Programmable logic or relay logic?
- Alastair McDonald
- Jun 30, 2022
- 2 min read
The first PLC was introduced in the late 1960s, the aim was to replace hardwired relays and timers with programmable and flexible controllers. The success of this has made the PLC market worth over $12 billion today. At Northern Simplified systems our go to PLCs are manufactured by Siemens. Their broad selection of PLCs, expansion modules, communication modules and other devices means integration of systems is easily achieved. From the LOGO for basic machine control all the way to the S7-1500, all of your automation needs are covered under one roof.
Can i upgrade my system to a PLC?
PLCs are so flexible that they can replace any legacy system. You should always keep up to date with technologies due to the rate that they are changing. Everything breaks, if there is a catastrophic event in a legacy panel this could take months to repair and replace all of the parts, if you replaced all of these relays and timers with a PLC it would be as simple as replacing the PLC and downloading the software to it.
At NSS, we can upgrade your systems and add features that were impossible with a hardware based system. We can provide VPN support which, when connected to the internet, would allow us to connect and diagnose/ issues or make minor changes to control systems. Adding a button or gauge to a HMI would be done in a matter of minutes from you picking up the phone.
Should I upgrade?
Most systems have unique applications, and the answer to this question depends on numerous factors. If the operator is next to a motor starter panel with no sensors then there are almost no benefits of controlling this system using a PLC. If, however this system has sensors detecting filter dirtiness or vibration then adding a PLC would benefit you greatly. This blockage could notify your maintenance team by email that they need to order a new filter element, or excessive vibration could help you to plan downtime to replace bearings. But the greatest benefit of all is that the PLC can automate the whole system.
Contact us today to day to discover more!
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