Locating and Operating the CEMAT Check Tool Across SIMATIC PCS 7 Versions

In SIMATIC PCS 7 systems utilizing the CEMAT minerals and cement library, the CEMAT Check Tool validates engineering integrity across CFC charts, OS message configurations, and group interlocks. The tool's installation location evolved across releases: in legacy CEMAT V7 and V8 versions, it resides as an Excel macro workbook under D:/CEMAT_CS/TOOLS/, while in modern CEMAT V8.2, V9.0, and V9.1 environments, it is installed as a compiled executable at C:/Program Files (x86)/SIEMENS/CEMAT_CS/TOOLS/CheckTool/.

Role of the CEMAT Check Tool in Minerals and Cement Engineering

CEMAT is the specialized Siemens industry library designed for cement, mining, and bulk material handling plants. Because large cement operations encompass tens of thousands of interlocking drives, dampers, group controllers, and route selections, project consistency is critical:
* Object Numbering Integrity: Verifies that block instances (C_DRV_1D, C_DRV_2D, C_DAMPER, C_GROUP, C_ROUTE) have unique, sequential object IDs.
* Message Configuration Validation: Checks that every technological block has valid WinCC message numbers, preventing silent alarm generation failures.
* Hierarchy and Group Cross-References: Validates that field drives assigned to higher-level group controllers correctly report their operational feedback and interlock states.
* AS-OS Alignment: Confirms that all CFC block parameters flagged for operator control/monitoring (S7_m_c) match the OS picture definitions.

Evolution of Tool Architecture: Excel Macro vs. Standalone Executable

Across successive software generations, Siemens redesigned the CEMAT Check Tool to improve performance and compatibility with modern 64-bit operating systems:
* Legacy Architecture (CEMAT V6.x, V7.x, V8.0/V8.1): Built as a Microsoft Excel VBA macro workbook (Cemat_CheckTool.xls). It required enabling Excel macro security permissions and connecting via COM to the STEP 7 database.
* Modern Architecture (CEMAT V8.2, V9.0, V9.1): Re-engineered as a dedicated standalone Windows .NET application (CematCheckTool.exe). It runs independently of Microsoft Office, offering direct multi-threaded database inspection of PCS 7 multiprojects.

File System Paths Across CEMAT Releases (V7.x through V9.1)

The tool is automatically deployed during CEMAT library setup, but its directory path depends strictly on the installed release:
* CEMAT V7.0 / V8.0 / V8.1:
* Located at: D:/CEMAT_CS/TOOLS/Cemat_CheckTool.xls or C:/CEMAT_CS/TOOLS/Cemat_CheckTool.xls.
* CEMAT V8.2 / V9.0 / V9.1:
* Located at: C:/Program Files (x86)/SIEMENS/CEMAT_CS/TOOLS/CheckTool/CematCheckTool.exe.
* Alternatively, accessible via Windows Start Menu: Start -> Siemens Automation -> CEMAT -> CEMAT Check Tool.

Operating Workflow: Running Consistency Checks on Multiprojects

To execute a project validation before commissioning or OS compilation:
1. Prepare Project: Ensure all CFC charts are saved in SIMATIC Manager and no other engineer is modifying charts concurrently.
2. Launch Application: Navigate to C:/Program Files (x86)/SIEMENS/CEMAT_CS/TOOLS/CheckTool/CematCheckTool.exe and execute as Administrator.
3. Select Target Multiproject:
* Click Browse and select the root .s7p project file or master multiproject .mcp file.
* Select the target Automation Station (AS) or choose All Stations.
4. Configure Test Scope: Select validation rules:
* Duplicate Object Number Check.
* Unassigned Group / Route References.
* Message Number Range Allocation.
* Missing WinCC Tag Connections.
5. Execute Check: Click Start Check. The tool scans CFC chart partitions, cross-reference tables, and block data blocks.
6. Analyze Diagnostic Log: Review the generated discrepancy report (.txt or .csv). The report lists the exact chart name, block instance, and error type (e.g., Drive M01_DRV has duplicate object ID 1042).
7. Correct Errors in CFC: Open the reported charts in SIMATIC Manager and adjust the conflicting block parameters.

Verification

Run the CEMAT Check Tool on the modified project: confirm that the summary displays 0 Errors, 0 Critical Warnings.
Execute an AS compile (Changes Only) followed by an OS compile: verify that compilation finishes without CEMAT library error codes.
In WinCC OS runtime, open the group faceplate for the verified area: verify that all drives report healthy ready-to-run status.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Running the CEMAT Check Tool on a very large multiproject (e.g., 20+ AS stations) can take 15 to 30 minutes; do not terminate the process while database queries are active.
The legacy Excel version requires a 32-bit version of Microsoft Excel with macros enabled; it fails to run on 64-bit Office installations without compatibility adjustments.
The Check Tool identifies logical and configuration inconsistencies; it does not replace functional loop testing of physical field wiring.

Engineer FAQ

Is the CEMAT Check Tool installed automatically during CEMAT setup?
Yes, it is included in the standard CEMAT installation package and deposited into the CEMAT_CS/TOOLS folder structure.
Can I run the CEMAT Check Tool while SIMATIC Manager is actively online?
Yes, but saving charts while the tool is reading the database may cause temporary file lock warnings.
What is the most common error identified by the CEMAT Check Tool?
Duplicate object numbers (OBJ_ID) assigned to drives, dampers, or group control blocks across different charts.
Why does the legacy Excel Check Tool fail to open in Windows 10?
Modern 64-bit Microsoft Office installations block legacy 32-bit COM ActiveX controls used by the older Excel macro workbook.
Does CEMAT V9.1 require Microsoft Excel to run the Check Tool?
No, CEMAT V8.2 and newer use the standalone executable CematCheckTool.exe, which has no dependency on Microsoft Office.
Can the CEMAT Check Tool automatically repair detected errors?
No, the tool is a diagnostic reporting engine; engineers must manually resolve indicated discrepancies within the CFC charts.
Does the Check Tool verify WinCC OS graphics files (.pdl)?
Yes, it checks whether block icons instantiated on WinCC screens match active block instances in the AS charts.
Where are the Check Tool log files stored?
Logs are saved in the project directory under the CEMAT_CS/TOOLS/CheckTool/Logs/ folder.
What user privileges are required to run CematCheckTool.exe?
The user must have Windows Administrator privileges and membership in the SIMATIC HMI security group.
Is the CEMAT Check Tool compatible with PCS 7 V9.1 SP2?
Yes, CEMAT V9.1 SP2 includes the updated Check Tool fully certified for Windows 10 and Windows Server 2019.

Technical References

SIMATIC PCS 7 CEMAT Engineering Manual (V8.2 / V9.0 / V9.1)
Siemens Industry Online Support Entry: CEMAT Check Tool Location and Operation (Entry ID 298774)
CEMAT System Description and Functional Modules Reference
SIMATIC PCS 7 Minerals Automation Standard Operating Procedures