Exporting, Bulk-Editing, and Re-Importing SFC Step and Transition OS Comments in PCS 7

In SIMATIC PCS 7, auto-generated SFC step and transition 'OS Comments' (such as 'TT-9101_PV.OUT > xxxxPARAMETER8') can be exported, bulk-edited, and re-imported using the central 'Text Management' export tool in SIMATIC Manager. Selecting 'Options > Text Management > Export...' extracts all user-facing language strings and SFC comments into a structured CSV file. Engineers can edit the comments in Microsoft Excel into clear operational text, re-import the file via 'Options > Text Management > Import...', and recompile the OS to update WinCC faceplates and SFC visualization across all charts simultaneously.

Executive Summary

In complex process automation projects utilizing dozens of Sequential Function Charts (SFC and SFC Types), the default transition and step descriptions generated by PCS 7 can be highly cryptic to control room operators. When an engineer configures transitions using raw block contacts, the compiler frequently populates the 'OS Comment' attribute with technical register syntax (e.g., TT-9101_PV.OUT > xxxxPARAMETER8) rather than plain operational language.

In a facility containing 60 or more SFCs with multi-level hierarchical sequencers, manually opening every step and transition across hundreds of charts would require weeks of tedious engineering. SIMATIC PCS 7 incorporates an automated bulk-text processing engine within SIMATIC Manager. This guide explains how SFC text strings are structured, details the CSV export/import workflow, and outlines verification procedures to deploy clear operator comments across all WinCC operator stations.

Architecture and Fundamental Mechanics

The text management architecture in SIMATIC PCS 7 unifies multilingual and user-facing text strings across the engineering system:

Role of the OS Comment Attribute: Every step and transition object within an SFC or SFC Type contains properties including 'Name', 'Description', and 'OS Comment'. While 'Name' is restricted by Step 7 syntax (8 to 16 characters, no spaces), 'OS Comment' allows rich descriptive text (up to 255 characters). During AS-OS compilation with 'SFC Visualization' enabled, these strings are transferred into the WinCC Text Library (TextDistributor) and bound to the SFC Faceplate overview and detail windows (@pg_@sfc_type.pdl).
Automated String Population: When an engineer connects a transition condition in the SFC Editor without explicitly typing a comment, the compiler synthesizes a default string from the interconnected block tag and parameter name. If parameters lack descriptive symbol comments, the resulting string contains low-level system abbreviations.
The Text Management Export Engine: SIMATIC Manager provides a centralized utility: 'Options > Text Management'. This utility scans the entire S7 Program or multiproject, extracting text records across CFC chart comments, block pin comments, message texts, and SFC step/transition comments into an open-format CSV (Comma-Separated Values) text document. Each record contains unique database object identifiers (Object ID, Language ID, Table ID), ensuring that modified text can be re-imported and bound to its exact topological origin without manual re-linking.

Step-by-Step Implementation Procedure

Follow these steps to export, bulk-edit in Excel, and re-import SFC OS Comments in SIMATIC PCS 7:

Prepare the Multiproject and Back Up:
- In SIMATIC Manager, select 'File > Archive...'. Save a complete backup of the multiproject.
- Ensure all open SFC and CFC editors are closed across the engineering station.
Execute Text Management Export:
- In SIMATIC Manager Component View, select the target S7 Program or the parent Charts folder.
- Select 'Options > Text Management > Export...' from the main menu.
- In the export configuration dialog:
- Export file: Specify the output file path (e.g., D:\Temp\SFC_OS_Comments.csv).
- Format: Select 'CSV (Comma delimited)' or 'TXT'.
- Source language: Select the project engineering language (e.g., 'English (United States)').
- Scope: Under objects to export, ensure 'SFC objects' (Steps, Transitions, Sequencers) is selected.
- Click 'Export'. The utility extracts all text strings into the CSV file.
Bulk-Edit Comments in Microsoft Excel:
- Launch Microsoft Excel and open SFC_OS_Comments.csv.
- Locate the columns: Object Name, Object Type, Attribute (filter for OS Comment), and Text.
- Identify the auto-generated cryptic comments (e.g., TT-9101_PV.OUT > xxxxPARAMETER8).
- In the Text column, replace the technical strings with clear operator descriptions (e.g., 'Verify reactor temperature exceeds 85.0 °C').
- IMPORTANT: Do NOT alter the database index columns (Object_ID, GUID, Context_ID), as modifying these will prevent the importer from mapping text back to the SFC.
- Save the file as standard CSV (UTF-8 or standard ANSI matching your Windows locale).
Re-Import the Modified Text File:
- Return to SIMATIC Manager.
- Select the identical S7 Program or Charts folder.
- Select 'Options > Text Management > Import...' from the main menu.
- Select the edited file: D:\Temp\SFC_OS_Comments.csv.
- Click 'Import'. The import wizard updates the internal Step 7 database, overwriting old comments with the new descriptive texts across all 60 SFCs.
Recompile and Transfer to OS:
- Select the Charts folder and compile charts ('Changes only').
- Right-click the OS Server project, select 'Compile', and ensure 'SFC Visualization' is checked.
- Download changes to the OS Server in runtime.

Verification

In SIMATIC Manager, open an SFC that previously exhibited auto-generated strings: confirm that the transition properties window displays the updated descriptive OS comment.
In WinCC OS Runtime, open the SFC Faceplate or launch the SFC Visualization screen for that sequence.
Navigate to the transition detail view: verify that active and pending transitions display the clear operator guidance text.
Confirm that alarm banners and operator logs record the human-readable transition texts during sequence execution.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Ensure character encodings match your regional settings; importing CSV files with corrupted UTF-8 special characters (accents, umlauts) can corrupt the WinCC Text Library. Do not insert unescaped line breaks or carriage returns within individual CSV comment cells. SFC Type instances inherit comments from their master SFC Type definition in the Master Data Library; if working with SFC Types, perform the export/import on the Master Data Library rather than individual project instances. Consult an authorized Siemens distributor or the Siemens Industry Mall for advanced engineering software tools.

Engineer FAQ

Can I export texts from all 60 SFCs in a single operation?

Yes. Selecting the root Charts folder or the S7 Program in SIMATIC Manager exports all SFCs, steps, and transitions into a single unified CSV file.

What software is best for editing the exported CSV file?

Microsoft Excel or a dedicated CSV editor. Be careful when saving in Excel to retain comma delimiters and avoid changing column formats.

Why did the import fail to update my SFC Type instances?

SFC Type instances derive their characteristics from the Master Data Library. You must perform the text export, edit, and import on the Master Data Library, then run 'Update Block Types'.