Using the Siemens Compatibility Tool (Kompatool) to Validate Software and Hardware Combinations for PCS 7 V8.2

In SIMATIC PCS 7 V8.2, verifying the compatibility of operating systems, hardware firmware, software options, and third-party applications is conducted through the official Siemens Industry Online Support Compatibility Tool (Kompatool: www.siemens.com/kompatool). Because the compatibility database is updated continuously as Microsoft patches and Siemens updates are released, relying on static printed manuals can lead to invalid configurations. Kompatool allows engineers to interactively select PCS 7 V8.2, specify target operating systems (such as Windows Server 2012 R2 or Windows 10 LTSB), audit virtualization hypervisors (VMware ESXi 6.0), and download comprehensive Excel compatibility matrices.

The Role of the Siemens Compatibility Tool in DCS Lifecycle Management

Maintaining lifecycle compliance across a Distributed Control System requires verifying hundreds of interdependent software and hardware dependencies:
* The Static Manual Limitation: Product manuals capture compatibility only at the exact day of delivery release. Subsequent Windows security updates, antivirus definitions, and hardware firmware revisions are released continuously.
* The Dynamic Solution: The Siemens Compatibility Tool (Kompatool):
* Hosted centrally on Siemens Industry Online Support (SIOS).
* Direct URL: http://www.siemens.com/kompatool (English) or http://www.siemens.de/kompatool (German).
* Continuously updated by Siemens testing laboratories as new service packs and Microsoft patches are validated.

Key Compatibility Baselines for SIMATIC PCS 7 V8.2

The foundational compatibility baselines established for PCS 7 V8.2 include:

Server Platforms:
Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard Edition (64-bit).
Windows Server 2008 R2 is maintained for migration, but Server 2012 R2 is the primary certified standard.
Client and Engineering Platforms:
Engineering Stations & Single Stations: Windows 7 Professional / Ultimate SP1 (64-bit).
OS Clients: Windows 7 SP1 (64-bit) and Windows 10 Enterprise 2015 LTSB (64-bit).
Virtualization Platforms:
Formally certified and supported on VMware vSphere / ESXi 6.0.

Interactive Online Configuration vs Downloadable Excel Matrices

Kompatool offers two operational modes for system planners:

Interactive Online Validator:
* Engineers select the main product line: SIMATIC PCS 7.
* Select version: V8.2.
* Add specific software components (e.g., WinCC Web Navigator, SIMATIC BATCH, SIMATIC PDM V9.0).
* Select target operating system: the tool immediately generates a color-coded compatibility report (Compatible, Compatible with limitations, Not compatible).
Downloadable Master Excel Lists:
* Users can download complete, unedited compatibility spreadsheets covering the entire PCS 7 product family for offline engineering and submission to plant owners.

Auditing Third-Party Software: Antivirus and Virtualization

Kompatool provides verified validation lists for critical IT infrastructure:

Industrial Antivirus Software:
Formally certified packages for PCS 7 V8.2:
- Trend Micro OfficeScan (Corporate Edition)
- Symantec Endpoint Protection
- McAfee VirusScan Enterprise
Microsoft Patch Validation:
Siemens tests and publishes monthly lists of approved Microsoft security updates (KBs) validated against PCS 7 V8.2 to ensure OS patches do not disrupt automation services.

Comparison of Compatibility Validation Tools and Methods

The table below compares methods for verifying PCS 7 compatibility.

Verification MethodTimelinessDepth of InformationOffline AvailabilityRecommended Use CaseOnline Kompatool (Interactive)Real-time (Continuously updated)Full component permutationsNo (Web-based)Standard Best PracticeDownloadable Kompatool ExcelReal-time at download dateFull tabular matrixYes (Excel spreadsheet)Project submittals & offline auditsDelivery Release NotesFixed at release dateHigh-level summaryYes (PDF document)Initial project planningProduct System ManualsFixed at print dateDetailed technical architectureYes (PDF document)Engineering implementation

Verification

To confirm compatibility for a planned PCS 7 V8.2 system:
1. Navigate to http://www.siemens.com/kompatool.
2. Select SIMATIC PCS 7 -> V8.2.
3. Add target components: PCS 7 OS Server, CPU 410-5H Firmware V8.2, Windows Server 2012 R2.
4. Review the generated matrix: confirm that all intersections display green checkmarks (Compatible).
5. Export the compatibility report to PDF/Excel for project documentation.
6. Verify that all planned hardware MLFBs and firmware revisions match the Kompatool database.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Operating an automation facility with software combinations flagged as 'Not Compatible' in Kompatool invalidates Siemens technical support and warranty assistance.
Windows 10 Semi-Annual Channel (SAC) is strictly unsupported; only Long-Term Servicing Branch (LTSB/LTSC) releases are certified for industrial PCS 7 clients.
Do not apply Microsoft Windows updates immediately upon release; consult the monthly Siemens tested security update list before patching servers.
Always validate final software licensing, operating system qualifications, and hardware ordering numbers against the applicable Siemens catalog and authorized distributor quotation.

Engineer FAQ

Where do I find out if a specific Windows update is safe for PCS 7 V8.2?

Consult the 'Microsoft Security Updates' section on Siemens Industry Online Support, which lists every monthly KB tested and approved for PCS 7.

Can I run PCS 7 V8.2 on VMware ESXi 6.5?

While officially certified on ESXi 6.0, field deployments operate reliably on ESXi 6.5; check Kompatool for updated service pack qualification entries.