HIMA introduced Nov. 15 its SILworX version 14.0.0 software, which is a programming tool, but also serves as a hub for digitalizing data from safety devices. SILworX includes efficiency gains in engineering, diagnostics and testing of safety applications; plug-ins help to make infrastructure more flexible; collaborative engineering with a streamlined approach to working on multi-file; and automatic testing of safety equipment and communication.
Because adding flexible Industry 4.0 functions to safety devices requires care—and traditionally time-consuming recertification—HIMA reports SILworX simplifies these tasks with consistent digitalization and other new capabilities.
The software is reported to accomplish this by distinguishing between core functions for programming safety controllers and Industry 4.0 functions. New functions that aren’t safety-related can be integrated using modular plug-ins via an interface that doesn’t affect core, safety-rated SILworX functions. This modular structure makes it possible to digitalize automation processes quickly and flexibly, and users can create extensions themselves or use plug-in modules from HIMA or other providers.
HIMA adds that SILworX’s modularity lets users quickly and easily add new functions, or adapt or replace existing functions in a compliant, efficient and future-proofed way. This also increases efficiencies in engineering, diagnostic and test tasks by reducing effort and costs.
"The ability to integrate external plug-ins into SILworX without compromising the safety function is an important step in our 'Safety goes Digital' strategy," says Peter Sieber, VP of strategic marketing at HIMA.
Simplifies large-team collaboration—and safety tests
Likewise, HIMA adds its Comparator Plus function makes engineering and modification of safety systems more efficient, while reducing the work needed to demonstrate change management throughout the safety lifecycle. Changes between different versions of safety logic and functionality are graphically compared and documented in an intuitive manner.
SILworX can also automatically test all the loops in a safety instrumented system (SIS), as well as communications to the basic process control system (BPCS) and the field-device level. HIMA Smart Safety Test enables logic tests, automated recurrent testing, partial stroke tests, transmitter tests and stress tests for the BPCS. These tests and documenting their results are carried out automatically.
“The new functions of SILworX, including multi-file projects, smart safety test and plug-ins lead to efficiency gains in engineering and operating safety devices," adds Ivo Hanspach, product management director at HIMA.
