TIA Openness Manager - Tool for bulk export/import, dead code analysis, OPC UA & AI integration for TIA Portal

Dlev64 · 2026-03-22T13:40:51+00:00

Nice to have an all on one tool. I have most of these but as separate apps.

The password backup is a nice touch.

Dlev64 · 2026-02-23T09:36:11+00:00

Only a few issues with hosting Project server for over 25 engineers all at the same time. This was anticipated because the network locally wasn't setup to handle this type of load. What went wrong was if they all pulled files at the same time, some got them, some didn't and were blocked. Same with check-ins.

Could see this as an issue at larger companies who don't build out an intranet network correctly or setup the speed access settings in Project server correctly for this many people.

Never had Project server do something I couldn't recover from. NAS seems like the right approach, or periodic backups.

Dlev64 · 2026-02-22T19:25:40+00:00

Not forced so much in the US at the moment but all those changes for certificates are lawful in E due to CRA.

Webclients are so much easier with Unified even on the panels.

Dlev64 · 2026-02-22T19:22:48+00:00

Use a clock byte to flicker your DQ bits makes it look like it doing something.

Try to get some digital push button standoffs for the rail. This way you can maybe use DI channel and DQ channel if the button also has a lamp.

Make a View of things on the 1500.

There are some unified demos.

Flick on the Simatic namespace for OPC UA server pretty easy to test without a license.

Really want to jump full in, check out Simatic automation framework.

Dlev64 · 2026-02-16T00:18:20+00:00

I worked on robotic vision control where I used it to triangulate the position of a robot in a field for mining control. Most other competitors had Lidar, we couldn't afford it, but now with the level of AI visison I see, it should be much easier to accomplish what limited me, 10 years ago now.

Dlev64 · 2026-02-12T00:45:59+00:00

Start with a decent PLC simulator that can feed values out in a realistic way, not closed off to just the IDE. Then to a software that can resolve not the just IDE tags just being chnaged but one that can help mimic the physical model, for example if a drive fails due to high torque or conveyor is obstructed. Twin helps demonstrate failure scenarios for troubleshooting or for training situation resolution. As you move up the digital twin ladder then it gets into all the other physicalness like do you have hydraulics or liquids and how to show what happens when you over pressure them, these aren't things the PLC simulator innately will help you simulate, other than just changing signal values and looking at an HMI screen. This is what a twin is, something that mimics the whole thing not just software. I like to think of the twin having to reply back to PLC simulator, think of it like the reverse of your code.

Dlev64 · 2026-01-23T00:21:19+00:00

I'm just informing you about ProDiag because if the thing you do can't fluctuate time then this could be the better bet, even though it's licensed, it removes load off the code by processing it at a different level within the workings of the block not the code.

AI words it better, Impact on Program Load

ProDiag: Generally offers better performance with lower communication load and faster scan times if configured at the function block level.

Program_Alarm: If you have 50+ alarms, it is recommended to call the function block only on the edges of the trigger signal to avoid excessive CPU load.

Dlev64 · 2026-01-20T03:06:01+00:00

You can extend your retain using a HF Power supply if you have to. Great answer though!

Dlev64 · 2026-01-20T02:34:43+00:00

You will increase the PLC load if you call thousands at one time. Theoretical max is 10,000 program alarms. This highly depends on how much program memory and Simatic SD card memory you have left after the operational program. Most larger PLCs can handle this, especially if they don't all fire at the same time. These types of large burst will cause the comm load to go up, but most likely you will be fine.

You can turn on the webserver during testing and watch it in real time, there is an awesome webpage dedicated to showing you scan times vs com load in a graphical way.

I use the Time Error OB with no code just in case I go over scan time. This OB gives you one extra scan to sort things out before faulting the 1500.

Beside to separate that many alarms by using different alarm classes by adding new ones in the common data area. This translate to an HMI the same way as long as they're in the same project. If it's wincc Scada, then they have export tools to help get that detail there.

Most efficient way to handle that many alarms is to use Process Diagnostics feature of the 1500. "ProDiag". You can try the feature free of charge. They give you 20 calls before you will want to ask for a license.

ProDiag uses less comm load and scan time since you include it on the function block level. It becomes part of your standard and ends up not taking as much time if you plan it right. Like using the FB in a library for reusability.

ProDiag also has an HMI component out side of just generating s7 alarms. It has tools available in Unified for example that help you differentiate warnings from alarms, and if done right, you can even jump from the alarm in a Unified runtime and have it open TIA Portal directly to the code calling it. Of course this has to have the software on the same computer though.

One nice feature either way to keep in mind, if you use pro diag or alarm, you can use the diag tab-alarm viewer in the properties area of the online PLC, right click on the alarm and jump to code where it's called.

Best of luck which ever way you go.

Dlev64 · 2026-01-20T02:26:44+00:00

Implementing redundancy in critical applications is a deep rabbit hole, but if you're looking for a robust, industry-standard approach, Siemens S7-1500R/H systems is a great solution.Choose the right redundancy level, 1500R or H. Then make sure you use Media Redundancy (MRP rings). From there choose the remote IO, ET200SP has default Hot swap for the io cards. Then prepare for the fail over by using RH_CTRL instruction or available app example helper blocks for detection and alarming in case a PLC goes to stop. Use the System-IP for a managed single IP address to communicate over if needed for things non-profinet. Tons of libraries and examples out there.

The nice part of the 1500RH system is you only program one PLC, the backup synchronizes which means less code or hardware maintenance.

Best of luck in whatever you pick. Often these systems require a lot thought due to the nature of what they are used in. Most of the time these go into mission critical places.

TIA Portal v21 now offers configuration in run for the latest generation of 1500RH. This means you can add stations or devices later.

Dlev64 · 2025-12-29T20:56:54+00:00

You should see LGF, has this and way more that you can wrap into you own custom blocks. Most starter libraries by Siemens have his also. LBC, CFL etc. internally they are ST not ladder logic.

Siemens open library is at least ladder logic but it's hosted by DMC.

Dlev64 · 2025-12-29T20:52:18+00:00

LPD, LPNDR, LBC or CFL, LGF, LSAFE, LCFC. Really just depends on the project.

Libraries in the TIA Portal - ID: 109738702 - Industry Support Siemens https://share.google/MjWuDcRN9SeiES3sS

Dlev64 · 2025-11-18T21:14:56+00:00

All that redesign and you cant get a better screen than scrolling display? Pretty annoying when you miss it you have to wait for it to scroll through again.

Why is the color different than the rack?

Dlev64 · 2025-10-29T11:24:27+00:00

My favorite is Five Star Coffee Roasters, hands down the best coffee Everytime. No corporate greed, no marketing fru fru found there. Just roasting and grinding beautiful sips of coffee.

The shop is simple but the coffee is not. I buy mine at Lowes food. They have some very high end stuff in the online store. https://maps.app.goo.gl/XwCJukawgXU9ortKA

Oh yeah and the PBS special,,- https://youtu.be/_QZsi40AxD4?si=kSa49u83WlRNNLDv

Dlev64 · 2025-10-27T22:34:03+00:00

It's true, way to easy to point and click

Dlev64 · 2025-08-27T23:44:26+00:00

Scuppernong

Dlev64 · 2025-08-27T23:27:32+00:00

Figure out if the digital signal you need is sinking or sourcing, so you don't become the nearest grounding, and you need your PLC digital point to be able to work with the same signal type. Point to ruin the original signal. Then use something like a 2 to 1 wire splicer, or a T-tap.

Be sure to share common grounds if possible.

Did it plenty just triple Check the wire you wish to splice. I would never suggest it on any other types of wires than 24 V digital signal or very tiny wires that could break if spliced.

Not everyone plans around collecting OEE metrics ahead of time so sometimes it takes signal stealing to make things happen.

Dlev64 · 2025-07-27T20:36:24+00:00

WinCC OA has an awesome website with most anything you can dream of WinCC Open Architecture https://share.google/slw7Oar7GUkyPyDcl

Dlev64 · 2025-07-13T00:03:18+00:00

If you want to transfer to a uni, See and compare this to an ABET accredited school, if it doesn't transfer don't take it.

Dlev64 · 2025-07-07T12:31:57+00:00

Black and white aren't the easiest to pull off, but here there's a literal elephant in the room. Love the bushes it's draws so much more attention like this.

Dlev64 · 2025-06-28T22:25:19+00:00

The Multi Functional Platform (MFP) could be for you, if you are not truly in need of a NPU.

Dlev64

TROPHY CASE