By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
Mastering these skills will help you keep industrial automation systems running smoothly and reliably, making you a valuable part of any maintenance team.
Industrial automation professionals in Kenya rely heavily on programming software to design, configure, and troubleshoot automated systems. Installing the correct programming software is a foundational step that enables engineers to interface with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and other industrial control devices. This chapter addresses the essential terminology related to programming software installation, which is crucial for electronics engineers working in diverse Kenyan industries such as manufacturing plants, water treatment facilities, and agro-processing firms.
Understanding the terminology associated with programming software installation is critical for electronics engineers to ensure accurate communication, effective troubleshooting, and successful deployment of automation solutions. The terms cover software types, licensing, compatibility, and installation processes that influence system performance and maintenance.
Software installation refers to the process of copying and configuring a software program onto a computer or industrial controller so that it can be executed and used effectively. In the context of industrial automation, installation ensures that programming environments such as Siemens TIA Portal, Allen-Bradley RSLogix, or Schneider Electric EcoStruxure are properly set up to communicate with hardware components.
In Kenyan manufacturing plants, for example, improper installation of PLC programming software can lead to communication failures between the control system and field devices, causing costly downtime.
Programming software is a specialized application that allows engineers to write, edit, compile, and debug programs for automation controllers. This software acts as the interface between the engineer and the hardware, facilitating the development of control logic for industrial processes.
Software licensing defines the legal permissions and restrictions governing the use of programming software. Licensing determines how software can be installed, used, and distributed within an organization, impacting compliance and cost management.
At a SACCO’s IT department, managing software licenses ensures that programming tools are legally used across multiple workstations without incurring unnecessary expenses or risking legal penalties.
Compatibility refers to the ability of programming software to function correctly with the hardware, operating system, and other software components involved in industrial automation. Ensuring compatibility is vital to prevent errors during programming and system operation.
Create a free account to open more of this chapter.
Free: practical guides, quick cards, workplace scenarios and more.
Create a free accountThis chapter explored key terms related to industrial automation programming, establishing a foundation for understanding software applications in the field. It reviewed major PLC software brands including ABB, Schneider, Allen-Bradley, Rockwell, Berckoff, Mitsubishi, and Omron, highlighting their unique features and industry relevance. The discussion then moved to essential programming concepts and methodologies, emphasizing structured approaches to developing reliable control programs. Various programming languages used in automation were examined, alongside the specific requirements for programming PLCs, DCS, embedded systems, and robot controllers. Critical factors influencing program development were identified to ensure efficiency and functionality. The chapter also covered the creation and interpretation of piping and instrumentation diagrams, demonstrating how CAD tools enhance their design. Finally, it introduced analysis software such as Matlab, Labview, and Multisim, and concluded with an overview of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems, highlighting their role in monitoring and controlling industrial processes.
Type: Individual
| Tools & Equipment | Materials |
|---|---|
| Laptop with PLC programming software installed | Industrial automation terms glossary booklet |
| Whiteboard markers | |
| Whiteboard eraser | |
| Projector |
| S/N | Item | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Industrial automation terms glossary booklet | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 2 | Whiteboard markers | 3 Pcs per Candidate |
| 3 | Whiteboard eraser | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 4 | Laptop with PLC programming software installed | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 5 | Projector for demonstration | 1 Pc per 5 Candidates |
| Items to be Evaluated | Marks Available | Marks Obtained | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| TASK 1: Identification and Explanation of Terms | |||
| Wore Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required (Award 1 mark for correct PPE use, zero if none) | 1 | ||
| Used the glossary booklet to identify industrial automation terms (Award 1 mark for each correctly identified term, max 3 marks) | 3 | ||
| Explained meaning of each identified term clearly (Award 1 mark for each clear and accurate explanation, max 4 marks) | 4 | ||
| Used laptop software to demonstrate term application (Award 2 marks for effective demonstration using software, zero if none) | 2 | ||
| Used whiteboard and markers to illustrate terms and examples (Award 2 marks for clear, relevant illustrations, zero if none) | 2 | ||
| Sub-Total | 12 | ||
| PRODUCT CHECKLIST | |||
| Correct identification of 10 key industrial automation terms (Award 0.4 marks per correct term, total 4 marks) | 4 | ||
| Accurate and clear explanations matching industry standards (Award 0.6 marks per accurate explanation, total 6 marks) | 6 | ||
| Effective use of software and whiteboard for demonstration (Award 3 marks for clarity and relevance of demonstration) | 3 | ||
| Neatness and organization of presentation (Award 2 marks for well-organized and professional presentation) | 2 | ||
| Sub-Total | 15 | ||
| GRAND TOTAL | 27 | ||
Type: Individual
| Tools & Equipment | Materials |
|---|---|
| Laptop with Windows 10 OS | ABB Automation Builder Software installation media (USB drive) |
| USB to PLC programming cable (ABB standard) | ABB AC500 PLC sample unit |
| Ethernet cable CAT6 | ABB AC500 Power Supply Module |
| ABB AC500 I/O Module (digital input/output) | |
| Personal Protective Equipment (dustcoat, safety shoes) |
| S/N | Item | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Laptop with Windows 10 OS | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 2 | ABB Automation Builder Software installation media (USB drive) | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 3 | ABB AC500 PLC sample unit | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 4 | Ethernet cable CAT6 | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 5 | ABB AC500 Power Supply Module | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 6 | ABB AC500 I/O Module (digital input/output) | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 7 | USB to PLC programming cable (ABB standard) | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 8 | Personal Protective Equipment (dustcoat, safety shoes) | 1 Set per Candidate |
| Items to be Evaluated | Marks Available | Marks Obtained | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| TASK 1: Software Installation and PLC Configuration | |||
| Wore Personal Protective Equipment (dustcoat and safety shoes) (Award 1 mark for correct PPE usage, zero if omitted) | 1 | ||
| Prepared laptop and verified Windows 10 OS readiness (Award 2 marks for correct OS verification and readiness) | 2 | ||
| Installed ABB Automation Builder software from USB media without errors (Award 4 marks for complete error-free installation) | 4 | ||
| Connected ABB AC500 PLC to laptop using USB programming cable correctly (Award 3 marks for correct cable connection and device recognition) | 3 | ||
| Configured software for PLC communication via USB interface (Award 3 marks for correct communication setup and PLC detection) | 3 | ||
| Connected Ethernet cable between laptop and PLC and configured network settings (Award 3 marks for correct physical connection and network configuration) | 3 | ||
| Verified successful communication with PLC using Ethernet interface (Award 4 marks for successful ping and communication test) | 4 | ||
| Configured basic PLC parameters including power supply and I/O module settings (Award 4 marks for correctly configuring power supply and I/O module in software) | 4 | ||
| Saved and backed up the software configuration project (Award 2 marks for saving project and creating backup) | 2 | ||
| Applied good housekeeping and cable management practices during setup (Award 2 marks for neat and safe cable arrangement and workspace) | 2 | ||
| Sub-Total | 28 | ||
| PRODUCT CHECKLIST | |||
| ABB Automation Builder software installed and running correctly on laptop (Award 5 marks if software launches and operates without errors) | 5 | ||
| Successful communication established with ABB AC500 PLC via USB and Ethernet (Award 5 marks if PLC is detected and communicates on both interfaces) | 5 | ||
| Correct configuration of PLC parameters including power supply and I/O modules (Award 5 marks if parameters match the sample PLC hardware and show no errors) | 5 | ||
| Project file saved and backed up with proper naming convention (Award 3 marks for saved project with appropriate file name) | 3 | ||
| Workspace and equipment left clean and organized after task completion (Award 4 marks for good housekeeping and equipment care) | 4 | ||
| Sub-Total | 22 | ||
| GRAND TOTAL | 50 | ||
At the start of this chapter we promised you would be able to:
Tick each one you can genuinely do.
Sample simulation — try how the simulator works. A version built for this chapter's practical is coming.
Prepare Kenyan PilauLocked ▸Free: practical guides, quick cards, workplace scenarios and more.
Now — are you there yet?
You're competent when you can confidently do 50% or more of what this chapter promised.
Sign in to record how you're doing.