Anyone working in the automation industry knows that one of the biggest design bottlenecks is the communication between mechanical engineers and controls engineers. Late design changes that affect the build and test of equipment, the owner of the BoM, and the fit of electrical and fluid power components and cables into the actual assembly are all common issues that arise.
Topics: Tips and Tricks, Electrical
As Controls Engineers, we are all aware that design involves both hardware and software, typically including PLC logic. The hardware design explains the physical wiring and descriptions, and the software design makes it happen. Sometimes one engineer or designer does the hardware design, and another does the software (PLC/HMI/etc.).
Topics: Electrical
I believe 99% of you will agree that having a data management system such as Autodesk Vault is the right way to go. It is secure, tracks changes to versions and revisions, and offers so much in the way of making your design data more accessible. However, what do you do if your controls group doesn't have Vault but still needs to track changes to AutoCAD Electrical projects? And how can you compare a drawing when someone else, such as a vendor or customer, makes changes?
Topics: Tips and Tricks, Electrical
