Automation Glossary

Automation, Manufacturing, and Technology in general use a lot of jargon. This can be cumbersome for people new to the industry, new to various parts of the industry, or who are trying to understand what someone is talking about in an article or on social media.

We have a fairly extensive glossary hosted in our internal documentation system and decided it was time to put it out into the wild. As we find more terms to add to it we will keep this page up to date, and if there is something you have run across you’d like us to add please drop us a note and we can get it on here!

ACK

Acknowledge (as in alarms, an operator can ACK or acknowledge an alarm). The corollary to this is Unack, for an Unacknowledged Alarm.

AGV

Automated Guided Vehicle, an autonomous vehicle that is used to move goods around a facility. See corsosystems.com/posts/integrating-agv-systems and corsosystems.com/case-studies/agv-scheduling-and-management-with-ignitions-perspective

AHU

Air Handling Units, common in large facilities as part of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. AHUs are typically used to move air around, like big fans, to feed air conditioning units, and may include other operations like dehumidifying, humidifying, filtering, or otherwise adjusting air in the building.

AI (Analog Input)

An analog input to a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) from a field device. This is used to give a value with a range to the to the PLC from the device. Typically used for things like motor speed feedback, level in a tank, or control valve position feedback.

AO (Analog Output)

An analog output from a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). This is used to give a value with a range to the device the PLC is controlling. Typically used for things like motor speed commands, or control valve position.

AOI

AddOn Instruction (in PLC programming), or custom functions (such as classes). These allow you to build custom instructions in PLC logic you can reuse across programs.

API

Application Programming Interface. Allows programs to communicate with each other. See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/API

Arduino

Arduino is a company who makes microcontroller hardware. Some of their hardware is open-sourced, geared for the Maker community, and some is not open source geared for industrial use cases. The hardware consists of products like Arduino UNO, Arduino Portenta, and other models with various specifications. See www.arduino.cc and also https://corsosystems.com/posts/arduino-portenta-and-ignition

ASRS

Automated Storage and Retrieval System. Sometimes written or pronounced as ASRS system (even though the 2nd S stands for system) or AS/RS. Automated warehouse equipment. Types of systems include (reference: https://www.tmhnc.com/blog/automated-warehouse-systems-asrs-how-it-can-help):

  • Unit-load ASRS (for cases/pallets/heavy stuff) has fixed aisles and cranes which move in those aisles.

  • Mini-load ASRS (for smaller items) narrow aisle warehouses, options of shuttles and cranes

  • Carousels for bins of small parts (can be horizontal or vertical)

  • VLM (vertical lift modules) insert or extract into columns of trays

  • Cube storage - Robotic picking systems in a storage grid

  • Shuttles - handling trays, totes, small(er) cartons in warehouses and manuf.

See also corsosystems.com/posts/asrs-integration-with-ignition

Bit

A variable that can only be defined as 0 or 1.

Byte

8 Bits = 1 Byte. A total of 256 values are possible in a byte.

Camel Case

A naming convention for variables in a program using compound words with the first word starting with a lowercase letter, and subsequent words starting with uppercase letters.

Examples:

  • iterationCount

  • tomcatInstance

  • gitRepository

  • microService

See also, Pascal Case, Snake Case, Kebab Case

CIP (Clean In Place)

Clean In Place System. An automated system, usually used in food/beverage manufacturing plants to automatically clean and sanitize the interior of vessels, pipes, filters, and other process equipment without having to disassemble the equipment or clean things manually.

COBOT

Collaborative Robot - a robot designed to work closely (and safely) with a human operator. Often features special safety features.

CODESYS

Two software products (an IDE and a runtime) for PLC code and other controller applications using the standard IEC 61131-3

CODESYS SL

SL = Single License. CODEYSYS SL is a license product for a single device. It can also be installed on a USB key and used on one device at a time. More info: https://www.codesys.com/the-system/licensing.html

Containers

Virtualized applications "jailed applications" but can do anything. Tend to run headless. Targeted and focused See also Docker and Kubernetes

CSS

Cascading Style Sheets, the language of webpage styling. https://www.w3schools.com/css/default.asp

Deadband

See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deadband

DevOps

Managing IT infrastructure, VMs, containers, Kubernetes.

DI (Digital Input)

An input to a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) from a field device that is either on or off.Typically used for things like indicating run status of motors, or the position of solenoid valves.

Digital Twin

A digital representation of a process, and/or individual assets/equipment you can interact with—independent of physical hardware. See: https://corsosystems.com/posts/digital-twins-demystified

DINT

Double Integer - integer that's 32 bits long. Signed includes negative and positive numbers. Unsigned is only positive numbers. In PLC memory, it uses 2 words.

DDL

Data Description Language or Data Definition Language. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_definition_language

DO (Digital Output)

An output from a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) that turns on and sends a signal to a device, or turns off and removes the signal. Typically used for things like starting and stopping motors.

Docker

OS level virtualization. "A platform for developing, shipping and running applications" See https://docs.docker.com/get-started/overview/

Docker Container

An instance of an image that you can run - it can be created, started, stopped, etc. using the API or command line.

Docker Image

A Read Only File (template) for creating Docker Containers.

DPU

Defects Per Unit (a quality metric)

EDT

Event Dispatching Thread. In Ignition: https://docs.inductiveautomation.com/display/DOC81/Client+Event+Scripts In general: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Event_dispatching_thread

EOL

End of Line (end of the production or assembly line). Or in other contexts such as software or hardware products EOL = End Of Life, meaning that after a specified time the software will not be updated or supported.

ERD

Entity Relationship Diagram (in databases) used to show how different database tables and the fields contained within are mapped to one another and to show the overall database schema.

ERP

Enterprise Resource Planning (system). Often integrated with SCADA systems, the ERP can include customer information systems, order management, shipping and receiving, warehouse management, production scheduling, inventory of both raw materials and finished products. ERP systems can also address quality control systems, sales, and training. See https://corsosystems.com/posts/scada-and-erp-integrations

FB

Function Block (as in CODESYS), a self contained instruction with a graphical representation, used in Function Block Diagrams.

FBD

Functional Block Diagram. A IEC-61131-3 language (for PLCs) that is especially good for complex logic and math. Also note Codesys specific related language subset CFC (continuous function chart).

FMEA

Failure Mode & Effects Analysis. See https://asq.org/quality-resources/fmea and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Failure_mode_and_effects_analysis

FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

The term file transfer protocol (FTP) refers to a process that involves the transfer of files between devices over a network. The process works when one party allows another to send or receive files over the Internet. Originally used as a way for users to communicate and exchange information between two physical devices, it is now commonly used to store files in the cloud, which is usually a secure location that is held remotely.

FTP may be used by a business or individual to transfer files from one computer system to another or by websites to upload or download files from their servers.

GIS

Geographic Information System. GIS is used to provide a way to interact with and display data from various sources in a map-based context. An example is seeing traffic conditions on Google Maps.

GUI

Graphical User Interface, what a user uses to interact with a software program.

GUID

Globally unique identifier, see UUID https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/html/rfc4122

HOA (HOA Control)

Hand - Off - Auto. Ah HOA control switch on a piece of equipment allows for manual operation (by HAND), Off, or Auto. It's often extremely important for engineers to understand how the equipment, the PLC it's connected to, and the SCADA system regard this type of switch--and how operators are interpreting it on the plant floor.

HMI

Human Machine Interface. Corso HMI guide: https://corsosystems.com/hmi-guide

HP-HMI

High Performance Human Machine Interface. Features low-contrast backgrounds and limited color for maximum situational awareness and to bring an operator's attention to (and then handle) any anomaly or abnormal situation. HP HMI design also features a functional hierarchy of nested information. More info: https://corsosystems.com/posts/the-high-performance-hmi-handbook-and-you-part-1 and https://corsosystems.com/posts/the-high-performance-hmi-handbook-and-you-part-2

HTML

HyperText Markup Language, used for building webpages to be displayed in browsers.

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)

The Hypertext Transfer Protocol is an application protocol for distributed, collaborative, hypermedia information systems that allows users to communicate data on the World Wide Web. It is used for many applications including web browsers and accessing data from different software systems using an Application Programming Interface (API).

Hungarian Notation

A programming naming convention for variables which you may or may not run into! The first letter is a clue to the datatype of the variable. Some say that these strict naming convention rules are outdated. More info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungarian_notation

IDE

Integrated Development Environment This is the main tool developers use for creating software and/or code.

Ideal Cycle Time

The fastest cycle time a process can have in an optimal situation. See: https://www.oee.com/calculating-oee/

Ignition

SCADA software platform from Inductive Automation. Java, SQL based.

IIoT

Industrial Internet of Things. This describes the connection of plant floor equipment and sensors with the cloud for data collection, monitoring, and data analysis.

IIS

Industrial Information Systems. See https://corsosystems.com/information-systems

Integer

16 bit number. Unsigned 0 to 65536. Signed -32767 through 32767. In PLC memory it uses 1 word.

I/O (Inputs and Outputs)

I/O typically refers to the signals going to and coming from a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) used to get realtime values from process equipment and send control signals to the equipment.

IoT

Internet of Things. This describes the connection of equipment and sensors with the cloud for data collection, monitoring, and data analysis. Similar to IIoT, but focused on consumer data.

Java

Object Oriented programming language. Compiled - unlike JavaScript which is not.

JavaScript

Scripting language - Object Oriented programming script. See: https://www.javascript.com/

JSON

JavaScript Object Notation. Format for data interchange, uses two structures: a collection of name/value pairs, an ordered list of values. See https://www.json.org/json-en.html

Kebab Case

A naming convention for variables in a program using compound words with all words separated by an hyphen. Words are usually all lower case.

Examples:

  • out-of-memory-exception
  • date-format
  • database-connection
  • linked-list
  • event-handler

See also, Camel Case, Pascal Case, Snake Case

KPI

Key Performance Indicator (example: OEE - overall equipment effectiveness). Used to give complex information and situations a single number to represent the overall health of the current situation.

Kubernetes

A container platform similar to Docker.

Ladder Logic

PLC programming language that somewhat resembles electric relay circuits. See https://www.plcacademy.com/ladder-logic-tutorial/

LAN (Local Area Network)

A local area network (LAN) is a group of computers and peripheral devices that share a common communications line or wireless link to a server within a distinct geographic area. A local area network may serve as few as two or three users in a home office or thousands of users in a corporation's central office. Homeowners and information technology (IT) administrators set up LANs so that network nodes can communicate and share resources such as printers or network storage.

LIMS

Laboratory Information Management System. See https://corsosystems.com/posts/acronyms-are-hard-lims

MES

Manufacturing Execution System. Corso Guide: https://corsosystems.com/manufacturing-execution-systems-guide

ModBus

An open serial communication protocol developed by Modicon in 1979 for use with its PLCs. The ModBus server requests info and the Modbus clients (devices) supply the info. There is 1 server and 247 clients in a standard network. The server can also write to the clients. Info: https://www.se.com/us/en/faqs/FA168406/ and https://modbus.org/

MOM

Manufacturing Operations Management System similar to MES with some minor semantical differences - Corso Guide: https://corsosystems.com/manufacturing-execution-systems-guide

MQTT

Message Queueing Telemetry Transport (sometimes MQ Telemetry Transport) https://mqtt.org/

MR

Merge Request (often in GitLab)

MSSQL

Microsoft-developed database management system

MySQL

Open Source SQL database management system distributed by Oracle. See: https://dev.mysql.com/doc/refman/8.0/en/what-is-mysql.html

NFC

Near Field Communication. A wireless communication protocol for devices which are 4cm (1.5") or less apart. More: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Near-field_communication

NC (Normally Closed)

Indication a device is wired normally closed, meaning under normal operating conditions the device will have power when the switch is in the closed position. Typically used for things like emergency stops.

NO (Normally Open)

Indication a device is wired normally open, meaning under normal operating conditions the device will not have power when the switch is in the open position. Typically used for things like momentary buttons.

OEE

Overall Equipment Effectiveness (production efficiency) determined by APQ ( OEE = Availablility x Performance x Quality). Availability = (total time - all downtime)/(total time - planned downtime), Performance = total output count/ (equipment run time * ideal cycle rate), Quality = good output count / total output count

also see https://www.oee.com/ and https://corsosystems.com/posts/oee-made-easy

OPC-UA

Open Platform Communications-Unified Architecture

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)

An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is defined as a company whose goods are used as components in the products of another company, which then sells the finished item to users. Typically they produce machines used by manufacturing companies to produce goods.

OS (Operating System)

An operating system is the graphical interface and software used to operate a computer. It is commonly Windows, Linux, or MacOS, and is required to run most computing devices.

Pareto Chart

Root cause analysis tool. https://www.reliableplant.com/Read/2251/pareto-chart

Pareto Principle

When several factors affect a situation, a few (aka 20%) will account for most of (aka 80%) the impact. This helps determine the most important problem to fix first. Pareto charts are a root cause analysis tool.

Pascal Case

A naming convention for variables in a program using compound words with all words starting with uppercase letters.

Examples:

  • OutOfMemoryException

  • DateFormat

  • DatabaseConnection

  • LinkedList

  • EventHandler

See also, Camel Case, Snake Case, Kebab Case

PCS (Process Control System)

The software and hardware used to automate a manufacturing process and control setpoints used to make various products.

Performance

Performance = (Parts produced multiplied by Ideal Cycle Time)/Total Runtime Also see: https://corsosystems.com/posts/mes-101-performance-management

PID

Proportional Integral Derivative, referring to PID Loops used in process control. This allows a PLC to control a process variable on a piece of equipment, e.g. motor speed, to maintain a setpoint, e.g. pressure in a pipe. Proportional Integral Derivative each refers to a part of the control algorithm and these can be adjust to change how the loop is tuned, or how it responds to process upsets or changes in setpoints.

PID Tuning

The art of tuning a PID loop to produce the desired results for the process in terms of maintaining process setpoints.

P&ID

Piping and Instrumentation Diagram. This is how processes are described using a graphical representation of the various pipes, equipment, instruments, and process flow diagrams.

PLC

Programmable Logic Controller. Corso Guide: https://corsosystems.com/plc-guide and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Programmable_logic_controller

PLM

Product Lifecycle Management. See https://www.oracle.com/scm/product-lifecycle-management/what-is-plm/

POE (Power Over Ethernet)

POE referes to distributing power over an Ethernet network using specialized ethernet routers to send power over an ethernet cable to a device that can be powered using POE. Because the power and signal are on the same cable, PoE enables remote network devices such as ceiling-mounted access points, surveillance cameras and LED lighting to be installed far away from AC power sources.

PostgreSQL (aka Postgres)

Open source relational database (see https://www.fivetran.com/blog/postgresql-vs-mysql )

POU

Program Organization Unit, (an object in a CODESYS project). The POU is where the source code for the controller program is written. Also see: https://help.codesys.com/api-content/2/codesys/3.5.14.0/en/_cds_f_obj_pou/

PWM (Pulse Width Modulation)

Pulse-width modulation (PWM), is a method of controlling the average power delivered by an electrical signal. The average value of voltage (and current) fed to the load is controlled by switching the supply between 0 and 100% at a rate faster than it takes the load to change significantly. The longer the switch is on, the higher the total power supplied to the load.

QGIS

Quantum Geographic Information System An open source software system for managing geospatial data https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QGIS

Quality (related to OEE)

Calculate quality by dividing the good parts count by the total count of parts produced.

RDBMS

Relational Database Management System. For example MySQL, PostgreSQL, MSSQL

React

JavaScript library for creating interactive user interfaces (UI). See https://reactjs.org/. Also see Ignition WebDev module info: https://docs.inductiveautomation.com/display/DOC81/WebDev+Module

REAL

32 bit variable format that unlike a double integer, it can be directly assigned a decimal value. Uses 2 words in PLC memory.

REST

Representational state transfer - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Representational_state_transfer

REST API

An API based on REST principles.

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects. An RFID system consists of a tiny radio transponder, a radio receiver and transmitter. When triggered by an electromagnetic interrogation pulse from a nearby RFID reader device, the tag transmits digital data, usually an identifying inventory number, back to the reader. This number can be used to track inventory goods

RO

Reverse Osmosis. A stage of water treatment for water used in an industrial process (such as in a rinse after an e-coat process). Reverse Osmosis helps to clean the water afterwards.

RTC (Real Time Clock)

A real-time clock (RTC) is an electronic device (most often in the form of an integrated circuit) that measures the passage of time.

RTU

Remote Terminal Units. A device (often multipurpose) for the remote monitoring/control of automated devices and systems. Also see https://www.techopedia.com/definition/1033/remote-terminal-unit-rtu

SCADA

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition. Often written as SCADA system. The system which controls the process while also recording data. See Corso SCADA guide: https://corsosystems.com/scada-guide

SDK

Software Development Kit, used to describe how a developer can interact with various interfaces and APIs to develop software designed to interact with a hardware or software platform.

SFC (Sequential Function Chart)

A PLC language, or tool in Ignition to build sequential logic you can monitor as it executes.

SKU (Stock Keeping Unit)

A stock keeping unit, or SKU is a unique identifier retailers use to store and retrieve information on various products in their inventory. Generally this is a barcode generated from some form of alphanumeric sequence. This is then tied to the product in a database to look up any relevant information about that product such as inventory level, price, etc. If you have ever bought anything at a grocery store you have interacted with an SKU when the item was scanned at the checkout counter.

SME

Subject Matter Expert. Usually someone who knows a lot about a process, technology, or other parts of a project and has useful insight and information on how things function.

Snake Case

A naming convention for variables in a program using compound words with all words separated by an underscore. Words are usually all lower case.

Examples:

  • out_of_memory_exception
  • date_format
  • database_connection
  • linked_list
  • event_handler

See also, Camel Case, Pascal Case, Kebab Case

SPC

Statistical Process Control. See: https://corsosystems.com/posts/acronyms-spc-statistical-process-control

SQL

Structured Query Language. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SQL

SSO (Single Sign On)

Single sign-on (SSO) is an authentication scheme that allows a user to log in with a single ID to any of several related, yet independent, software systems.

String

Data type that can contain any string of characters - letters, numbers, etc. PLCs use 1 byte per character plus an additional byte of memory to store the string.

Structured Text (ST)

PLC Programming language. Based on Pascal. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Structured_text

SVG

Scalable Vector Graphic. Often has .svg as file extension.

TPC

Tool point center

UDT

User Defined Tag in Inductive Automation Ignition. Often facilities will have multiple pieces of the same type of equipment. A UDT can be defined, and then a separate instance created for each. More details: https://docs.inductiveautomation.com/display/DOC81/User+Defined+Types+-+UDTs

Variable

Stores a value in computer memory

VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) adds security and anonymity to users when they connect to web-based services and sites. A VPN hides the user’s actual public IP address and “tunnels” traffic between the user’s device and the remote server. Most users sign up for a VPN service online anonymity to avoid being tracked, and they often use public Wi-Fi where increased risks threaten the safety of their data. These are typically used to provide secure connections into a manufacturing facility from the outside world.

UI

User Interface

UNACK

Unacknowledged (as in alarms, an operator can ACK or acknowledge an alarm that is current unacknowledged). The corollary to this is Ack, for an Acknowledged Alarm.

UUID

Universally Unique Identifier, a 128 bit label. More: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universally_unique_identifier

UX

User Experience

VFD

Variable Frequency Drive - controls AC motor speed by varying motor input frequency. See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Variable-frequency_drive

VM

Virtual Machine. A virtual environment with its own environment variables and file system. Effectively read only. Host their own operating systems. General purpose.

WAN (Wide Area Network)

A wide area network (also known as WAN), is a large network of information that is not tied to a single location. WANs can facilitate communication, the sharing of information and much more between devices from around the world through a WAN provider. This can be multiple facilities under one enterprise that are connected via a Local Area Network (LAN) within each facility, and each facility is connected to one another via the Wide Area Network (WAN)

XIC

In PLC ladder logic programming - examine if closed - examine to see if closed.

XIO

In PLC ladder logic programming - examine if open - examine to see if open.

ZFS

Zettabyte File System - also see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZFS