Remote Access to SIMATIC HMI Comfort Panels and Unified Comfort Panels

General Information

WinCC (TIA Portal) / V16 + V17

For more information, visit: Siemens Industry Online Support

Legal Notice

Use of Application Examples

Application examples illustrate solutions for automation tasks using text, graphics, and software components. Siemens provides these examples free of charge as a non-binding service. They do not claim to be complete or fully functional for specific configurations. Users are responsible for ensuring the proper and safe operation of products within their systems and must verify and adapt application examples to their individual needs.

Siemens grants a non-exclusive, non-sublicensable, and non-transferable right to use these application examples. Any modifications are at your own risk. Distribution to third parties or reproduction of application examples or excerpts thereof is only permitted in conjunction with your own products. Application examples are not subject to the same rigorous testing and quality assurance as paid products and may contain functional or performance defects. Users must ensure that any potential malfunctions do not lead to property damage or personal injury.

Disclaimer of Liability

Siemens disclaims liability for the usability, availability, completeness, and defect-free nature of the application examples, including any associated notes, project data, and performance data, and for any damages caused thereby. This does not apply in cases where Siemens is mandatorily liable, such as under product liability law, in cases of intent, gross negligence, culpable injury to life, body, or health, breach of a warranty, fraudulent concealment of a defect, or culpable breach of material contractual obligations. However, claims for damages for the breach of material contractual obligations are limited to the contractually typical, foreseeable damage, unless intent or gross negligence exists, or liability is assumed for injury to life, body, or health. The burden of proof is not altered to your disadvantage by the foregoing provisions. You shall indemnify Siemens against any claims by third parties arising in connection with these provisions, unless Siemens is mandatorily liable by law.

By using the application examples, you acknowledge that Siemens cannot be held liable for any damages beyond the described limitation of liability.

Further Information

Siemens reserves the right to make changes to the application examples at any time without notice. In case of discrepancies between the suggestions in the application examples and other Siemens publications (e.g., catalogs), the content of the other documentation takes precedence. Siemens' terms of use apply additionally (https://support.industry.siemens.com).

Security Information

Siemens offers products and solutions with Industrial Security functions to support the secure operation of plants, systems, machines, and networks. To secure plants, systems, machines, and networks against cyber threats, a holistic Industrial Security concept must be implemented and continuously maintained, reflecting the state of the art. Siemens products and solutions form only one part of such a concept. The customer is responsible for preventing unauthorized access to their plants, systems, machines, and networks. Systems, machines, and components should only be connected to the corporate network or the internet when necessary and with appropriate protective measures (e.g., firewalls and network segmentation). Siemens' recommendations for appropriate protective measures should also be followed. Further information on Industrial Security can be found at: https://www.siemens.com/industrialsecurity.

Siemens products and solutions are continuously developed to enhance security. Siemens strongly recommends performing updates as soon as updates are available and always using the current product versions. The use of outdated or unsupported versions can increase the risk of cyber threats. To stay informed about product updates, subscribe to the Siemens Industrial Security RSS Feed at: https://www.siemens.com/industrialsecurity.

Table of Contents

Legal Notice

• 1 Task: 4
• 1.1 Overview: 4
• 1.2 Scenarios: 5
• 1.2.1 Scenario 1: Service: 5
• 1.2.2 Scenario 2: Management: 5
• 1.2.3 Scenario 3: Commissioning: 5
• 2 Service: 6
• 2.1 Overview: 6
• 2.2 Description of Scenarios: 6
• 2.3 Features of Solutions: 8
• 3 Management: 10
• 3.1 Overview: 10
• 3.2 Description of Scenarios: 10
• 3.3 Features of Solutions: 10
• 4 Commissioning: 12
• 4.1 Overview: 12
• 4.2 Description of Scenarios: 12
• 4.3 Features of Solution: 12
• 5 Appendix: 13
• 5.1 Service and Support: 13
• 5.2 Industry Mall: 14
• 6 Literature References: 15
• 7 History: 16

1 Task

1.1 Overview

Introduction

Whether for service purposes or for evaluating production data, on-site deployment involves travel time and, above all, costs. To minimize these, SIMATIC HMI Panels offer the possibility of remote maintenance and remote operation.

The solutions described in this application are suitable not only for use in a global environment but also for large, spatially distributed plants.

Overview of the Automation Task

The following graphic provides an overview of the automation task.

[Diagram: A circular graphic representing global automation with icons for data, communication, time, and question marks, indicating a distributed and connected system.]

Overview of the Application

The following sections describe the various scenarios and explain possible solutions. Detailed descriptions of the individual solutions can be found either in the mentioned documents, which you can download from the download page of this document, or in other contributions (see links in Chapter 6, "Literature References").

1.2 Scenarios

1.2.1 Scenario 1: Service

In a plant, a problem occurs during operation that the on-site personnel cannot solve. As a service technician, you are to rectify the problem. For this purpose, you want to:

• Read current process and diagnostic data
• Operate the system using live images
• Transfer projects remotely
• Back up data or the entire operator panel

In this case, you will find suitable solutions in the Service chapter.

1.2.2 Scenario 2: Management

As a manager or plant manager of a global company with production sites distributed over large distances, you want to be informed about:

• System status and production data
• Be actively notified of problems to prevent production downtime immediately

You can find suitable solutions for these requirements in the Management chapter.

1.2.3 Scenario 3: Commissioning

During commissioning, you want to access the operator panels as independently of location as possible, allowing you to move freely throughout the plant. Read in the Commissioning chapter which solution is suitable for this purpose.

2 Service

2.1 Overview

2.2 Description of Scenarios

System Status (Alarming)

To react quickly in case of a fault, you as a service technician need to be actively notified of certain system statuses. The automatic sending of messages via e-mail is suitable for this. The recipient addresses can be set automatically via a shift schedule or changed manually via the operator panel. For SIMATIC HMI Comfort Panels, a description can be found under [3] and for Unified Comfort Panels under [10].

For SIMATIC HMI Comfort Panels, diagnostic information can also be read via the operator panel's web server. In this case, however, only the system messages of the device are displayed, not self-projected HMI messages. Further information on the web server of the SIMATIC HMI Comfort Panels can be found in the document "Integrated Webpages".

For remote access to the HMI Unified Comfort Panels, the possibilities of WinCC Sm@rtServer and the Web-Client are available. With the Web-Client, synchronous and asynchronous functions are distinguished for error-free runtime functions.

Live Images

To analyze the fault that has occurred, you want to get an overview of the system status. To do this, you need to read the current process data, display messages, or operate the system via the live images on the operator panel. All these functions can be solved with WinCC Sm@rtServer. Operation is then carried out, for example, via a tablet or smartphone with the WinCC Sm@rtClient App, or via a standard PC with the SmartClient.exe file. The use of smartphones or tablets is only suitable for SIMATIC HMI Comfort Panels. For more detailed information on how to work with WinCC Sm@rtServer, see the document "Sm@rtServer".

For SIMATIC HMI Unified Comfort Panels, remote access for operating the live images is also available via the Web-Client. Depending on whether you want to operate, monitor, or both, there are different license models: "Operate" and "Monitor". The latter is currently only available for the "Unified PC-Station" device type.

Another possibility to access the Unified Comfort Panels remotely and read process data is Unified Collaboration. It is integrated into the system and intended for permanent access. Some time-consuming preparatory work must be done for the correct implementation, which is why it is rarely used in typical service and maintenance cases. More information can be found in the manual [9].

Backup

Another task in your role as a service technician is to back up data, such as archives or recipes. You can use the web server of the SIMATIC HMI Comfort Panels for this. Details can be found in the document "Integrated Webpages".

On a SIMATIC HMI Unified Comfort Panel, data can be archived via the Custom Edge App "NodeRed". A direct solution on the panel is not yet available. Further information can be found in the application example under point [10].

It is also your task to create a backup and, in case of defective components, to replace them without problems. The procedure for the different panels is identical. To create a complete backup of the entire operator panel via remote access, you can use the ProSave software in conjunction with a VPN connection. Further information on VPN connections can be found in the document "VPN Connection". How to create a backup of the operator panel via ProSave is described under [4].

With an external storage medium such as an SD memory card or a USB storage medium, you can set up a backup of all process-relevant operator panel data directly via the operator panel. In addition to this "manual" backup, you also have the option of setting up an automatic backup. Further information can be found under [5]. Which external storage media are suitable for the respective service can be found under [12].

A backup can also be created using the SIMATIC Automation Tool. Instructions, the manual, and the link to the trial download can be found under [11].

Project Transfer

If the operator panel's project is not created by the plant operator itself, but by a service provider, such as a machine manufacturer or an engineering firm, you can carry out the project transfer via a VPN connection as usual for a new project variant. Further information can be found in the document "VPN Connection".

The SIMATIC Automation Tool serves as the interface for project transfer on HMI Comfort Panels. At present, transferring via the tool to Unified Comfort Panels is not yet functional, but it is planned to be implemented in one of the next updates.

Alternatively, you can also use a "Pack&Go" file. With the help of the "Pack&Go" file, on-site personnel can transfer the project from a PC without WinCC (TIA Portal) to the operator panel. The document "Pack&Go" describes how to create a "Pack&Go" file and transfer it to the operator panel. This alternative currently only works for SIMATIC HMI Comfort Panels.

If you are using TIA Portal V14 and a Comfort Panel or TIA Portal V17 and a Unified Comfort Panel, you can load the project directly onto a storage medium (e.g., USB stick). You can handle the files via the Windows Explorer and thus send them by e-mail, for example. The description of the procedure can be found under [8].

2.3 Features of Solutions

To make an assessment of whether the recommended solution is suitable for your application, the features of the individual solutions are described below.

Sm@rtServer

• Flexibility through various Sm@rtClient solutions
• With the Sm@rtClient App for Android and iOS, you can access the Sm@rtServer from mobile devices, e.g., smartphones or tablets. These apps for iOS and Android are not suitable for SIMATIC HMI Unified Comfort Panels. Third-party apps are available here.
• With the Sm@rtClient Viewer, you can access the Sm@rtServer from a programming device or a standard PC.
• With WinCC Control Sm@rtClient View, you can access the Sm@rtServer from another SIMATIC HMI Comfort Panel or a WinCC Runtime Advanced station.
• You can access the Sm@rtServer from any PC using the Internet Explorer.
• No additional engineering effort
• Depending on your settings and the operator panel used, up to three Sm@rtClients per SIMATIC HMI Comfort Panel or four per SIMATIC IPC are possible simultaneously (see technical data of the devices under [7]).
• Operation actions are displayed on the device on-site, meaning an employee on-site can follow your operating steps.
• Via the Sm@rtClient App and the Sm@rtClient Viewer, the layout of the operator panel is displayed, and you can operate, for example, touch-sensitive keys.
• Checking and – if necessary – interrupting active connections using the "Sm@rtServiceMonitor" tool.
• Available as an option for WinCC (TIA Portal).
• The Sm@rtServer can gain control of a SIMATIC HMI Comfort Panel.
• Unified Comfort Panels offer the possibility to configure the Sm@rtServer in the TIA Runtime settings.

VPN Connection

• Protection of sensitive areas and production facilities via VPN tunnel.
• Simple configuration without special expertise.
• Fast and non-reactive integration into existing automation systems.

Webserver (Comfort Panel)

• No additional engineering effort.
• Included in the standard scope of SIMATIC HMI Comfort Panels.
• No additional software required on the end device.
• No display of user-defined messages.

Web-Client (Unified Comfort Panel)

• License Client "Operator" for flexible, web-based remote operation.
• License Client "Monitor" for flexible, web-based remote monitoring (only available for WinCC Unified PC Runtime).
• Synchronous and asynchronous functions.
• Secure connection through certification.

E-Mail Send

• Active notification in case of a fault, even without on-site operating personnel.
• Quick reaction possible.
• Setting of e-mail recipients for Comfort Panels possible automatically via shift schedule.
• Automatic sending of e-mails from Unified Comfort Panels only possible with Edge App.
• Independent of the end device. Any device that can receive e-mails can be used (e.g., smartphone).

3 Management

3.1 Overview

3.2 Description of Scenarios

System Status

With user-defined webpages, you can inform yourself about the current status of your system at any time and from anywhere using a standard browser. The information is compiled individually according to your needs. The application is currently only possible with SIMATIC HMI Comfort Panels. Details can be found in the document "User-defined Webpages". For HMI Unified Comfort Panels, information is provided via the Web Client.

Alarming

Recognize and react to critical production states quickly – the "automatic sending of messages via e-mail or SMS" function supports you in this. A description can be found under [6].

3.3 Features of Solutions

To make an assessment of whether the recommended solution is suitable for your application, the features of the individual solutions are described below.

User-defined Webpages

• Display via standard web browser, no additional software required.
• Included in the standard scope of SIMATIC HMI Comfort Panels.
• Special webpages tailored for management can be created individually using HTML programming.
• Operation of the system on-site is not affected by your intervention.

E-Mail/SMS - Send

• Active notification in case of a fault, even without on-site operating personnel.
• Quick reaction possible.
• Independent of the end device. Any device that can receive e-mails can be used (e.g., smartphone).

4 Commissioning

4.1 Overview

4.2 Description of Scenarios

The use of mobile devices can significantly simplify commissioning. Instead of having to be directly in front of the operator panel for every operating action, you can move freely throughout the entire system and still have full access to the operator panel. You always maintain an overview of the effects of an operating action and can check the correct functioning of all components directly on-site. By using the WinCC Sm@rtServer in conjunction with the WinCC Sm@rtClient App (Comfort Panels) or a third-party VNC App (Unified Comfort Panel), you can use these functions and are thus flexible. In the document "Sm@rtServer", you will find a description of this topic.

4.3 Features of Solution

Sm@rtServer

• With the Sm@rtClient App for Android and iOS, you can access the Sm@rtServer from mobile devices, e.g., smartphones or tablets (only SIMATIC HMI Comfort Panel).
• Complete freedom of movement in the entire system.
• No additional engineering effort.
• Via the Sm@rtClient App, the layout of the operator panel is fully displayed. Key devices (e.g., KP700 Comfort) can thus be operated almost without restriction.

5 Appendix

5.1 Service and Support

Industry Online Support

Do you have questions or need support? Through the Industry Online Support, you can access the entire service and support know-how and our services around the clock. The Industry Online Support is the central address for information on our products, solutions, and services. Product information, manuals, downloads, FAQs, and application examples – all information is accessible with a few mouse clicks: support.industry.siemens.com.

Technical Support

Siemens Industry's Technical Support assists you quickly and competently with all technical inquiries with a wide range of tailor-made offers, from basic support to individual support contracts. Submit inquiries to Technical Support via web form: support.industry.siemens.com/cs/my/src.

SITRAIN – Digital Industry Academy

With our globally available training courses for our products and solutions, we support you in a practical way, with innovative learning methods and a customer-specific tailored concept. Learn more about the offered training courses and their locations and dates at: siemens.de/sitrain.

Service Offerings

Our service offerings include:

• Plant Data Services
• Spare Parts Services
• Repair Services
• On-site and Maintenance Services
• Retrofit and Modernization Services
• Service Programs and Contracts

For detailed information on our service offerings, see the Service Catalog: support.industry.siemens.com/cs/sc.

Industry Online Support App

With the "Siemens Industry Online Support" app, you receive optimal support even on the go. The app is available for iOS and Android: support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/de/sc/2067.

5.2 Industry Mall

[Image: Siemens Industry Mall logo and graphic]

The Siemens Industry Mall is the platform on which the entire product portfolio of Siemens Industry is accessible. From product selection to ordering and delivery tracking, the Industry Mall enables complete purchasing processing – directly and independent of time and location: mall.industry.siemens.com.

6 Literature References

7 History

This document is based on the following versions:

• Beitrags-ID: 109476153, V3.0, 09/2021