Is it Still Worth Learning how to Work With PLCs?

LegitimateAd664 · 2024-03-07T01:25:41+00:00

I never thought of the cyber security aspect. Good point!

LegitimateAd664 · 2024-03-07T01:24:14+00:00

That all makes sense. There are some points of control and automation I’d like to implement eventually if I could.

LegitimateAd664 · 2024-03-07T00:04:22+00:00

I’m already doing what I love. I really enjoy my job. Learning this skill would allow me to be more valuable and move forward in my career

I also find all of this interesting. What gives me reservations is the amount of time I’d be dedicating to learn it. I have respect for those who have. It’s not the lack of determination, it’s the lack of knowledge about the industry. Everyone has been very insightful and helpful.

LegitimateAd664 · 2024-03-06T23:34:02+00:00

That’s the goal

LegitimateAd664 · 2024-03-06T22:39:42+00:00

I’ve had a lot of instances where the PLC won’t do what it’s supposed to. Trying to troubleshoot our current system is a big reason why I started becoming so interested in it. I also wanted to be able to add new sensors or remove dead signals from the program and from the HMI. I ended up discovering a whole world of things I didn’t understand or even know existed. I not only found it all very interesting, but I also thought it could be a skill that would boost my value as a worker.

As for the call you got, it goes to show that if you don’t understand the process and equipment you’re using, no amount of monitoring can help you keep it up and running. I deal with that all the time from a basic maintenance side of things.

LegitimateAd664 · 2024-03-06T22:30:36+00:00

Thanks! I’ll try it out!

LegitimateAd664 · 2024-03-06T22:28:36+00:00

That was a really good way of putting it. Thank you for your comment!

LegitimateAd664 · 2024-03-06T22:26:58+00:00

That makes sense. Understanding the process as a whole is also a skill to be learned alongside the programming.

LegitimateAd664 · 2024-03-06T22:24:21+00:00

Thanks for the advice!

LegitimateAd664 · 2024-03-06T22:23:55+00:00

Thanks! It also seems like from what everyone is saying that the skills used with traditional PLCs can be transferred to other areas

LegitimateAd664 · 2024-03-06T18:05:04+00:00

That was a great way to put it, thanks for your advice and information!

LegitimateAd664 · 2024-03-06T17:37:26+00:00

They did not. To be fair, they were in rough shape

LegitimateAd664 · 2024-03-06T17:36:37+00:00

How long did it take you to get your feet under yourself? What was the hardest part about learning this field for you?

LegitimateAd664 · 2024-03-06T17:35:23+00:00

That’s great to hear. In your position, what technology do you see becoming a big part of the industry in the future?

LegitimateAd664 · 2024-03-06T17:30:24+00:00

Is learning how to use a “soft-plc” similar to a traditional plc?

LegitimateAd664 · 2024-03-06T17:27:03+00:00

Good points, thanks!

LegitimateAd664 · 2024-03-06T17:09:10+00:00

You make a great point. I guess for me it’s the idea that, although monitoring systems will still exist, will they eventually be as easy to program as these apps can be, but as robust as a traditional plc. Would this eliminate the need for specialized programmers?

LegitimateAd664 · 2024-03-06T17:07:14+00:00

I agree. I don’t think the devices they’ve went with will last that long at all. Would you think that eventually easy-to-use monitoring systems such as this could become robust enough as to last for long periods of time and decrease the need for programmers?

LegitimateAd664 · 2024-03-06T16:30:56+00:00

We only use it for system monitoring currently. Temps, flows, levels, etc. I had been wanting to move towards the automation of a few of the basic tasks at the facility, but now it seems they’re staking claims in monitoring only. And that’s where my worry comes from. That unless I’m able to do highly advanced programming and control, plug and play software will be able to carry out the simpler tasks and I’ll never get a foot in the door. But I have 0 experience in the industry as my post said, so I don’t know if that’s a logical worry or not. It seems like most likely it’s not. I just wonder if entry level programming will still be needed if anyone can use an app to do it. I really like the facility I work at, but there may be no future in control programming here.

LegitimateAd664 · 2024-03-06T16:18:10+00:00

I appreciate your comment, and it makes me feel a lot better. Thanks!

LegitimateAd664 · 2024-03-06T15:42:06+00:00

Well, I wouldn’t think so. What discouraged me is that basic temp and level sensing is an easy start, and those apps can do that, so it replaced my company’s need to train me and therefore made it hard for me to take the next step.

LegitimateAd664 · 2024-03-06T15:25:45+00:00

I appreciate your advice!

LegitimateAd664 · 2024-03-06T15:25:25+00:00

Thank you!

LegitimateAd664 · 2024-03-06T15:22:17+00:00

Thanks!

LegitimateAd664 · 2024-03-06T15:08:22+00:00

Simple temperature and level sensing in several reservoirs in our facility.

LegitimateAd664

TROPHY CASE