Show PCS 7 Alarm-Hiding State Columns in the Process Object View

If alarm-hiding states 11–32 are missing from the PCS 7 Process Object View, the reported resolution is to customize which columns the view displays. In SIMATIC Manager, open Options > Customize > Columns > Process Object View > Messages, then select the required state or hiding-mask columns. This changes column visibility in the engineering view; it does not add states to the STRep block or expand the underlying mask. Confirm the exact available column labels in the installed PCS 7 release.

Why states can be supported but not visible

The original PCS 7 V9.0 discussion describes an STRep configuration with states 11–32 not visible in the Process Object View, even though the alarm-logging Hide mask field accepts a 32-bit mask. The reply's resolution was to customize the Process Object View columns in SIMATIC Manager. The user confirmed that this solved the issue.

Siemens' PCS 7 Smart Alarm Hiding guide for V10.0 documents 32 operating-state values and 32 Boolean STRep inputs, and describes configuring the hiding matrix in the Process Object View's Messages tab. That later manual supports the distinction between state capacity and what is displayed in the engineering view, but its exact menus and block library version must not be assumed identical to PCS 7 V9.0.

Show the required message columns

The source-reported path for PCS 7 V9.0 is:

In SIMATIC Manager, open Options > Customize.
Select Columns > Process Object View > Messages.
Enable the required state/hiding-mask columns that are absent from the Messages tab.
Apply the column selection and return to the Process Object View's Messages tab.
Locate the relevant message rows and edit the required mask/state values only after confirming the intended alarm-hiding behavior.

The ticket does not name the exact column labels, and the screenshots are not available. Column names can depend on the product version and configuration; select the relevant mask columns rather than assuming a specific label.

Check the state and mask configuration separately

Column visibility only changes the engineering table presentation. It does not by itself configure operating-state enumeration values, wire state signals to STRep, assign block groups, or set the alarm-hiding matrix. Siemens' V10.0 guide describes these as distinct stages: define states, configure STRep, configure block groups, configure the hiding matrix in the Process Object View, then compile the AS and OS and download as required. Apply the corresponding procedure for the project's actual version.

Verification

After enabling the columns, confirm that the missing mask/state fields are visible on the Messages tab and that the intended rows can be inspected or edited. Then verify the underlying operating-state enumeration, STRep signals and message matrix against the project design. If the configuration changes, follow the applicable PCS 7 version's compile/download procedure and validate alarm behavior in a controlled test before production use.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

The ticket reports PCS 7 V9.0 but does not give its Service Pack or Update and omits the attached screenshots. The menu path and successful outcome are source-reported; the opened Siemens Smart Alarm Hiding manual applies to PCS 7 V10.0, not the reported V9.0 system. Exact column labels therefore remain unverified for the target installation. Editing a hiding mask can change which alarms operators see under specific plant states. Review the intended alarm policy, preserve required alarms, and follow site change control before compiling/downloading changes.

Engineer FAQ

Does customizing columns add support for states 11–32? No. It makes configured fields available in the Process Object View; the underlying block, enumeration and alarm-hiding support are separate configuration concerns.

Which Process Object View tab should be configured? The reported path selects columns for the Messages tab.

What is the reported PCS 7 V9.0 menu path? Options > Customize > Columns > Process Object View > Messages in SIMATIC Manager.

Does the Siemens V10.0 guide prove exact V9.0 menu labels? No. It documents 32 states and the message-matrix workflow for V10.0; verify the menus and columns in the installed V9.0 release.

What should be checked before changing a mask? Confirm the intended operating state, message row, STRep configuration and alarm policy so that required alarms are not unintentionally hidden.

Technical References

Siemens, SIMATIC PCS 7 Smart Alarm Hiding, Entry ID 55699984, V6.0, 02/2025, §§4.1.1–4.1.4, operating states, STRep, and hiding-matrix configuration, pp. 13–20: https://cache.industry.siemens.com/dl/files/984/55699984/att_1302469/v3/55699984_Alarm_Hiding_PCS_7_V100_DOC_V6_0_en.pdf