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Supplemental PLC Training Classes

While Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) platform provider training offers a strong foundation, the focus is on the vendor-specific PLC itself and its basic operational skills. NeoMatrix’s supplemental training goes beyond these basics and creates PLC classes that are customized to support your plant's holistic operational requirements.

PLC Training Focus: Basics and Fundamentals

1. PLC Hardware & Components
We’ll review your specific PLC hardware and components, their functions, and how they work together in your plant. Then we’ll create a customized syllabus for effective PLC programming and maintenance. We’ll include:

Types of PLCs: Our PLC trainers will review the different types of PLC classifications based on size, functionality, and "to support your plant's holistic operational requirements."

Basic PLC Architecture: Our trainers will go over the core components of your PLC system, including the central processing unit (CPU), input/output (I/O) modules, power supply, and communication interfaces.

Basic PLC Structure: Our PLC course will cover your PLC’s scanning cycle, program execution, and communication between the CPU and I/O modules.

2. PLC Software
Basic PLC Software Structure: Provides an overall context of how to properly structure a PLC based control system regardless of PLC type, programming language or platform.

3. PLC Programmable Language
Since no two plants are designed the same, our PLC training is tailored to the particular programming languages you employ at your facility. Our PLC training courses are specifically designed to give your engineers and technicians the skills they need to program and manage the PLCs in your plant, regardless of whether your PLCs use the more sophisticated options like function block diagrams or the more common language of ladder logic.

Ladder
Logic

Preferred for simple, discrete control systems and ease of troubleshooting.

Function Block Diagram

Suitable for systems with modular and reusable functions.

Structured
Text

Ideal for complex calculations and data-intensive operations.

Instruction
List

Used where low-level control and efficiency are paramount.

Sequential Function Chart

Best for processes requiring clear, sequential control.

PLC Training Focus: Programming Skills

Plant processes are run on well-defined logic programs, but not all PLCs speak the same language. Our PLC trainers cover the language of your PLCs, or in many cases a combination of these languages, providing participants with the skills needed to write, understand, and troubleshoot these programs effectively.

1. Mastering Ladder Logic:
In our training sessions, we dive into the basic parts of ladder logic programs, such as coils, contacts, and rungs, and how they work together to provide a logical flow that resembles traditional electrical diagrams.

Essential Ladder Logic Functions: We review fundamental operations, including counters, timers, AND, OR, and NOT.

Writing Effective Ladder Programs: Programming in a clear and maintainable manner is essential, even beyond functionality. We'll go over best practices for effective debugging strategies, appropriate commenting styles, and program structure to make sure your logic is simple to follow and troubleshoot for both you and other people.

2. PLC Programming Tools
While core concepts are similar, different PLC manufacturers have their own software and features. We develop courses based on the specific PLC brand(s) and model(s), functionality, and programming language your manufacturing facility uses. From the popular Allen-Bradley Studio 5000 to the powerful Omron CX-Programmer and the flexible CODESYS platform, our training caters to a wide range of PLC platforms. Since training is focused directly on the PLCs in your plant our training classes provide more meaningful and efficient learning.

3. PLC Modular Code
Use of modular code allows the programmer to re-use the same code functionality and to extend the basic instruction set of the PLC. For example, the programmer can create a valve object that can be reused for all the valves controlled and monitored by the PLC. If modular code is a feature for the customer’s PLC platform, then our trainers can demonstrate how to design, build and provide best practices in the utilization of modular code. In Allen-Bradley PLCs, we use Add-On Instructions (AOIs) to create modular code.

See what our customers are saying

Erik...That guy has very good customer service skills. He schedules meetings, leads projects, trains his new hires, takes good notes, remembers a lot of things, and stays flexible and open to requests. Does everything well. The HMIs being built for us are also top-notch in look and feel, and they work great, according to how we'd like them to work.

—Austin Li, Repligen Corporation
We have always gotten awesome support both scheduled and unscheduled...people who work there are people I would call friends.

—Eileen Souliotis, Manufacturing & Operations Specialist, Entegris

PLC Training: Advanced Topics

PLCs don’t work alone. That’s why we offer advanced training on Human-Machine Interface (HMI), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), and communication protocols. By understanding how these systems work together your staff gains a deeper understanding of your entire plant operation, which allows for improved efficiency and data analysis improvement.

1. Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Training
Operators need to interact effectively with the PLCs through HMIs. That's why we've incorporated a dedicated HMI configuration and utilization module into our training program. In our advanced HMI training class, operators will:

Optimize current HMI displays, data visualization, operator control functions, and alarm management.
Explore techniques for creating user-friendly interfaces that enhance process monitoring and control.

2. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Systems
It’s important to understand how SCADA systems monitor and manage multiple PLCs, offering a real-time, centralized view of plant operations. Our courses walk through how to configure, operate, and troubleshoot these systems while learning the different SCADA functionalities such as data acquisition, real-time visualization, historical data analysis reporting, and communication protocols.

3. Networking & Communications Protocols
Master the languages your PLCs speak. Our trainers teach participants how data is exchanged between PLCs, HMI, SCADA, and other devices on your network. Our training classes explore protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Modbus TCP, Profibus and DeviceNet.

Our trainers focus the classes on configuration and troubleshooting techniques. Plus, they teach operators how to implement robust industrial networks for reliable communication and data flow.

PLC Training: Troubleshooting & Maintenance

Even the most robust PLCs can encounter issues. Our systematic approach teaches operators the skills they need to diagnose and address problems in your plant quickly and efficiently while minimizing downtime.

1. Diagnostic Techniques

Our training programs put operators through real-world situations they might face in their plants so they may get practical experience debugging typical PLC issues. We'll go over methods such as:

Analyze error codes to determine PLC error codes and how to fix them.
Logical Program Review: Identify any logical or syntactic mistakes in your PLC
Input/Output Testing: Using the proper instruments and methods, confirm that input sensors and output devices are operational.
Communication Diagnostics: Find problems with network connectivity and communication protocols.

2. Preventative Maintenance

Preventative maintenance is key to maximizing PLC lifespan and minimizing unexpected downtime. We'll cover essential practices, including:

Regular Inspections: Conducting scheduled inspections to check for loose connections and signs of wear and tear.
Software Updates: Using the PLC manufacturer's suggested software upgrades to address bugs and improve functionality.
Data Backups: Safeguarding your PLC programs and configuration settings in case of hardware failure.

Why Choose Neomatrix for PLC Logic Training?

Organizational
Context

Unlike generic vendor training, our courses focus on your projects specifically, for maximum relevance and application.

Multiple Vendors,
One Course

Training consolidated into one convenient course, saving you time and resources.

Holistic
Focus

Shift from individual product focus to a comprehensive system perspective going beyond basic product knowledge.

Customized PLC Logic Training