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An investigation into programmable logic controller software design techniques in the automotive industry

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Hajarnavis, Vivek and Young, K. (Ken). (2008) An investigation into programmable logic controller software design techniques in the automotive industry. Assembly Automation, Volume 28 (Number 1). pp. 43-54. ISSN 0144-5154

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/01445150810849000

Abstract

Purpose - This paper aims to describe the results of an investigation into the techniques used to design factory control systems in the body-in-white section of car-manufacturing plants in Germany, the UK and the USA.
Design/methodology/approach - Research was conducted through a set of semi-structured interviews with the individuals responsible for planning control system architectures in a number of companies world-wide.

Findings - The challenges faced by the users of industrial control systems, such as the need to conduct changes quickly, accurately and without errors, are identified. Each organisation participating in this study was seen to use a company-specific standard to bring commonality to systems and to improve the ease of developing, maintaining and modifying their control systems. Similar software structures were seen to be in use in many of the companies participating in this survey, though in some cases differing attitudes to the use of the same tools were observed.

Practical implications - This work captures, documents and reviews industrial practice in a structured manner, providing an insight into the factors affecting the selection of control system technology by industrial users, and serves as a starting-point for researchers wishing to investigate the relative importance to industrial practitioners.

Originality/value - Existing work on industrial programming practice is extended by detailing specific software structures used in manufacturing operations in the car industry.

Item Type:

Journal Article

Subjects:

Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA76 Electronic computers. Computer science. Computer software
T Technology > TL Motor vehicles. Aeronautics. Astronautics
T Technology > TS Manufactures

Divisions:

Faculty of Science > Engineering

Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):

Programmable controllers, Programmable logic devices, Computer programming, Automation, Automobile industry and trade -- Electric equipment

Journal or Publication Title:

Assembly Automation

Publisher:

Emerald Group Publishing Ltd.

ISSN:

0144-5154

Official Date:

2008

Dates:

Date	Event
2008	Published

Volume:

Volume 28

Number:

Number 1

Number of Pages:

Page Range:

pp. 43-54

Identification Number:

10.1108/01445150810849000

Status:

Peer Reviewed

Publication Status:

Published

Access rights to Published version:

Restricted or Subscription Access

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