Control systems software development survival kit

The author describes his role in a project involving the retrofit of a paper management system (PMS) Intended to provide flexibility for new products. His portion of the project was to provide the programming to replace the programmable logic controller on the 1980 vintage roll finishing line with a newer A-B PLC-5 processor to interface with a new PMS as well as to add a bar code laser scanner, sonar roll measuring scanners, a new scale, a label applicator, and a bilge stenciler. He discusses what was learned during this project and how this can be generalized to the management of control systems software development. He first gives some background information on the scope of the project undertaken. Second, he gives his opinion on how this can be extrapolated to the control of any software-based control project. Finally, he reviews the benefits of the work done on the roll finishing line project.<>