I am working on a project where I need to create a visualization screen (HMI Panel or PC) using wincc tia portal v16. It will be connected to the LAN in my company. Any computer in my company connected to this network should be able to access the runtime to view the screens using chrome or firefox web browser by typing the ip address in the browser's address bar. I have the following hardware and software for visualization purpose:

1. TP700 Comfort Panel

2. TIA Portal v16 with WinCC basic/comfort/advanced/Unified

I've done some research and figured out the following options:

1. Create and download the project in TP700 comfort panel, enable and use its smart server to access it. But I think chrome and firefox cannot be used for this purpose

2. Do the same as above but use sm@rtclient.exe but this way I will have to install sm@rtclient in each and every computer in the plant that needs to access the HMI. Can be done but not feasible.

3. Create a WinCC Unified PC project on a computer instead of using an HMI panel. I think with this option anyone would be able to easily access the runtime screens using chrome or firefox.

Option no. 3 seems to be the most feasible to me but I won't be able to use an HMI panel and will have to install TIA Portal v16 in one PC at least which will be used a server at the plant.

Please review my options and tell me if there is any other way or do i have any other options or am i right about all these solutions considering the hardware and software i have available.

One more question. Do the server (PC or HMI) and the clients that want to access it should be in the same subnet/network? Does this mean it cannot be accessed remotely via WAN?

Hi aamirawan91,

Based on what you say, from my point of view I would recommend the Unified PC option since I think it can give you much more versatility and meet your requirements more.

In the end, with Unified you can use independent web clients, viewing it from any PC with any browser that is released like Chrome.

For basic/comfort/advance, it would be for uses more than Sm@rtServer.

I am attaching some links below to remote access that may be of interest to you so that you can evaluate:

"Remote Access to SIMATIC HMI Operator Panels" 

"Remote access to WinCC Unified PC Runtime and Unified Comfort Panels"

I hope I have been able to help you!

Best regards!