Automation
Automation Discovery Questions
Questions to define what needs to be sensed, controlled, tracked, rejected, verified, logged, or displayed.
Purpose
- Automation projects work best when the inputs, outputs, decisions, and desired operator experience are clearly defined.
- This guide helps organize the information needed for PLC, HMI, scanner, sensor, and data collection projects.
Process Definition
- What starts the process?
- What stops the process?
- What product, part, package, or material is being handled?
- What decisions need to be made automatically?
- What should happen during a fault or no-read condition?
- What does the operator need to see or control?
Hardware Details
- PLC brand and model
- HMI brand and model
- Sensor types and quantities
- Scanner or camera model
- Network type such as Ethernet/IP, TCP/IP, serial, or discrete I/O
- Available power and enclosure requirements
- Existing wiring or panel drawings
Data and Reporting
- What data needs to be captured?
- Where should the data go?
- Does the system need CSV, JSON, database, or PLC communication?
- Does the operator need a dashboard?
- Are timestamps, counts, quality results, or reject reasons required?
Risk and Constraints
- Production downtime limits
- Safety requirements
- Environmental conditions
- Washdown, dust, vibration, or temperature concerns
- Spare parts availability
- Need for manual override or bypass modes
