Using WinCC User Archives Without Advanced Process Functions (APF) in SIMATIC PCS 7 - Licensing and Architectural Rules

In SIMATIC PCS 7 (v8.1, v8.2, v9.x), the use of WinCC User Archives without the Advanced Process Functions (APF) option package is technically permitted and fully functional, provided an official SIMATIC WinCC User Archives runtime license (6AV6371-1CB07-4AX0) is installed. While Siemens guidelines recommend APF or SIMATIC BATCH for complex recipe and batch automation to ensure automated AS-OS synchronization, standalone User Archives can be implemented for simple recipe storage, material tracking, and parameter sets. However, engineers must develop custom C/VBS scripts or AS-OS communication handshakes manually.

WinCC User Archives vs Advanced Process Functions (APF) Architecture

In SIMATIC PCS 7 OS (WinCC):
* WinCC User Archives: A core WinCC database option that manages relational tables (recipes, parameter sets, batch records) within the Microsoft SQL Server database. Tables are manipulated via the WinCC User Archive Control or ANSI-C/VBScript APIs (uaArchiveOpen, uaArchiveRead).
* Advanced Process Functions (APF): A high-level PCS 7 add-on engineering package built on top of User Archives. It provides ready-to-use CFC blocks (e.g. FB_Archive, FB_Material), automatic AS-OS synchronization, integrated faceplates, and standardized recipe/material management without manual SQL scripting.
* The Policy Clarification: Readme notes stating 'User archives permitted only with APF' apply to turnkey standardized PCS 7 system delivery and pharmaceutical validation frameworks; technically and commercially, standalone User Archives remains an authorized option.

Licensing Requirements for Standalone User Archives in PCS 7

To deploy standalone User Archives legally without demo mode warnings:
1. OS Server Runtime License: Each OS Server (and each redundant partner server) requires the license:
* SIMATIC WinCC/User Archives (e.g. 6AV6371-1CB07-4AX0).
2. No APF License Required: If APF blocks are not used, the expensive APF Engineering (6ES7658-5GX08-0YA5) and APF Runtime (6ES7658-5HX08-0YB0) licenses are not needed.
3. Engineering Station (ES): Requires an RC (Runtime + Configuration) User Archives license or engineering bundle to configure table schemas in WinCC Explorer.

Technical Trade-Offs - Standalone User Archives vs APF

Consider the engineering implications of bypassing APF:
* Manual Communication Handshake: In standalone User Archives, the engineer must manually write C-actions or VBScripts to read archive fields and write them to S7 tags via raw data blocks (BSEND / BRCV) or discrete variables.
* Lack of AS Redundancy Synchronization: APF automatically synchronizes recipe data between redundant OS Servers and redundant S7-400H controllers. With standalone User Archives, the engineer must build custom redundancy fault tolerance.

Recipe and Storage Solution Comparison Matrix

Compare recipe and archiving solutions within the SIMATIC PCS 7 ecosystem:

SolutionPrimary Use CaseAS Integration MethodLicense RequirementEngineering ComplexityWinCC User ArchivesSimple parameter sets, dosing recipesCustom C-scripts / Raw tagsWinCC User Archives (6AV6371-1CB07-4AX0)High (Manual scripting)Advanced Process Functions (APF)Standardized recipe & material trackingStandard APL-style CFC blocksAPF Engineering + Runtime licensesLow (Configured blocks)SIMATIC BATCHComplex multi-unit ISA-88 batch processesNative SFC Types and Recipe EditorSIMATIC BATCH Server / Client licensesMedium (ISA-88 recipe model)

Verification

To confirm proper User Archives operation in PCS 7:
1. In Automation License Manager (ALM) on the OS Server, verify that SIMATIC WinCC/User Archives is installed with status 'OK'.
2. In WinCC Explorer, open the User Archive editor; create a test archive table with fields (e.g. RecipeID, Setpoint1, Setpoint2).
3. Activate WinCC Runtime; open a process picture containing the WinCC User Archive Table Control.
4. Insert, edit, and read records; confirm that no 'Demo mode: User Archives' popups appear.
5. In WinCC Alarm Logging, verify that system message @1000002 (License Demomode) is not triggered.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Never implement high-frequency cyclic data logging (> 10 records per second) using WinCC User Archives. User Archives is optimized for transactional recipe records, not high-speed time-series logging. For continuous analog history, always use WinCC Tag Logging or SIMATIC Process Historian. For redundant OS Servers, verify that User Archives redundancy synchronization is configured in the WinCC Redundancy editor.

Engineer FAQ

Can I upgrade from standalone User Archives to APF later?

Yes, but you will need to replace custom C-scripts with standard APF CFC blocks and import your table structures into the APF database format.

Do redundant OS Servers require two User Archives licenses?

Yes. Both OS Server A and OS Server B require independent WinCC User Archives licenses to authenticate the local database instances.

Why did the WinCC Readme state User Archives is only allowed with APF?

Siemens PCS 7 product management prefers standardized engineering libraries (APF) to maintain uniform codebase support across customer sites, but standalone licensing remains valid.