Translating Plant Hierarchy Area Texts in PCS 7 via Text Import and Export Wizard

In SIMATIC PCS 7 (including V7.1 and V8.0), translating Plant Hierarchy (PH) Area texts—which appear on WinCC top navigation buttons—directly within the WinCC Text Library will fail, as every subsequent OS compilation overwrites the translated texts with the original project names. In PCS 7 architecture, the Plant Hierarchy in SIMATIC Manager is the master authority for Area names. To translate Area texts permanently, select the project node in SIMATIC Manager, execute 'Options -> Manage Multilingual Texts -> Export...', select the Source and Target languages to export to CSV, translate the folder names in the target column, and re-import via 'Options -> Manage Multilingual Texts -> Import...'. Compiling the OS then updates both languages in WinCC without overwriting.

Executive Summary

Multilingual process control systems require translating operator navigation buttons, alarm texts, and screen headers into multiple operational languages (e.g., English, German, French, Spanish). In SIMATIC PCS 7 V8.0, engineers translating screen elements often use the WinCC Text Library or WinCC Text Distributor. While graphic static texts translate successfully, Area names in the top overview navigation bar exhibit frustrating behavior: manually translated names in the WinCC Text Library revert to the original English text following the next OS compilation. This technical guide explains the master data authority of the Technological Plant Hierarchy and provides the step-by-step export/import procedure in SIMATIC Manager to achieve permanent multilingual area navigation.

Architecture and Fundamental Mechanics

The multilingual translation architecture in SIMATIC PCS 7 divides text ownership between the AS Engineering System and WinCC OS:
1. The Plant Hierarchy Master Authority:
- In PCS 7, the Plant Hierarchy (PH) in SIMATIC Manager defines the physical and operational structure of the facility (Areas, Units, Equipment Modules).
- WinCC's top navigation bar (@overview1.pdl / Picture Tree Manager) is derived directly from the Plant Hierarchy folders.
- The Master Authority Rule: During an OS Compilation, the compiler synchronizes the WinCC Picture Tree with the SIMATIC Manager Plant Hierarchy database. Any text modified locally inside WinCC Text Library is treated as desynchronized and is overwritten by the master project record.
2. SIMATIC Manager Multilingual Text Management:
- SIMATIC Manager contains its own centralized multilingual database (Manage Multilingual Texts).
- This engine manages translations for:
a. Plant Hierarchy folder names (Area buttons).
b. Block comments and process tag names.
c. Unit of measurement strings and operating messages.
- When translations are entered at the SIMATIC Manager level, the OS Compiler populates the WinCC Text Library with corresponding language columns, ensuring permanent bilingual navigation.

Step-by-Step Implementation Procedure

Configure Target Languages in SIMATIC Manager:
a. Open SIMATIC Manager on the Engineering Station.
b. Select the Multiproject or target User Project.
c. From the main menu, select Options -> Manage Multilingual Texts -> Change Language....
d. Confirm that both the Default Language (e.g., English) and Target Language (e.g., German, French, or Spanish) are present in the project language list.
Export Multilingual Texts to CSV File:
a. Select the target AS/OS project node in SIMATIC Manager.
b. Select Options -> Manage Multilingual Texts -> Export....
c. In the export dialog:
- Set Source Language: English (United States).
- Set Target Language: your desired target language (e.g., German (Germany)).
- Under 'Text objects to be exported', ensure Plant Hierarchy (Folder names) is checked.
- Choose output format: Text file (*.csv, tab-delimited).
- Specify the destination file path (e.g., C:\Export\PH_Area_Translations.csv).
  d. Click Export.
Translate Area Folder Names in Spreadsheet Editor:
a. Open PH_Area_Translations.csv in Microsoft Excel or a text editor.
b. Locate the rows corresponding to Plant Hierarchy Area folders.
c. Leave the Source Language column untouched.
d. Enter the translated localized names into the Target Language column (e.g., translate Boiler_Area to Kessel_Bereich).
e. Save the file, maintaining exact tab-delimited CSV formatting.
Import Translated Texts Back into SIMATIC Manager:
a. Return to SIMATIC Manager.
b. Select the project node.
c. Select Options -> Manage Multilingual Texts -> Import....
d. Browse to PH_Area_Translations.csv and click Import.
e. Review the import log: verify that all folder translation strings were imported successfully.
Execute OS Compilation with Picture Tree Update:
a. Right-click the OS Server object and select Compile.
b. In the OS Compilation wizard, ensure Picture Tree generation is enabled.
c. Under 'Scope', select Entire OS (or Changes).
d. Complete compilation.
Download Updated Project to OS Stations:
a. Download the updated OS project from the ES to the OS Server and OS Client stations.

Verification

In WinCC Explorer on the OS station, open Text Library: verify that both language columns (English and Target Language) contain the localized Area names.
In WinCC Runtime, open the operator interface: verify that the top navigation buttons display English by default.
Click the language toggle button (or call @LanguageKey in runtime): verify that the top area navigation buttons switch smoothly to the translated target language without graphic distortion.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Never modify Plant Hierarchy Area texts directly in the WinCC Picture Tree Manager or Graphic Designer. All structural Area text modifications must originate in SIMATIC Manager to prevent compilation overwrite.

Engineer FAQ

Why does OS compilation overwrite my translations in the WinCC Text Library?

Because the Plant Hierarchy in SIMATIC Manager is the master source for Area names; compilation re-synchronizes WinCC with SIMATIC Manager, overwriting local edits.

Where should Plant Hierarchy Area names be translated?

In SIMATIC Manager using the 'Options -> Manage Multilingual Texts -> Export/Import' tool.

Can I translate Area names into more than two languages?

Yes. SIMATIC Manager supports exporting and importing multiple language pairs (e.g., English to German, English to Spanish).

What tool is used to translate graphic picture static text?

WinCC Text Distributor or Graphic Designer is used for static picture texts, whereas SIMATIC Manager translates Plant Hierarchy areas.

How does an operator switch languages in WinCC Runtime?

By clicking a language switch button that executes the C-script SetLanguage() or toggles internal system tag @CurrentLanguage.

Technical References

Related Tags

Multilingual Translation
Plant Hierarchy
Area Texts
WinCC Text Library
OS Compilation
PCS 7 V8.0

Multilingual Translation

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Translating Plant Hierarchy Area Texts in PCS 7 via Text Import and Export Wizard