Enhancing productivity with automation of material and information flow by chaining distributed controller units

A training concept is described on how to implement measures to increase Productivity for trainees on technician level. It\´s focusing on implementing network systems to chain distributed programmable controller units. Seven PLC controlled stations made an assembly line for a model cylinder (25 mm × 40 mm). The class will be divided into groups and each will be assigned to one station. The time will be measured which is needed to assemble one Output by the work of "7 operators". To automate a material flow a parallel I/O communication network will be installed. Finally the whole installation is networked by means of plugs, sockets and cables. 4 input/4 output bits at each station are used to program the handshake procedures. Obviously only one operator is needed to start the assembly task. To add a convenient information flow the wired I/O network will be replaced by a PROFIBUS DP network. The installation work is reduced dramatically but the projecting task is on the other hand more complex. The information flow needs a data design and also the procedure of the handshake should be taken correctly. Concerning Productivity the factor Time will be measured also with this configuration.