How can you manage PLC system documentation throughout the system lifecycle?

1 Define documentation standards

The first step to manage PLC system documentation is to define the documentation standards that you will follow for your project or organization. Documentation standards are the rules and guidelines that specify how to create, format, organize, and store your PLC system documentation. Documentation standards help to ensure the quality, clarity, and consistency of your PLC system documentation, as well as to facilitate communication and collaboration among stakeholders. Some examples of documentation standards are IEC 61131-3 for PLC programming languages, ISO 9001 for quality management, and IEEE 829 for software testing.

2 Use documentation templates

The second step to manage PLC system documentation is to use documentation templates that are aligned with your documentation standards. Documentation templates are the predefined structures and formats that you can use to create your PLC system documentation. Documentation templates help to save time and effort, as well as to maintain uniformity and accuracy of your PLC system documentation. Some examples of documentation templates are functional specifications, ladder logic diagrams, user manuals, and test cases.

3 Automate documentation generation

The third step to manage PLC system documentation is to automate the documentation generation process as much as possible. Automation means using software tools and techniques that can automatically create, update, or convert your PLC system documentation, based on the inputs or outputs of your PLC system. Automation helps to reduce human errors, improve productivity, and enhance traceability of your PLC system documentation. Some examples of automation tools and techniques are code generators, comment extractors, document converters, and data loggers.

4 Store documentation securely

The fourth step to manage PLC system documentation is to store your PLC system documentation securely and accessibly. Storage means using hardware and software solutions that can protect, backup, and organize your PLC system documentation, as well as to enable easy retrieval and sharing of your PLC system documentation. Storage helps to prevent data loss, corruption, or theft, as well as to support version control and auditability of your PLC system documentation. Some examples of storage solutions are cloud services, document management systems, and network drives.

5 Review documentation regularly

The fifth step to manage PLC system documentation is to review your PLC system documentation regularly and thoroughly. Review means using methods and criteria that can evaluate, verify, and validate your PLC system documentation, as well as to identify and correct any issues or gaps in your PLC system documentation. Review helps to ensure the completeness, correctness, and relevance of your PLC system documentation, as well as to comply with regulations and standards of your PLC system. Some examples of review methods and criteria are peer reviews, checklists, and inspections.

6 Update documentation promptly

The sixth and final step to manage PLC system documentation is to update your PLC system documentation promptly and accurately. Update means using procedures and tools that can modify, add, or delete your PLC system documentation, as well as to communicate and document the changes in your PLC system documentation. Update helps to keep your PLC system documentation current and consistent with your PLC system, as well as to reflect the feedback and requirements of your PLC system. Some examples of update procedures and tools are change requests, revision histories, and notifications.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?