Mass configuration

Mass configuration in WinCC OA redefines the fundamental principles of setting up a project and subsequent configuration of the huge range of data points is redefined by. It demonstrates perfectly the full advantage of the flexible data point concept of WinCC OA with its object-oriented approach.

The requirement to implement large systems on the master computer quickly and with the minimum number of configuration steps is also a major factor in automation engineering, reflected in the mass configuration facility.

From the user viewpoint, mass configuration offers in many situations a significant simplification in the creation of data points in the system. Working with the mass configuration feature should not present any major difficulties to the experienced or novice WinCC OA user alike. Clear dialog windows, tips and warnings help the user when working with WinCC OA and mass configuration. You should, however, also look at certain chapters of this Online Help that are referenced explicitly in the text.

The master data points form the central element of the mass configuration facility, holding the complete configuration settings (Configs containing the set parameters). These settings made for the master data point are automatically transferred to each new data point of the given data point type. Changes to the master data point are also transferred to the data points at runtime.

By defining templates, one can specify which configuration settings subsequently need to be made for every instance, and which are always adopted irrespective of the master data point (data point type).

Special input/output formats in the ASCII Manager mean it is possible to perform simple mass configuration in a spreadsheet program such as Microsoft Excel, with a range of tools provided for quick and easy editing of templates that can then be re-imported into the system.

The use of PowerConfigs - user-definable "virtual" Configs allowing the combination or specialization of a number of Configs - is a further step towards modern "mass engineering". All the settings for two or more Configs can be made using , for example, a configuration screen. Parameter calculations enable, for example, automatic generation of the correct peripheral address or descriptive texts on the leaf elements. A number of predefined PowerConfigs have been supplied with the software.

The PARA module also provides a facility for creating, deleting or copying multiple data points (the full configuration is derived from the master data point).

Using this help, with its detailed explanations and individual practical examples in the relevant chapters, aims to provide an easy way into the subject of mass configuration and how to apply it.

Before applying yourself to the subject of mass configuration, work through the chapter PARA first. This chapter is essential reading before working with the WinCC OA mass configuration facility.

Advantages of mass configuration:

The WinCC OA mass configuration facility sets a new standard in automation engineering, with its particularly impressive ease of handling and range of usage options. Further advantages:

• Simplifies the process of creating and maintaining a system (time savings and error minimization during the course of the project).

• Creation/deletion of multiple data points in the system.

• Changes to the master data point are transferred to all data points at runtime.

• Special Configs - PowerConfigs - contain predefined configurable settings. New PowerConfig settings, or changes to these, can be made in the specially provided panel.

• Import/export by the ASCII Manager of database holding mass configuration.

• Generation of templates for importing data points.

• Excel tools connect the "Office world" to mass configuration, allowing export, display, editing and import in the correct ASCII format. The clear worksheet layout in Excel also makes it easy for the user to perform mass configuration.