Batch Disabling SFC Block Icon Generation and Selective OS Visualization in SIMATIC PCS 7

To selectively prevent unwanted Sequential Function Chart (SFC) block icons from cluttering WinCC graphic pictures during OS compilation, open the Process Object View in SIMATIC Manager and navigate to the Picture Objects or Blocks tab. Filter the list by the specific SFC Type name, then bulk-deselect the 'Create block icon' checkbox across the selected instances. For free-standing SFC charts (which lack an SFC Type definition), open the SFC chart object properties in the Chart folder and uncheck the 'Transfer to OS' attribute. Alternatively, configure the OS Project Editor and OS Compilation Wizard to suppress automatic block icon generation for specific plant hierarchy levels.

Executive Summary

In large SIMATIC PCS 7 automation projects, engineering teams frequently implement dozens or hundreds of Sequential Function Charts (SFCs) to orchestrate complex phase logic, equipment startup interlocks, and procedural sequences. While higher-level unit operations require dedicated operator monitoring via WinCC block icons (@SFC_Type.pdl or @SFC.pdl), low-level equipment phases, subsidiary sequences, and internal state handlers clutter operator overview screens if visualized. By default, whenever the OS is compiled with 'Create/update block icons' enabled, PCS 7 automatically generates a block icon on the assigned plant hierarchy overview picture for every SFC chart in the S7 program. Opening individual SFC properties one by one to uncheck OS transfer attributes is slow and error-prone. This guide explains how to use the Process Object View and OS compilation filters to manage SFC visualization at scale.

SFC Architecture: Free-Standing SFC Charts vs SFC Types

SIMATIC PCS 7 implements two distinct architectural paradigms for sequential control:

Free-Standing SFC Charts: Created directly in the Plant Hierarchy or Chart folder. These charts possess unique internal instance DBs generated by the SFC compiler. In WinCC, they instantiate the classic @SFC.pdl block icon.
SFC Types and SFC Instances: Defined as reusable technological types in the Master Data Library (MDL) and instantiated inside Continuous Function Charts (CFC). SFC instances behave identically to technological function blocks (such as MotL or VlvL) and generate the @SFC_Type.pdl block icon.

Automatic Block Icon Generation Mechanics During OS Compilation

When an engineer compiles the OS (Options > OS > Compile), the AS-OS Engineering toolchain executes the following tasks:

Scans the Plant Hierarchy for all technological blocks and SFCs flagged for OS communication (S7_m_c = true).
Checks whether the attribute 'Create block icon' is set to 1 (True).
Parses the target process picture defined in the Plant Hierarchy folder properties (Picture name).
Automatically inserts and parameterizes the corresponding block icon type into the graphic picture.

Process Object View Bulk Configuration Workflow

The Process Object View (POV) in SIMATIC Manager provides tabular editing across all technological objects:

For SFC Instances: In POV, selecting the Picture Objects tab displays all blocks flagged to generate icons. Filtering by the block type (e.g. SFC_Type_Name) isolates the instances. The column Create block icon can be selected and bulk-toggled off using standard Windows multi-select (Shift + Click or Ctrl + Click).
For Free-Standing SFCs: In POV, the General or SFC tab lists all free SFC charts where the OS attribute can be filtered and updated collectively without opening individual charts.

SFC OS Visualization Configuration Comparison

The following table compares configuration mechanisms for controlling SFC visualization in WinCC:

Configuration MethodApplicable SFC ArchitectureExecution ScopeOS Compilation BehaviorOperational TradeoffPOV Picture Objects TabSFC Instances (CFC-based)Multiproject / Plant HierarchySuppresses @SFC_Type.pdl icon placementRapid mass-configuration; preserves OS tag transfer.POV SFC Tab / General TabFree-Standing SFC ChartsEntire S7 ProgramDisables OS transfer attributeDisables block icon and runtime tag generation.Chart Properties DialogFree-Standing SFC ChartsSingle SFC ChartManual check box uncheckingHigh engineering effort; prone to omission in large plants.Picture Hierarchy SettingsAll SFCs & Technological BlocksSpecific Plant PictureSuppresses icon generation for entire pictureSuppresses icons globally for all blocks in that picture.OS Project Editor FilterSystem-wide (@Template)Entire OS ServerDisables automatic icon replacementRequires customized @Template picture sets.

Step-by-Step Procedure to Suppress SFC Block Icons

Method 1: Bulk Disabling via Process Object View (SFC Instances)

Open SIMATIC Manager and switch to Plant View.
Click the top-level Plant Hierarchy folder or target unit.
Open the Process Object View (View > Process Object View or press F4).
Select the Picture Objects tab.
In the table filter bar, set Block Type to your SFC Type name (e.g. Phase_Dosing).
Select the entire column or highlight rows where visualization is not required.
Right-click and select Clear Selection (or toggle checkbox) for column Create block icon.
Save the Process Object View changes.

Method 2: Suppressing Free-Standing SFC Charts

In SIMATIC Manager Component View, expand the CPU's S7 Program > Charts folder.
For individual free SFCs, right-click the SFC chart, select Object Properties, and switch to the Operating and Monitoring tab.
Deselect Transfer to OS for operator control and monitoring.
In the Plant View, right-click the OS project and select Compile > Tags and messages with Create/update block icons checked.

Verification

To verify that unwanted SFC block icons are suppressed:

OS Compile Execution: Execute an OS delta compilation with 'Create/update block icons' enabled.
Graphic Designer Audit: Open the target process picture in WinCC Graphic Designer. Confirm that suppressed SFC icons are absent.
Retained Visualization Check: Verify that essential master SFC block icons remain present, correctly positioned, and linked to their runtime tags.
Log File Inspection: Review the OS compilation log file (compile.log) to confirm that only desired block icons were generated.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Loss of Faceplate Navigation: If 'Transfer to OS' is completely unchecked for a free-standing SFC, operators cannot open the SFC faceplate from alarms or picture scripts.
Manual Picture Cleanup: Deselecting 'Create block icon' prevents new icons from being generated; previously generated block icons already present in existing WinCC PDLs must be deleted manually in Graphic Designer.
Hierarchy Consistency: Moving an SFC chart between plant hierarchy folders requires regenerating block icons to update the picture path.

Engineer FAQ

Can an operator still open an SFC faceplate if its block icon is suppressed?

Yes, provided the SFC is transferred to OS. Operators can access the faceplate via the WinCC Alarm Control or custom navigation buttons.

Why did deleting an icon from a picture reappear after compiling the OS?

Because 'Create block icon' was still enabled in the CFC/SFC properties; the OS compiler regenerates missing icons automatically.

Does suppressing block icons reduce WinCC tag licensing consumption?

Suppressing the block icon does not reduce WinCC process tags if the SFC is still transferred to the OS; only disabling 'Transfer to OS' reduces tags.

Technical References

Related Tags

https://industrialautomation.net/search?query=simatic-pcs7
https://industrialautomation.net/search?query=sfc-editor
https://industrialautomation.net/search?query=process-object-view
https://industrialautomation.net/search?query=wincc-graphics

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Batch Disabling SFC Block Icon Generation and Selective OS Visualization in SIMATIC PCS 7