Today, let’s talk about this, which is the workflow that can make the device startup and debugging process smoother and does not always rely on people to keep a manual operation. Many friends who are just starting to come into contact with this industry are probably familiar with this concept and feel that it seems quite high-end but don’t know where to start. In fact, it is to integrate the originally messy debugging steps, the data that is lost one by one, and the endless inspection and verification work into a series of programs or steps that can automatically run. This will save a lot of trouble and reduce the trouble caused by the person’s brain being confused or the wrong number is shaking!
First of all, I have to tell you the basic concept of this and why it is so important. Think about it, in the past, when debugging a slightly more complex device, such as the weak current intelligent system in the building, did several people need to hold orders one by one? After adjusting this parameter, you have to run over to see the number of the instrument. Not to mention it. If there is a missed link or a wrong number, there will be a lot of trouble later! Now that this automated workflow is available, it is like installing a navigation for the entire debugging process, and it is also equipped with autonomous driving. You can walk in order, check right or wrong, and record data by yourself. How much time and energy can you save this? Provide global procurement services for weak current intelligent products!
So, what key modules should be paid attention to in this? Next, let’s talk about it one by one:
1. Process sorting and standardization module: This step is like before we clean up the house, we have to figure out which things to put, and we have to write and arrange each small step in the debugging process clearly and in order. We cannot be one today and another tomorrow. For example, we first cut off the power and check the wiring, then power on to test the basic functions, then parameter configuration, linkage testing, and finally performance optimization and archiving. These must be clearly listed, so that it becomes a standard process that anyone can understand after reading it. In this way, automation can have something to be based on!
2. Data acquisition and automatic input module: When debugging, do not you need to input a lot of data such as device models, IP addresses, and range upper and lower limits of various sensors? In the past, I used to manually type, and I had to type on the keyboard when I stared at the screen. After a long time, it was not only tiring, but also particularly prone to errors. Now this module can store these data in a unified form or database in advance, and then when the process started, it automatically filled in the corresponding place, which was as convenient as you scan the code to pay without manually entering the amount!
3. Logical judgment and troubleshooting module: Don’t think that automation is running rigidly in sequence. It also needs to have a "brain" to judge the situation. For example, when debugging to a certain link, the system itself detects that the feedback value of a sensor exceeds the normal range. At this time, it must stop Commissioning automation workflows, or automatically trigger a preset troubleshooting process to tell you that it may be because the wiring is loose or the sensor itself is broken, instead of continuing to run down stupidly and finally causing bigger problems to the device. This is particularly important!
Here are some tips and guides for avoiding pits in practice. They are all practical experiences that you have figured out little by little while working:
1. Don’t think about automating all processes as soon as you start. You can’t become a fat man in one bite. You have to start with the simple steps that repeat the most frequently and are most prone to errors, such as entering the basic information of the equipment and sending simple on-off test instructions. Once you get these smoothly, then slowly expand to complex steps. Otherwise, it will be too complicated all of a sudden. Not only will the system easily crash, but you will become more and more confused as you make it yourself, and you may give up in the end!
2. When choosing a tool, be sure to keep your eyes open. Don’t listen to those who sell software and place an order immediately. You have to see if this tool can match the equipment agreement you use on site. For example, if your device uses the agreement, but the tool you choose only supports it, wouldn’t it be useless? The operation interface must also be simple, don’t make it as complicated as flying an airplane, otherwise the masters on the scene will not be able to learn it for a long time, so automation will become a decoration!
3. You must not save the test process! The process is set up and the module is also set up. You must first run from beginning to end in the simulation environment. Just like when you buy a new clothes, wash water first to see if there is any step stuck, data transmission problems, or logical judgment is wrong. When the simulation environment is fine, you can get a small-scale test on the actual equipment, and finally you can promote and use it on a large scale. Otherwise, if you don’t have a good test, you will go directly. If you drop the chain at a critical moment, the loss will be huge!
I guess everyone may have some questions after reading what they said above, so let’s add some details in the form of Q&A:
Q: I am just a small factory and don’t have much equipment. Is it necessary to do this?
Answer: Why is there no need! Even if there are not many equipment, it can save a lot of trouble to create a simple automation process. Think about it, even if you save an hour of debugging time every day, you can save hundreds of hours in a year. Isn’t it good to spend this time doing other work? Moreover, there are few equipment and the process is relatively simple, so it is easier to get started. Maybe because of this small change, your factory’s debugging efficiency will be much higher than that of others!
Q: Will this automation be particularly expensive? It costs a lot of money to buy software and hardware?
Answer: This is not necessarily true! There are many open source software or tools on the market that do not require too high hardware configuration. You can choose a cheaper one based on your actual situation. You may not buy the top one as soon as you start. When you use it, you feel that it is really inseparable. It is not too late to upgrade slowly. Many times, you can do big things even if you spend a small amount of money!
I personally think that this thing, whether for beginners or veterans, is a good helper who can make work easier and more reliable. Learn, use and benefit from it early. Don’t be reluctant to spend time and energy thinking. The times are moving forward, so we have to make progress in our work methods, right? Even if you start with the simplest small part and accumulate experience slowly, you can always make the entire debugging process smooth and prosperous!
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