Current zenon version

The innovations in zenon 15 build bridges between IT and OT technology in many areas. The first example of this is the extended and improved options for using OT data. One new feature is the OT data integration in Excel: Data from the production environment can be easily transferred from the Report Engine to Excel. This opens up the data world of zenon for further use in Excel. This also makes production data more easily accessible for people who are less familiar with OT matters.

The new zenon version places a large focus on the expansion of the Web Visualization Service. Some of the new extensions contribute to making the WVS even more user-friendly. For example, zenon 15 supports the display of filters in the Alarm Message List (AML) and the Chronological Event List (CEL). The “Extended Curve List” also provides more flexibility and a better overview.

A major innovation in zenon 15 is the possibility to use Batch Control in WVS. This supports the display and control of matrix recipes. Using Batch Control on the web has numerous advantages: maintenance and security are much simpler, and using it on the web makes it easier to install and roll out complex programs in batch production.

zenon Logic also opens up important connections from OT to IT. This includes the new feature that Python scripts can be executed in zenon Logic. Python, a programming language that comes primarily from the IT world, is finding its way into PLC programming. This not only allows the skills of OT and IT experts to be brought together. It also opens up new possibilities in the further development of automation projects, for example with regard to AI applications.

zenon Logic now also offers the option of sharing code via XML in accordance with IEC 61131-10. This gives users the opportunity to use the code in other systems as well.

With its Device Management, the zenon software platform goes one step further in the direction of software-defined automation. Applications can be easily set up and executed on Linux controllers or in virtual environments.

Projects can be updated smoothly. The zenon Service Engine can be started, stopped or reloaded remotely.

Efficient deployment results from the simultaneous installation of the same project on several devices.

As usual, numerous additional enhancements can also be found in the drivers and the support of communication protocols.

BACnet Secure Connect, for example, enables secure communication with other networks.

Accordingly configured variables in StratonNG support offline buffering. In this, data is recorded even if the connection to the PLC is interrupted. Communication interruptions can be bridged for up to 48 hours in that way. Events and alarms are generated once the connection has been restored.

The OPC UA driver now supports reading historical data into RDA archives (Real Time Data Acquisition). This allows historical data to be retrieved from third-party OPC UA servers. The data type definitions specified in 1.04 are also supported.

The new EUROMAP77 driver serves as a gateway for the EUROMAP77 standard (OPC UA-based digital interface for machines) and is available for Windows and Linux applications.

The TIA driver supports TIA20 in order to be up to date with Siemens PLCs.

These were just some highlights of the new features of zenon 15. For detailed changes, please refer to the official zenon 15 release notes . A more detailed list of industry-specific innovations can be found in the Industry Highlight Sheets. As a zenoneer, you also benefit from free participation in the update course at the zenon Academy.