PLC system check for a government agency in Thailand (Chulabhorn Royal Academy)
Organisation: Chulabhorn Royal Academy
This work was a check of the PLC system (Programmable Logic Controller, a programmable industrial controller) that Chulabhorn Royal Academy has in use. We carried out the check and handed over the work in 2020. Installing or supplying new PLC modules is separate, follow-on work.
- Industry
- Government
- Year
- 2020
- Scope of work
- PLC system check and handover (excludes installing or supplying new PLC modules)
Summary
- We checked the PLC system (programmable industrial controller) that Chulabhorn Royal Academy has in use, then handed over the work and closed the job in 2020.
- The scope of work was only to check and hand over. Installing or supplying new equipment, such as PLC modules, was separated out as follow-on work.
- If you have a PLC system in use, you can commission a check on its own first, then decide on installing or supplying new equipment.
- Principles from this work: separate the check from supply, state clearly which work is excluded, and record the check results so they can be used to plan the follow-on work.
The on-site brief
Chulabhorn Royal Academy wanted the PLC system (programmable industrial controller) it has in use to be checked.
What we did
We carried out a check of the agency's PLC system and handed over the work. Installing or supplying new equipment, such as PLC modules, was separated out as follow-on work.
Results
We handed over the PLC system check and closed the job in 2020.
How the brief came about
Chulabhorn Royal Academy wanted the PLC system it has in use to be checked. We carried out the check and handed over the work in 2020. This was a check job, not an installation or equipment supply job.
What are a PLC and a PLC module?
A PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) is a programmable industrial controller. It is used to operate equipment such as motors, valves or pumps according to set conditions. A PLC module is a part added on to the PLC itself, such as a module that receives signals from sensors or a module that sends signals to operate equipment.
Did this work include installing or supplying new PLC modules?
No. The scope of this work was only to check the PLC system and hand over the work. Installing or supplying new equipment, such as PLC modules, was separated out for the person responsible to coordinate the details.
- Included in the work: checking the PLC system the agency has in use, and handing over the check.
- Not included in the work: installing or supplying new equipment, such as PLC modules.
- Separated work: passed to the person responsible to coordinate the details as follow-on work.
Why separate the check from equipment supply?
Separating the work allows the check to be delivered and closed within its own scope, without waiting for a decision on new equipment.
When parts of a PLC system have to be bought or replaced, the person looking after it first needs to know which parts are still usable and which need replacing. With the work separated in this way, equipment supply in the follow-on work can be based on the actual condition of the system.
- 1
PLC system check
We carried out a check of Chulabhorn Royal Academy's PLC system, according to the scope of the check work.
- 2
Check handed over
Handed over as normal and closed the job in 2020.
- 3
PLC module work separated as follow-on work
Installing or supplying new equipment, such as PLC modules, is not included in this work and was set aside for the person responsible to coordinate the details.
Deliverables
What was delivered was the check of the PLC system the agency has in use. This work did not include installing or supplying new equipment, such as PLC modules.
Confirmed results
Our project summary record for 2020 states that the PLC system check for Chulabhorn Royal Academy was completed and handed over as normal. This case has no measured figures.
What we learned
This work offers the following principles for checking control systems in use:
- Separate the check from equipment supply when the actual condition of the system is not yet known, so that the check can be delivered and closed within its own scope.
- State clearly in the job documents which work is excluded and who takes over the separated work. Both parties will then have the same understanding of what has been delivered and what remains follow-on work.
- Record in full what the system controls, what was found during the check and what follow-on work is recommended, so that installation or equipment supply can be planned next.
How can you apply this approach to your organisation's PLC system?
If your organisation or factory has a PLC system in use and you are not yet sure which parts need replacing, you can start with a check like the one in this case, then decide on new equipment from the check results. What needs adjusting is the scope of work, when you want the check and the equipment supply in the same job.
Reusable parts and parts that need adapting
| Part of the work | Reusable | Needs adapting when |
|---|---|---|
| Scope of work | Check first, then separate installation or equipment supply as follow-on work | You want PLC modules installed or supplied in the same job. This must be stated from the time you request a quotation. |
| System information | PLC system inspection for systems in use | For every system, the brand, model and connected modules must be provided in advance, so that tools and software matching the model can be prepared. |
| Work handover | Separating excluded work for the person responsible to coordinate further | Your organisation has separate people responsible for procurement or installation. The name of the person taking over the work must be stated in the documents. |
Before requesting a quotation, please prepare the following information:
- Brand and model of the PLC, including the connected modules
- Symptoms or concerns you have noticed, such as periods when the system does not operate as set
- Existing documents, such as electrical circuit drawings, manuals or PLC program backup files
- Times when the system can be stopped for the check without affecting the organisation's work
Technology used
Frequently Asked Questions
What did this work do for Chulabhorn Royal Academy?
We checked the PLC system (programmable industrial controller) the agency has in use, then handed over the work and closed the job in 2020.
Did this work include replacing or supplying PLC modules?
No. Installing or supplying new equipment, such as PLC modules, was separated out as follow-on work for the person responsible to coordinate the details.
Can I commission only a PLC system check, without buying equipment yet?
Yes. The work in this case was a check only. You can decide on installing or supplying new equipment after seeing the check results.
What information should I prepare before having you check my PLC system?
Have ready the brand and model of the PLC and its connected modules, the symptoms or concerns you have noticed, documents such as electrical circuit drawings or program backup files, and the times when the system can be stopped for the check.
How much does a PLC system check cost?
There is no standard price. The price depends on the size of the system, the number of points to be checked and the scope of work. You can request a quotation; we assess it from the system information and site conditions.
