Understanding 'Picture Selection via Measurement Point' Configuration Limits in PCS 7 Multi-Server Architectures

In SIMATIC PCS 7 multi-server architectures, the standard operator navigation function 'Picture selection via measurement point' (Bildanwahl über Messstelle) is executed by the compiled utility bildanw.exe, which hardcodes its initial dropdown selection to the first alphabetical server data package rather than ''. Siemens does not provide configuration settings, registry keys, or INI parameters to change this default behavior. To enable site-wide measurement point searching across all servers by default, engineers must either instruct operators to select '' from the dropdown, or implement a custom search faceplate in Graphics Designer utilizing VBScript to query Tag Management.

Architecture of 'Picture Selection via Measurement Point' (bildanw.exe)

In SIMATIC PCS 7 Operator Stations, rapid plant navigation is essential for operator situational awareness. The system provides a built-in search tool known as 'Picture selection via measurement point' (German: Bildanwahl über Messstelle).

When an operator clicks the measurement point icon in the top overview button bar (or presses the assigned shortcut key):
1. WinCC Split Screen Manager launches the compiled external utility:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Siemens\WinCC\bin\bildanw.exe.
2. bildanw.exe reads the local client's imported server data packages (.pck) to identify all connected OS Servers and available plant tags.
3. The dialog presents:
* A Server Dropdown Box: Lists available server packages.
* An Input Field: Allows entering a partial or complete tag name (e.g., FIC_101).
* A Search Button: Locates the process picture containing the block icon for that tag and opens it directly in the workspace.

Configuration Boundaries in Multi-Server Architectures

In distributed plant architectures comprising multiple OS Server pairs (e.g., OS_Area1, OS_Area2, OS_Area3):
* When bildanw.exe opens, the Server dropdown box always defaults to the first alphabetical server package (e.g., OS_Area1).
* If an operator searches for a tag located on OS_Area2 without first manually changing the dropdown to OS_Area2 or <All Servers>, the utility reports: 'Measurement point not found'.

Engineers frequently investigate configuration files (such as bildanw.ini, OS.ini, or Windows Registry keys) seeking to force bildanw.exe to default to <All Servers> upon opening.

The Architectural Reality

Hardcoded Executable Logic: bildanw.exe is a pre-compiled Siemens C++ application. The dropdown initialization logic hardcodes index 0 (the first loaded server package) upon startup.
No Configuration Parameters: Siemens does not expose any registry key, command-line argument, or XML configuration file to modify the startup dropdown index.
Consequently, modifying the internal behavior of bildanw.exe is impossible without rewriting the executable, which is strictly prohibited by software integrity rules.

Alternative Engineering Implementation for Global Searching

If plant operational guidelines mandate a global search that defaults to querying all servers simultaneously without operator dropdown interaction, engineers can implement a custom search faceplate:

Step 1: Design a Custom Search Popup Picture

In Graphics Designer, create a new picture named CustomTagSearch.pdl (e.g., 500x300 pixels).
Insert:
* An I/O Field / String Input: Named txtSearchTag.
* A Button: Named btnSearch labeled 'Locate Picture'.
* A List Box: To display matching tag results across servers.

Step 2: Implement VBScript Cross-Server Search

Attach a VBScript to the button's OnClick event that queries WinCC Tag Management across all loaded server prefixes:

Sub OnClick(ByVal Item)
    Dim objSearchStr, objTag, sTagPrefix, arrServers, sServer, sTargetPdl
    objSearchStr = ScreenItems("txtSearchTag").OutputValue

    ' Array of configured server packages
    arrServers = Array("OS_AREA1::", "OS_AREA2::", "OS_AREA3::")

    For Each sServer In arrServers
        ' Search tag existence using WinCC Tag object
        Set objTag = HMIRuntime.Tags(sServer & objSearchStr & ".PV_Out#Value")
        If objTag.LastError = 0 Then
            ' Locate picture using Split Screen Manager function
            sTargetPdl = HMIRuntime.Tags(sServer & objSearchStr & "#PictureName").Read
            If sTargetPdl <> "" Then
                SSMOpenPicture(sTargetPdl)
                Exit Sub
            End If
        End If
    Next
    MsgBox "Tag not found across any server.", vbInformation, "Search Result"
End Sub

Step 3: Integrate into `@Overview1.pdl`

Place a shortcut icon in the top header banner that calls SSMOpenTopField(11, "CustomTagSearch.pdl").

Measurement Point Selection Methods Comparison Matrix

The following table compares the standard Siemens utility with custom search implementations:

Feature / CapabilityStandard bildanw.exeCustom VBScript Search FaceplateDevelopment EffortZero (Built-in Siemens utility)Moderate (Custom PDL & Script)Startup Server DefaultHardcoded to First ServerCustomizable to <All Servers>Multi-Server SearchRequires manual dropdown selectionAutomated background scanSupport & Upgradeability100% Maintained by Siemens updatesRequires project maintenanceIntegration LocationDefault @Overview1.pdl buttonCustom button in header

While bildanw.exe requires an extra operator click, it remains the officially supported standard.

Verification

To verify standard measurement point selection operation:
1. In WinCC Runtime, click the measurement point icon in the top header.
2. Confirm that bildanw.exe launches displaying the server dropdown and tag input field.
3. In the dropdown, select <All Servers>.
4. Enter a known technological tag name (e.g., 03FIC101) and click Search.
5. Confirm that WinCC navigates immediately to the correct process picture and highlights the block icon.
6. Verify that searching an invalid tag returns the expected diagnostic notification.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Never attempt to decompile, patch, or replace bildanw.exe in the WinCC in directory, as this corrupts software certification and will be overwritten during hotfix updates.
Ensure all OS Server data packages (.pck) are loaded and updated on the OS Client, or bildanw.exe will omit tags from missing servers.
Custom VBScript tag searches must be designed efficiently; querying thousands of tags sequentially over slow Terminal Bus links can introduce interface lag.
Operators should be trained during standard commissioning to select <All Servers> when searching across multi-area facilities.

Engineer FAQ

Can I pass a command-line argument to `bildanw.exe` to default to all servers?

No. Siemens development did not implement command-line switches for bildanw.exe; it initializes directly from its compiled internal defaults.

Why does `bildanw.exe` list the servers in a specific order?

The utility enumerates server data packages imported into the WinCC project in alphabetical order based on their symbolic server package names.

Does 'Picture selection via measurement point' work on WebNavigator clients?

No. bildanw.exe is a 32-bit Windows desktop executable and cannot execute within a remote browser session. WebNavigator uses picture tree navigation menus.

Technical References

Related Tags

bildanw_exe
Measurement_Point
Picture_Selection
Multi_Server
WinCC_Navigation

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Understanding 'Picture Selection via Measurement Point' Configuration Limits in PCS 7 Multi-Server Architectures