Does siemens future plcs mobile phone friendly?

If a PLC can connect to a smart phone, it's much comfortable to go to upload /downloads a non critical system program and online view it over Android app than going with Bulky laptops with few copies of Ti portal. 

Moreover, it's easy for field technicians or plant guys to download a program wirh siemens app if it it send by mail?

That's why we have Simatic Automation Tool.

SIMATIC Automation Tool 

After a control program is created and verified with the Siemens TIA Portal software, the SIMATIC Automation Tool can be used in the field for operating and maintaining SIMATIC S7-1200, S7-1500, ET 200, HMI, SITOP, SCALANCE switches, RFID and MOBY Ident modules.

Automation Tool operations:

• Scan a PROFINET/Ethernet network and identify all devices connected to the network
• Flash device LEDs or HMI screens to physically locate a device
• Create a table that maps the accessible devices on the network
• Assign addresses (IP, subnet, gateway) and station name (PROFINET device)
• Set the time in a CPU to the current time in your PG/PC
• Download a program to a CPU (support failsafe programs needs at least V3.1) and HMI panels
• Put a CPU in RUN or STOP mode

• Perform a CPU Memory reset

• Backup/Restore CPU or HMI data to/from a backup file (failsafe needs at least V3.1)
• Upload service data from a CPU
• Read the diagnostic log from a CPU
• Reset a CPU to factory default settings
• Update firmware in a CPU and attached modules
• Upload, download, or delete Recipe data (stored at SMC) from a CPU
• Upload or delete Data log data (stored at SMC) from a CPU
• Document and save your network information
  • in a standard text .csv file or
  • an encrypted & password protected .sat file
• API support to create custom .NET applications based on the functionality available in the SIMATIC Automation Tool

All named features can operate in parallel to various devices.

It's nice.

But this tool should be available on mobile/Android version also. 

Android based program download and PLC diagnosis is a game changer in Automation in upcoming year. 

A program can be make in PG and send it through compressed mail to Electrician in plant or service technician. 

He will open the program in app and download it to plc. 

There are options in Android to Undo the operation well. 

This need PLC to communicate with Android via wifi or Bluetooth. 

For this purpose, a small siemens device, which enables wifi communications or act as wifi adaptor for plc. It meas S7 1500 or S7 1200 plc is same and without modification other than firmware. A new wifi device attached to a side connector with all plc. Even if the wifi adapter removed also plc work normal. A tiny device can connect wifi  for communication as like a wifi head phone. This device shall be free with plc and attached to plc which cab be removed as well. 

Wireless is new trend and upcoming revolution. 

A programmer can connect wifi with PG and work anywhere within the wifi range. This is good expecially harsh industrial areas. Programmer can sit calm somewhere safe area and connect PG with wifi and hmi  via sm@art client and do the job. 

This could be a marketing strategy as well.

JKV JAMES

It's nice.

But this tool should be available on mobile/Android version also. 

Android based program download and PLC diagnosis is a game changer in Automation in upcoming year. 

A program can be make in PG and send it through compressed mail to Electrician in plant or service technician. 

He will open the program in app and download it to plc. 

There are options in Android to Undo the operation well. 

This need PLC to communicate with Android via wifi or Bluetooth. 

For this purpose, a small siemens device, which enables wifi communications or act as wifi adaptor for plc. It meas S7 1500 or S7 1200 plc is same and without modification other than firmware. A new wifi device attached to a side connector with all plc. Even if the wifi adapter removed also plc work normal. A tiny device can connect wifi  for communication as like a wifi head phone. This device shall be free with plc and attached to plc which cab be removed as well. 

Wireless is new trend and upcoming revolution. 

A programmer can connect wifi with PG and work anywhere within the wifi range. This is good expecially harsh industrial areas. Programmer can sit calm somewhere safe area and connect PG with wifi and hmi  via sm@art client and do the job. 

This could be a marketing strategy as well.

IT security is more important, that the ability to use a smart phone to download a PLC program.

The second scenario you have described, it has been a reality for over 10 years already.

Hati

 

JKV JAMES

It's nice.

But this tool should be available on mobile/Android version also. 

Android based program download and PLC diagnosis is a game changer in Automation in upcoming year. 

A program can be make in PG and send it through compressed mail to Electrician in plant or service technician. 

He will open the program in app and download it to plc. 

There are options in Android to Undo the operation well. 

This need PLC to communicate with Android via wifi or Bluetooth. 

For this purpose, a small siemens device, which enables wifi communications or act as wifi adaptor for plc. It meas S7 1500 or S7 1200 plc is same and without modification other than firmware. A new wifi device attached to a side connector with all plc. Even if the wifi adapter removed also plc work normal. A tiny device can connect wifi  for communication as like a wifi head phone. This device shall be free with plc and attached to plc which cab be removed as well. 

Wireless is new trend and upcoming revolution. 

A programmer can connect wifi with PG and work anywhere within the wifi range. This is good expecially harsh industrial areas. Programmer can sit calm somewhere safe area and connect PG with wifi and hmi  via sm@art client and do the job. 

This could be a marketing strategy as well.

IT security is more important, that the ability to use a smart phone to download a PLC program.

The second scenario you have described, it has been a reality for over 10 years already.

Every technology got both positive and negative sides. When negative side overcome by human intelligence, the product will become competitent. 

Anyway plc can communicate with ethernet and download program via TIA portal. Then why not it's possible with wifi and Android. 

The negative side of this feature  can be overcome by many ways. 

1.The plc wifi will automatically turn off after 30min inactive. Then it need to manually enable wifi on plc wifi module in plc rack. 

So panel access needed, that is possible with authorized person. 

2. Compulsory password for wifi device for program download or upload. Then authorized person only know password. Password reset only possible with TIA portal via ethernet or cable access to plc. 

3.keygen via tia portal. For downloading program via wifi, the previous program in plc must open in tia, generate an authentication key from remote place. Using this key in mobile app, technician or plant employee can download program. 

What make difference for downloading/uploading program via Tia portal with PG and and Android mobile. 

4.A program with password enabled only pass pre-requisite for upload via wifi and Android app.Unless this feature should enable while downloading program first time via Tia portal. 

This make uploading program safe via Android app. 

5.For downloading, when download program first time via Tia portal, this further download via wifi android app need to be enabled. Also password protected program only allow to download via Android app. To download a new program to plc, the password of current running  program in plc need to be entered in Android app to pass pre-requisite for downloading it. Also options need two type password one for download only and other for program like view and write passwords in Sm@rt server. This make program safe.Also secure downloading via Android app. 

Redundant WiFi is on with PLC always for communicating with non critical HMI.For downloading or uploading program need to press a button on wifi module.This need to open the plc panel.If a person can open plc panel, even he can copy and paste the memory card files to his laptop mobile via adapter and open in tia portal in his home via user defined memory card option in tia portal. Therefore pressing a button on wifi module is same security as downloing program via ethernet. For uploading password less program can only allow via Tia portal, but downloading is needed via mobile app. 

A case study on this subject must start as soon as possible. 

I have many other innovate ideas. 

Tell me how does it affect IT security, I can discuss you a solution for that. 

JKV JAMES

 

Hati

 

JKV JAMES

It's nice.

But this tool should be available on mobile/Android version also. 

Android based program download and PLC diagnosis is a game changer in Automation in upcoming year. 

A program can be make in PG and send it through compressed mail to Electrician in plant or service technician. 

He will open the program in app and download it to plc. 

There are options in Android to Undo the operation well. 

This need PLC to communicate with Android via wifi or Bluetooth. 

For this purpose, a small siemens device, which enables wifi communications or act as wifi adaptor for plc. It meas S7 1500 or S7 1200 plc is same and without modification other than firmware. A new wifi device attached to a side connector with all plc. Even if the wifi adapter removed also plc work normal. A tiny device can connect wifi  for communication as like a wifi head phone. This device shall be free with plc and attached to plc which cab be removed as well. 

Wireless is new trend and upcoming revolution. 

A programmer can connect wifi with PG and work anywhere within the wifi range. This is good expecially harsh industrial areas. Programmer can sit calm somewhere safe area and connect PG with wifi and hmi  via sm@art client and do the job. 

This could be a marketing strategy as well.

IT security is more important, that the ability to use a smart phone to download a PLC program.

The second scenario you have described, it has been a reality for over 10 years already.

Every technology got both positive and negative sides. When negative side overcome by human intelligence, the product will become competitent. 

Anyway plc can communicate with ethernet and download program via TIA portal. Then why not it's possible with wifi and Android. 

The negative side of this feature  can be overcome by many ways. 

1.The plc wifi will automatically turn off after 30min inactive. Then it need to manually enable wifi on plc wifi module in plc rack. 

So panel access needed, that is possible with authorized person. 

2. Compulsory password for wifi device for program download or upload. Then authorized person only know password. Password reset only possible with TIA portal via ethernet or cable access to plc. 

3.keygen via tia portal. For downloading program via wifi, the previous program in plc must open in tia, generate an authentication key from remote place. Using this key in mobile app, technician or plant employee can download program. 

What make difference for downloading/uploading program via Tia portal with PG and and Android mobile. 

4.A program with password enabled only pass pre-requisite for upload via wifi and Android app.Unless this feature should enable while downloading program first time via Tia portal. 

This make uploading program safe via Android app. 

5.For downloading, when download program first time via Tia portal, this further download via wifi android app need to be enabled. Also password protected program only allow to download via Android app. To download a new program to plc, the password of current running  program in plc need to be entered in Android app to pass pre-requisite for downloading it. Also options need two type password one for download only and other for program like view and write passwords in Sm@rt server. This make program safe.Also secure downloading via Android app. 

Redundant WiFi is on with PLC always for communicating with non critical HMI.For downloading or uploading program need to press a button on wifi module.This need to open the plc panel.If a person can open plc panel, even he can copy and paste the memory card files to his laptop mobile via adapter and open in tia portal in his home via user defined memory card option in tia portal. Therefore pressing a button on wifi module is same security as downloing program via ethernet. For uploading password less program can only allow via Tia portal, but downloading is needed via mobile app. 

A case study on this subject must start as soon as possible. 

 

I have many other innovate ideas. 

Tell me how does it affect IT security, I can discuss you a solution for that. 

 Hi Hati,

I am using my personal wifi router to connect plc, and establish comm. to PG via wifi.Does any siemens module or PLC got features of wifi Router? 

There are solutions from Siemens for Wi-Fi. Also other products are available from 3rd party vendors.

I have a feeling, that Siemens has had this idea, but they have found too much problems with it. Maybe that's why they have not introduced it?

Our company uses a solution from Tosibox, a VPN device with secure connection. Three options for the internet connection. Local Ethernet, local Wi-Fi or USB modem.