C135 PCS 7 (PCS7)
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Enabling 'New Process Tag' and Control Module Creation in SIMATIC PCS 7 Master Data Library

Enabling 'New Process Tag' and Control Module Creation in SIMATIC PCS 7 Master Data Library

In SIMATIC PCS 7 (v8.0, v8.1, v8.2, and newer), the context menu option 'New Process Tag' (or 'New Control Module Type') is disabled or greyed out in SIMATIC Manager when an engineer attempts to create it directly in the S7 Program root, offline block folder, or an unconfigured library container. To enable the creation of new technological templates (Process Tag Types or Control Module Types), the engineer must first create a Plant Hierarchy folder inside the Master Data Library (MDL). Right-clicking inside a valid Technological Hierarchy folder immediately activates the options to insert a new Control Module Type (CMT) or convert a newly created CFC chart into a CMT, without requiring specialized add-on licenses or external tools like COMOS.

Table of Contents

Understanding Technological Types in the Master Data Library

In SIMATIC PCS 7, the Master Data Library (MDL) serves as the central repository for standardized, reusable automation components across an enterprise multiproject:
- Standard Function Blocks (Blocks folder)
- Custom SCL Blocks and Shared DBs
- Sequential Function Chart Types (SFC Types)
- Technological Templates: Process Tag Types (PTT) and Control Module Types (CMT)

Unlike classic STEP 7 programs that organize logic strictly by memory blocks (OB1, FB1, DB1), PCS 7 enforces a Technological Architecture. Technological objects cannot exist in isolation; they must be anchored within a structured Plant Hierarchy (PH) folder representing the equipment topology (Plant Section > Unit > Equipment Module).

Why the 'New Process Tag' Option Appears Disabled

When an engineer right-clicks in SIMATIC Manager and observes that 'New Process Tag' or 'New Control Module' is inactive:
- Root Context Mismatch: The user right-clicked on the S7 Program folder or the raw Library container root. The PCS 7 shell prohibits technological object instantiation outside of a Technological Hierarchy.
- Missing Plant Hierarchy Configuration: The library has not been configured to support the Plant Hierarchy view.
- Misconception About Licensing: Engineers often assume that creating CMTs requires the purchase of COMOS or Advanced ES. This is incorrect: native CMT and PTT authoring is fully included with the standard SIMATIC PCS 7 Engineering System license.

Step-by-Step Procedure: Creating a Control Module Type (CMT)

Follow this procedure to enable and create Control Module Types in the Master Data Library:

Step 1: Open the Master Data Library in Plant View

  1. In SIMATIC Manager, select menu View > Plant View (or press Ctrl+Shift+H).
  2. Expand the Master Data Library tree.

Step 2: Insert a Hierarchy Folder for Templates

  1. Right-click the Master Data Library root object.
  2. Select Insert New Object > Hierarchy Folder.
  3. Name the folder logically (e.g., CMT_Templates or Valve_Types).

Step 3: Create the Control Module Type (CMT)

  1. Right-click the newly created hierarchy folder CMT_Templates.
  2. Select Insert New Object > Control Module Type.
  3. Assign a technological name (e.g., CMT_Motor_1Spd).
  4. Double-click the CMT to open the CFC Editor with the Technological Editor active.

Alternative Method: Converting an Existing CFC Chart

  1. Inside the hierarchy folder, insert a standard CFC chart (Insert New Object > CFC).
  2. Place your technological blocks (e.g., MotL, Pcs7DiIn) and configure interconnections.
  3. Right-click the CFC chart in SIMATIC Manager and select Plant Types > Create Control Module Type.
  4. The chart converts immediately into an object-oriented CMT template.

Process Tag Types (PTT) vs Control Module Types (CMT)

PCS 7 supports two generations of technological templates:
- Process Tag Types (PTT): The legacy template system utilized with the Import/Export Assistant (IEA). PTT templates generate flat CFC chart replicas. Once instantiated, synchronizing changes from the library often overwrites instance-specific tuning parameters.
- Control Module Types (CMT): The modern standard (PCS 7 v8.0+). Supports variant management, optional blocks, and non-destructive type-instance synchronization. CMT is the recommended standard for all new automation designs.

Comparative Matrix: Technological Template Options in PCS 7

The table below compares technological template types in SIMATIC PCS 7:

Template ConceptHierarchy RequirementType-Instance SyncLicensing NeededRecommended StatusProcess Tag Type (PTT)Master Data Library PH FolderLimited (Overwrites data)Standard PCS 7 ESLegacy (Maintained for compatibility)Control Module Type (CMT)Master Data Library PH FolderAdvanced (Non-destructive)Standard PCS 7 ESActive Recommended StandardPlant Automation Accelerator (PAA)External COMOS DatabaseEnterprise Multi-DisciplineSeparate Commercial LicenseHigh-efficiency bulk engineering

Verification

To confirm that the technological template is properly instantiated:
1. Technological Editor Verification: Double-click the created CMT; verify that the Technological Editor window opens displaying the block tree and technological I/O attributes.
2. Instance Creation Test: In Plant View, drag the CMT from the library and drop it into a plant unit folder; verify that an instantiated Control Module (CM) is generated cleanly.
3. Type-Instance Synchronization Audit: Select the CMT in the library, right-click and choose Plant Types > Synchronize...; verify that the synchronizer dialog detects the new instance without configuration errors.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Engineering teams must observe the following precautions:
- Never create CMT templates directly inside plant production projects; always author and maintain templates inside the centralized Master Data Library.
- Renaming block inputs inside an active CMT can break existing instance interconnections upon synchronization; always perform a trial synchronization on a test chart before updating plant-wide.
- Always validate final license quantities and MLFBs against the applicable Siemens catalog and authorized distributor quotation when scaling engineering systems.

Engineer FAQ

Does creating Control Module Types consume Process Objects (PO)?

Creating CMT templates in the Master Data Library consumes zero Process Objects. POs are consumed only when the CMT is instantiated as a Control Module (CM) inside an active AS controller project.

Can I convert legacy PTTs into modern CMTs?

Yes. In the Master Data Library, right-click any Process Tag Type chart and select 'Plant Types > Convert Process Tag Type to Control Module Type'.

Why is 'Insert New Object > Control Module Type' missing even in a hierarchy folder?

Verify that the project is recognized as a PCS 7 project and that the library is designated as the 'Master Data Library' via File > Multiproject > Set as Master Data Library.

Technical References

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Related Tags

  • Control Module Type
  • Process Tag Type
  • Master Data Library
  • Plant Hierarchy
  • CFC Engineering
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