Troubleshooting PLC Systems: A Systematic Approach to Finding Faults
Learn systematic PLC troubleshooting methods that work across all platforms. Stop random fixes and start solving faults efficiently with proven diagnostic techniques.
State Machines in PLC Programming: Designing Behaviour Instead of Logic
State machines are one of the most powerful yet misunderstood design patterns in PLC programming. Instead of building control logic around scattered conditions and boolean flags, state-based design focuses on…
Is It Worth Encrypting Your PLC Code? Know-How Protection in Industrial Automation
Engineering teams often implement PLC code protection without genuine need, creating operational headaches rather than security benefits. This article examines when know-how protection makes sense, the hidden costs of unnecessary…
Using OPC UA as an Open Protocol for SCADA and HMI Communication
OPC UA is rapidly becoming the industry standard for PLC to SCADA communication and industrial automation networking, replacing legacy industrial protocols that rely on fixed memory addressing and vendor specific…
Why Every Plant Needs Someone to Call
Ongoing automation support shouldn’t begin when production stops. This article explores how structured PLC support packages give maintenance teams immediate access to experienced diagnostic thinking, reducing downtime, avoiding costly misdiagnosis,…
Migrating from Step 7 to TIA Portal: What You Need to Know
Migrating from Siemens Step 7 to TIA Portal is rarely as simple as running a conversion tool. While Siemens provides automated migration utilities, real-world projects often require manual logic restructuring,…
The True Cost of Poor PLC Documentation
Consulting Insight | Liam Bee Why the gap between “it works” and “we understand it” is where the real expense lives. Every automation engineer has inherited a project with no…
Automation Engineer Career Path: From Apprentice to Senior Controls Engineer
My journey from music technology student to senior automation engineer. Learn how I built a career in PLC programming, SCADA, and control systems without a degree.
Managing Pre-Sequence Issues in PLC Control Systems
Good pre-sequence handling means operators do not have to guess why something will not start. Instead of a single “not ready” state, the system evaluates each condition independently, blocks sequences…
Using LLMs as a Distributed System: ChatGPT, Claude, Obsidian, and MCP
Choosing the “best” AI model misses the point. The real leverage comes from architecture. This post breaks down a practical distributed system using ChatGPT, Claude, Obsidian, and MCP that eliminates…