User Profile

Automation programming is a complex and highly sophisticated task requiring specialized training and high-levels of problem solving skills. At a minimum, the programmer must have knowledge of two things: the concepts and techniques of PLC programming itself plus the particular domain of automation application and the equipment to be controlled, such as chemical processing, durable goods manufacturing, or the like. Most PLC programmers have some sort of engineering or technical degree, particularly in the United States, although some may have only technical or trade school training. All automation programmers will have had some experience and/or training in PLC programming in one or more of the widely used standard PLC programming idioms, such as ladder logic, statement list, or function block diagrams. They will also need, of course, some knowledge of the technical specifications for the targeted hardware modules to which the PLC program will be downloaded. For the Step 7 Lite system, this means they will need to have a basic knowledge of the relevant modules in the Siemens S7 300, ET200S, and ET200X series. Users of these series can be expected to be dealing with the more basic sorts of automation applications and may be relatively less experienced. In new markets, users are also likely to be less familiar with specific details and conventions of Siemens products.