Project Documentation
FDS
Your control system is as good (or as bad) as your FDS. A poorly written FDS can lead to an unstable, unreliable system, costing you money in downtime and modifications to your software. A well written FDS on the other hand will
- Eliminate problems before they emerge, e.g. define what happens when alarms occur, for every alarm.
- Facilitate testing (see above).
- Form the basis of the code design.
- Be written in plain English, not fluent Geek.
- Remain ‘live’. Modifications to the system start with modifications to the FDS.
If you’ve got a good one – great; if you don’t, I can write a great one for your system.
Other Documentation
I can provide any level of documentation required, right up to a full suite of design and test documents for pharmaceutical systems.
PLC Code
Well documented, well structured PLC code is my core offering. Regardless of the processor / manufacturer I always take the following steps to ensure your code meets your needs
- Wherever possible, code is designed to be re-used. For instance, every alarm will be handled in the same way by the same code, to ensure consistency.
- Code is designed using state transition diagrams, to remove the possibility of ‘open loops’ or unpredictable operation. If I have written the FDS this will be explained in detail.
- Outputs are always separated from sequences. Each type of device is requested to operate by one or more sequences, the actual devices are then controlled by a single piece of code. This leads to code which is easier to read, links better to the FDS and is easier to modify.
Testing
Every job is tested either to the FDS or to the OQ document. Code is tested either with a hard wired simulator (for small system) or using simulator PLC code and an IO mapping routine, for large systems (particularly with a SCADA system). Code is not released to site until the client is satisfied that the sequences meets the FDS requirements.
Commissioning
Having passed FAT, the system can go to site. I can provide commissioning support for the PLC and SCADA software supplied.
Training
Either before, during or after commissioning, I can train operators and maintenance staff how to drive the new system, including fault finding and use of simulators at your client’s site.
Post Handover Support
With the advent of low cost 3/4G modems and routers it has never been easier to provide remote access for monitoring, fault diagnosis and even code modifications. I can provide a remote access solution to meet your requirements.