SIMATIC BATCH and BatchML

System openness is an important feature these days, Siemens software strives to be open and support users in a large variety of use cases where information from one system must be used as the basis for process control or batch control.

An example of systems that will benefit from openness is software that defines how a product needs to be produced. Typically these are applications like MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems), ERP (Enterprise resource planning) or PLM (Product Lifecycle Management). To support structured and change control managed transfer of information from these types of systems SIMATIC PCS 7 its batch system, SIMATIC BATCH, offers recipe import by means of BatchML.

Standard

The BatchML standard has been developed under authority of the MESA organization, all details can be found on https://www.mesa.org/en/BatchML.asp

SIMATIC BATCH – BatchML documentation

Extensive documentation, implemented examples and the manual can be found on the Siemens Automation support website: https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/view/109747147

(click on “Appendix” to download the examples)

All advanced batch procedure structures supported

SIMATIC BATCH is known for its unique functions like: synchronization bars, exception handling (monitor), command steps, as well as loops, jumps, parallel and selected paths.

All these complex structures are supported by the import and explained in the documentation.

Conditions

SIMATIC BATCH unit allocation and transitions support powerful logic structures, SIMATIC BATCH BatchML allows you to construct those externally based on procedure element, equipment or product parameters and import them into SIMATIC BATCH.

Validation and comparison

The import of BatchML is supported by a wizard that provides comprehensive feedback if the import file contains an error or mistake.

After the import, the user can leverage the built-in comparison tools of SIMATIC BATCH to identify modifications between different recipe versions, originating from the import or implemented/modified manually.

Equipment Model

For external systems, like MES, ERP or PLM, to create BatchML content, these systems must be aware of the exact equipment element types (Unit Class, Instance, Equipment Operation and/or Phase, Unit Parameters, Tag Parameters).

To support a seamless synchronization of that information, SIMATIC BATCH API offers the functionality to export the SIMATIC BATCH equipment model in BatchML format. External systems can use the BatchML file that describes all equipment element types to produce consistent BatchML recipe procedure files.

Conclusion

SIMATIC BATCH BatchML provides a comprehensive, change management capable, import of recipe procedures and formula parameters and is used for a seamless integration with MES, ERP and PLM systems. It supports external systems by providing an equipment model that is based on the BatchML standard to these systems as a built-in feature.