Safety stops must have the highest priority
Article#: 00118
Date: 2026-03-08
Author: Radim
In the previous article, I introduced different types of machine stops and their intended purpose.
...
Read more
Different types of machine stops
Article#: 00117
Date: 2026-03-01
Author: Radim
Both the development team and the customer want the same thing: a machine that runs and produces. 😉
...
Read more
Buttons: Start, Stop and one more
Article#: 00116
Date: 2026-02-17
Author: Radim
In the article When a touch panel isn't enough, I described both the advantages of HMIs (Human-Machine Interfaces) using touch panels and
...
Read more
Redundant PLC - Yes or No?
Article#: 00115
Date: 2026-02-01
Author: Radim
In industrial automation, there are many ways of improving machine availability.
...
Read more
How long will a failure keep our production down?
Article#: 00114
Date: 2026-01-25
Author: Radim
Industrial automation promises higher productivity, better quality, and lower costs.
...
Read more
Resilient machine control design
Article#: 00113
Date: 2025-11-23
Author: Radim
Modern industrial machines today are equipped with a wide range of advanced systems:
...
Read more
When a touch panel isn't enough
Article#: 00112
Date: 2025-10-21
Author: Radim
Touchscreen panels have become the standard for controlling devices
...
Read more
HMI - light versus dark design
Article#: 00111
Date: 2025-09-09
Author: Radim
The choice between dark and light design for HMI visualizations is not just a question of appearance.
...
Read more
What makes an HMI intuitive?
Article#: 00110
Date: 2025-06-25
Author: Radim
An intuitive human machine interface (HMI) enables users to interact with machines and processes naturally and efficiently,
...
Read more
HMI - colors in the visualization
Article#: 00109
Date: 2025-05-07
Author: Radim
Before we design an HMI visualization, it is important to know how we want to use colors.
Color is a very powerful tool for visual presentations.
...
Read more
HMI - annoying pop-up windows
Article#: 00108
Date: 2025-02-09
Author: Radim
Have you ever experienced this?
You want or need to complete a task, but annoying pop-up windows keep appearing on your screen.
...
Read more
HMI - Don't hide anything
Article#: 00107
Date: 2024-11-15
Author: Radim
It is essential for users to always have access to machine status information and control and navigation elements,
...
Read more
HMI - back and forward navigation buttons
Article#: 00106
Date: 2024-11-10
Author: Radim
There is no doubt that buttons to move back and forward in the history of visited pages are very important
...
Read more
HMI navigation
Article#: 00105
Date: 2024-11-02
Author: Radim
HMI (Human Machine Interface) pages should be designed to provide the operator functional groups of related information
...
Read more
HMI layout design
Article#: 00104
Date: 2024-10-31
Author: Radim
Let's define the layout of our visualization taking into account the specification of the selected screen,
...
Read more
HMI layout and correct display size
Article#: 00103
Date: 2024-10-22
Author: Radim
Before we start designing the layout for our visualization,
...
Read more
The false illusion of rapid progress
Article#: 00102
Date: 2024-10-16
Author: Radim
Is your project going according to the plan so far? Yes? Congratulations!
...
Read more
Choosing an HMI display
Article#: 00101
Date: 2024-10-09
Author: Radim
When selecting an HMI display for a machine or a plant, it is essential to carefully consider several key factors
...
Read more
HMI is not a web page
Article#: 00100
Date: 2024-10-05
Author: Radim
Although modern human-machine interfaces (HMIs) are often developed using web technologies and displayed in web browsers,
...
Read more
Hidden dangers during commissioning
Article#: 00099
Date: 2024-10-01
Author: Radim
Commissioning is an essential phase in any automation project.
...
Read more
HMI - Don't overdo it with complex design
Article#: 00098
Date: 2024-09-25
Author: Radim
HMI design is critical to operator performance, especially to maintain their vigilance and situational awareness.
...
Read more
HMI - Have a consistent style
Article#: 00097
Date: 2024-09-04
Author: Radim
There are many ways how to develop HMI screens for machine automation and related applications,
...
Read more
An irreplaceable employee
Article#: 00096
Date: 2024-08-27
Author: Radim
Not only the correct execution of the task, but also its clear processing and
...
Read more
High Performance HMI
Article#: 00095
Date: 2024-07-17
Author: Radim
1. Development of High Performance HMI (Human Machine Interface) is a response to several challenges
...
Read more
Dedicated employees
Article#: 00094
Date: 2024-07-09
Author: Radim
In any flourishing company, the smooth functioning and success of the company are not accidental or spontaneous phenomena.
...
Read more
Keep everything you need together
Article#: 00093
Date: 2024-07-04
Author: Radim
The project directory and repository should contain all the supporting files that were needed for the project development.
...
Read more
Dream of a platform-independent PLC program
Article#: 00092
Date: 2024-05-26
Author: Radim
It's a beautiful idea to write a program that we can run on any PLC
...
Read more
Graphic designer
Article#: 00091
Date: 2024-05-07
Author: Radim
An often underestimated but important member of the team is the graphic designer.
...
Read more
Make backups, make small changes and test a lot
Article#: 00090
Date: 2024-04-24
Author: Radim
During development, it is important to make small changes
...
Read more
Code formatting
Article#: 00089
Date: 2024-04-16
Author: Radim
Proper code formatting is not just an aesthetic issue, but has a real impact on code maintainability and programmer efficiency.
...
Read more
Maintain order in the program code
Article#: 00088
Date: 2024-03-05
Author: Radim
Why is it important to maintain order in the program code?
1. Easier readability and understanding:
...
Read more
Keep the documentation up to date throughout the project
Article#: 00087
Date: 2024-03-01
Author: Radim
At the beginning of a project, we usually have a clear idea of
...
Read more
PLC network diagram
Article#: 00086
Date: 2024-02-08
Author: Radim
What is a PLC network diagram and what is it good for?
A PLC network diagram is a visual representation of the entire automation system,
...
Read more
Version control system
Article#: 00085
Date: 2024-02-01
Author: Radim
What is a version control system?
A version control system, also known as a revision control system or source code management system,
...
Read more
My boss was a hero
Article#: 00084
Date: 2023-10-14
Author: Radim
My first boss had a profound impact on my career.
He was a true hero.
...
Read more
Diagnostic tools
Article#: 00083
Date: 2023-03-19
Author: Radim
Diagnostic tools are essential for PLC maintenance and troubleshooting.
...
Read more
Event logger as the very first function implemented in the program
Article#: 00082
Date: 2023-02-05
Author: Radim
It is necessary to know what is happening in the program,
...
Read more
It doesn't work without sensors
Article#: 00081
Date: 2023-01-15
Author: Radim
Why do we need sensors on the machine?
...
Read more
Talk to operators
Article#: 00080
Date: 2022-11-21
Author: Radim
Ask yourself what is important to the operators, or better yet, ask the operators if
...
Read more
Clear signals
Article#: 00079
Date: 2022-10-27
Author: Radim
A machine or a plant must run as autonomously as possible, and if an operator intervention is required,
...
Read more
Design considerations for effective HMIS
Article#: 00078
Date: 2022-08-22
Author: Radim
Why is a well-considered human machine interface system (HMIS) design important?
...
Read more
Software update
Article#: 00077
Date: 2022-05-20
Author: Radim
On-machine software update is a use case/activity that needs to be thought of as early as in the project phase of hardware design and
...
Read more
Safety relays versus safety PLC
Article#: 00076
Date: 2022-04-15
Author: Radim
When designing a system, it is good to consider whether we want to use a traditional safety solution, implemented with safety relays, or
...
Read more
Documentation issues
Article#: 00075
Date: 2021-12-11
Author: Radim
What documentation problems are there?
...
Read more
Visual modeling
Article#: 00074
Date: 2021-12-04
Author: Radim
Visual modeling is a very useful tool in project analysis and documentation.
...
Read more
Choice of programming language
Article#: 00073
Date: 2021-11-26
Author: Radim
Choosing the right programming language helps us make the project faster and easier.
...
Read more
Variable names
Article#: 00072
Date: 2021-11-06
Author: Radim
A variable is a storage location for data.
...
Read more
Knowledge gained from a completed project is priceless
Article#: 00071
Date: 2021-10-27
Author: Radim
It's not just about a good vision, a good plan and a good concept,
...
Read more
Machine modularization
Article#: 00070
Date: 2021-10-08
Author: Radim
How do we properly divide the whole machine program into modules?
...
Read more
Abbreviations
Article#: 00069
Date: 2021-09-30
Author: Radim
In every document in which we use abbreviations, we must also explain these abbreviations.
...
Read more
Modular software architecture
Article#: 00068
Date: 2021-09-20
Author: Radim
Before we start programming, let's figure out how we're going to divide the program.
...
Read more
Hardware concept
Article#: 00067
Date: 2021-09-12
Author: Radim
How do we choose the right electrical and pneumatic components?
...
Read more
A good concept = Complete set of suitable solutions
Article#: 00066
Date: 2021-08-05
Author: Radim
We have collected a complete set of all the necessary requirements.
...
Read more
Are there also any disadvantages?
Article#: 00065
Date: 2021-07-23
Author: Radim
Be critical of what you ask for and offer.
...
Read more
Think critically!
Article#: 00064
Date: 2021-07-16
Author: Radim
Don't think or pretend that you know "it" best.
...
Read more
Design machines with a focus on user's abilities and needs
Article#: 00063
Date: 2021-06-30
Author: Radim
Machine builders must find a way to ensure that the operation of the machine
...
Read more
Learn from your journey!
Article#: 00062
Date: 2021-06-22
Author: Radim
Often and repeatedly think about what you have been doing.
...
Read more
Project leader
Article#: 00061
Date: 2021-06-15
Author: Radim
Every role in the team is important for the successfull completition of the project.
...
Read more
Why do automation projects fail?
Article#: 00060
Date: 2021-04-30
Author: Radim
If we analyze a failed project, we can rarely identify a single cause of the problem.
...
Read more
Collect all the requirements and sort them!
Article#: 00059
Date: 2021-04-01
Author: Radim
Before we start working, we need to know what we want to do.
Only if we summarize all requirements,
...
Read more
Who will operate?
Article#: 00058
Date: 2021-03-25
Author: Radim
In order not to forget any of the system requirements, you should imagine which people
...
Read more
Functional and intuitive HMI
Article#: 00057
Date: 2021-03-17
Author: Radim
Human machine interface (HMI) is an interface that displays machine information for users
...
Read more
Use a usefull styleguide!
Article#: 00056
Date: 2021-03-11
Author: Radim
The code must be easy to read for those who read it and also easy to write for those who write it.
...
Read more
Write and accept only readable code!
Article#: 00055
Date: 2021-03-04
Author: Radim
When you write a program, you need to make sure that it is written correctly in order for it to work.
...
Read more
Who knows it?
Article#: 00054
Date: 2021-02-24
Author: Radim
Maintain a list (database) of all the skills and experiences of your employees in the department and in the company.
...
Read more
Appoint a representative!
Article#: 00053
Date: 2021-02-18
Author: Radim
It is optimal when two people are working on a task and understand it, one with primary responsibility and the right to make decisions,
...
Read more
Are the people planned for this task really available?
Article#: 00052
Date: 2021-02-11
Author: Radim
Make sure you understand how much effective time you can really expect from team members.
...
Read more
Set your goals for today, tomorrow, this week ...
Article#: 00051
Date: 2021-02-04
Author: Radim
In order to move in the right direction, specific and realistic goals must be set.
...
Read more
Write down your best practices and processes!
Article#: 00050
Date: 2021-01-28
Author: Radim
If you do a task repeatedly or if it is likely that you will have to repeat your discovered method in the future, write your own manual.
...
Read more
HMI and PLC applications should grow together
Article#: 00049
Date: 2021-01-21
Author: Radim
Application of the programmable logic controller (PLC) monitors machine sensors and controls machine actuators
...
Read more
Prepare a good project plan and keep it up to date!
Article#: 00048
Date: 2021-01-14
Author: Radim
Understand what the goal of the project is and why you want to achieve it.
...
Read more
Is the way really the goal?
Article#: 00047
Date: 2021-01-07
Author: Radim
If you start a project, you have to finish it too, otherwise it will only be a waste of time and resources.
...
Read more
Do you really want to start with this?
Article#: 00046
Date: 2020-12-31
Author: Radim
Before you start something new, consider whether you want to and can take this path to your goal.
...
Read more
Store email messages in the project folder!
Article#: 00045
Date: 2020-12-24
Author: Radim
During a project, it may be necessary to find out what has happened so far.
...
Read more
I can see what you can not see
Article#: 00044
Date: 2020-12-17
Author: Radim
A person working on a task knows the state and progress of the task best.
...
Read more
More than just start and stop
Article#: 00043
Date: 2020-12-10
Author: Radim
Machine program must be able to do more than just start and stop the machine.
...
Read more
Safety first!
Article#: 00042
Date: 2020-12-03
Author: Radim
The safety of people, environment and equipment must always be taken into account and guaranteed.
...
Read more
Do the right things and do them right!
Article#: 00041
Date: 2020-11-26
Author: Radim
You have to do things right, but it won't get you anywhere unless you do the right things.
...
Read more
Define test scenarios and test cases continuously!
Article#: 00040
Date: 2020-11-19
Author: Radim
Why do we test?
...
Read more
Don't make it worse!
Article#: 00039
Date: 2020-11-13
Author: Radim
If you are lucky to be tasked with developing a new generation of the system, first get to know the old generation thoroughly.
...
Read more
Write a project diary!
Article#: 00038
Date: 2020-11-06
Author: Radim
Write down important things!
Write ideas, goals, problems, findings, solutions, errors,
...
Read more
Keep the answers to the question "Why"
Article#: 00037
Date: 2020-10-30
Author: Radim
It's important to know how we do things.
And no less important is knowing why we do those things and why we do them the way we do them.
...
Read more
Everything is difficult until it becomes easy
Article#: 00036
Date: 2020-10-23
Author: Radim
Only at the end of the project we know how we would have started and executed the project correctly.
...
Read more
Introduce the terminology and standardize it!
Article#: 00035
Date: 2020-10-16
Author: Radim
Identify, clarify and standardize all names and terms already at the beginning of the project.
...
Read more
Realize every good idea ASAP!
Article#: 00034
Date: 2020-10-08
Author: Radim
If you have a good idea, implement it!
Think about the idea well.
...
Read more
Get and stay in the flow!
Article#: 00033
Date: 2020-10-02
Author: Radim
Have a vision!
Get a clear picture of the project result.
...
Read more
Industrial evolution - Listen to your customers and follow new trends!
Article#: 00032
Date: 2020-09-25
Author: Radim
"If you don't listen to your customers you will fail."
...
Read more
Stay alert!
Article#: 00031
Date: 2020-09-19
Author: Radim
Avoid working tiredly!
Take a rest!
Avoid working under stress!
...
Read more
Have an expert on hand!
Article#: 00030
Date: 2020-09-12
Author: Radim
Before you decide to use a hardware or software product in a project, you should also assess the quality and helpfulness of the supplier's technical support.
...
Read more
What does the customer need?
Article#: 00029
Date: 2020-09-05
Author: Radim
Do you know what your customer wants?
Does the customer know what he wants? And is that what he needs?
...
Read more
Don't disappoint your customer!
Article#: 00028
Date: 2020-08-29
Author: Radim
"A satisfied customer is the best business strategy of all." - Michael LeBoeuf
...
Read more
Ask questions!
Article#: 00027
Date: 2020-08-22
Author: Radim
Never stop asking questions.
It is the the most efficient way to gain deeper insights into the project.
...
Read more
Assign tasks efficiently!
Article#: 00026
Date: 2020-08-15
Author: Radim
The quality of the task result depends not only on the assigned people, but above all on the task orderer.
...
Read more
Request bottom-up input!
Article#: 00025
Date: 2020-08-08
Author: Radim
Upper and top management should regularly walk around the company to observe and communicate how things are really developing
...
Read more
Communication skills are extremely important
Article#: 00024
Date: 2020-08-02
Author: Radim
Communication skills are for a software developer just as important as technical skills.
...
Read more
Don't replace employees in the middle of the project!
Article#: 00023
Date: 2020-07-25
Author: Radim
It is very inefficient to replace employees before completing a project.
...
Read more
Develop a sense of responsibility!
Article#: 00022
Date: 2020-07-18
Author: Radim
Encourage team members to take responsibility for their own decisions and actions.
...
Read more
Recruit and retain the best employees!
Article#: 00021
Date: 2020-07-11
Author: Radim
You need capable people in a team to make projects successful.
...
Read more
Get the things done with a small, motivated team!
Article#: 00020
Date: 2020-07-04
Author: Radim
Small, positively motivated teams of programmers who only work on one project
...
Read more
Focus on target!
Article#: 00019
Date: 2020-06-27
Author: Radim
Implementation of the project requirements within given time and financial limits is the target of a project.
...
Read more
Think on paper!
Article#: 00018
Date: 2020-06-20
Author: Radim
Do you want to solve a problem?
Describe the problem on a paper.
...
Read more
Multitasking is harmful
Article#: 00017
Date: 2020-06-13
Author: Radim
Many people believe that they can perform multiple tasks at the same time (= multitasking).
...
Read more
Avoid overly optimistic estimates!
Article#: 00016
Date: 2020-06-06
Author: Radim
"Software types tend to be optimistic, and leaders tend to be in a hurry - a deadly combination ..." - Gary A. Gack1
Read more
9 women can’t make a baby in a month
Article#: 00015
Date: 2020-05-30
Author: Radim
Adding new manpower to a late software project makes it even later. (Fred Brooks's law)
...
Read more
Sharpen your axe before you start felling!
Article#: 00014
Date: 2020-05-23
Author: Radim
A man was chopping down a tree.
A child had been watching him for a while and then asked: "What are you doing?"
...
Read more
Understand - Agree - Be Identified - Believe
Article#: 00013
Date: 2020-05-16
Author: Radim
The way of assigning a task defines the degree of the task acceptance.
...
Read more
Don't hide any problem!
Article#: 00012
Date: 2020-05-09
Author: Radim
What is a problem?
A problem is a situation that is unsatisfactory and creates difficulties for people.
...
Read more
Check the result!
Article#: 00011
Date: 2020-05-03
Author: Radim
A good result usually appears only after several iterations.
...
Read more
Keep it simple!
Article#: 00010
Date: 2020-04-25
Author: Radim
Strive for simplicity!
Of course, all requirements have to be met and the full functionality implemented.
...
Read more
Don't leave a work package half-finished!
Article#: 00009
Date: 2020-04-19
Author: Radim
Only switch to another work package when the one you have been working on is completely finished!
...
Read more
Success is not a matter of coincidence
Article#: 00008
Date: 2020-04-11
Author: Radim
Success is not a matter of coincidence.
Success is a result of hard work and commitment.
...
Read more
Choose the right tool!
Article#: 00007
Date: 2020-04-11
Author: Radim
Choose the right tool that will help you on the way to the target!
...
Read more
Good communication is important
Article#: 00006
Date: 2020-04-11
Author: Radim
Avoid false and inaccurate information!
Don't make any assumptions, rather ask!
...
Read more
Development is evolution
Article#: 00005
Date: 2020-04-11
Author: Radim
Do a good job!
Don't compromise!
...
Read more
Follow the vision!
Article#: 00004
Date: 2020-04-11
Author: Radim
Follow the vision!
Let yourself get inspired by new insights and opportunities!
...
Read more
Don't neglect and don't skip any step!
Article#: 00003
Date: 2020-04-11
Author: Radim
Project tasks have to be done in a reasonable order.
...
Read more
Transparency and reliability
Article#: 00002
Date: 2020-04-11
Author: Radim
When working on a project and pursuing a vision of success, two fundamental qualities
...
Read more
From an idea to a consistent system
Article#: 00001
Date: 2020-04-11
Author: Radim
A machine or a plant is designed with the idea of WHAT we want to do and WHY and HOW we want to do it.
...
Read more