "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Parameters" view

6.8 "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Parameters" view

"Parameters" view
This view contains the elements of the following view: "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Actual
Values" view (Page 37), as described in 1 and 2 (see there). Instead of the elements listed
under 6, the window shows the active control strategy and the OS-relevant parameters.

Changing parameters
You can change the value of a parameter in MANUAL or AUTO operating mode if you have
been assigned the relevant permissions. The changed parameter is written to the AS
immediately, i.e., at first, it is only effective in the CPU. To make changed values also available
in offline data in the ES, you need to run a read-back at the specified time. Otherwise, the next
time a complete download is performed, the original configured parameter values will be written
to the CPU.

Note
If a parameter value is changed, the change must be confirmed by pressing the RETURN key
(exception: values with the Boolean data type). A window then opens in which the change
must be confirmed once more by clicking "OK". Otherwise, the change is not adopted.

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6.9 "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Messages" view

6.9 "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Messages" view

"Messages" view
This view contains the elements of the following view: "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Actual
Values" view (Page 37), as described in 1 and 2 (see there). Here, the message window is
displayed instead of the elements listed under 3 to 6.

D E F G H I J K L

Message window in the SFC Instance faceplate

Meaning of the buttons:

a Display message list

b Display long-term archive
c Acknowledge single message
d Acknowledge all visible messages
e Print page log
f Display first message
g Display last message
h Display next message
i Display previous message

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6.10 "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Batch" view

6.10 "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Batch" view

View "Batch"
This view contains the elements of the following view: "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Actual
Values" view (Page 37), as described in 1 and 2 (see there). Here, the Batch window is
displayed instead of the elements listed under 3 to 6.

Batch window in the SFC instance faceplate

Meaning
● "Batch control" box:
– The "Enable" option shows if the SFC is enabled for "Simatic BATCH".
– The "Allocated" option shows if the SFC is assigned to "Simatic BATCH" ("Allocated"
can only be set if "Enable" is also set).
● "Batch" box:
– "Name" shows the current product name from "Simatic BATCH".
– "Step" shows the current step number from "Simatic BATCH".
– "ID" shows the current ID from "Simatic BATCH"

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6.11 "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Equipment modules" view

6.11 "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Equipment modules" view

"Equipment modules" view

This view shows the allocation status for the SFC instance of an equipment phase (EPH) by
the lower-level equipment module (EM).
● The following table describes the columns of this view.
● Operations in the rows of the view are used to perform a faceplate jump or to open a dialog
box for allocation management. You can find more information below.
Layout of the View table

Column Description
Equipment module Name of the equipment module
SFC status The following information is displayed in this column:
● Operating mode of the SFC
– "Automatic", indicated by icon:

– "Manual", indicated by icon:

● Group error
– No display if no group error is pending.
– Group error pending, indicated by icon:

● Operating status of the SFC

You can find additional information about this in the section
"Icons for Operating States (Page 95)".
Strategy Strategy of the allocation request
You can find additional information about this in the section "Allo‐
cation request and allocation status (Page 87) ".
Prio Priority of the allocation request
If the same type of allocation requests are pending at the same
time, the priority can be set to determine which allocation request
is granted access. If the priority is the same, then the allocation
request is given the access listed in the table above.
Time Time stamp of the allocation request
Wait time max. Maximum waiting period
This value is configured in the allocation request.
Format "HH:MM:SS"
Wait time active Current duration of the wait time
Format "HH:MM:SS"
Status Allocation status
You can find additional information about this in the section "Allo‐
cation request and allocation status (Page 87)".

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6.11 "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Equipment modules" view

Operations in a table row of the view

● Faceplate jump
Clicking on a cell in the "Equipment module" or "SFC status" column triggers a jump to the
associated SFC faceplate.
● Dialog box for allocation management
Clicking on a cell to the right of the "Strategy" column opens a dialog box for allocation
management.
Various values of the table can be changed:
– "Strategy"
– "Prio"
– "Wait time max."
Moreover, additional allocation information can be displayed.
– Allocation ID
The value of type DWORD provided in the allocation request is shown in hexadecimal
format, separated into two signed integers "(HIWORD, LOWORD)".
– "Show details" button
The button is only active when the dialog box in the view has been opened via the line
of an equipment phase (EPH).

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6.12 "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Equipment phases" view

6.12 "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Equipment phases" view

"Equipment phases" view

This view shows the allocation status for the SFC instance of an equipment module (EM) by
the higher-level equipment phase (EPH).
● The following table describes the columns of this view.
● Operations in the rows of the view are used to perform a faceplate jump or to open a dialog
box for allocation management. You can find more information below.
Layout of the View table

Column Description
Equipment phase Name of the equipment phase
SFC status The following information is displayed in this column:
● Operating mode of the SFC
– "Automatic", indicated by icon:

– "Manual", indicated by icon:

● Group error
– No display if no group error is pending.
– Group error pending, indicated by icon:

● Operating status of the SFC

You can find additional information about this in the section
"Icons for Operating States (Page 95)".
Strategy Strategy of the allocation request
You can find additional information about this in the section "Allo‐
cation request and allocation status (Page 87) ".
Prio Priority of the allocation request
If the same type of allocation requests are pending at the same
time, the priority can be set to determine which allocation request
is granted access. If the priority is the same, then the allocation
request is given the access listed in the table above.
Time Time stamp of the allocation request
Wait time max. Maximum waiting period
This value is configured in the allocation request.
Format "HH:MM:SS"
Wait time active Current duration of the wait time
Format "HH:MM:SS"
Status Allocation status
You can find additional information about this in the section "Allo‐
cation request and allocation status (Page 87)".

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6.12 "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Equipment phases" view

Operations in a table row of the view

● Faceplate jump
Clicking on a cell in the "Equipment phase" or "SFC status" column triggers a jump to the
associated SFC faceplate.
● Dialog box for allocation management
Clicking on a cell to the right of the "Strategy" column opens a dialog box for allocation
management.
Various values of the table can be changed:
– "Strategy"
– "Prio"
– "Wait time max."
Moreover, additional allocation information can be displayed.
– Allocation ID
The value of type DWORD provided in the allocation request is shown in hexadecimal
format, separated into two signed integers "(HIWORD, LOWORD)".
– "Show details" button
The button is only active when the dialog box in the view has been opened via the line
of an equipment phase (EPH).

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6.13 Operating and monitoring the SFC by means of SFC status picture

6.13 Operating and monitoring the SFC by means of SFC status picture

SFC status picture

You obtain an overview of the SFC status (PCS 7 SFC Control) by selecting a graphic picture
that contains a status picture configured for the SFC. "PCS 7 SFC MultiChart Control" supports
monitoring of multiple SFCs and editing of certain parameters.
You can find additional information in the sections:
● PCS 7 SFC Control (Page 51)
● PCS 7 SFC MultiChart Control (Page 53)
● PCS 7 SFC Topology Control (Page 57)

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6.14 PCS 7 SFC Control

6.14 PCS 7 SFC Control

PCS 7 SFC Control

The following current information is displayed:

Heading ● Name of the assigned SFC (chart or instance name) *)

1st Row ● Mode (MANUAL / AUTO)
● Abbreviation for the step control mode
("T", "T or O", "T and O", "O", "T / T and O").
● SFC status (chart or instance);
You will find more information in: Icons for Operating States (Page 95).
● Status in the CPU
CPU stop

CPU start with consistent data

CPU start with inconsistent data

● Group display for step error (if it exists, otherwise empty).

● Group display for operator prompt (if it exists, otherwise empty).

2nd Row ● Name of the active sequencer

3rd Row ● Operating state of the active sequencer;
You can find more detailed information in the section: Icons for Operating
States (Page 95).
● Display for step error "S" (if it exists, otherwise empty).
● Display for operator prompt "O" (if it exists, otherwise empty).
4th Row ● Step: Name of the first **) active step.
5th Row ● Runtime: Current runtime of the first **) active step.
● Button for the SFC display: "Overview" or "Section" or "Faceplate".
*) If ## Initialization error ## is displayed instead of the name of the text, this SFC control is assigned
to an SFC that has been deleted in WinCC.
If the SFC still exists in the AS project, recompile the OS to transfer the SFC back to WinCC data
management. Otherwise, you assign another SFC chart to the SFC control.
**) Several steps can be active at the same time in a simultaneous sequencer.

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6.14 PCS 7 SFC Control

Click "Faceplate" to open the SFC faceplate.

The button for the selection of the SFC display is defined during the configuration of the
PCS 7 SFC control.
You can choose from the following display options:
● Faceplate
● Overview
● Section
If "S" is displayed, the system also opens the "Properties" dialog box for the step.
Click on "S" to open the detail display for the SFC and center the active step using the error
acknowledgement button.
If "O" is displayed, the system also opens the "Properties" dialog box for the transition.
Click on "O" to open the detail display for the SFC and center the active transition using the
acknowledgement button of the operator prompt.

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6.15 PCS 7 SFC MultiChart Control

6.15 PCS 7 SFC MultiChart Control

PCS 7 SFC MultiChart Control

SFC MultiChart Control is used to operate and monitor several SFCs.
As it cannot be visualized in its configured length, the Control is provided with a scroll bar. The
#, SFC, and group display columns are always visible, regardless of the scroll bar position.
The following table describes the columns of the SFC multichart control.

Note
You can only start an SFC instance with control strategies or setpoints in the "Prepared Values"
view of the faceplate, because a control strategy and setpoints must be set prior to starting.

Columns Content Function

# Line Number Display for sorting
SFC Name of the SFC Double-clicking this name
(incl. name-forming element of the PH) opens the overview display
for the SFC.
Icon for the operating state; Display
you will find more detailed information
in the section: Icons for Operating
States (Page 95).
Group Group displays for messages, Display
display in accordance with the configuration in
SFC
(e.g. alarm, warning, step error,
operator prompt, locked).
Displays 3 and 4 are set by default.
Step error

Operator prompt The symbol is also displayed

when the displays
or

are shown.

Operating mode "AUTO" or "MANUAL" mode Allows changeover of the op‐

erating mode by means of a
selection in a drop-down list
box.
EA Enable Check box for enabling changeover Allows setting or resetting of
Auto to "AUTO" mode the enable.
Control strategy SFC instances: Name of current con‐
trol strategy
Step control mode Abbreviation for the step control mode Allows changeover of the
("T", "T or O", "T and O", "O", or "T / T step control mode by means
and O") of a selection in a drop-down
list box.

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6.15 PCS 7 SFC MultiChart Control

Columns Content Function

Sequencer Name of the current sequencer. Display
The icon of the operating state (of the Display
sequencer) is indicated in front of the
name of the active sequencer. You can
find additional information about this in
the section: Icons for Operating States
(Page 95).
SF "Step error" display Display

Step Name of the first active step Clicking this name opens the
detail view of the SFC with
the active step centered.
Icon for the step status: Display
INACTIVE not executed

INACTIVE, running

ACTIVE

HELD

ERROR

Comment Comment of the first *) active step Display

Runtime Runtime of the first *) active step Display
Transition Name of the first **) active transition Clicking this name opens the
detail view of the SFC with
the active transition centered.
Symbolic display of the result (colored
line)
CPU SFC- Status in the CPU after CPU
Stop/Run
SFC/CPU stop Display

SFC start with consistent data

SFC start with inconsistent data

IE Display for an interconnection error Display

(if error exists, otherwise empty box)
OE Display for operating error Display
(if error exists, otherwise empty box)
*) Several steps can be active at the same time in a simultaneous sequencer.
**) Several transitions can be active at the same time in an alternative sequencer.

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6.15 PCS 7 SFC MultiChart Control

Command Buttons
Buttons for filter settings appear in the column headings. You can open and close the filter
dialog box by clicking on this icon:

The following filter settings are available for selection:

● SFC: Operating status and SFC display
● Group display: Message class displays
● Operating mode
● Step control mode: Step Control Modes
● Step error: Step error on/off
● CPU: Stop and restart
● IE: Interconnection error on/off
● OE: Operator error on/off
The filter is not available for all columns.
To move a selected row up or down one row at a time, click one of the following buttons:

Up

Down

Once selected, you can use commands to control an SFC. The following buttons are available
for this:

Start or Resume
Abort
Hold
Restart

You open a selected SFC with the "Section" or "Overview" buttons in the selected display.

Note on the Display

● If a line containing only the SFC name is shown in light gray in the SFC multichart control,
then this SFC is no longer in the WinCC data management. It is deleted here and was not
transferred during the most recent OS compilation.
Tip: If the SFC still exists in the AS project, recompile the OS to transfer the SFC back to
WinCC data management. Otherwise, you have to assign another SFC to the line in the
SFC multichart control or delete the line.
● Line selections are discarded after approximately 30 seconds.

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6.15 PCS 7 SFC MultiChart Control

● If you click a column heading, you can sort the table rows in ascending or descending order.
The sorting order is based on the alphabetical order of the symbol names (such as aborted,
completed, idle, held, run).
● If you change the sorting during runtime mode, the change is not permanent. The next time
you select the picture, the configured display mode is restored.

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6.16 PCS 7 SFC Topology Control

6.16 PCS 7 SFC Topology Control

PCS 7 SFC Topology Control

You have the following operating options in SFC Topology Control.

Buttons and check boxes

● "Synchronize" check box
If this check box is selected, the overview is synchronized to the detail view.
● "Sequencer Properties" button
Use this button to open the dialog box with the object properties of the current sequencer.
For further information, refer to the section: "Properties" Dialog Box for the Sequencer
(Page 70)
● "Start Condition" button
Use this button to open the dialog box for the start conditions of the current sequencer.
For further information, refer to the section: "Properties" Dialog Box for the Start Condition
(Page 71)
● Button to open a resizable window

Click this button to open the detail view in a resizable window.

Operating options in the detail window
When you click on a step or a transition, the "Properties" dialog for the step or transition opens.

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6.17 Visualization of the SFC Status by Means of an SFC Selection Button in the Button Set or an SFC Browser
Selection in the Display

6.17 Visualization of the SFC Status by Means of an SFC Selection Button

in the Button Set or an SFC Browser Selection in the Display

Introduction
You can also visualize and control the status of an SFC in the runtime system as described
below.

Procedure
1. Click the following button in the button set or click an object configured in the picture to
select the SFC browser:

The SFC browser opens with a list of all SFCs (also the SFCs of servers in the case of an
OS client).
Select an SFC from the list and click "OK" to visualize it.
2. Click the required SFC name.
Depending on the setting in WinCC Explorer, the selected SFC is displayed in an overview
screen or in a detail view. In this example, the SFC is visualized in the overview screen.
The SFC is always visualized completely in the overview screen. Exception: Very large
SFCs are visualized on the screen at a maximum of half their size and they contain scroll
bars.
Any active sequencer is displayed, and the first sequencer is displayed otherwise.

The current status of the SFC is displayed in color if the overview screen is open. The
assignment of colors to the corresponding states can be configured by the user and is
activated globally for all SFCs in WinCC Explorer.
The button for the user-specific session log is located on the left edge of the title bar. The
saved position is retained until overwritten by a new save operation.
The information bar below the title bar shows the name of the currently active step. This
bar is blank if no step is active, for example, after execution of the SFC.
3. You open a section of the SFC by clicking the required position in the overview screen. The
area around the click position is displayed in the detail view. You can control this area by
scrolling or scaling the detail view.
The SFC windows are always displayed in the foreground on the working area.

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6.18 Information on the SFC block icon

6.18 Information on the SFC block icon

Overview
Various status displays are available on the block icon of the SFC type or its instance.
The block icon is used to represent the sequence control of the equipment module (EM) and
the equipment phase (EPH).
Display type example
The block icon for an instance of an SFC type "@SFC_TYPE/2" in variant "2" is displayed in
the figure below.
Variant "2" means that the style is derived from the APL.
You can find additional information about this in the section "Configuring SFC block icons
(Page 15)".

2
3 5
4

Legend Description
(1) Operating mode of the SFC, for example, "AUTO" in this case.
(2) Message display, for example, "Step error" in this case.
(3) Operating mode, for example, "COMPLETED" in this case.
You can find additional information in the section "Icons for Operating States (Page 95)".
(4) Allocation status
● "Equipment module (EM) is allocated by an equipment phase (EPH)"
Displayed at the block icon of the equipment module.

● Allocation of an equipment module (EM) has failed.

Displayed at the block icon of an equipment phase (EPH).

(5) SFC icon with status display

● The associated SFC is in the "Ready" state.

● The associated SFC is in another state, for example, "Active".

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6.19 Information and operator input in the detail view

6.19 Information and operator input in the detail view

The detail window

Information in the title bar

The title bar of the detail window has the following design:
● Session log
The button for opening the user-specific session log is displayed on the left edge of the title
bar:

Icon Meaning
The current position and size are not saved, for example, after the window was moved
to a different position.

Current position and size saved. The window displays the last position saved after
the SFC is reopened.

Note
The saved position and size are retained until these are overwritten by a new save operation.

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6.19 Information and operator input in the detail view

In the detail view:

● Status information:
<Plant hierarchy\\SFC name> : <SFC state> <S> <O>
<Sequencer name> : <Sequencer status> <S> <O>
AS status : <AS status>
The title bar components are used in accordance with the corresponding situation.
You will find the possible states of the SFCs and sequencers in the table:
Icons for Operating States (Page 95)
Meaning of the AS states:

State Meaning
STOP / Abort ● No connection to the AS.
● The AS is shut down.
● The AS is in Stop, the connection to the AS is okay, the SFCs are being updated.
RUN The AS is in run state, the connection to the AS is up, the SFCs are being updated.

Information in the window

Any acknowledgment configured for the step is displayed in the step control mode "Step-
specific acknowledgment by operator (T/T and O)" at the associated acknowledgment button.
You can drag and the text to any screen position without loosing its connector to the button.

Operator input
The following operator input options are available if the detail window is displayed:

In the command line below the title bar:

● Fix SFC Window
Click the button in the left-hand corner to "anchor" the SFC window and to retain its position
if you a change to another area. The button is visualized as follows:

Icon Meaning
Not anchored (after the SFC window was called)

Anchored (after the button was pressed)

Note
The SFC window retains its anchored state until it is closed, that is, pressing the button again
will have no effect.

In the view:
A step error is visualized by the button to the left of the step symbol:

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6.19 Information and operator input in the detail view

An operator prompt (not with "T") is represented by the button to the left of the transition symbol:

After clicking this button - or the following:

and continuing the sequence, the buttons disappear again.

Buttons and check boxes

● "Synchronize" check box
If this check box is selected, the overview is synchronized to the detail view.
● "Sequencer Properties" button
Use this button to open the dialog box with the object properties of the current sequencer.
For further information, refer to the section: "Properties" Dialog Box for the Sequencer
(Page 70)
● "Start Condition" button
Use this button to open the dialog box for the start conditions of the current sequencer.
For further information, refer to the section: "Properties" Dialog Box for the Start Condition
(Page 71)
● Button to open a resizable window

Click this button to open the detail view in a resizable window.

At the bottom edge of the view:

You can change between the sequencers of an SFC using the tabs at the lower edge of the
detail window.

In the overview:
● Selection of a view from the drop-down list
● "Synchronize" check box
If this check box is selected, the overview is synchronized to the detail view.
● Button to open a resizable window

Click this button to open the overview in a resizable window.

In the control and display area:

Setting the Operating Mode (Page 64)
Setting the Operating State (Page 65)
Setting the Step Control Mode (Page 66)

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Setting the sequence options (Page 67)

Acknowledging Operator Prompts and Step Errors (Page 68)
For a description of the displays, refer to the section: "SFC Instance" faceplate, "Actual Values"
view (Page 37)

See also
Operating and monitoring the SFC by means of faceplate (Page 32)

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6.20 Setting the Operating Mode

6.20 Setting the Operating Mode

Setting the operating mode

The operating mode setting determines the SFC control sequence.
The SFC supports the following operating modes:
● AUTO (process mode) - sequence is controlled automatically.
● MANUAL (operator mode) - sequence is controlled by the operator.
You can change from "MANUAL" to "AUTO"
● after enabling the switchover with the enable button

or
● Without enable, if the operator has the required authorization
(authorization level AUTO / MANUAL: "Process control")
You can change from "AUTO" to "MANUAL"
● after an enable of the changeover at the SFC (block input ENMAN) in the AS and
corresponding authorization (AUTO / MANUAL, operator process control)
or
● without an enable, if the operator has the corresponding authorization
(authorization level "MAN without enable": "Higher-order operator process control".
Note
To ensure that an operator cannot switch an SFC from AUTO to MANUAL mode, for example,
both operator inputs (changeover with or without enable) can be assigned an authorization
that the operator does not possess.
Alternatively, you can also block just the changeover without enable by assigning an
appropriate authorization. The changeover with enable is provided with an authorization that
is assigned to the operator. However, the enable is issued and revoked with a corresponding
control setting in the ENMAN input for the SFC in the AS.
The changeover is either permitted or refused, and different messages will be displayed
depending on the operator authorization and whether or not the enable has been issued.

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6.21 Setting the Operating State

6.21 Setting the Operating State

Setting the Operating State

The commands available in the control and display section (or in the PCS
7 SFC multichart control) let you set or modify the SFC operating state.

Button Command Meaning

Start / Resume With this command, you start the processing by changing to "Starting" state
or you resume the processing by changing to "Resuming" or "Resuming (er‐
ror)" state.
Note: The "Resume" function associated with the "Start / Resume" button is
only available in the multichart control. You use the "Resume" button in all
other displays.
In the detail window or on the "Actual Values" page of the faceplate for SFC
instances, the "Start" button is only enabled if neither the control strategy nor
the setpoints are configured. If they are configured, you start on the "Prepared
Values" page of the faceplate because you have to assign a control strategy
and the setpoints beforehand.
If a step is marked as target step , the target step of the active sequencer is
activated directly.
Abort With this command, you cancel processing by changing to the "Aborting"
state.
Hold With this command, you stop processing by changing to the "Holding"
state.
Restart With this command, you restart processing by changing to the "Starting"
state.
The following commands are also in the operation and display part of the detail window and the faceplates:
Resume With this command, you resume processing by changing to the "Resuming"
or "Resuming (error)" state.
Exit With this command, you complete processing by changing to the
"Completing" state.
Stop With this command, you stop processing by changing to the "Stopping"
state.
Reset With this command, you change to the
"Idle" state.

Additional information
Additional information is available in the sections:
Operating State Logic for SFC (SFC OSL) (Page 79)
Operating state logic for sequencers (sequencer OSL) (Page 82)

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6.22 Setting the Step Control Mode

6.22 Setting the Step Control Mode

Setting step control mode

The step control mode defines the step response of the sequential control. The step control
mode changes the response of prepared or fulfilled transitions.
A button is displayed for an active operator request in all step control modes with the exception
of "T" if the user is is granted the corresponding operating permission.
You can change the step control mode in all operating states.
In this combo box, you set the step control modes that are described in the table:

Step control Meaning

mode
T Transition:
The sequential control system is process-driven (running automatically). When a
transition is true, control passes to the next step or steps by deactivating predeces‐
sor steps and activating successor steps.
T or O With transition or confirmation by operator:
The process or the operator controls the sequential control system. An operator
prompt is set for each successor transition of an active step, and the next step is
enabled after operator input is made. If the transition is true before the operator
prompt is acknowledged, control passes to the next step or steps without operator
intervention (automatically).
T and O With transition and confirmation by operator:
The process and the operator control the sequential control system. When the suc‐
cessor transition of an active step is fulfilled, an operator prompt is set and the next
step is enabled only after operator input has been made.
O Confirmation by operator:
The sequential control system is controlled exclusively by the operator. The transi‐
tions do not need to be true. An operator prompt is set for all successor transitions
of each active step, and the next step is enabled after the operator input.
T / T and O Step-specific confirmation by operator:
The "Confirmation" ID is set or reset on a step-specific basis in the "Properties"
dialog box for the step. The sequential control system runs as follows:
● Process-controlled for steps without the "confirmation" ID.
Each fulfilled follow-on transition of an active step without "Confirmation" passes
on without operator input (corresponds to "T").
● Operator-controlled for steps with the "Confirmation" ID.
In the case of a fulfilled follow-on transition of an active step with "Confirmation",
an operator prompt is set and passed on after successful operator input
(corresponds to: "T and O").

Note on Minimum Runtime:

The operator can shorten the minimum runtime of the step in step control modes "O" and "T
or O" by intervening sooner.

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6.23 Setting the sequence options

6.23 Setting the sequence options

Setting the sequence options

The sequence options influence the behavior of the sequential control system. The various
sequence options can be combined. The following sequence options can be set in the runtime
system:
● Command output
● Cyclic mode
● Time monitoring

Sequence option Meaning

Command output The actions of the active steps are executed if command output = "On".
With instruction output "Off", the actions of the active steps are not executed.
Cyclic mode If cyclic mode is "On", the system automatically continues with "Starting" after the operating
state "Completed".
In cyclic mode, a sequencer in the "Completed" state that is to be processed is exited again
immediately. Only the start step and final step are processed.
If cyclic mode is "Off", the sequential control system remains in the "Completed" state.
As long as there is no command to exit this state, "Completed" is continually processed
cyclically.
Note: This applies to all states that only can be exited by means of commands.
Time monitoring With time monitoring "On", the active time of each step being processed is compared with
the maximum runtime. If the maximum runtime is exceeded, a step error is signaled to WinCC.
In addition, an acknowledgement button for this step error is displayed in the SFC chart.
With time monitoring "Off", the active time and maximum runtime are not compared.

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6.24 Acknowledging Operator Prompts and Step Errors

6.24 Acknowledging Operator Prompts and Step Errors

Acknowledging operator prompts and step errors

The group acknowledgement button can be used to acknowledge all active operator
prompts and step errors at one time (using the "S" button for steps and the "O"
button for transitions).

Note
In the event of a step runtime error, after it has been acknowledged, the step is returned to the
state which it had before the error occurred
(for example active = "green").

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6.25 Overview of the "Properties" dialog boxes

6.25 Overview of the "Properties" dialog boxes

"Properties" dialog boxes

The "Properties" dialog box represents the detail view of a sequencer, of a step, or of a
transition. This dialog box shows information specific to the selected object (sequencer/step/
transition).
The dialog boxes for steps and transitions are displayed separately or in a combined display.
In the combined display, the dialog box for the step includes the properties of the successor
transition. In this case, the title bar also contains the name of the transition.
The combined display is shown when you click "Transition >>" in the properties for the step.
You return to the step-only display by clicking on the "Step <<" button.
The information shown is identical in both view types. The only difference is in the arrangement
of the buttons.
In addition to the standard SFC buttons, the SFV properties dialogs feature two buttons for the
jump-to-picture function. The button on the left is assigned to the left-hand address and the
button on the right to the right-hand address.
Display:

When no address is selected or an address belongs to a block that has no faceplate.

When an address is selected and the address belongs to a block that has a faceplate.

Automatic trace
When you select the Update option, you enable the automatic trace function. This function
displays the current properties based on the execution in the chart when the next step is
enabled. The properties of the respective active step or active transition are displayed.
If the active step or active transition is outside the displayed window section as the chart is
being executed, the chart is automatically moved in the window. The chart is moved in such
a way that the step or transition being monitored is in the window section. The objects that are
currently being monitored are shown highlighted in the chart.
Note: The automatic trace works even when no property window is open. It is then automatically
positioned to the active sequencer and active step.
The following description of the "Properties" dialog boxes is based on the separate display of
step and transition.
"Properties" Dialog Box for the Sequencer (Page 70)
"Properties" Dialog Box for the Start Condition (Page 71)
"Properties" Dialog Box for the Step (Page 72)
"Properties" Dialog Box for the Transition (Page 74)

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6.26 "Properties" Dialog Box for the Sequencer

6.26 "Properties" Dialog Box for the Sequencer

"Properties" Dialog Box for the Sequencer

Select the detail view for the SFC in which you want to display the sequencer "Properties"
dialog box.
Click "Sequencer Properties" in the operator input section to open the dialog box.

Note
You can open a separate dialog box for the start conditions using the following button:
"Properties" Dialog Box for the Start Condition (Page 71).

"General" tab:
In this tab, you see the following:
● Name of the current sequencer
The box is framed; the frame color indicates the result/state of the transition and is
continuously updated.
● Comment of the sequencer
● Priority of the sequencer
The priority decides which sequencer of an SFC is started when the start conditions of
several sequencers are met simultaneously.
Note
If sequencers with identical start conditions also have the same priority, the sequencer
furthest left in the chart will be started first.

"Preprocessing"/"Postprocessing" Tab:
In this tab, you see the actions for preprocessing or postprocessing the current sequencer.
These actions are executed as follows during cyclic execution of the SFC:
● Before the execution of the sequencers (preprocessing)
● After the execution of the sequencers (postprocessing)
An "f(x)" button can be displayed optionally in a line of an action:
● The "f(x)" button is only visible when a calculation is configured for the corresponding
address of a line.
● The "f(x)" button opens the "Calculation for SFC" dialog. The current values of the
calculation results and the output variables are displayed in the dialog. The structure is
similar to the test mode of the dialog box in SFC, but none of the fields can be edited like
in test mode.

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6.27 "Properties" Dialog Box for the Start Condition

6.27 "Properties" Dialog Box for the Start Condition

"Properties" dialog box of the start condition

This dialog box shows the start conditions of the sequencer.
The values and conditions of the sequencer are visualized similar to a transition.
Each condition consists of the following elements:
● A left address, an operator and a right address.
● Optionally, an "f(x)" button is displayed for the left or right address in a row when a
calculation is configured for the associated address.
The "f(x)" button opens the "Calculation for SFC" dialog. The current values of the
calculation results and the output variables are displayed in the dialog. The structure is
similar to the test mode of the dialog box in SFC, but none of the fields can be edited like
in test mode.
● Optionally, the "Condition (technological)" button appears when a technological condition
is configured in this row.
In addition, the background color, such as "light green", in a row indicates that a
technological condition is configured. The color for technological objects can be set in the
CFC editor.
You can use the "Condition (technological)" button to open a dialog box that displays the
current values of the condition.
You can find additional information about this in the section ""Properties" Dialog Box for the
Transition (Page 74)".

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6.28 "Properties" Dialog Box for the Step

6.28 "Properties" Dialog Box for the Step

Procedure
Select the detail window for the SFC in which you want to display a step "Properties" dialog
box.
Click the required step to open the dialog box.

"General" tab
The runtimes, the "Confirmation" option, the comment and the step status are deactivated in
the "General" tab.
If no values were configured for the runtimes (time = 0), the respective fields show "- - -".
The step state is displayed as text in the title bar and indicated by the corresponding icon to
the left of the comment box in the dialog box.

State Meaning Icon Icon

normal with target
step
INACTIVE, The step was not being processed previ‐ Not applica‐
do not run ously ble
INACTIVE, This step is no longer being processed
run
ACTIVE The step is being processed.

HOLD The step has been held.

ERROR The step is in error state

(timeout).

"Actions (technological)" tab

The technological actions configured in a step of a sequencer of an SFC type are shown in
this tab.
This tab is only displayed for the SFC type or an SFC instance, not for an SFC.
Each line represents one statement. You can make up to 50 statements.
Each statement line consists of the following elements:
● Display field with the name of the configured technological action
● "Action (technological)" button

The configured technological action can be opened with this button to display the current
process values.
Background color

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6.28 "Properties" Dialog Box for the Step

The background color such as "light green" in a row indicates that a technological action is
configured. The color for technological objects can be set in the CFC editor.

"Initialization", "Processing", "Termination" tabs

This tab shows the configured assignments for the individual actions of the step.
An "f(x)" button can be displayed optionally in a line of an assignment:
● The "f(x)" button is only visible when a calculation is configured for the right address of a
line.
● The "f(x)" button opens the "Calculation for SFC" dialog. The current values of the
calculation results and the output variables are displayed in the dialog. The structure is
similar to the test mode of the dialog box in SFC, but none of the fields can be edited like
in test mode.

Operator Inputs in the "Properties" Dialog Box for the Step

The following operator inputs are possible in the dialog box:
● Closing the dialog box using the "Close" button
● Acknowledging a step error with the "S" button
● Selecting the previous or next active step with the "S <-" / "-> S" buttons
● Displaying the properties of the successor transition with the "Transition >>" button
● Option: Set / reset "Target step"
If you set the "Target step" option, the current step is selected as the target step. The
selection is made to the left of the step. You can only set the target step in sequencers that
are not "Active". This means the following:
– The next time you start, the inactive sequencer starts at the selected target step instead
of the initial step.
– The next time you press the "Resume" button, the "held" sequencer resumes at the
target step after the interrupted steps have been processed properly.
The target step remains selected until the next time you start or resume.
The selection is cleared if you restart the CPU or change from "MANUAL" to "AUTO"
operating mode.
Note
You can select multiple steps as the target step (in simultaneous sequencers, for example).
You are responsible for selecting a suitable target step. Blockades or endless loops in the
execution prevent efficient processing.
If you use "programmed target steps", the target steps specified by the operator are deleted
in the respective sequencers.
● Option: "Update" set / reset. This switches automatic tracing on or off.
● Option: "f(x)" button for the right address as described above.
● Option: "Action (technology)" button as described above.

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6.29 "Properties" Dialog Box for the Transition

6.29 "Properties" Dialog Box for the Transition

Procedure
Select the detail window for the SFC in which you want to display the "Properties" dialog box
of a transition.
Click the desired transition to open the dialog box.
The following is displayed:
● The Boolean operators of the transition logic
● The fields of the comparison values (left and right)
● The fields of the conditions (middle)
● Optionally, an "f(x)" button is displayed for the left or right address in a row when a
calculation is configured for the associated address.
The "f(x)" button opens the "Calculation for SFC" dialog. The current values of the
calculation results and the output variables are displayed in the dialog. The structure is
similar to the test mode of the dialog box in SFC, but none of the fields can be edited like
in test mode.
● Optionally, the "Condition (technological)" button appears when a technological condition
is configured in this row.
In addition, the background color, such as "light green", in a row indicates that a
technological condition is configured. The color for technological objects can be set in the
CFC editor.
You can use the "Condition (technological)" button to open a dialog box that displays the
current values of the condition.
The dialog box consists of the following parts:
● Two pages with a total of 16 lines for the conditions
● A three-stage transition logic
The first page contains 2 x 5 conditions which are logically linked with the Boolean operators.
The second page contains 2 x 3 conditions which are also logically linked.
An "arrow" button is located at the last operator. Use this button to toggle the pages.
The results of the logic operations for the conditions using the Boolean operators are visualized
as colored connecting lines of varying thickness. A broad, green line means “fulfilled", a thin,
red line means “not fulfilled" and a thin, black line means “inactive".

Transition state

State Meaning Color

INACTIVE The transition is not being processed. Gray
NOT FULFILLED The transition condition is not met. Dark red
FULFILLED The transition condition is met. Dark green

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6.29 "Properties" Dialog Box for the Transition

Operator inputs in the "Properties" dialog box of the transition

The following operator inputs are possible in the dialog box:
● Closing the dialog box using the "Close" button
● Confirming the operator request using the "O" button
● Selecting the previous or next active transition using the " T <- " / " -> T " button
● Option: "Update" set / reset. This switches automatic tracing on or off.
● Option: "f(x)" button for the corresponding address as described above.
● Option: "Condition (technological)" button as described above.

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6.30 "Calculation for SFC" dialog box in SFV

6.30 "Calculation for SFC" dialog box in SFV

Overview
Calculations can be configured in steps, transitions or sequencers in the SFC Editor.
Configuring is carried out in the "Calculation for SFC" dialog box of the SFC Editor. You can
find more information on configuring calculations in the section "Overview of SFC calculations"
of the SFC for SIMATIC S7 manual or online help.
The current values of the function inputs and calculation results for the calculations configured
in this "Calculation for SFC" dialog box can be displayed in SFV.
The structure is similar to the test mode of the dialog box in SFC, but the "Data Type" column
is missing and no fields can be edited.
Opening the dialog box in SFV
The dialog box is opened with the "f(x)" button in the following properties dialog boxes:
● Properties of steps
● Properties of transitions
● Properties of sequencers (menu command "Edit > Sequencer Properties")
Note on automatic closing of the dialog box
The "Calculation for SFC" dialog box is always linked with the higher-level properties dialog
box of the step or transition from which it was opened. If this link is broken due to operator
inputs by the user, the calculation dialog box will close.
Examples of operator inputs that cause the dialog box to close:
● Closing the higher-level properties dialog box.
● Changing the page in the higher-level properties dialog box of the transition
● A change of step, transition or sequencer in the SFC Editor
Value display in the "Value" column
● The current value is displayed and cyclically updated in the "Value" column:
– For the overall result of the calculation
– For all function inputs with interconnection to addresses
– For intermediate results, that is, function inputs with interconnection to lower-level
functions.
● If the OS does not supply a value to SFC Visualization for an address, e.g., in case of
broken connection, the text "##OFFLINE##" is displayed in the corresponding line of the
"Value" column.
Operator inputs in the dialog box

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6.30 "Calculation for SFC" dialog box in SFV

The "Calculation for SFC" dialog box in SFV has only two buttons:
● The "Close" button for closing the dialog box.
● The "Jump-to-picture" button for initiating the "Jump-to-picture" function.

Icon Meaning
The button is deactivated when no address is selected or an address belongs to a block
that has no faceplate.
The button is activated when an address is selected and the address belongs to a block
that has a faceplate.
Clicking the activated button takes you to the corresponding process picture and face‐
plate.

Functions of the OS
The "Calculation for SFC" dialog box is also acquired by the "Save picture combination" and
"Recall picture combination" functions on the operator station. With the "Recall picture
combination" function, the dialog box with the saved context is restored.

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6.31 Messages

6.31 Messages

General
The following messages are generated during execution of an SFC in the AS:
● Operator requests for transitions
● Step errors
● Status messages relating to the SFC status
Only the step error messages require acknowledgment.

Generation of process messages

The messages are generated generically. In addition to the messages, specific mechanisms
are stored which allow direct access to the picture the message pertains to. The corresponding
SFC faceplate will be opened if the block list does not contain a picture.
If you insert an SFC status display in a graphic display, the messages of the associated SFC
are entered in the hierarchy of the group display.

Process messages in the runtime system

The WinCC message system archives and displays the transition and step error messages
for operator requests.
The message system allows you to open the detail view of the associated SFC for an SFC
message and the "Properties" dialog box for the relevant step and transition (button: "Loop In
Alarm").

Operating messages in the runtime system

If you are controlling the process of an SFC a message is generated for each action and
entered into the operation list.

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6.32 Operating state logic

6.32 Operating state logic

6.32.1 Operating State Logic for SFC (SFC OSL)

Introduction
A change of the current operating state of the SFC OSL can be triggered by the following
events:
● Commands (Start, Resume, Hold, etc.) in "MANUAL" or "AUTO" mode
● External signals (inputs of the SFC, commands from another SFC, etc.)
● Internal signals (commands from user-specific sequencers, from test mode or SFC
Visualization)
● Implicit status change

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6.32 Operating state logic

The SFC-OSL diagram

The operating state logic of an SFC is defined by the diagram of the state changes:



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States that are exited through events

Transition states that are implicitly exited

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6.32 Operating state logic

States applied from OSL for SFC V5

Events: Commands / Conditions / External Signals / Internal Signals

Event: Error
Implicit transitions that are triggered from SFC, if the active sequencer has been
processed to completion or if there is not sequencer to process.

Notes on diagram
The SFC OSL contains some state changes that were retained to ensure compatibility with
older projects. These are displayed with dashed blue lines in the diagram.
The numbersin the diagram identify the individual operating states. The operating states are
described in the following table:

Operating states (SFC OSL)

No. State Meaning

1 Idle Initial state; waiting for Start command.
2 Starting Start processing after Start command.
3 Run Normal processing after completion of the start processing.
4 Completing Completion of processing after a Complete command or implicit
completion.
5 Error (Completing) Error processing during completion of processing.
6 Completed Completion of processing is finished; waiting for Reset or Start
command.
7 Holding Hold processing after Hold command.
8 Held Hold processing has completed; waiting for Resume command.
9 Resuming Resume processing after Resume command.
10 Error Error processing following error.
11 Held (Error) Error processing is complete and no more errors are present; wait‐
ing for
Resume command.
12 Resuming (Error) Resume processing after Resume command.
13 Aborting Abort processing after Abort command.
14 Aborted Abort processing is complete; waiting for Reset
or Start command.
15 Stopping Stop processing after Stop command.
16 Stopped Stop processing is complete; waiting for Reset command.

The following table describes the transitions between the states (Source State No. / Destination
State No.) as well as their triggers.
X = Possible from several states.

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6.32 Operating state logic

State changes using commands (SFC OSL)

Source/ Command Meaning

Target
X/2 Start Triggers start of processing by changing to "Starting" state.
3/4 Exit Triggers completion of processing by changing to "Complet‐
ing" state.
2/7 Hold Triggers hold of processing by changing to "Holding" state.
3/7
8/9 Resume Triggers resumption of processing by changing to "Resum‐
11/12 ing" or "Resuming (Error)" state.
X/10 Error Triggers error processing by changing to "Error" or
4/5 "Error (Completing)" state.
X/13 Abort Triggers abortion of processing by changing to "Aborting"
state.
X/15 Stop Triggers stop of processing by changing to "Stopping" state.
X/2 Restart Triggers start of processing by changing to "Starting" state.
X/1 Reset Changes to "Idle" state.

6.32.2 Operating state logic for sequencers (sequencer OSL)

Introduction
The sequencer OSL controls processing of sequencers.
The operating state logic of the sequencer is defined by the diagram of state changes for
sequencer OSL.
The sequencer OSL is executed independent of the SFC-OSL when a sequencer is processed.
This means that the sequencer has a state which differs from the SFC state. For example, the
state of the SFC OSL can be "Holding", whereas the state of the sequencer OSL is "Run" -
due to the processing of the sequencer to the "Holding" state. The execution of the sequencer
OSL is of lower priority than the SFC OSL. This means that the state change in the SFC OSL
also results in a status transition in the sequencer OSL.

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6.32 Operating state logic

Sequencer OSL diagram

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States that are changed due to commands/operations

Operator commands
Implicit transitions triggered by the SFC

States of the Sequencer OSL

No. State Meaning

1 Idle Initial state
Waiting for "Start" command.
2 Run Normal processing.
3 Completed Normal processing is finished
Waiting for "Reset" or "Start" command.
4 Held Hold processing complete.
Waiting for "Resume" command.
5 Aborted Abort processing complete.
Waiting for "Reset" or "Start" command.

State Changes by Means of Commands (Sequencer OSL)

The commands for the sequencer OSL are internal commands of the SFC runtime system,
which are only available to the operator in test mode (menu command Debug > SFC Operation
Commands > ...).

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6.32 Operating state logic

The following table describes the transitions between the states (Source State No. / Destination
State No.) as well as their triggers.

Source/ Command Meaning

Target
X/2 Start Triggers sequencer processing by changing to "Run " state.
2/4 Hold Holds sequencer processing by changing to "Held" state.
4/2 Resume Resumes sequencer processing by changing to "Run" state.
4/2 Restart Restarts sequencer processing by changing to " Run " state.
X/5 Abort Aborts sequencer processing by changing to "Aborted" state.

X = Possible from several states.

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6.33 Operator control and monitoring using the Web client

6.33 Operator control and monitoring using the Web client

6.33.1 Running SFC Visualization on the Web client

Introduction
Since V7.0, SFC Visualization on the Web client was restricted to operation of SFC block icons,
SFC faceplates and SFC controls.
Full Web capability is available as of V8.0. All the sections, overviews and zoom displays are
shown on the Web client and can be operated. All the API functions required in the Web
environment are supported.

Connection of the Web client to Web servers with different versions

The standard functions and project functions are published on the Web server. The Web client
downloads this data. The overall representation on the Web client therefore depends on the
version and project status of the Web server.
The controls installed on the Web client observe the Web server version and only call interface
functions that are actually supported by the given Web server version. The range of functions
of the Web server is therefore retained on the Web client.
Additional information
You can find information on the requirements for "SFC Visualization" on the Web client in the
section "What you need to know about the Web server and Web client (Page 30)".

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6.33 Operator control and monitoring using the Web client

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Appendix 7
7.1 Allocation request and allocation status

Introduction
With equipment phases, the lower-level equipment modules are not permanently assigned,
but instead requested at runtime, allocated and then released again.
The allocation characteristics are configured using an "allocation request" in the step of the
SFC.
The current status of allocation at runtime is shown with the "Allocation status".
You can find additional information about this in the documentation Process Control System
PCS 7; CFC for SIMATIC S7 in the section "Configuring the allocation of an equipment phase".

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Appendix
7.1 Allocation request and allocation status

Allocation request and allocation status

● The allocation requirements are defined in the master data library under "Shared
Declarations > Enumerations > ES_AcquireTypes".
The following table describes the available allocation requests sorted by their priorities.
The lowest priority is at the top.

Allocation request Priority Network Description

(Type according to share
ES_AcquireTypes)
No request (NoRequest) 0 - Default value of the allocation variable
Is also used to withdraw an allocation request.
Preliminary (wait) 1 Implicit Similar to "Wait", only with implicit release in a
(PrelimWait) subsequent, higher-level allocation request.
Preliminary (now) 2 Implicit Allocation must be immediately successful or it
(PrelimNow) fails. Implicit release for a subsequent, higher-
level allocation request.
Wait 3 Explicit If no immediate allocation is possible, there is a
(Wait) wait for the release.
If the passed wait time is zero, the wait may last
indefinitely.
This allocation request fails when a wait time
greater than zero has been configured and this
time has expired.
Explicit release required.
Immediate 4 Explicit Allocation must be immediately successful or it
(Now) fails.
Explicit release required.
Takeover 5 Implicit With the same allocation identifier (for example,
(TakeOver) unit name), an immediate change of ownership
takes place. With regard to errors and wait time;
otherwise like the "Wait" type.
Force (safe) 6 Explicit Once the equipment module (EM) to be alloca‐
(ForceSafe) ted is at an end position (IDLE, ABORTED, etc.
– ORing possible as well) that can be deter‐
mined by parameter, it changes ownership.
Force (now) 7 Explicit Immediate, unconditional change of ownership
(ForceNow) by the requesting object.

● The allocation states (plural) are defined in the master data library under "Shared
Declarations > Enumerations > ES_AcquireStates".
The following table describes the available allocation states.

Allocation status Comment

Idle Free
Equipment module (EM) is available.
Owner Owner
Allocation has succeeded.

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7.1 Allocation request and allocation status

Allocation status Comment

Waiting Waiting
Request was accepted, but equipment module (EM) is not yet avail‐
able.
NotAvailable Not available
Equipment module (EM) is not available at the time of the request.
Can only occur with the allocation requests "Now (Now)" and "Pre‐
liminary (now) (PrelimNow)".
Deactivated Disabled
The requested equipment module (EM) can generally not be alloca‐
ted according to its own information.
Timeout Maximum wait time has expired
Snatched "Snatched"
Equipment module (EM) has been forcibly taken over by another
location.
ConfigError Configuration error
Only applies to the allocation type "Force (safe) (ForceSafe)".
Occurs when the description masks for a safe state do not match, for
example, bits should be included per OR logic operation and simul‐
taneously excluded per AND_NOT logic operation.

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Appendix
7.2 SFC System Variable

7.2 SFC System Variable

Overview
SFC Visualization requires the following tags for operating and monitoring SFCs:

Tag Required for...

<S7 program>#AsRead Reading data from the AS <S7 program>
<S7 program>#AsWrite Writing data from the AS <S7 program>
@SFCDeltaLoaded Delta download to the OS.
As long as the tag value = 1, the data for SFC Visualization are downloa‐
ded again from the ES.

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7.3 SFC API functions

7.3 SFC API functions

SFC API functions

BOOL SFCAbout(HWND projWnd, LPOHIO_ERRORSTRUCT lpdmError);

Opens information about SFC Visualization (version information).
Example: SFCAbout(NULL, (void*)0);
BOOL SFCSetProperties(HWND projWnd, LPOHIO_ERRORSTRUCT lpdmError);
Opens the SFC "Properties" dialog box (read only)
(dimensions, colors, authorization levels).
Example: SFCSetProperties(NULL, (void*)0);
BOOL SFCSetChartProperties(HWND projWnd, LPCSTR chartName,
LPOHIO_ERRORSTRUCT lpdmError);
Opens the "Properties" dialog box for a chart or an instance (read only)
(comment, last change, updating cycle, standard view).
Parameter:
chartName(in): SFC chart name/instance name
Example: SFCSetChartProperties(NULL, "SFC1", (void*)0);
BOOL SFCOpenSection(LPCTSTR chartName, LONG left, LONG top, LONG width,
LONG height, LPOHIO_ERRORSTRUCT lpdmError);
Opens the specified chart or instance as a detailed window.
Parameter:
chartName(in): SFC chart name/instance name
left(in), top(in), width(in), height(in):
Pixel coordinates of the rectangle in which the SFC window can move
Example: SFCOpenSection("SFC1", left, top, width, height, (void*)0);
BOOL SFCOpenOverview(LPCTSTR chartName, LONG left, LONG top, LONG width,
LONG height, LPOHIO_ERRORSTRUCT lpdmError);
Opens the specified chart or instance as an overview window.
Parameter:
chartName(in): SFC chart name/instance name
left(in), top(in),
width(in), height(in): Pixel coordinates of the rectangle in which the SFC window can move
Example: SFCOpenOverview("SFC1", left, top, width, height, (void*)0);
BOOL SFCRtBrowser(LPCSTR* pChartName, LPCSTR* pTagName, LONG left, LONG
top, LONG width, LONG height, BOOL alwaysOnTop);
Calls up the runtime package browser and returns the selected chart or instance, if appropriate, with
the server prefix, for example, "OS1_KH1234D::SFC1"
Parameter:
pChartName(out): SFC chart name/instance name
pTagName(out): TagName (SFC chart name/instance name) (used for group display)
left(in), top(in),
width(in), height(in): Pixel coordinates of the rectangle in which the SFC window can move
alwaysOnTop(in): 1, if the Browser is to always remain on top (recommended), otherwise 0
Example: SFCRtBrowser(&chartName, &tagname, left, top, width, height, 1);

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7.3 SFC API functions

BOOL SFCSaveWorkspace(LPCSTR pWsName);

Saves all open SFC windows for a specific user under the workspace (desktop layout)
"pWsName_user.SSM".
Parameter:
pWsName(in): Name of the desktop layout
Example: SFCSaveWorkspace("TestLayout1");
BOOL SFCRestoreWorkspace(LPCSTR pWsName);
Restores all the SFC windows saved using SFCSaveWorkSpace under the workspace
"pWsName_user.SSM".
Parameter:
pWsName(in): Name of the desktop layout
Example: SFCRestoreWorkspace("TestLayout1");
BOOL SFCDeleteWorkspace(LPCSTR pWsName);
Deletes the specified workspace from the hard disk.
Parameter:
pWsName(in): Name of the desktop layout
Example: SFCDeleteWorkspace("TestLayout1");
BOOL SFCCloseAllWindows();
Closes all open SFC windows.
Example: SFCCloseAllWindows();
BOOL SFCGetStepName(LPCSTR pChartName, LONG stepnumber, LPTSTR pStepName,
LONG length);
(Function is only used with V5 projects) Provides the step name for the step number of a chart or
instance.
Parameter:
pChartName(in): SFC chart name/instance name
stepnumber(in): Step number
pStepName(out): Step Name
length(in): Maximum length of the step name
BOOL SFCGetStepNameV6(LPCSTR pChartName, LONG lSequenceNumber, LONG
stepnumber, LPTSTR pStepName, LONG length);
Provides the step name for the sequencer number and step number of a chart or instance.
Parameter:
pChartName(in): SFC chart name/instance name
lSequenceNumber(in): Sequencer number
stepnumber(in): Step number
pStepName(out): Step Name
length(in): Maximum length of the step name
BOOL SFCGetSequenceName(LPCSTR pChartName, LONG lSequenceNumber, LONG
pSequenceName, LONG length);
Determines the sequencer name based on the sequencer number.
Parameter:
pChartName(in): SFC chart name/instance name
lSequenceNumber(in): Sequencer number
pSequenceName(out): Sequencer name
length(in): Maximum length of the sequencer name

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7.3 SFC API functions

BOOL SFCGetChartProp(LPCSTR pChartName, LPTSTR pChartComment, LONG length);

Determines the chart/instance comment.
Parameter:
pChartName(in): SFC chart name/instance name
pChartComment(out): Chart comment
length(in): Maximum length of the comment
BOOL SFCGetSequenceProp(LPCSTR pChartName, LONG lSequenceNumber, LPTSTR
pSequenceComment, LONG length);
Determines the sequencer comment.
Parameter:
pChartName(in): SFC chart name/instance name
lSequenceNumber(in): Sequencer number
pSequenceComment(out) Sequencer comment
length(in): Maximum length of the comment
BOOL SFCGetStepProp(LPCSTR pChartName, LONG lSequenceNumber, LONG
stepnumber, LPTSTR pStepComment, LONG length);
Determines the step comment.
Parameter:
pChartName(in): SFC chart name/instance name
lSequenceNumber(in): Sequencer number
lStepNumber(in): Step number
pStepComment(out): Step comment
length(in): Maximum length of the comment
BOOL SFCGetPositiontext(LPCTSTR pChartName, long lNumber, LPTSTR
pPositiontext, long length);
Determines the position text for the position text number.
Parameter:
pChartName(in): SFC instance name
lNumber(in): Position text number
pPositionstext(out): Position text
length(in): Maximum length of the position text

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7.3 SFC API functions

BOOL SFCGetNotetext(LPCTSTR pChartName, long lNumber, LPTSTR pNotetext,

long length);
Determines the note text for the note text number.
Parameter:
pChartName(in): SFC instance name
lNumber(in): Note text number
pNotetext(out): Note text
length(in): Maximum length of the note text
BOOL SFCGetControlStrategyName(LPCTSTR pChartName, long lNumber, LPTSTR
pControlStrategyName, long length);
Determines the control strategy name for the control strategy number
Parameter:
pChartName(in): SFC instance name
lNumber(in): Control strategy number
pControlStrategyName(out): Control strategy name
length(in): Maximum length of the control strategy name

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7.4 Icons for Operating States

7.4 Icons for Operating States

SFC operating states

Icon State Meaning

Aborting Processing after Abort command.

Aborted Cancellation processing is complete; waiting for Re‐

set or Start command.
Run Processing after ending the processing in the "Start‐
ing" state.
Held Cancellation processing in "Held" is complete; wait‐
ing for "Resume", "Abort", or "Stop" command.
Held Error processing is complete no more errors pending;
(Error) waiting for "Resume", "Abort", or "Stop" command.
Holding Processing after "Hold" command.

Completing Processing after "Complete" command or after

implicit complete.
Completed Processing in "Completing" state is complete; waiting
for "Reset", "Start", "Abort", or "Stop" command.
(empty) Idle Processing in initial state; waiting for "Start" com‐
mand.
Error Processing after "Error" command.

Error Processing after "Error" command in "Completing"

(Completing) state.
Resuming Processing after command "Resume" or "Start".

Resuming Processing after command "Resume" or "Start".

(Error)
Stopped Processing in "Stopping" state completed, waiting for
command "Start" or "Reset" or Abort".
Starting Processing after command "Start" or "Restart".

Stopping Processing after command "Stop".

Only operating states displayed in bold letters apply to sequencers.

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7.4 Icons for Operating States

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Index

" D
"Batch" view, 45 Detail window
SFC instance faceplate, 45 Information, 60
"Calculation for SFC" dialog box, 76 Operator input, 60
"Equipment modules" view, 46
"Equipment phases" view, 48
F
Faceplates
A Adapting, 18
Access control, 31 Configuring, 17
Acknowledging operator prompts and step errors, 68 Functions for custom scripts, 27
Actual values view, 37
SFC instance faceplate, 37
Adapting I
Faceplates, 18
Icons
Authorization, 64
Operating states, 95
for changing the operating mode, 64
Information
Detail window, 60
B
Basic SFC settings, 11 M
Block icons
Messages, 78
Configuring for OS pictures, 15
Messages view, 36, 44
Status displays on the SFC block icon, 59
SFC faceplate, 36
Variants for OS pictures, 15
SFC instance faceplate, 44
Monitor
SFC by means of a faceplate, 32
C SFC by means of the SFC status picture, 50
Configurations, 20, 22, 25, 26
Block icons for OS pictures, 15
Faceplates, 17 O
Objects for opening SFC charts, 13
Open
SFC browser selection, 26
Configuring objects for opening SFC charts, 13
SFC button, 25
Operating and monitoring the SFC by means of
SFC Control status picture, 20
faceplate, 32
SFC MultiChart Control status picture, 22
Operating and monitoring the SFC by means of SFC
SFC Topology Control status picture, 24
status picture, 50
Configuring objects for opening SFC charts, 13
Operating mode, 64
Configuring SFC block icons for OS pictures, 15
Changing, 64
Configuring SFC faceplates, 17
Setting, 64
Operating state, 65
Setting, 65
Operating state logic for sequencers, 82
Operating state logic for SFC, 79

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Index

Operating states SFC instance faceplate, 42, 43, 44, 45

Icons, 95 "Batch" view, 45
Operator input Actual values view, 37
Detail window, 60 Messages view, 44
SFC by means of a faceplate, 32 Overview of the layout, 37
SFC by means of the SFC status picture, 50 Parameters view, 43
Operator prompts, 68 Prepared values view, 42
Acknowledge, 68 SFC MultiChart Control, 22
OS Client, 28 Configuring, 22
OS Server, 28 SFC MultiChart Control in runtime mode, 53
SFC OSL, 79
SFC section view
P Faceplate, 34
SFC selection button, 58
Parameters view, 43
SFC selection button in the button set, 58
SFC instance faceplate, 43
SFC system tag, 90
Prepared values view, 42
SFC Topology Control, 24
SFC instance faceplate, 42
Configuring, 24
Preparing the controls, 19
SFC Topology Control in runtime mode, 57
Properties dialog box of the start condition, 71
SFC Visualization, 9
Properties dialog boxes, 69, 70, 71, 72, 74
SFV, 9
Calculation for SFC, 76
Status display
Properties dialog of the transition, 74
on the SFC block icon, 59
Status picture, 20, 22
Configuring, 20, 22, 24
S Status picture in runtime mode, 51, 53, 57
Scripts, 27 Step control mode, 66
Sequence options, 67 Setting, 66
Setting, 67 Step error, 68
Sequencer OSL, 82 Acknowledge, 68
Sequencer properties dialog box, 70 Step properties dialog box, 72
Settings, 64, 65, 66, 67
Operating mode, 64
Operating state, 65 V
Sequence options, 67
Variants of block icons for OS pictures, 15
Step control mode, 66
SFC API functions, 27, 91
SFC browser selection, 26
Configuring, 26
W
SFC browser selection in the picture, 58 Web client
SFC button, 25 Operation with SFC Visualization, 85
Configuring, 25 Requirements, 30
SFC chart faceplate, 36
Messages view, 36
SFC charts
Configuring objects for opening SFC charts, 13
SFC Control, 20
Configuring, 20
SFC Control in runtime mode, 51
SFC faceplate
SFC section view, 34

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