An expert system for selecting and configuring programmable logic controllers

Over the last ten years, the programmable logic controller (PLC) market has grown dramatically. Due to this, selecting and configuring PLCs for a production system can be a complex, time-consuming and expensive process for a company lacking the necessary in-house expertise. An expert system application for this purpose might have potential as a useful tool to speed up the selection process, and thus lower the cost. The object of this project was to do a survey of PLC market leaders and develop an expert system using Expertech's Xi Plus expert system shell, for selection and configuration of PLC systems for specific applications. This paper describes in detail the package developed, emphasizing on the mechanics of the Lotus 123-Xi Plus interface. Types of problems encountered and solutions adopted are also discussed in some detail