Up until a week ago I was the only employee that was creating automation solutions and we were out sourcing all other work. This out sourced work came to the equivalent of 6 full time people, and we were predicting this to triple over the next two years. This includes creating plc programs, modifying plc programs, designing new lines, creating computer programs in C# and visual basic programs that interact with the line, cnc programs, etc.

We have decided to create a department that they will have four full time and two part time employees to start. With a goal of adding two additional people this year and two the next.

Where I am looking for a little help is what do other departments do? My two previous employers had a PLC for each user to test on. But my two previous employers only had one type of plc they used. My current employer had about 5, to get 5 spare PLCs for each person seems a little pricey. I was thinking about going with two test boards but there will be multiple projects going on at a time.

How do others do this?

 

You did not mention what PLC lineup you are using. If it is Siemens then you can effectively outfit your lab with just computers and use their product called PLCSim. That way you can use all of their software and test it without a PLC. For real-time you can purchase just 1 PLC for testing.

 

Most companies have just what they need minus a little. Kidding aside, do you really need a PLC for everyone? I have written many programs and tested them on the final system. Only occasionally do I need a system to test something on, usually it is a networking issue. Maybe start with one of each and see how your needs progress? If you do a lot of networking, you may want two of each.

 

In the case of AB processors............get the emulators for PLC 5, or 500 or 5000 if that is what you have. I develope all projects on these and have had little to no issues. Then you could get a single "Hot Spare" for the group.

Dave

 

You might be able to use RubySim (RubySim.com)

Hope that helps.

 

You might also check out the simSCADA product at opalsoftware.com.au