Advantages of PLCs
PLCs not only are capable of performing the same tasks as hard-wired control, but are also capable of many more complex applications. In addition, the PLC program and electronic communication lines replace much of the interconnecting wires required by hard-wired control. Therefore, hard-wiring, though still required to connect field devices, is less intensive. This also makes correcting errors and modifying the application easier.
Some of the additional advantages of PLCs are as follows:
- Smaller physical size than hard-wire solutions.
- Easier and faster to make changes.
- PLCs have integrated diagnostics and override functions.
- Diagnostics are centrally available.
- Applications can be immediately documented.
- Applications can be duplicated faster and less expensively.