"Are you still creating your SCADA system from scratch?"

There is a better way: our newly developed Smart Object Library for Process Automation (SOL-PA) offers standardized and validated modules for HMI systems, suitable for all controllers. Project manager and co-developer Fabian Meury answers the most important questions in an interview with co-developer Lukas Punzenberger and explains the smart functions and advantages of the new library for zenon.

Photo of Fabian Meury and Lukas Punzenberger as the SOL-PA development team (along with Thomas Gysin, who is not in the photo).

Fabian, what is the Smart Object Library for Process Automation?

Fabian Meury: The Smart Object Library for Process Automation (SOL-PA) is a modular, streamlined, and customizable visualization library that we developed and validated in accordance with GAMP, ISA 88.01, and ISA 101. As the name suggests, SOL-PA was designed using zenons Smart Objects. The library provides the foundation for controller-independent visualization that can be easily adapted and customized.

With SOL-PA, programmers have all the tools they need to configure process visualization using standard components. The standard components, implemented via Smart Object Templates, typically consist of R&I symbols and associated faceplates, which include views for operation, maintenance, and diagnostics. Each template can be instantiated as often as needed; however, adjustments need only be made to the template itself and are automatically applied to all instances. This ensures a consistent look and feel throughout the entire project.

Another key feature of SOL-PA is its built-in validation. Every element in SOL-PA has been validated. Combined with the automatic versioning of the templates, this provides a clear record of the status and description of the elements used.

Why did you develop the library together with COPA-DATA?

Fabian Meury: We’ve noticed that when developing visualizations with zenon, the same questions keep coming up and being discussed. The effort required—both for defining the visualization specifications and for ensuring their consistent implementation—is significant. The wide variety of custom creations also led to additional work, as did the lack of compatibility between visualizations and updates.

That is why, based on the Smart Objects of the zenon software platform, we have developed the new SOL-PA library—featuring zenon best practices—in collaboration with COPA-DATA. It was important to us that it meet the most important requirements of a library: It must be easy to integrate into existing projects, easily expandable to include additional elements, and simple to maintain. These characteristics provide a stable and future-proof foundation for process visualization with zenon.

Another advantage is that SOL-PA is independent of the type of control system.

Fabian Meury, Project Manager SOL-PA

Are these the main advantages of SOL-PA?

Fabian Meury: On the one hand, yes: SOL-PA improves the consistency of visualizations created with zenon and not only increases efficiency but also reduces errors during operation and development. This is because the library provides predefined objects for process visualization, including both R&I symbols and faceplates for operating and diagnosing individual standard components. All elements follow the same sequence with regard to configuration parameters. Thus, general settings—such as resource name and physical model according to ISA88.01—always come first, followed by authorization levels. This makes both the location and the available configuration of each element clearly visible. There is no need for a lengthy check to determine where and whether a certain setting has been made.

Another advantage is that SOL-PA is independent of the controller type. This is particularly relevant in the current market situation, where delivery times for individual controllers can take several months. SOL-PA therefore offers a visually consistent presentation, regardless of the controller used. Although SOL-PA is a self-contained system, its visual appearance can be easily customized to meet specific needs. This is possible because the library was developed using zenon standards and best practices.

Another key advantage of SOL-PA is validation. All elements are already validated. This eliminates a significant portion of the time-consuming validation process for the entire project, which is essential, particularly in a GMP environment.

For which customers is the SOL-PA suitable?

Fabian Meury: SOL-PA is ideal for anyone who operates process control systems. For anyone who wants standardized symbols and images of the most important components of a control system. Anyone who enjoys creating modular visualizations. And above all, anyone who prefers to configure rather than program everything from scratch.

What I mean by that is: A new installation of zenon Engineering Studio does not include templates for frequently used elements. Almost all standard components in process control must be created individually. SOL-PA provides these standard components, ready for building visualizations in a modular way.

Of course, when using zenon template projects —which contain a collection of symbols and images that have already been individually programmed—you usually don’t start from scratch. The catch with this approach, however, is that you must take great care to ensure you’re always using the latest version, and you can’t update individual elements separately. This is possible with SOL-PA.

What services do we offer as a zenon integrator?

Fabian Meury: From individual package units to entire systems, we provide our customers with support throughout the entire project lifecycle. This ranges from developing concepts for visualization and control, through programming, to the Qualification , and maintenance of the systems. We support our customers not only with new projects but also with expansions or modifications to existing systems. Thanks to its adaptability, SOL-PA is also well-suited for retrofits.

Is it possible to purchase the new zenon library SOL-PA via CTE?

Fabian Meury: Yes, of course. As an experienced zenon integrator, we not only advise and support our customers in purchasing and implementing the Smart Object Library for Process Automation, but we also customize the library to meet our customers’ specific needs. If you’d like more information about SOL-PA, please feel free to contact us directly.