PLCs are invaluable for providing an interface to manufacturing equipment that has no computer capabilities of its own. For instance, using sensors and a controller with analog as well as discrete input points, any machine can be added to an operator interface, if not for control at least for monitoring. Many of our jobs will require one or more PLCs to "bring the data home".

While a good many installations require PLC code as part of a larger project, there are some jobs where all of the work must be done with a PLC. There are even some jobs that we do where the customer has lost the original source, and we have to wade through lines of native PLC code without any comments. While obviously not our first choice for code development, we do it when we have to.

In spite of talk of the PLC becoming obsolete, it continues to thrive and evolve. They now exist in many different models to meet all different needs. Especially interesting are the recent low cost controllers which have a programming display built into the body. While not as fast and capable as their bigger brothers, they frequently provide just the correct level of control at a very pleasant price.

We could simply list all of the PLCs that we have worked on, but the list would fast become obsolete. We have in house many different PLCs, and regularly send employees to training. So suffice it to say that if you need PLC work done, whether programming, replacing, or interfacing, ASI will be able to provide someone who can get the job done.

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