The first thing that happens is that we define how and to what extent you want to use our services. We also have a first brain storming meeting with you along with your engineers and product owners. This is for developing ideas and thoughts for how you would like to work in the future. What’s good, bad about how we work today? Is there a customer requirement? What is similar/different between your projects. In order for the project to succeed in the long term, it is important that everyone is able to speak and also that we are responsive to your own ideas. Many standardization projects are failing on this point. We recommend that you put off at least one person in half-time to participate in the development. This step ends when we agree on how you want to proceed and the contract is signed. Normally we charge this type of work per hour.

To Review:

 

 

 

• Existing documentation, manuals, programs, electrical drawings and existing functional descriptions
• Naming standard-how you name things.
• HMI layout and design.

To Set:

• To agree on how to form the programming framework.
• Divide equipment into logical function groups. F01-FXX. – List functions under each group.
• Functional description Template.
• Naming standard
• Overall HMI layout.
• Rules for electrical design
• Identify resource needs for the continued work.
• A project team with relevant persons from your organisation.

This step ends when we together with your project team consider that we have sufficient information to estimate resources and make a first timetable for the continued work.

The aim with this step is to ensure that all functions are described in function descriptions. It is important to clarify all the functions that must be provided before proceeding. If necessary, write new descriptions.  We also look at electrical solutions and define I/O needs, etc. Depending on the choices made in step one, any design resource requirements are also planned. Workflow Function descriptions:

• Identify function descriptions for each function group.
• Write feature descriptions missing.
• Review and get feature descriptions approved by machine owner.

Workflow electrical design design:

• Define drawing standard.
• Define hardware needs. Define PLC system, HMI, Electric cabinet etc.
• Find the best possible I/O solution. (IO distribution).

Workflow Interactive / Graphic Design:

• Define which graphic objects and which interactive patterns need to be generated.
• Make initial sketches.

Our involvement in this step depends on how you chose to use our services in step1. This step ends when there are approved function descriptions for all features.

Now we have a good picture of what resources needed to complete the project. It is now time to set the final project plan. This step ends when your project group + Lindh Automation has approved the timetable.

This is the step where all software development is done. If included, Electrical engineering, graphical and interactive design work is also done now. Program development begins with the development of a standard functions library that will be reused in all machine specific function to be developed. It also includes development of HMI templates that fits to the standard functions. Once this is done, and all functions are tested the implementation work begins.

Regular meetings are held to raise any problems as well as to jointly discuss solutions. Project manager at customer in consultation with Lindh Automation sets time between meetings depending on needs. It is recommended to have a meeting at least every other week. If you have chosen to do the development work yourself, Lindh Automation participates in the project meetings. We are also available as support during the project. If you like, we can set up a specially locked forum on our forum page where questions and concerns can be discussed.

If you have a technical editor, she/he will work with HMI programming responsible for designing correct texts and alarm descriptions. If you choose to work with a graphical designer, this person is planned according to the previous step. Each machine function that is written follows the below steps:

• Modulate the function into standard objects.
• Graphical and interactive design.
• Identify if any new standard objects needs to be developed.
• Develop and test standard function if needed.
• Develop data types used in HMI and hand them over to HMI manager.
• Programming PLC and HMI.
• Test of module, preferable by your own staff.
• Modify function after test.
• Implement function in main program.

The purpose of this step is to verify the entire project by simulation. If simulation is not possible, it is advisable to do this test against the real hardware in the test rig. The function is checked against the functional descriptions. The new manuals can now be developed as the entire design is complete. If possible, it is good to show the simulation for as many different people as possible. E.g. sales organization, service personnel, etc. The following should be included in this step: Handover of simulation projects to the technical editors.

• Arrange meetings with machine owners for review of the function.
• Make any design changes.
• Review of the electrical design.
• Find a possible order or machine that can be used for final text.
• Plan testing of finished control panels.
• Development of a test plan.

This step is completed when all functions are approved, and the steps above are completed.

This step aims to set up and test electrical equipment on the final test object. Also to study any errors and possible changes regarding installation. Electrical design and PLC program responsible persons will do this together. Depending on selected services, Lindh Automation participates more or less in this step.

 

This is the final test where all developed parts are tested in a real environment. All functions are tested according to test plan. Machine owners must participate in the test and verify that everything works according to the function descriptions. Also, the operator’s manuals are to be tested against the real machine. If a designer has been involved in the project, he will now participate in order to verify interactivity.

This step ends when machine owners have approved all functions.

After the test all test results are reviewed in a project meeting. All persons in the project team must participate in this meeting. Any errors are addressed. A plan is set to correct the errors.

This step ends when all remaining points are closed, and all documentation is completed.