Siemens’ Dairy Functional Toolset (DFT) complements the Simatic PCS 7 process control system by adding various important functions for milk-processing enterprises. DFT allows specific workflows such as milk sampling, pasteurisation, separation, cheese and yoghurt production and the end-of-process cleaning of pipes and tanks to be accurately and easily controlled via Simatic PCS 7.

With DFT, Siemens is complementing its Simatic PCS 7 process control system by adding various functions for milk- rocessing enterprises

The new DFT software contains all necessary visualisations (faceplates) for displaying plants and processes controlled by Simatic PCS 7 on the screen. Important process steps are pre-installed to the most up-to-date industry standards and can easily be configured to suit any application. Moreover, this Siemens DFT toolset continuously captures and archives production-related data such as temperature, agitation time, pH, and storage location. These data can then be exported to a superimposed MES (Manufacturing Execution System) or an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system. This integrated data management concept ensures consistently high product quality and product traceability from the raw milk to the processed, saleable product.

Functions related to specific process steps and workflows are pre-consolidated within the DFT software. For example, modules for the management of materials, system parameters, orders and storage locations are pre-installed. These support the automation of production processes from the delivery of the raw milk to the signing off for bottling and packaging. Further modules such as those for tank management, piping system management, process line management, follow-up material testing and a CIP (cleaning in place) sequencer have been optimised within the new software with a view to automating processes such as transfers, mixing and cleaning.