Harmonizing Multiproject Languages and Text Libraries in SIMATIC Manager and WinCC OS

In SIMATIC PCS 7, changing the project language from an unintended language (e.g. Portuguese) to English to resolve WinCC OS runtime text corruption requires synchronizing the 'Language for Display Units' across all multiproject stations and updating the WinCC Text Library. Project texts, alarm strings, and chart comments are stored in language-specific database columns; if SIMATIC Manager is set to Portuguese while WinCC is set to English, AS-OS compilation exports blank or default English strings. To harmonize languages, open SIMATIC Manager -> Options -> Manage Multilingual Texts -> Language for Display Units, set the default to English, export and align multilingual texts via CSV if needed, and execute a full OS compilation.

Architecture of Multilingual Text Storage in SIMATIC PCS 7

SIMATIC PCS 7 is an international distributed control system engineered to support multi-language plant operations. To achieve this, the system decouples language management into three distinct operational domains:

Engineering User Interface Language: Governs the menus and dialogs of SIMATIC Manager, CFC, and HW Config (e.g. German, English, French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese).
Multiproject Language for Display Units: Governs technological object comments, block comments, and alarm event texts stored inside the S7 program database.
WinCC Operator Station Runtime Language: Governs the active visual display language on OS Clients and OS Servers, managed within the WinCC Text Library.

Every text string entered in CFC—such as an external alarm message or unit measurement—is indexed in a central multilingual dictionary. If the active display language in SIMATIC Manager does not match the active runtime language of WinCC, the two systems read conflicting database columns.

Why Language Discrepancies Corrupt WinCC OS Alarm Texts

When an engineering team configures an AS project while SIMATIC Manager's 'Language for Display Units' is set to Portuguese (Brazil), all typed descriptions, equipment identifiers, and custom alarm messages are written strictly into the Portuguese column of the project text repository.

During AS-OS Engineering compilation (Compile OS):

Configuration ParameterSIMATIC Manager StateWinCC OS StateCompilation OutcomeActive Language ColumnPortuguese (Brazil)English (United States)AS-OS compiler queries English column; finds empty stringsAlarm Event TextsCustom Portuguese textUnpopulated English columnReverts to factory default text (e.g. External message 1)Faceplate Static LabelsPortuguese translationEnglish localeWinCC displays ??? or missing label iconsText Library EntriesS7 databaseWinCC SQL databaseText IDs exist but target language rows contain blank records

Simply switching the Windows OS display language does not correct the project text database; the internal SIMATIC Manager multilingual text tables must be formally synchronized.

Step-by-Step Procedure to Harmonize Multiproject Language Settings

To align project languages and restore clean English visualization on WinCC OS stations, execute the following technical procedure:

Set Language for Display Units in SIMATIC Manager:
- In SIMATIC Manager, select the top-level Multiproject or Project object.
- Navigate to Options -> Manage Multilingual Texts -> Language for Display Units.
- In the dialog, set the Default language to English (United States).
- Under 'Installed project languages', ensure English (United States) is listed and marked as the primary language.
Export and Reconcile Multilingual Texts:
- Select Options -> Manage Multilingual Texts -> Export.
- Export all project texts to a CSV file (Project_Texts_Export.csv).
- Open the CSV file in Microsoft Excel. Compare the Portuguese column against the English column.
- Copy the customized Portuguese strings (or translated English strings) into the English (United States) column.
- Save the CSV file and re-import via Options -> Manage Multilingual Texts -> Import.
Verify WinCC OS Language Configuration:
- Open WinCC Explorer on the OS Server.
- Open Text Distributor or Text Library.
- Confirm that English (United States) is active and populated with the newly imported text strings.
- Open Computer Properties -> Parameters tab. Verify that runtime language is set to English (United States).
Execute Full AS-OS Compilation:
- In SIMATIC Manager, right-click the OS Server object and select Compile.
- Choose Scope: Entire OS and ensure Tags and messages is selected.
- Download the compiled WinCC project to the OS Server.

Verification

Verify language harmonization and text display integrity through these diagnostic checks:

Text Library Verification: Open WinCC Explorer -> Text Library. Filter by the motor or valve tag name. Verify that both the Portuguese and English columns contain valid strings with zero empty fields.
WinCC Runtime Display: Activate WinCC Runtime. Verify that navigation buttons, alarm banners, and trend headers display in clean English typography without question marks (???).
Simulate Alarm Event: Trigger an alarm in CFC Test Mode. Confirm that the incoming message line in the WinCC alarm banner displays the customized English text.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

When managing multilingual projects in PCS 7, observe these engineering safeguards:

Consistent Regional Locales: Ensure that Windows System Locale (Regional Settings) across all Engineering Stations, OS Servers, and OS Clients is set to a matching ANSI code page (e.g. English US / Code Page 1252) to prevent character encoding corruption.
Backup Prior to Text Import: Always create a complete Multiproject backup archive (File -> Archive) before importing CSV text tables, as an improper column mapping can overwrite thousands of technological comments.
Multi-Client Language Synchronization: When operating WinCC Web Navigator or Multi-Clients, verify that client user profiles are assigned the matching default runtime language in the WinCC User Administrator.

Engineer FAQ

Why does WinCC display '???' on buttons after compiling?

Question marks '???' indicate that the WinCC Text Library has no entry for that specific object under the currently active runtime language. Populating the English column in the Text Library resolves the display.

Can I keep both Portuguese and English so operators can toggle languages?

Yes. PCS 7 natively supports online language switching. In WinCC Explorer, configure both Portuguese and English in the Text Library and use the standard language switch button on the OS top banner.

Does changing the project language modify PLC logic execution?

No. Controller logic execution (CFC, SFC, SCL machine code) is completely language-independent. Language settings affect strictly visualization, engineering comments, and alarm texts.