Replicating Graphic Pictures and Arranging Block Icons with IEA in PCS 7

In SIMATIC PCS 7 V8.1, the Import/Export Assistant (IEA) is strictly a bulk engineering utility for Continuous Function Charts (CFC) and process tags; it does not clone graphic displays, static drawings, or arranged block icon coordinates. When an IEA model folder contains a graphic screen, IEA only creates an empty placeholder PDL in the target hierarchy. To replicate identical process units with arranged graphics, use IEA to generate the AS charts and hierarchy folders, run 'Create/Update Block Icons' from the Plant Hierarchy, and replicate graphic screens in Graphics Designer using the Dynamic Wizard 'Picture Functions -> Rename tag prefix' or WinCC Cross-Reference Editor.

Functional Boundary of the Import/Export Assistant (IEA)

When engineering multi-train process plants (e.g. 10 identical fermentation tanks, 6 parallel filter lines, or 4 boiler skids), engineers utilize the Import/Export Assistant (IEA) or Control Module Types (CMT) to rapidly duplicate proven control logic. In IEA, an engineer defines a process tag type or model containing charts, blocks, signals, and hierarchy assignments, exporting parameter tables to Microsoft Excel for bulk editing.

A frequent misunderstanding occurs regarding WinCC graphic screens (*.pdl): engineers expect that if an IEA model folder contains an engineered graphic screen with tanks, valves, and neatly arranged block icons, importing the IEA replica files will automatically generate fully rendered, perfectly aligned graphic screens for all replica units.

Why IEA Generates Empty PDLs and Unpositioned Block Icons

IEA operates strictly within the automation station software layer:

Empty PDL Placeholders: When IEA imports a replica model, it creates the target Plant Hierarchy folders and inserts a blank graphic screen container into the WinCC project directory. It does not possess a vector graphics rendering engine to duplicate static graphic elements (vessels, pipe runs, static text).
Block Icon Placement: When block icons are generated via the Create/Update Block Icons wizard, PCS 7 scans the CFC charts, identifies blocks with the Create block icon attribute enabled, and places the icons into the assigned PDL. However, the wizard has no knowledge of piping geometry; it stacks newly created icons in a default grid in the upper-left corner (X=0, Y=0) of the screen.
Variable Mapping: Block icons only bind to live WinCC tags when the block icon generation wizard runs against a compiled AS-OS database.

Certified Workflow for Mass Replicating Process Units and Graphics

To duplicate both automation logic and customized graphic displays efficiently, execute this certified procedure:

Replicate AS Charts via IEA:
- Define the master model in IEA with all chart parameters, symbolic names, and block comments.
- Import the IEA file to generate all 10 unit chart folders (Unit_01 through Unit_10).
- Compile charts (Entire program with Generate module drivers).
Engineer the Master Graphic Screen:
- In WinCC Graphics Designer, open Unit_01.pdl.
- Draw static vessels, piping, and text labels.
- Run Create/Update Block Icons for Unit_01.
- Manually arrange the block icons onto the pipes, pumps, and valves in their perfect geometric positions.
- Save Unit_01.pdl.
Clone and Remap Graphic Screens:
- In Graphics Designer, select File -> Save As... and save as Unit_02.pdl.
- Under Dynamic Wizard -> Picture Functions, run Rename tag prefix (or Change Tag Connections).
- Replace string Unit_01 with Unit_02 across all dynamic links and block icons in the screen.
- Repeat for all remaining units.
- All block icons retain their exact pixel coordinates while binding instantly to the replica unit's tags!

Comparison of Bulk Replication Tools in SIMATIC PCS 7

The following table compares bulk engineering tools and their capabilities in PCS 7:

Engineering ToolAS Chart GenerationHierarchy AssignmentWinCC PDL Graphic CloningBlock Icon Placement HandlingImport/Export Assistant (IEA)Full bulk generation (CSV)YesEmpty placeholder PDL onlyDefault top-left stack (Must rearrange)Control Module Types (CMT)Modern object-oriented templateYesEmpty placeholder PDL onlyDefault top-left stack (Must rearrange)Dynamic Wizard (Tag Prefix)None (OS graphics only)N/AFull visual layout preservedMaintains exact pixel coordinatesWinCC Cross-Reference ToolNone (OS graphics only)N/AReplaces tag names globallyMaintains exact pixel coordinates

[!NOTE]
Commercial Accuracy Notice: The Import/Export Assistant (IEA) is an engineering tool included in the SIMATIC PCS 7 > Engineering System package (6ES7658-1EX58-0YA5). Utilizing IEA or Dynamic Wizards consumes standard engineering capabilities > without additional Process Object licensing costs.

Verification

Verify that replica graphic screens display accurately with live operational data:

Block Icon Coordinates: Open Unit_02.pdl in Graphics Designer. Confirm that pumps and valves are positioned over their respective vessel lines rather than stacked in the top-left corner.
Dynamic Link Verification: Right-click a motor block icon in Unit_02.pdl, open Properties -> Links. Confirm that the tag interconnection points to Unit_02/MotL rather than Unit_01/MotL.
OS Runtime Navigation: Launch WinCC Runtime. Navigate between Unit 1 and Unit 2 screens. Confirm that clicking block icons opens the correct faceplates corresponding to each physical unit.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Observe these guidelines when cloning graphic screens:

Never Re-run 'Create Block Icons' with Automatic Placement: If you execute Create/Update Block Icons with the option 'Re-create all block icons' enabled, the wizard will delete your carefully positioned icons and re-stack them in the corner.
Standardize Tag Prefixes: Structure plant hierarchy folder names consistently (e.g. Tank_01, Tank_02) to ensure string search-and-replace routines in the Dynamic Wizard operate cleanly without unintended string truncations.
Check Picture Tree Assignment: Verify that newly cloned PDLs are registered in Picture Tree Manager to enable split-screen navigation.

Engineer FAQ

Why does IEA create empty PDL files instead of copying my graphics?

IEA is an automation station engineering tool designed to instantiate CFC charts and parameters. It has no graphical design capabilities; use WinCC Graphics Designer to copy and remap screens.

How do I prevent 'Create/Update Block Icons' from moving my arranged icons?

Ensure that in the block icon properties, the icon type number is configured, and do not select 'Re-create all block icons' in the wizard. The update mode only refreshes tag links without altering coordinates.

What is the fastest way to clone a graphic screen for a duplicate unit?

Save the master screen under a new name (e.g. Unit2.pdl), then run the Dynamic Wizard 'Picture Functions -> Rename tag prefix' to replace Unit1 with Unit2 in all tag links.

Is Control Module Types (CMT) better than IEA for modern PCS 7 projects?

Yes. Starting with PCS 7 V8.1, Control Module Types (CMT) and Equipment Modules (EM) supersede IEA, offering superior type-instance synchronization and change management.