The new software is able to automatically detect all Profinet and Ethernet devices within a network, and enables a clear visualisation of them in a web browser. 

Version 13 is also able to directly read out information from Simatic Controllers and connected Profinet devices which gives maintenance personnel an overview of all device conditions and connections at any time, allowing even extensive networks encompassing up to 50,000 nodes to be efficiently monitored. 

The software is designed to enable the early detection of potential faults as the basis for initiating preventive action and so increasing availability. 

Device data is evaluated either using the ‘Simple Network Management Protocol’ (SNMP) or by using Profinet mechanisms by directly accessing devices.  It offers precise and non-proprietary evaluation of data for device identification as well as diagnostic data. The Sinema Server is also designed to deal with the demands of field automation and the software supports dynamic topologies  such as  tool changers, as well as detailed configuration of various redundancy protocols used in the field of automation. 

In addition, logical subnetworks (Virtual Local Area Network) and the Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) are read out, diagnosed and clearly visualised to allow transparent diagnostics in areas where IT networks and automation are connected.

Acquired data is saved in a long-term archive and can also be pictured in reports helping to determine causes of past events and preventing potential future errors. The obtained network diagnosis can be seamlessly integrated into HMI/SCADA systems (such as Simatic WinCC, Simatic PCS7) by using OPC (in particular OPC UA) and web mechanisms.