Master Data Library Templates: Copying APL Typicals and Multi-Instance Synchronization in PCS 7

To standardize templates in SIMATIC PCS 7, copy control module typicals (e.g. MotLean) from the Advanced Process Library (APL) into the project's Master Data Library (MDL) under the 'Templates' folder in Plant View. To modify existing instances across the plant when a template changes, execute 'Plant Hierarchy > Process Tag Types > Update Instances...', which propagates logic modifications while preserving tag-specific parameters.

Centralization Principles: Master Data Library and Process Tag Types

In large-scale process automation projects engineered with SIMATIC PCS 7 (such as water treatment plants, chemical refineries, or pulp mills), plants contain hundreds of identical or similar technological assets: standard fixed-speed pumps, motor-operated valves, and analog transmitters.

Attempting to engineer each motor by creating independent CFC charts from scratch leads to design inconsistency, prolonged commissioning times, and severe maintenance burdens when client specifications change.

To resolve this, Siemens establishes the Master Data Library (MDL) and the Process Tag Type (Messstellentyp) concept:
1. Standard template charts (Control Module Typicals) provided in the Advanced Process Library (APL)—such as MotLean, MotRevL, VlvL—are copied into the project's Master Data Library.
2. The engineering team customizes the template in the Master Data Library to meet site requirements (e.g. adding local safety disconnect interlocks, running hours counters, or specific alarm limits).
3. The customized template is instantiated throughout the Plant Hierarchy.
4. If a client subsequently mandates adding an auxiliary permissive signal across all 150 motors, the modification is made once in the Master Data Library template and automatically propagated to all 150 instances using the Update Instances wizard.

Copying APL Typicals to the Master Data Library

To establish the standardized engineering baseline:

Open APL Template Library in Plant View:
* In SIMATIC Manager, select File > Open > Libraries.
* Open the PCS 7 AP Library (or APL_Templates).
* Switch the library window to Plant View.
Open the Project Master Data Library:
* In SIMATIC Manager, open your project multiproject.
* Locate the Master Data Library folder and switch to Plant View.
Copy the Template Chart:
* In the APL Templates library, locate the Templates hierarchy folder.
* Select the desired typical chart (e.g. MotLean, VlvL).
* Press Ctrl + C.
* Select the Templates folder in your Master Data Library and press Ctrl + V.
Customize the Template:
* Open the copied chart inside the Master Data Library.
* Add site-specific blocks (e.g. CountOh for operating hours, Intlk04 for interlocks).
* Define which block pins represent Parameters (values specific to each motor, such as I/O addresses and setpoints) versus Structural Logic (connections identical across all motors).

Modifying Templates and Propagating Changes via Update Instances

When plant requirements evolve and existing multi-instances must be updated:

Step-by-Step Instance Synchronization Workflow:

Modify the Master Template:
* Open the template chart in the Master Data Library (e.g. Master_MotLean).
* Make the required logic change (for example, insert an auxiliary trip contact into an interlock block).
* Save and close the template chart.
Launch the Update Instances Wizard:
* In SIMATIC Manager Plant View, right-click the modified template in the Master Data Library.
* Select menu Plant Hierarchy > Process Tag Types > Update Instances... (or select the top-level plant hierarchy folder).
Review Differences and Confirmation:
* The wizard scans the entire multiproject, identifies all charts instantiated from this template, and displays a difference dialog.
* The dialog highlights:
- Added or deleted blocks.
- Modified interconnections.
- Preserved instance parameters (I/O addresses, device tag names, and setpoints remain untouched).
Execute Propagation:
* Click Finish. The wizard automatically updates all target CFC charts across the multiproject.
Compile and Download Changes:
* Execute Chart > Compile > Changes only.
* Download changes to the Automation Station in RUN mode (CiR).

Process Tag Type vs. Standard CFC Instance Matrix

Engineering AttributeMaster Data Library Process Tag TypeAd-Hoc Copied CFC ChartCentral SourceResides in Master Data Library TemplatesNo central master (Independent orphan)Global ModificationsPropagated automatically via 'Update Instances'Must be manually edited in every single chartParameter IntegrityPreserves unique I/O addresses and tag namesHigh risk of accidental parameter overwritesMass EngineeringCompatible with Import/Export Assistant (IEA) / PAAManual copy-paste onlyDocumentation ComplianceFully traceable software typical baselineInconsistent logic variations across plant

Verification

In the Master Data Library, add an Add_R calculation block to template Master_MotLean.
Select Master_MotLean, right-click and choose Plant Hierarchy > Process Tag Types > Update Instances....
Confirm the wizard lists all 20 motor charts in the plant hierarchy.
Click Finish; open plant chart PMP_101 and verify that the Add_R block is now present.
Confirm that PMP_101's hardware addresses and motor tag names were completely preserved.
Execute Chart > Compile > Changes only; confirm clean compilation with 0 Errors.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Never Modify APL System Libraries Directly: Always copy templates from the APL library into your project's Master Data Library before modifying. Modifying original Siemens system libraries corrupts future software updates.
Preserve Parameter Bindings: When altering templates, do not delete and re-insert blocks whose pins are linked to instance data; deleting a block wipes out configured instance parameters on existing field charts during synchronization.
Online CPU Download Safety: Updating instances in a live running plant updates multiple charts simultaneously. Always perform safety audits before executing online change downloads to running controllers.

Engineer FAQ

Can I use Import-Export Assistant (IEA) with Master Data Library templates?

Yes. Process Tag Types in the Master Data Library are fully integrated with the IEA, allowing mass generation of hundreds of charts from an Excel I/O spreadsheet.

What is the difference between a Process Tag Type and a Control Module Typical?

Process Tag Type (PTT) is the classic PCS 7 terminology. In modern PCS 7 and Plant Automation Accelerator (PAA), they are referred to as Control Module (CM) Typicals in alignment with ISA-88 standards.

Will updating instances overwrite setpoints adjusted by operators in runtime?

No. Instance update algorithms compare structural connections and block types; configured setpoint values stored in instance data blocks are preserved.