Creating Custom Excel Reports in SIMATIC Information Server Using Office Add-Ins

To create custom automated reports from Microsoft Excel templates in SIMATIC Information Server (IS), install the 'Information Server Office Add-ins' component on the reporting computer. This component embeds an 'Information Server' ribbon directly into Microsoft Excel, allowing engineers to connect to Process Historian or WinCC archive databases, browse process tags, and insert dynamic trend tables, statistical formulas (Min, Max, Average), and charts. Saved Excel workbooks can be uploaded to the Information Server web portal as reusable report templates. Connecting Excel to Information Server requires an Information Server Client Access License (CAL) procured through an authorized Siemens distributor quotation.

Executive Summary

Automated operational reporting in process manufacturing bridges the gap between industrial SCADA archives and executive decision-making. While SIMATIC Information Server delivers web-based PDF and HTML reporting, corporate quality managers and process engineers frequently demand native Microsoft Excel reports for tabular data analysis, shift summaries, and ERP spreadsheet imports. SIMATIC Information Server delivers this functionality through its dedicated Office Add-Ins suite. Commissioning teams frequently inquire how to install and license the Excel integration and how templates are scheduled. This article outlines the Office Add-In architecture, details the template authoring procedure in Excel, and clarifies licensing entitlements.

Architecture and Fundamental Mechanics

Information Server Office Add-In Architecture, REST API Data Binding, and Client Access Licensing:

Architecture of the Information Server Excel Add-In:
The Information Server Office Add-Ins package is an enterprise VSTO (Visual Studio Tools for Office) extension for Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
When installed, it connects to the central Information Server web application over secure HTTPS (TCP port 443) or HTTP.
Through this connection, Excel queries the central Process Historian or WinCC OS Server archive databases via RESTful web services.
Dynamic Excel Reporting Mechanics:
Within Excel, the author defines Dynamic Data Segments:
- Target Tags (e.g. Reactor1_Temp, Inlet_Flow)
- Aggregation Type (Raw Values, Cyclic 1-Minute Averages, Daily Totals)
- Time Filter (Relative: 'Last Shift', 'Previous 24 Hours'; or Absolute date ranges)
When the report executes, Information Server injects data into predefined cell ranges, allowing standard Excel formulas, pivot tables, conditional formatting, and charts to calculate automatically.
Commercial and Licensing Accuracy Guardrails:
Connecting Microsoft Excel to Information Server consumes an Information Server Client Access License (CAL).
Information Server licenses are structured as:
1. IS Server Basic Package (includes the core server engine and base client access).
2. IS Client Access License (CAL) packages (e.g. 1, 5, 10 CALs) required for concurrent users connecting via Web browser or Office Add-Ins.
Sizing and ordering schedules must be verified through an authorized Siemens distributor quotation.

Step-by-Step Implementation Procedure

Install the Information Server Office Add-Ins:
* On the client computer running Microsoft Excel, insert the SIMATIC Information Server installation media.
* Launch setup; in the component selection tree, check Information Server Office Add-ins (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
* Complete installation and restart Microsoft Excel.
Connect Excel to the Information Server Host:
* Open Microsoft Excel; locate the newly added Information Server tab on the top ribbon.
* Click Settings (or Server Connection).
* Enter the URL of the Information Server (e.g. https://IS-SERVER01/InformationServer).
* Provide Windows domain or local authentication credentials; confirm that connection status reports 'Connected'.
Design the Custom Excel Report Layout:
* Design the static elements of the report: company logo, title block, column headers (Timestamp, Temperature, Flow, Totalizer).
* In the Information Server ribbon, click Insert Process Values.
* Use the Tag Browser to select required archive tags from Process Historian.
* Configure parameters: Time Range (e.g. 'Last 24 Hours'), Sample Interval (e.g. '15 Minutes'), and Calculation (e.g. 'Average').
* Select the target Excel cell where the table should expand.
Upload and Schedule Template in Information Server:
* Save the completed Excel file as an Excel Template (.xltx or .xlsx).
* Open the Information Server Web Interface in a browser.
* Navigate to Administration > Templates > Upload Template; upload the Excel workbook.
* Navigate to Reporting > Schedules; create a cyclic schedule (e.g. daily at 06:00 AM) to generate the Excel report and automatically email it to plant supervisors.

Verification

In Microsoft Excel, click Refresh Data in the Information Server ribbon; verify that cells populate with historical values in under 3 seconds.
Verify that Excel native chart objects update automatically based on the dynamically injected data range.
In the Information Server web portal, trigger a scheduled execution; confirm that the generated .xlsx document arrives via email formatted accurately.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

The Office Add-In requires a 64-bit or 32-bit Microsoft Office version that matches the architecture of the installed Siemens add-in. Do not hardcode massive time intervals (e.g. 1-second raw values for 1 year) into a single Excel sheet to prevent Excel row limits (1,048,576 rows) from overflowing.

Engineer FAQ

What software is needed to create Excel reports in Information Server?

Microsoft Excel with the 'SIMATIC Information Server Office Add-ins' component installed.

Does connecting Excel to Information Server require a license?

Yes, each concurrent connection requires an Information Server Client Access License (CAL).

Can Information Server automatically generate and email Excel reports?

Yes, templates uploaded to Information Server can be scheduled to run cyclically and distribute .xlsx files via email or network shares.

Where do I find the Information Server Office Add-in installer?

It is an optional component selectable during the SIMATIC Information Server software installation.

Can I use standard Excel formulas on the historical process data?

Yes, all native Excel formulas, pivot tables, conditional formatting, and chart types work seamlessly with data populated by the Add-in.

Technical References

Spreadsheet Templates

PCS 7 Reporting

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Creating Custom Excel Reports in SIMATIC Information Server Using Office Add-Ins