Why Rushing Into PLC Programming Can Backfire for Beginners

[@johnwarwick4105]

Having been an industrial maintenance electrician sines the early 80’s I just like to say how spot on you are. Control and automation isn’t something you could ever get into on your own, it just isn’t going to happen. I did lots of programming in my job but always had the security of being employed by a company. When I set out on my own in 2006 I did very little programming it was just too risky. So many different PLC’ and programming tools, way too easy to shut a site down or wipe a program (not many of my customers ever had backups😳) was working on a project a few years ago when the software guy shut the whole site down for several hours due to some bad code, sure glad it wasn’t me. Self contained automation panels can be great little projects to get a foot in the door but again a good knowledge of safety protocols is essential

[@stefangrozdanovic4908]

Interesting that you mention that PLC programming is for older generations who are deteriorating a bit. Do you think that younger engineers who want to avoid harder physical labour should avoid automation engineer all together then? For example, I have worked for one year with this company where I learned how to panel build and wire, but couldn't handle that aspect of the job as it would worsten my lower back pain. Since then, I have shifted into learning programming in Codesys, hmi design and networking. But as you mentioned, if heavy lifting, pulling cables and squeezing into uncomfortable positions is an unavoidable part of the job then maybe I should avoid this industry altogether?

[@jackmurray5504]

Hi Chris, good informative video that! Do you think BMS and industrial/manufacturing sectors are quite interchangeable in terms of skillset? I am currently in BMS but just wondering if the door would be open for me in future? Cheers

[@JC-sc9rx]

you got me. Thanks for the video though

[@DawidKellerman]

I am a SysAdmin/DevOp so did some of my own stuff doing the programming. But its SO true all you are saying re doing the programming first.. What software do you suggest for schematic/cabinet design

[@Crown42]

In industrial automation that software that is used is proprietary software. The two that is used the most is Allen Bradley and Siemens. Also, the programming language is ladder logic.

[@DawidKellerman]

@@Crown42 No I meant for design not programming , I use Click from Automation direct. I was asking for the drawing of schematics

[@Crown42]

@@DawidKellerman OK, I understand now.