Integration of PLCs and databases for factory information systems

Explains how PLCs (programmable logic controllers) can be integrated into information systems for day-to-day use on the factory floor. The author describes how a PLC is used to collect real-time data and is interfaced to a low-cost supermicrocomputer for production monitoring and FIS (factory information systems) purposes. The whole issue of real-time data collection and control is greatly simplified by the use of PLCs provided that time is not a critical factor. As the PLC program task becomes more complex, the scan time degenerates.<
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