Resolving Blank Group Status Displays on CEMAT C_SSB Blocks in PCS 7 Lafarge Standard 027

In SIMATIC PCS 7 systems running CEMAT Standard 027 (Lafarge standard V9.0 SP1), clicking the state button on the sub-system block C_SSB opens a completely empty status picture when customized graphic faceplate templates or project-specific configuration files are missing from the WinCC project directory. Resolving this display failure requires deploying the Lafarge-specific status picture templates from the CEMAT installation directory into the WinCC GraCS folder and synchronizing block status configurations.

Role of the C_SSB Sub-System Block in CEMAT Standard 027 (Lafarge)

The CEMAT industry library provides tailored engineering standards customized for multinational cement manufacturers. Standard 027 defines specific technological specifications for Lafarge operations:
* The C_SSB Block: Represents a Sub-System or Sub-Group block coordinating related machine groups (e.g., raw mill feed systems, separator circuits, clinker cooler fans).
* It aggregates drive statuses, trip interlocks, operational permissions, and maintenance modes across multiple drives and dampers.
* In the WinCC OS faceplate, clicking the State button is designed to open a dedicated sub-picture displaying an overview of all subordinate devices, their individual operational states, and the specific permissive condition that is currently unfulfilled.

Mechanism of the Status Display Function in C_SSB

When an operator clicks the State button on the C_SSB faceplate:
1. The faceplate script reads the internal attribute Status or calls the sub-picture window configured for Standard 027.
2. The script targets a specific faceplate template picture, typically named @PG_C_SSB_STATUS.PDL or @PG_C_SSB_STAT.PDL tailored for the Lafarge project structure.
3. The picture window loads dynamic device status icons corresponding to the subordinate drive blocks configured in the AS chart.
4. If the referenced .pdl picture does not exist in the local project's GraCS directory, or if the block's internal status array is unpopulated, the picture window opens as a completely blank gray frame.

Root Causes: Missing Lafarge PDL Templates vs. Unassigned Status Configuration

Investigation of empty C_SSB status displays reveals two primary failure modes:
* Missing Add-On Picture Files in GraCS: Standard CEMAT installation installs core files into CEMAT_CS/. However, standard-specific add-ons (such as 027_LAFARGE) require copying specialized graphics, scripts, and bitmap symbols from the add-on folder into the WinCC OS project. If the OS Project Editor was executed without re-copying the add-on files, standard system files overwrite or omit the Lafarge-specific faceplate pictures.
* Unconfigured Subordinate Device Pointers in CFC: In the CFC chart, the C_SSB block requires parameterization of the interconnected drives or group members. If the block parameter STATUS or subordinate link pins are disconnected or misaddressed, the script finds no data to render.

Step-by-Step Recovery Procedure: Deploying Templates and Recompiling OS

To restore full status visualization for C_SSB:
1. Locate CEMAT Lafarge Add-On Assets:
* On the Engineering Station, navigate to:
C:/Program Files (x86)/SIEMENS/CEMAT_CS/ADDON/027_LAFARGE/WinCC/GraCS/.
* Locate all picture files matching @PG_C_SSB*.PDL and @C_SSB*.PDL.
2. Copy Files to OS Project Directory:
* Copy the identified .pdl files into your OS project's graphics folder:
<OS Project Path>/GraCS/.
* Also copy any Lafarge-specific C-scripts from ADDON/027_LAFARGE/WinCC/library/ to <OS Project Path>/library/.
3. Verify Text Library Entries:
* In WinCC Explorer, open the Text Library.
* Confirm that status text entries for C_SSB (e.g., Starting, Running, Fault, Stopped) exist for all project runtime languages (English, French, German).
4. Regenerate Header and Server Data:
* Run the OS Project Editor in WinCC Explorer, ensuring that project-specific files are not marked for deletion.
* Execute an AS-OS compilation (Changes Only) to update block tags.
5. Download to OS Runtime: Download project changes to the OS Server and redundant partner.

Verification

In WinCC OS runtime, locate a running or stopped sub-system represented by C_SSB.
Click the C_SSB block icon to open the main faceplate.
Click the State button: verify that the status window opens and populates with active text indicators, drive statuses, and color-coded interlock flags.
In CFC, toggle an interlock condition on a connected drive: verify that the C_SSB status display highlights the failed permissive immediately.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Running the WinCC OS Project Editor with the option "Update completely" will overwrite customized CEMAT add-on files; always re-verify add-on assets after running OS Project Editor.
Never mix picture templates between different CEMAT standards (e.g., mixing Standard 001 with Standard 027 Lafarge or Standard 028 Holcim); each standard defines distinct internal data structures.
Ensure all redundant OS servers receive identical copies of the updated .pdl and script files in their GraCS folders.

Engineer FAQ

What is CEMAT Standard 027?
It is the official Siemens CEMAT industry library variant developed according to Lafarge technological specifications.
What does the C_SSB block do in CEMAT?
C_SSB is the Sub-System Block used to coordinate and monitor groups of interdependent drives and dampers.
Why did the C_SSB status picture open as a blank gray box?
The specific status display picture file (e.g., @PG_C_SSB_STATUS.pdl) was missing from the WinCC GraCS project folder.
Where are CEMAT add-on graphics stored on the Engineering Station?
Under C:/Program Files (x86)/SIEMENS/CEMAT_CS/ADDON/ organized by standard number.
Can I customize the status display picture in Graphics Designer?
Yes, but modifications should be saved in the master add-on directory to prevent accidental overwrites during future library updates.
Does C_SSB consume an AS Process Object (AS RT PO)?
Yes, technological control and monitoring blocks in CEMAT with WinCC faceplate integration consume 1 AS RT PO.
What tool checks CEMAT project consistency before commissioning?
The CEMAT Check Tool (CematCheckTool.exe) verifies object numbers, message ranges, and screen links.
What user authorization is required to operate C_SSB controls in WinCC?
Authorization Level 5 (Process Controlling) or Level 6 (Higher Process Controlling) in WinCC User Administrator.
Why are status texts missing even though the graphical shapes appear?
Missing text indicates that the corresponding language entries were not imported into the WinCC Text Library.
Is CEMAT Standard 027 compatible with PCS 7 V9.0 SP1?
Yes, CEMAT V9.0 SP1 includes the official 027 Lafarge standard release certified for that version.

Technical References

SIMATIC PCS 7 CEMAT Standard 027 Lafarge Engineering Manual
SIMATIC PCS 7 CEMAT V9.0 SP1 System Manual
Siemens Industry Online Support Entry: CEMAT C_SSB Status Faceplate Display (Entry ID 299050)
SIMATIC HMI WinCC V7.4 Graphics Designer Manual

Related Tags

PCS 7, CEMAT, Standard 027, Lafarge, C_SSB, Faceplate, GraCS, Status Display, WinCC, Minerals

Resolving Blank Group Status Displays on CEMAT C_SSB Blocks in PCS 7 Lafarge Standard 027