Hello experts,

So I will be upgrading PCS7 version (v8 to v10) of a multiproject. I already did some PCS7 version upgrade before (not to v10), but this MP contains blue process tag charts instead of normal yellow CFC I usually work with.

As I understand, process tag charts are generated or copied from process tag type from the library for template purposes. But after the generation/copy, process tag charts are no different from normal CFCs in any way, it won't even update after a change in its template, is this correct?

In any case, I just want to know if there should be more to consider or like additional step in upgrading with process tag charts?

Usually the most important step in version upgrade is when you replace the technological objects (e.g., motor blocks FB) with the new version. Do I just carry on updating the motor blocks on the process tag charts like how I do it on normal CFCs (like ignoring it being a blue “process tag” and treating it as normal yellow CFC)? What about the “process tag type” template in library? Do I just leave it there? What happens to the process tag charts if I delete those process tag types?

Also, do I also need to install the Import/Export Assistance (IEA, which was installed in their old ES) in the new ES due to the existence of process tag charts and process tag types even if I don't plan to use that function in the future (only need to upgrade)?

Thanks a lot for any input.

Oreca

Hi,

Process tag types are the former CMT only they lack synchronization. With the PTT you can create a type and with the Import Export Assistent, you can create instances with some instance specific attributes you could configure. When instanced and you want to change some things, it's not always very easy to do so. It's a one way synchronization. The instances are linked to the Process Tag Type and deleting the connection will delete the PTT instance and set it back to a normal CFC.

In order to be neo ready and make use of all the nice features PCS7 V9.0 and higher provides, I would suggest you use CMT's. In order to prevent extra work by creating newly CMT, you can migrate the PTT to CMT and create instances of the CMT which provides the use of variants, and much better synchronization.

In order to make use of CMT and synchronization, you need an additional VXM license. 

The IEA is only needed if you want to create new instances of a PTT.

 Hi Oreca,

Thank you very much for your response.

I kind of understand your points. But their process is not that dynamic, they almost didn't have any changes in the program for the 8 years they were running. Their budget is also limited, so they want to upgrade it as simple as possible just because the replacement parts are already obsolete.

So we don't intend to use the full functionality of PTT or CMT. Actually we don't need to change anything on the program, just upgrade the version. You think we can just go on the upgrade and treat the process tag charts like a normal CFC chart?

If I replace the blocks on the instances with new version, will they be converted from process tag chart to normal CFC chart? Will there be negative effect if this happen by other means (became normal CFC chart)?

Regarding IEA, given what I said above, I think we can do the upgrade without it?

Thanks again.