TIA Portal V21, the latest version of Siemens’ engineering framework, introduces features aimed at improving efficiency and increasing plant availability.
The update includes a new export format that allows users to integrate established version control systems such as Git. This integration covers various programming languages and block types, including LAD, FBD, SCL, data blocks, PLC data types, and mixed-language blocks. According to Siemens, "This enables STEP 7 users to benefit from optimized continuous-integration workflows, simplified versioning and maximum compatibility. All of this forms the basis for shorter project runtimes and reliable traceability of all changes."
In addition to workflow improvements, TIA Portal V21 enhances system availability through advancements in Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) applications. The platform now supports redundant server architectures for WinCC Unified applications. Siemens states that these redundancies "ensure continuous operation and significantly higher availability." Furthermore, the introduction of the WinCC Unified Data Hub offers centralized access and long-term storage for production data, messages, and audit trails across multiple PC runtimes. This is intended to support ongoing plant-wide data transparency.
These updates are designed to reduce commissioning times while supporting standardized engineering processes.