# Siemens PCS 7: Creating a First Project ## 🎯 What the tutorial covers The video demonstrates the basic PCS 7 project workflow using **PCS 7 V9.1 SP2**. It creates a single-station project, configures the AS and OS, builds a plant hierarchy, adds sample motor and valve logic, compiles and downloads the configuration, then runs and tests it. ## 🧭 Project workflow 1. Set global options. 2. Create a project with the **PCS 7 Project Wizard**. 3. Configure the AS hardware and the OS PC station. 4. Establish AS–OS network connections. 5. Set up the plant hierarchy. 6. Build logic in CFC charts. 7. Compile and download the AS configuration. 8. Compile the OS and create process graphics. 9. Configure communications and activate Runtime. ## 1. Set global options Before creating the project, open **Options → Customize** in SIMATIC Manager: - Set the project language and numeric format. - Choose separate locations for user projects and libraries rather than using the default folders. This helps protect project data if the system drive fails. - Configure the archive program and archive location. The presenter recommends **PKZIP**. ## 2. Create the project Use **File → New Project Wizard** to create a multi-project containing subprojects and a master library. In the wizard: - Select the appropriate **CPU bundle** or find the hardware by part number. Check the power supply, rack type, CP card, and firmware version. - Choose the plant hierarchy levels. PCS 7 supports up to **eight**. - Select the required objects. This tutorial uses **CFC charts** and a **PCS 7 OS**. - Choose **Single Station** for this example. In a multi-station setup, OS clients can use data provided by OS servers. - Enter the project name and location, then finish the wizard. ## 3. Configure the AS and OS hardware ### AS hardware - Rename the AS station and S7 program to match the project. - Open the station’s hardware configuration and check that the selected hardware matches the actual AS. - Add the required I/O modules and configure the network interfaces. The tutorial uses separate interfaces for the OS connection and the plant/I/O bus. - Save and compile the hardware configuration. ### OS PC station - Rename the PC station to match the **engineering computer’s name**. Check the computer name in the operating system and enable the option indicating it matches the PC station. - Open the PC station hardware configuration and add the network interface. Use the correct network card and its actual IP address. - Set up the physical AS–OS connection in **NetPro**, then create the logical connection as an **S7 connection**. - Set the **PG/PC interface** to the correct local interface. - Transfer the PC-station configuration to the station configuration editor. - Compile NetPro and download the logical connection. Verify that the station configuration and connection are present. ## 4. Build and customize the plant hierarchy Rename hierarchy levels to reflect the plant—for example: **Plant → Production → Line 1 → Mixer 1 → Pump** Use the hierarchy to organize equipment and process functions. With multiple controllers, assign the relevant hierarchy sections to the appropriate AS. In the hierarchy settings, choose which level is transferred to the OS navigation at Runtime. The example makes **Line 1** the top-level OS navigation area. Hierarchy names can also be included in process tag names. ## 5. Create CFC logic - Create and name CFC charts and associated picture objects under the appropriate hierarchy level. - Open the PCS 7 Advanced Process Library (APL), version **9.1** in this example. - Drag suitable blocks—such as a motor block and a valve block—into the charts and name them, for example, `P01` and `Valve01`. ## 6. Compile and download the AS - For the **first compilation**, compile the **entire program**; “Changes only” is unavailable until after the initial compile. - Be aware that a full program compilation may put the CPU into **STOP** before it returns to RUN. - Start **PLCSIM** if using simulation. - Compile and download the AS hardware configuration, then download the CFC charts to the controller or simulator. - Check the compilation results and address any errors before proceeding. ## 7. Compile the OS and create graphics - Compile the OS object, selecting the plant hierarchy, S7 program, and appropriate network connection. - Open the OS in **WinCC Explorer**, then use **Graphics Designer** to edit the process pictures. - The example adds a tank graphic and arranges the motor and valve objects on the mixer picture. - An animation is added so a pipe’s line color reflects the motor’s state: **green when running** and **gray when stopped**. ## 8. Configure Runtime and test - In **Tag Management**, choose the correct communication interface. For this simulator example, select **PLCSIM**; for real hardware, select the applicable network interface or CP card. - Confirm the controller IP and communication settings. - If the Runtime display does not fit the monitor, open the OS Project Editor and set the project resolution to match the display. The example uses **1920 × 1080**. - Activate the project. In Runtime, enable simulation and issue the motor and valve commands to verify that their states and graphics respond as expected. ## ✅ Key takeaway Create and verify the **hardware and network connections first**, then build the hierarchy and CFC logic, compile and download the AS, and finally compile and test the OS Runtime.