IGSS V10 includes a completely new faceplate feature that makes it possible to define process graphics only once, and reuse the graphics against different IGSS objects. This feature makes it very efficient to define a diagram as a template and bind it to physical PLC values later on.

Unlike the IGSS reusable diagrams and Group objects, IGSS faceplates do not have any constraints on the PLC memory layout as faceplate graphics are connected to physical PLC values on an object-per-object basis. A faceplate is designed like any other IGSS diagram with access to the same graphics, the only difference is the late binding to the PLC objects.

The system integrator may use faceplates to create a repository of diagram templates matching everything from complete preprogrammed controllers to individual function blocks like a control loop in a PLC. Faceplates from such a repository can be included in many different IGSS configurations with no other effort than binding to the actual PLC objects for that configuration.

When creating faceplate instances all placeholder objects (objects where the name is starting with $) are easily linked to physical objects by creating instantiation lists. Existing instantiation lists can be copied to create new instances of the faceplate and objects may be remapped by a simple search and replace function.

Main Faceplate features:

• Create process graphic templates that can be easily reused

• Faceplates can be standalone popup diagrams or embedded in normal diagrams

• Bind to any physical object independent of PLC memory mapping

• Graphics on a faceplate may be optional

• The system integrator can create a faceplate repository