HELP & INFORMATION
Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about our experience, project enquiries and plant support.
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YOUR QUESTIONS
What would you like to know?
What does RS Automation do?
Our core business is PLC programming, supported by experience in SCADA and HMI systems, system integration and service assistance. The original portfolio covers recycling, materials handling, warehousing, manufacturing, and water and wastewater applications.
Which control systems have you worked with?
Our published experience includes Allen-Bradley and Rockwell equipment such as ControlLogix, SLC 500, MicroLogix, PanelView, PowerFlex and FactoryTalk applications. Contact us with your exact model and version to discuss the installation.
Can you help with an existing plant?
Contact us to discuss the equipment, operational issue or proposed upgrade. Existing program backups, drawings and version information help establish the starting point and scope.
Do you provide remote support?
The original site describes remote plant support using ProSoft 4G communications. Suitability depends on the connection and access arrangements at your plant; confirm those details with the team.
What information should I send for a project enquiry?
Start with the plant or machine, your objective and the existing equipment. Include a short process description and let us know whether drawings, software backups and network information are available.
Can you improve our operator screens and reporting?
Our published SCADA work includes process screens, alarms, trends and reporting/historian applications. Explain what the operators or production team need to see and which software is currently installed.
Do you work outside Sydney?
The portfolio includes project references across Australia and New Zealand, including remote water-treatment applications in Queensland and Western Australia. Contact us to discuss your location and project arrangements.
How do I request breakdown assistance?
Call Rod on 0417 068 000 or Steve on 0414 719 070. Have the equipment details and a description of the operational impact ready. Availability and response arrangements are confirmed directly.
How can I send a project enquiry?
Use the contact page or email rod@rsautomation.com.au with your plant, equipment and project details. You can also call Rod or Steve to discuss the scope.
Will an upgrade require production downtime?
That depends on the installed system and proposed work. Describe your production schedule and available maintenance windows so installation and commissioning arrangements can be discussed.
Can an old PLC be replaced without changing every field device?
Possibly, but the existing I/O, interfaces, wiring and software need to be reviewed. A controls inventory helps establish what can remain and what requires modification. The proposed approach and commissioning checks are agreed for the actual installation.
What should an automation quotation include?
An agreed scope, assumptions, exclusions, interfaces, commissioning arrangements and handover requirements. State the equipment involved and the operating outcome so proposals can be compared on the same basis.
Do we need a complete plant shutdown?
The answer depends on the changes and dependencies. Some work can be prepared offline, while installation and functional testing may need a maintenance window. Provide the production schedule and access constraints during scoping.
What happens if we do not have a current software backup?
Tell the team before the work is planned. The installed system, available software and authorised access need to be reviewed to determine what can be recovered and which records must be recreated.
Can production reports show shifts that cross midnight?
Yes, when the shift date, start/end times and timestamp conventions are defined. The reporting design should test rollover, missing values and counter resets before the figures are relied on.
Can a dashboard use our existing historian or SQL data?
Discuss the installed platform, accessible tags or fields, permissions and reporting audience. Data availability, quality and the required refresh interval determine the integration scope.
Are improvements in output or downtime guaranteed?
No fixed improvement is stated on this website. The operational objective and acceptance criteria should be agreed, then measured against a suitable baseline after the change.
What documents should be handed over?
The agreed final software backups, version register, relevant drawings, interface records, commissioning results and change summary. Training and maintenance notes should be defined in the scope.
Will remote support replace an on-site visit?
Not always. Remote investigation depends on access and available information. Electrical, mechanical or field-device conditions may still require a qualified person at the plant.
Can the website receive project files?
Email your project summary and identify the supporting files available. Agree a transfer method with the team for software and other plant records.
How do we request support outside normal hours?
Contact the team to discuss availability. Published business hours are Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. This website does not state a guaranteed emergency response or a 24-hour support service.
Where should we begin?
Start with the project enquiry checklist: plant location, equipment, objective, available drawings and backups, affected interfaces and preferred timing. Call Rod or Steve to discuss the next step.
TALK TO RS AUTOMATION
Have another question?
Contact the team with your equipment, project or support enquiry.