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I would like to have the difference between PCS7 and S7-400

Hello Arvind;

S7-400 is Siemens' top of the line CPU family of PLCs. They can be programmed in a variety of languages (IEC61131-3)and can be networked to other PLCs or Scada systems with ease. Great hardware, if a bit expensive.

Now, PCS7 uses S7-400 CPUs as part of its hardware base. PCS7 is a type of DCS (distributed control system) developped by siemens that combines S7-400 CPUs, industrial networks, batch and control software, specific programming platforms (CFC/SFC) and dedicated SCADA software to control large plants or industrial processes. It is able to interface directly with MES-level software (to exchange production data with management).

Here is a link to Siemens' presentation of PCS7:
https://pcs.khe.siemens.com/pcs7en

Hope this helps,
Daniel Chartier

In which area PCS 7 will be used so that it will be cost effective over S7 PLC system?

As explained, PCS7 is not a PLC, it's a DCS.

Regards,

Wisdom Ramavhulela

I'll sugest you to not use PCS 7. The concept is good but the system is usable just for demo by salesmen. You'd better use S7 with WinCC, it'll be cheaper and easier to handle. In case you really have to use PCS7 you'd better buy a library for your type of application (typically chemistry). Do not use the basic libray, your customer won't be satisfied with that. I would say you'd better never use Siemens software for automation if you have the choice.

Hi,

PCS 7 consists of both Step7 and WinCC as major software tools for the engineering. In addition to that there are some enhancements made to make engineering easier and more effective.

If I would have been asked I would prefer using PCS 7 over a S7/WinCC SCADA solution.

There is a difference of area to use both ways of engineering:
S7/WinCC is normally used in the factory automation.
PCS 7 is the product for process automation.

Regards,
Manuel

PCS 7 is integrated Hardware & software system

Jari
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