WinCC Open Architecture V3.21 now available
WinCC OA 3.21
The Future of Industrial Automation Starts Here
Industrial automation is evolving - and WinCC OA 3.21 is leading the way.
With cutting-edge security, streamlined connectivity, and powerful new features, this release redefines what’s possible in modern SCADA and IT/OT platforms.
Whether you're scaling across the cloud, integrating smarter systems, or enhancing operational visibility - WinCC OA 3.21 delivers the flexibility and control to build the future.
What’s New in 3.21?
Security - Built for Modern IT/OT Environments
Modern industrial systems demand robust, standards-based security.
WinCC OA 3.21 introduces a comprehensive security framework that aligns with enterprise IT expectations and OT realities.
- OpenID Connect: Enables Single Sign-On, machine-to-machine authentication, and robust session management.
- Keycloak 2FA: Adds a simple, strong layer of two-factor authentication.
- OPC UA GDS support: Automates certificate management — registration, trust list updates, and secure storage.
These enhancements help ensure compliance, reduce risk, and simplify secure system administration.
Connectors - Streamlined, Scalable, and Industry-Ready
Seamless integration is key to unlocking the value of your data.
WinCC OA 3.21 introduces new tools and protocols that simplify connectivity and scale with your needs.
- Northbound Manager: A centralized interface for datapoint selection, naming conventions, and protocol configuration. Supports MQTT and SparkplugB, delivered as a Node.js package for easy customization.
- New Drivers:
- SECS/GEM: Seamless integration with semiconductor equipment.
- OCPP: Real-time control and monitoring of EV charging stations.
These capabilities enable faster deployment and more consistent data integration across industries.
New Features - Designed for a Better Experience
Operational excellence starts with intuitive tools.
WinCC OA 3.21 introduces user-centric enhancements that improve visibility, control, and responsiveness.
Dashboards - Designed for Clarity and Control
Empower users with real-time insights and interaction.
The redesigned dashboards is now interactive, faster, more intuitive, and built for modern web environments.
- Redesigned for speed and ease-of-use.
- Enable real-time interaction with your data through intuitive controls such as buttons, sliders, and value input fields.
- Full-screen widgets
- Built on Web Components - modular, reusable, and browser-agnostic.
These capabilities enable faster deployment and more consistent data integration across industries.
System Dashboard
Gain operational transparency at a glance.
The new System Dashboard provides a centralized, web-based view of your infrastructure’s health.
- A web-based overview of your WinCC OA system’s health.
- Monitor server status, PLC connectivity, and resource usage - all in one place.
PostgreSQL High Availability - Resilience Built In
Ensure business continuity with built-in high availability.
WinCC OA 3.21 introduces support for PostgreSQL clusters using Patroni, delivering enterprise-grade resilience without the licensing overhead.
With Patroni, WinCC OA now supports high-availability PostgreSQL clusters with automatic failover. Think Oracle RAC - but open-source and cost-effective. Built-in diagnostics keep you informed at all times.
Manager Service API - Smarter Internal Communication
Streamline internal logic and enable scalable architectures.
The new Manager Service API (MSA) introduces a modern communication layer for internal components.
- Remote Procedure Calls between managers.
- Service-Oriented Architecture for reusable logic across web and native UIs.
- Support for collaborative development and automated testing.
This API simplifies development and supports the transition to modular, service-based architectures.
Supported Technologies - More Flexibility, Lower Costs
Build on platforms that match your strategy and budget.
WinCC OA 3.21 expands its ecosystem with support for trusted, cost-effective technologies.
- Proxmox: A powerful, open-source alternative to VMware.
- Acronis: Trusted backup solution for industrial environments.
These integrations help reduce total cost of ownership while maintaining enterprise-grade reliability.
Ready to Build Smarter?
WinCC OA is more than just SCADA - it's a full IT/OT platform built for the future.
With Version 3.21, you get enhanced security, seamless integration, and cloud-ready flexibility.
