Report WritingReport Writing

What is a report?What is a report? A report is the formal writing up of a practical A report is the formal writing up of a practical

experiment, project or research investigation. experiment, project or research investigation. A report has clearly defined sections A report has clearly defined sections

presented in a standard format, which are presented in a standard format, which are used to tell the reader what you did, why and used to tell the reader what you did, why and how you did it and what you found. how you did it and what you found.

Reports are written in a way which presumes Reports are written in a way which presumes that the reader knows nothing about your that the reader knows nothing about your experiment or research. experiment or research.

Reports are written in sufficient detail so that Reports are written in sufficient detail so that someone reading it would be able to replicate someone reading it would be able to replicate your experiment exactly. your experiment exactly.

Reports differ from essays because they Reports differ from essays because they require an objective writing style which require an objective writing style which conveys information clearly and concisely. conveys information clearly and concisely.

Setting the objective Setting the objective A clear objective in the form of a single A clear objective in the form of a single

sentence, which expresses exactly what you sentence, which expresses exactly what you intend the report to achieve.intend the report to achieve.

Think of your intended recipients when setting Think of your intended recipients when setting the objective; a report on the launch of a new the objective; a report on the launch of a new product written for the Marketing Director product written for the Marketing Director would have a very different focus from that would have a very different focus from that written for the Financial Controller. written for the Financial Controller.

Ask yourself why the report is required, and Ask yourself why the report is required, and what the recipients need to know about the what the recipients need to know about the proposal. proposal.

Your objective should be specific and utterly Your objective should be specific and utterly clear in its emphasis. clear in its emphasis.

Failure to achieve an objective can be the direct Failure to achieve an objective can be the direct result of an unsatisfactory report in terms of result of an unsatisfactory report in terms of structure, presentation and language structure, presentation and language

Types of reports Types of reports There are basically two types of report, There are basically two types of report,

each requiring a different structure: each requiring a different structure: A A research reportresearch report investigates a subject investigates a subject

and reports on the findings. This might and reports on the findings. This might research a competitor's activities, consider research a competitor's activities, consider options for a new computer system, or options for a new computer system, or report on product development. report on product development.

Information-OnlyInformation-Only reports: simply passes reports: simply passes on information. It might be a memo, or the on information. It might be a memo, or the monthly budgets or management reports monthly budgets or management reports and updates. The structure of an and updates. The structure of an information only report groups your information only report groups your organized information into a logical and organized information into a logical and clear sequence. clear sequence.

The aimThe aim is the objective, and is is the objective, and is expressed in a single sentence at the expressed in a single sentence at the beginning. beginning.

The methodThe method explains how you explains how you researched your subject and the sources researched your subject and the sources used. used.

The resultsThe results present your findings in an present your findings in an objective and neutral fashion. Any objective and neutral fashion. Any unnecessary constructive detail should be unnecessary constructive detail should be included in an appendix. included in an appendix.

The conclusionThe conclusion is where you express a is where you express a subjective view drawn from the results of subjective view drawn from the results of your research your research

Structuring your ReportStructuring your Report   Most reports include the following Most reports include the following

sections:sections:

   TitleTitle Abstract Abstract Introduction Introduction Method Method Results Results Discussion Discussion References References Appendices Appendices

TitleTitle This should be short and precise. It This should be short and precise. It

should tell the reader of the nature of should tell the reader of the nature of your research – what were you studying?your research – what were you studying?

E.g. E.g. The effects of stress on eye - witness The effects of stress on eye - witness testimonytestimony

Omit any unnecessary detail e.g. ‘A study Omit any unnecessary detail e.g. ‘A study of….’ is not necessary.of….’ is not necessary.

Review some journal articles for Review some journal articles for appropriate examples from your subject appropriate examples from your subject area.area.

AbstractAbstract The Abstract is a self-contained summary of the The Abstract is a self-contained summary of the

whole of your report. It should therefore be whole of your report. It should therefore be written last and is usually limited to one written last and is usually limited to one paragraph (approximately 150 words). It should paragraph (approximately 150 words). It should contain:contain:

an outline of what you investigated (as stated in an outline of what you investigated (as stated in your title)your title)

why you chose to look at that particular area with why you chose to look at that particular area with brief reference to prior research done in the fieldbrief reference to prior research done in the field

your experimental hypothesis (prediction of what your experimental hypothesis (prediction of what the results will show)the results will show)

a brief summary of your methoda brief summary of your method your your mainmain findings and how these relate to your findings and how these relate to your

hypothesishypothesis a conclusion which may include a suggestion for a conclusion which may include a suggestion for

further research.further research.

3. Introduction3. Introduction The Introduction The Introduction ‘sets the scene’‘sets the scene’ for your for your

report; it does this in two ways:report; it does this in two ways: by introducing the reader in more detail to the by introducing the reader in more detail to the

subject areasubject area you are looking at through you are looking at through presenting your presenting your objectivesobjectives and hypotheses. and hypotheses.

Initially you should explain the background to Initially you should explain the background to the problem with reference to previous work the problem with reference to previous work conducted in the area (i.e. a literature conducted in the area (i.e. a literature review)review).  . 

Ensure you only include studies that have Ensure you only include studies that have direct relevance to your researchdirect relevance to your research. .

Briefly discuss the findings of other Briefly discuss the findings of other researchers and how these connect with your researchers and how these connect with your study. study.

Finally, state your aims or hypothesis Finally, state your aims or hypothesis

4. Method4. Method The Method section should describe The Method section should describe

every step of every step of how how you carried out your you carried out your research in sufficient detail so that the research in sufficient detail so that the reader could exactly replicate your reader could exactly replicate your procedure if they wanted to. Information procedure if they wanted to. Information on your experimental design, sampling on your experimental design, sampling methods, participants (if there were any), methods, participants (if there were any), equipment and the overall procedure equipment and the overall procedure employed should be clearly specified.employed should be clearly specified.

This information is usually presented This information is usually presented under the following sub-headings:under the following sub-headings:

ParticipantsParticipants (if there were any) - say how many (if there were any) - say how many participants or items were included. Why and how were participants or items were included. Why and how were they selected? What were their defining characteristics? they selected? What were their defining characteristics?

Design Design – Say what your experimental method was (e.g. – Say what your experimental method was (e.g. laboratory or field experiment, questionnaire survey laboratory or field experiment, questionnaire survey etc) and why you chose this method. What was your etc) and why you chose this method. What was your design i.e. how many different conditions did the design i.e. how many different conditions did the experiment have (e.g. for Psychology students was it an experiment have (e.g. for Psychology students was it an independent or matched groups design?)? Also say independent or matched groups design?)? Also say what kind of data you gathered and how you collected what kind of data you gathered and how you collected it.it.

Apparatus/MaterialsApparatus/Materials – Give a full description, do not – Give a full description, do not

use a list. In some subjects, particularly Science use a list. In some subjects, particularly Science disciplines, this section is only required if you used disciplines, this section is only required if you used special equipment. special equipment.

ProcedureProcedure – A step by step description of what you did – A step by step description of what you did from start to finish. from start to finish.

5. Results5. Results Your Results section should clearly convey the Your Results section should clearly convey the

findings of your experiment. findings of your experiment. These are what you will base your commentary These are what you will base your commentary

on in the Discussion section, so the reader on in the Discussion section, so the reader needs to be certain of what you found.needs to be certain of what you found.

Present data in a summarized form (e.g. means Present data in a summarized form (e.g. means and standard deviations). and standard deviations).

Raw data (e.g. individual recordings taken Raw data (e.g. individual recordings taken during the experiment) should be included in during the experiment) should be included in the Appendices. the Appendices.

Do not over-complicate the presentation and Do not over-complicate the presentation and description of your results. Be clear and concise. description of your results. Be clear and concise.

DescribeDescribe what the results were, don’t offer what the results were, don’t offer interpretations of them. interpretations of them.

Present them in a Present them in a logical orderlogical order. . Those that link most directly to your hypothesis Those that link most directly to your hypothesis

should be given first. should be given first.

Presenting Data in Tables and GraphsPresenting Data in Tables and Graphs Do not present the same data in two or Do not present the same data in two or

more ways i.e. use more ways i.e. use eithereither a table or a a table or a graph, or just text. graph, or just text.

Remember that a graph should be Remember that a graph should be understandable independently of any text, understandable independently of any text, but you may accompany each with a but you may accompany each with a description if necessary. description if necessary.

Use clear and concise titles for each figure. Use clear and concise titles for each figure. Say which variables the graph or table Say which variables the graph or table compares. compares.

Describe what the graph or table shows, Describe what the graph or table shows, then check that this really then check that this really isis what it shows! what it shows! If it isn’t, you need to amend your figure, If it isn’t, you need to amend your figure, or your description. or your description.

Statistical AnalysisStatistical Analysis If you conducted a statistical analysis of your If you conducted a statistical analysis of your

results:results: Say which test you used (e.g. chi-square, t-Say which test you used (e.g. chi-square, t-

test) and briefly explain test) and briefly explain whywhy you chose that you chose that particular statistical test.particular statistical test.

Show Show howhow your results were analysed, your results were analysed, laying out your calculations clearly (ensure laying out your calculations clearly (ensure you include the level of probability or you include the level of probability or significance p orsignificance p or P, and the number of P, and the number of observations made observations made nn).).

Clearly state the results of the analysis Clearly state the results of the analysis saying whether the result was statistically saying whether the result was statistically significant or not both as numbers and in significant or not both as numbers and in words. words.

DiscussionDiscussion The Discussion section is probably the most The Discussion section is probably the most

important part of your report. important part of your report. It relates the findings of your study to the It relates the findings of your study to the

research that you talked about in your research that you talked about in your Introduction, thereby placing your work in the Introduction, thereby placing your work in the wider context. wider context.

The Discussion helps the reader to understand The Discussion helps the reader to understand the relevance of your research to previous and the relevance of your research to previous and further work in the field. further work in the field.

This is your chance to discuss, analyze and This is your chance to discuss, analyze and interpret your results in relation to all the interpret your results in relation to all the information you have collected. information you have collected.

The Discussion will probably be the longest The Discussion will probably be the longest section of your report and should contain the section of your report and should contain the following:following:

a summary of the a summary of the main resultsmain results of your study of your study

An An interpretationinterpretation of these results in relation to your of these results in relation to your aims, predictions or hypothesis, e.g. is your hypothesis aims, predictions or hypothesis, e.g. is your hypothesis supported or rejected?, and in relation to the findings of supported or rejected?, and in relation to the findings of other research in the area, specifically those studies other research in the area, specifically those studies that you included in your Introduction. that you included in your Introduction.

Consideration of the broader Consideration of the broader implications implications of your of your findings. What do they suggest for future research in findings. What do they suggest for future research in the area? If your results contradict previous findings the area? If your results contradict previous findings what does this suggest about your work or the work of what does this suggest about your work or the work of others? What should be studied next?others? What should be studied next?

A discussion of any A discussion of any limitationslimitations or problems with your or problems with your research method or experimental design and practical research method or experimental design and practical suggestions of how these might be avoided if the study suggestions of how these might be avoided if the study was conducted again.was conducted again.

Some carefully considered ideas for Some carefully considered ideas for further researchfurther research in the area that would help clarify or take forward your in the area that would help clarify or take forward your own findings.own findings.

A A conclusionconclusion which briefly summarizes the main which briefly summarizes the main issues arising from your report.issues arising from your report.

7. References7. References Here you must give details of work by Here you must give details of work by allall other other

authors which you have referred to in your authors which you have referred to in your report. report.

8. Appendices8. Appendices The Appendices contain material that is relevant The Appendices contain material that is relevant

to your report but that would disrupt its flow if it to your report but that would disrupt its flow if it was contained within the main body. was contained within the main body.

For example: raw data and calculations; interview For example: raw data and calculations; interview questions; a glossary of terms, or other questions; a glossary of terms, or other information that the reader may find useful to information that the reader may find useful to refer to. refer to.

All appendices should be clearly labeled and All appendices should be clearly labeled and referred to where appropriate in the main text referred to where appropriate in the main text (e.g. ‘See Appendix A for an example (e.g. ‘See Appendix A for an example questionnaire’).questionnaire’).

  How to Present your ReportHow to Present your Report Below are some tips you should bear in mind Below are some tips you should bear in mind

when you come to write up your report:when you come to write up your report: Write in the Write in the third personthird person (passive voice) e.g. (passive voice) e.g.

‘A series of experiments were conducted’ ‘A series of experiments were conducted’ rather rather than in the first personthan in the first person ‘I conducted a series of ‘I conducted a series of experiments’.experiments’.

Avoid using personal opinions, descriptions or Avoid using personal opinions, descriptions or unnecessary detail e.g.unnecessary detail e.g.

‘‘The data were painstakinglyThe data were painstakingly collected…’collected…’ ‘‘The colour changed to a beautiful blue…’The colour changed to a beautiful blue…’ These sentences contain detail that is These sentences contain detail that is

subjective to the writer. subjective to the writer. Which words would you take out to ensure Which words would you take out to ensure

the sentences are objective?the sentences are objective? Also refrain from using non-quantifiable Also refrain from using non-quantifiable

descriptions such as:' Thedescriptions such as:' The vehicle reached a vehicle reached a very high speed’  ‘It was the storm of a lifetime’very high speed’  ‘It was the storm of a lifetime’

Be clear and concise and stick to shortBe clear and concise and stick to short, simple , simple sentencessentences. Don’t be afraid of getting straight to . Don’t be afraid of getting straight to the point. For example the following two the point. For example the following two sentences convey the same meaning:sentences convey the same meaning:

‘‘Studies conducted previously in the field have Studies conducted previously in the field have revealed…’revealed…’

‘‘Previous research shows…’Previous research shows…’ Avoid using an over-familiar, informal style e.g.:Avoid using an over-familiar, informal style e.g.: ‘‘At the end of the day…’ ‘When it comes to the At the end of the day…’ ‘When it comes to the

crunch…’ ‘In a nutshell…’crunch…’ ‘In a nutshell…’ Check your spelling, punctuation and grammar! Check your spelling, punctuation and grammar!

Make use of the spelling and grammar checkers Make use of the spelling and grammar checkers on your PC but remember that some errors will on your PC but remember that some errors will not be identified e.g. scientific names. Proof-not be identified e.g. scientific names. Proof-reading your work can often gain you vital reading your work can often gain you vital marks!marks!

A Report onA Report on

Operator Interface TechnologyOperator Interface Technology

ByBy

Ashwini KumarAshwini Kumar

Control Systems EngineerControl Systems Engineer

Engineering DepartmentEngineering DepartmentPaper Tiger EquipmentPaper Tiger Equipment

March 12, 2007March 12, 2007

A Report onA Report on

Operator Interface TechnologyOperator Interface Technology

Prepared forPrepared forGeneral distribution at Annual review General distribution at Annual review

ConferenceConference

ByByAshwini KumarAshwini Kumar

Control Systems EngineerControl Systems Engineer

Engineering DepartmentEngineering DepartmentPaper Tiger EquipmentPaper Tiger Equipment

March 12, 2007March 12, 2007

MEMORANDUM MEMORANDUM Date: March Date: March 12, 200012, 2000 To: To: Victor Bottaci, Vice PresidentVictor Bottaci, Vice President From:From:, , Ashwini Kumar,Ashwini Kumar, Control Systems Engineer Control Systems Engineer Subject: Subject: Individual initiative project/Annual Review Individual initiative project/Annual Review

Conference  Conference  

Paper Tiger is scheduled to meet in one week for our Paper Tiger is scheduled to meet in one week for our annual review conference. annual review conference.

At the meeting our senior staff members will present their At the meeting our senior staff members will present their individual initiative projects for review by all employees. A individual initiative projects for review by all employees. A report has been prepared recommending an update of report has been prepared recommending an update of our current product line to incorporate new operator our current product line to incorporate new operator interface technology, which will be distributed to interface technology, which will be distributed to supplement the presentation prepared for the annual supplement the presentation prepared for the annual review conference.review conference.

The operator interface technology presented is state of The operator interface technology presented is state of the art and will be a turnkey opportunity as an upgrade the art and will be a turnkey opportunity as an upgrade for our current paper-shredding equipment line. There will for our current paper-shredding equipment line. There will be numerous benefits to implementing this new be numerous benefits to implementing this new technology including increased profit margin, increased technology including increased profit margin, increased customer satisfaction, and enhanced usability of the customer satisfaction, and enhanced usability of the equipment.equipment.

AbstractAbstractOur current operator interface system uses hardwired pushbuttons, pilot Our current operator interface system uses hardwired pushbuttons, pilot

lights, and message displays to interface the operator and the machine. lights, and message displays to interface the operator and the machine. The system we use now is substandard for several reasons.The system we use now is substandard for several reasons.

confusing to the uninitiated confusing to the uninitiated difficult to install difficult to install prone to device failure prone to device failure difficult to upgrade difficult to upgrade New operator interface technology offers huge installation timesaving over New operator interface technology offers huge installation timesaving over

our current hardwired system, because we won’t have separate devices to our current hardwired system, because we won’t have separate devices to wire individually to the PLC. The only connection required is a cable to the wire individually to the PLC. The only connection required is a cable to the PLC via a serial port. PLC via a serial port.

Another key benefit of the new operator interface technology is that it uses a Another key benefit of the new operator interface technology is that it uses a software program to configure the display, which eliminates the possibility software program to configure the display, which eliminates the possibility of end user tampering. If any updates or changes need to be made, all of end user tampering. If any updates or changes need to be made, all that is required is simple editing to the program on a PC or a laptop, then that is required is simple editing to the program on a PC or a laptop, then a download to the unit- most units can be programmed while in run mode a download to the unit- most units can be programmed while in run mode virtually eliminating the downtime associated with a hardwired system. virtually eliminating the downtime associated with a hardwired system.

This system utilizes a touch-screen graphical display to allow the operator to This system utilizes a touch-screen graphical display to allow the operator to control and communicate with the machine. The touch-screen LCD allows control and communicate with the machine. The touch-screen LCD allows the operator to intuitively operate the machine using industry standard the operator to intuitively operate the machine using industry standard symbols and bitmap graphics. The operator interface accesses the PLC symbols and bitmap graphics. The operator interface accesses the PLC registers to display machine variables in engineering unit values and to registers to display machine variables in engineering unit values and to adjust operating parameters, and because the OI accesses the PLC adjust operating parameters, and because the OI accesses the PLC registers directly, the required I/O is less than the current system. The registers directly, the required I/O is less than the current system. The operator interface also has a real-time clock for custom operating operator interface also has a real-time clock for custom operating schedules. schedules.

Keywords: operator interface, hardwired, registers, PLC, PC, I/O, OIKeywords: operator interface, hardwired, registers, PLC, PC, I/O, OI

ContentsContents Cover PageCover Page Title Page Title Page AbstractAbstract Executive Summary IntroductionIntroduction MethodsMethods ResultsResults ConclusionsConclusions RecommendationsRecommendations GlossaryGlossary ReferencesReferences

Executive SummaryExecutive SummaryDuring the past several years we have had a During the past several years we have had a

decline in market performance of our product line decline in market performance of our product line at at Paper TigerPaper Tiger. Extensive research has been to . Extensive research has been to pinpoint the cause of the performance decline. All pinpoint the cause of the performance decline. All the evidence points to one major issue, we have the evidence points to one major issue, we have not kept pace with the industry standard of not kept pace with the industry standard of operator interface technology, or hmi (human operator interface technology, or hmi (human interface technology). This report shows that new interface technology). This report shows that new operator interface technology available today is operator interface technology available today is superior to our current operator interface superior to our current operator interface systems.systems.

The components of new operator interface The components of new operator interface technology are slightly more expensive than the technology are slightly more expensive than the operator interface components we currently use, operator interface components we currently use, but with significant installed cost savings and PLC but with significant installed cost savings and PLC I/O cost reduction we will experience savings on I/O cost reduction we will experience savings on system costs. The bottom line is that the new system costs. The bottom line is that the new operator interface technology will work better, operator interface technology will work better, cost us less and thereby increase profit and cost us less and thereby increase profit and improve customer satisfaction. improve customer satisfaction.

Introduction Introduction Over the last five years we have experienced a decline in Over the last five years we have experienced a decline in

new machine sales and customer satisfaction, due in new machine sales and customer satisfaction, due in large part to our failure to keep pace with rigorous large part to our failure to keep pace with rigorous updates in operator interface technology. updates in operator interface technology.

The purpose of this report is to prove the importance of The purpose of this report is to prove the importance of updating our operator interface, and to recommend updating our operator interface, and to recommend immediate action to implement the new technology.immediate action to implement the new technology.

This report compares the proposed use of modern operator This report compares the proposed use of modern operator interface technology, to the current hardwired operator interface technology, to the current hardwired operator interfaces that we now use on our machine products. interfaces that we now use on our machine products.

The scope of this report is to compare our current product The scope of this report is to compare our current product to our product enhanced with new operator interface to our product enhanced with new operator interface technology from a sales, production, service, and technology from a sales, production, service, and engineering perspective. The report includes projected engineering perspective. The report includes projected cost of implementing the new product, projected man-cost of implementing the new product, projected man-hours for new product configuration and installation hours for new product configuration and installation compared to current system man-hour requirements, compared to current system man-hour requirements, and proves the merit of the proposed system change and proves the merit of the proposed system change from a sales, customer, and service department from a sales, customer, and service department perspective. This report will not cover specific product perspective. This report will not cover specific product and/or manufacturer comparisons, or exact pricing of and/or manufacturer comparisons, or exact pricing of product candidates.product candidates.

MethodsMethodsTo account for profitability our sales trends have been studied as To account for profitability our sales trends have been studied as

well as our competitors sales trends for the last eight years. The well as our competitors sales trends for the last eight years. The data was compiled from the above items and disseminated the data was compiled from the above items and disseminated the importance of the information. cost data for current system importance of the information. cost data for current system components and new system hardware and software components components and new system hardware and software components has also been compiled .has also been compiled .

To evaluate the feasibility from a production and engineering To evaluate the feasibility from a production and engineering perspective have studied our production department machine perspective have studied our production department machine building documentation to determine man-hour requirement for building documentation to determine man-hour requirement for current system installation. Additionally I have consulted with current system installation. Additionally I have consulted with production department personnel to estimate proposed system production department personnel to estimate proposed system installation man-hour requirements. Next I consulted with the installation man-hour requirements. Next I consulted with the engineering department to evaluate the feasibility of taking on the engineering department to evaluate the feasibility of taking on the engineering task of updating our product line. engineering task of updating our product line.

In order to maintain customer satisfaction and serviceability I have In order to maintain customer satisfaction and serviceability I have studied pertinent documents from leading industrial journals. I studied pertinent documents from leading industrial journals. I have studied all of our customer feedback reports from the past have studied all of our customer feedback reports from the past eight years to present. Furthermore, I conducted five formal eight years to present. Furthermore, I conducted five formal interviews with former customers to see where we went wrong, interviews with former customers to see where we went wrong, and if we could bring them back. Finally I consulted with our and if we could bring them back. Finally I consulted with our service department to solicit their input on the recommended service department to solicit their input on the recommended product update.product update.

ResultsResults From the research I have conducted, I have found our sales history to be From the research I have conducted, I have found our sales history to be

the most compelling. From our sales reporting I have found that our sales the most compelling. From our sales reporting I have found that our sales declined sharply in 1995, about the same time that operator interface declined sharply in 1995, about the same time that operator interface technology became widely available to industrial OEMs, similar to us. We technology became widely available to industrial OEMs, similar to us. We have also lost thirteen big customers to our ambitious counterparts who have also lost thirteen big customers to our ambitious counterparts who have implemented the new operator interface technology. In the same have implemented the new operator interface technology. In the same year our competitors who developed their new product line incorporating year our competitors who developed their new product line incorporating the new operator interface technology enjoyed unprecedented sales the new operator interface technology enjoyed unprecedented sales increases. To date our product line has not been updated to incorporate increases. To date our product line has not been updated to incorporate the new technology, and as result our sales have continued to decline. the new technology, and as result our sales have continued to decline.

From the cost comparison between the components for our existing From the cost comparison between the components for our existing systems and those of the proposed system, I have found that we will incur systems and those of the proposed system, I have found that we will incur an increase of approximately $150 for hardware components, and a one an increase of approximately $150 for hardware components, and a one time software cost of $0-$2000 depending on manufacturer. In addition to time software cost of $0-$2000 depending on manufacturer. In addition to these costs we would have to account for marketing the new product these costs we would have to account for marketing the new product through promotional advertising. through promotional advertising.

Upon evaluating the production aspect of the proposed product update I Upon evaluating the production aspect of the proposed product update I was pleased to find that the product line can be updated with relative was pleased to find that the product line can be updated with relative ease. From studying our production documentation I found that our ease. From studying our production documentation I found that our current operator interface requires about $600 in materials, and takes an current operator interface requires about $600 in materials, and takes an average of twelve man-hours to install and wire. At an average pay rate of average of twelve man-hours to install and wire. At an average pay rate of $17/hour, that is an average installed cost of $804 plus PLC I/O. $17/hour, that is an average installed cost of $804 plus PLC I/O.

With the new operator interface technology there is an average materials With the new operator interface technology there is an average materials cost of $790 including average software cost of $40, (based cost of $790 including average software cost of $40, (based conservatively on one-application/20 units). The estimated install and conservatively on one-application/20 units). The estimated install and connection time for the new system is one hour. At the same labor rate connection time for the new system is one hour. At the same labor rate our installed cost will be $807 plus PLC I/O. One more consideration is that our installed cost will be $807 plus PLC I/O. One more consideration is that we will be likely to reduce our I/O count due to the embedded I/O of the we will be likely to reduce our I/O count due to the embedded I/O of the new operator interface technology, thereby reducing our PLC costs. new operator interface technology, thereby reducing our PLC costs.

In our engineering department we will essentially experience a In our engineering department we will essentially experience a wash, concerning system design, configuration, and manpower wash, concerning system design, configuration, and manpower resources. Basically what will happen is our electrical engineer, Bill, resources. Basically what will happen is our electrical engineer, Bill, will be alleviated of some of his workload, which I’m sure he will be will be alleviated of some of his workload, which I’m sure he will be eternally grateful, and our controls engineer, me, will experience eternally grateful, and our controls engineer, me, will experience an increased workload. Because of the PLC programming we an increased workload. Because of the PLC programming we currently do, the designing and configuration of the software will currently do, the designing and configuration of the software will be a natural step and will not require any extensive training. be a natural step and will not require any extensive training. Probably one or two days of manufacturer provided class is all the Probably one or two days of manufacturer provided class is all the additional training we will require, which will most likely be free additional training we will require, which will most likely be free because of the product volume that we process. Since Bill and I are because of the product volume that we process. Since Bill and I are largely interchangeable in our drafting, design and programming largely interchangeable in our drafting, design and programming duties, we will be able to adapt to the new scenario quite readily.duties, we will be able to adapt to the new scenario quite readily.

The research I have conducted from a customer satisfaction The research I have conducted from a customer satisfaction standpoint shows both of these aspects strongly favor updating our standpoint shows both of these aspects strongly favor updating our operator interface technology. In studying leading industrial operator interface technology. In studying leading industrial journals I have found steady increasing support and demand for journals I have found steady increasing support and demand for new operator interface technology starting in 1995, when the new operator interface technology starting in 1995, when the market was flooded with the gamut of new operator interface market was flooded with the gamut of new operator interface technology components and devices. This explosion of technology technology components and devices. This explosion of technology caused prices to plummet, making it almost mandatory for OEMs to caused prices to plummet, making it almost mandatory for OEMs to develop their product lines with new operator interface technology develop their product lines with new operator interface technology in order to remain competitive. The eight years of customer in order to remain competitive. The eight years of customer feedback forms that I have studied reveal that customers are feedback forms that I have studied reveal that customers are satisfied with the overall quality of our product, however, beyond satisfied with the overall quality of our product, however, beyond 1994 we see about 75% of our customers requesting new operator 1994 we see about 75% of our customers requesting new operator interface technology to be incorporated into our equipment. interface technology to be incorporated into our equipment.

Another important issue that was addressed in this Another important issue that was addressed in this study was serviceability. To evaluate this issue I study was serviceability. To evaluate this issue I consulted with our service department personnel. Our consulted with our service department personnel. Our service technicians have unanimously supported service technicians have unanimously supported updating our operator interface technology. There are updating our operator interface technology. There are several reasons for their enthusiasm, and they several reasons for their enthusiasm, and they synthesize service and customer needs.synthesize service and customer needs.

The new operator interface technology is intuitive; self-The new operator interface technology is intuitive; self-prompts provide users with industry standard symbols. prompts provide users with industry standard symbols.

The new operator interface technology is easy to The new operator interface technology is easy to upgrade; only software program needs to change, not upgrade; only software program needs to change, not wiring. wiring.

The new operator interface technology can network; to The new operator interface technology can network; to connect to customers SCADA system. connect to customers SCADA system.

The new operator interface technology is a trouble-The new operator interface technology is a trouble-shooting tool; has many useful diagnostic features. shooting tool; has many useful diagnostic features.

The new operator interface technology is machine The new operator interface technology is machine friendly; less wiring to come loose and cause friendly; less wiring to come loose and cause breakdowns. breakdowns.

ConclusionsConclusions Based on promising sales projections, Based on promising sales projections,

increased profit margin, customer increased profit margin, customer demand, increased usability and function, demand, increased usability and function, and industry proven results indicated by and industry proven results indicated by top industrial journals, new operator top industrial journals, new operator interface technology is our best option for interface technology is our best option for the future.the future.

RecommendationsRecommendations I recommend we take immediate action to I recommend we take immediate action to

incorporate new operator interface incorporate new operator interface technology into our entire product line for technology into our entire product line for the 2008-production year. the 2008-production year.

In order to accomplish this we will need to:In order to accomplish this we will need to: Evaluate operator interface manufacturers Evaluate operator interface manufacturers

to determine the right one for us. to determine the right one for us. Develop marketing for the new product. Develop marketing for the new product. Complete training for the engineering Complete training for the engineering

aspect of new operator interface aspect of new operator interface technology. technology.

GlossaryGlossary OI OI Acronym for Acronym for ooperator perator iinterface, a device used to provide nterface, a device used to provide

interactive information and control between a human and a interactive information and control between a human and a machine-controlled process. Also interchangeably called: machine-controlled process. Also interchangeably called:

HMIHMI - - hhuman uman mmachine achine iinterface, nterface, MMIMMI - - mman an mmachine achine iinterface.nterface. Hardwired Hardwired terminology used loosely to indicate a system with terminology used loosely to indicate a system with

electrical control devices, which are wired electrically for standard electrical control devices, which are wired electrically for standard relay control, without using modern communications capabilities.relay control, without using modern communications capabilities.

PLC PLC Acronym for Acronym for pprogrammable rogrammable llogic ogic ccontroller, a processor ontroller, a processor based industrial controller originally developed to replace relay based industrial controller originally developed to replace relay control systems in the automotive manufacturing industry to control systems in the automotive manufacturing industry to eliminate costly rewire required each new model year. Now used eliminate costly rewire required each new model year. Now used industry wide for machine control, plant automation, and industry wide for machine control, plant automation, and supervisory and data collection. supervisory and data collection.

PC PC Acronym for Acronym for ppersonal ersonal ccomputer, used generically to represent omputer, used generically to represent modern IBM format personal computers.modern IBM format personal computers.

SCADA SCADA Acronym for Acronym for SSupervisory, upervisory, CControl, ontrol, aand nd DData ata AAcquisition, a cquisition, a generic term for distributed control systems that perform any or all generic term for distributed control systems that perform any or all of the functions of the words that compose the acronym. of the functions of the words that compose the acronym.

I/O I/O Acronym forAcronym for i input/nput/ooutput used to represent the input sensing utput used to represent the input sensing devices, output work-performing devices and their corresponding devices, output work-performing devices and their corresponding controller interfaces.controller interfaces.

ReferencesReferences Taylor, Jim. "Monitor/Operator Interface Taylor, Jim. "Monitor/Operator Interface

Markets Grow 12% per Year." Markets Grow 12% per Year." Control Control Engineering OnlineEngineering Online 1 Nov. 1996. 15 Nov. 1 Nov. 1996. 15 Nov. 2000 2000 <http://www.controleng.com/archives/19<http://www.controleng.com/archives/1996/11/issues/intl/11a13.htm>.96/11/issues/intl/11a13.htm>.