I

My History

I have been doing SCADA stuff since before we knew what we were doing would develop a catchy name and become mainstream technology. I first worked on PLC systems in the mid '70's and have seen them evolve from somewhat primitive magic boxes with very limited program functions to the extremely powerful systems we use today. The programming tools have changed as well, going from single line instruction displays on nixie tubes, to current Windows based software with more features and functions than any engineer is ever going to master. On the PLC side I have worked on most major and some of the lesser known brands. My predominant expertise is with Modicon, through all of the brand's ownership permutations. On the HMI side I have worked with other systems, but mainly Citect since 1988. That was the DOS Citect version 1.0 Beta. I have worked on various DCS brands, Honeywell and Yokogawa and worked with Bailey and Foxboro systems.

About me.

I have been there and done it, or watched someone else do it. Now I have time to think about it and play with features I never had the time to investigate previously.

Work.

I still do a little consulting work.
There are still companies that have not been significantly involved with new technology and don't realise what even small systems could do for their efficiency and overall operational performance. This helps to keep the mind ticking over.