Order program

Haven't done exactly that, but I often generate log files (error + time & date, or process cycle time data) using comma-delimited (.CSV) format. It's very convenient to be able to open it in a spreadsheet (or pull it into a database). With the spreadsheet, you can easily generate graphical representations for trend analysis etc. (when appropriate). I don't know whether it's common practice, but I've generally assumed it must be.

BTW - I also use an ASCII text file for handshake between a sample changing machine control program (my design) and a nucleonics/data analysis suite (from A. N. Other). They say "Change to sample #5", my stuff does it, & says "Sample #5 in position".

Looked at DDE (now being phased out) & OLE, COM stuff etc., but a simple text file was the easiest way to do it. You can test either side of the handshake (when accusations get thrown around) by opening the file in e.g. Notepad, & making manual edits. It wasn't practical in the "old days", as file access was too slow, but it works a treat now.

I've done that also.

If you talk to a techie, he's probably familiar with it but calls it by another name or something. Or they probably do the same thing in a slightly different way (possibly not with a CSV file).

Yes - All the time.

I also did a lot of DOS and pre-dos like programming and loved it but data structures of most programs are known today, data can therefore be pumped into or abstracted directly from system or program.

The intermediate step of ASCII or comma delimited files can mostly by left out as well.

In an attempt to make programs more (stupid) user friendly they sacrificed data entry speed, my solution to that is to use a dos program as a fast entry and validation utility and then pump it into the program directly, via the clipboard or text based input / import file.

"use a dos program as a fast entry and validation utility"

FAST - FAST - FAST! and, no B/S! Here I thought I was the only one holding onto DOS.

Hello,

I am a software Eng. and I have seen simple database programs perform the functions that you outlined.

Thanks guys. My main purpose with the program was to enable the data to be sent as an email attachment and avoid retyping.

I did this once to enable a disconnected desktop application update a web based database system. The email was picked up by the server, and the attachment automatically moved into a drop folder, where a small application opened it and appended the contents to the database.

This is done in the relational database field quite often to transfer information across disparaging operating systems such as UNIX to DOS and Oracle. Progress is one such company where this is used.

I don't know which techie you have been talking to but many, in fact every company I have ever worked for has used this system. I buildt the program myself for my home server. To answer your question; Yes, the technology is quite common.

BBLACKSCORPION908@YAHOO.COM

Tecchies (and I'm only a pretend one, so they may pounce on my well-meaning ignorance here) would more likely do this using XML - where the data is delimited but, to varying degrees, human readable - if I came across the file I could see quickly what it was.

If there's a read error in a comma delimited file it's very difficult to manually scan through and see which field is the problem, whereas XML makes all kinds of error checking much easier.

The two databases - one sending and one receiving - don't need to be similar - eg one could be an order form, the other a sales database, but both need to know the XML structure.

But for a one-off process with small files, a comma delimited file would be more useful - little setup required etc.

Your use of email as the carrier (rather than web service or html or whatever) is also good for a reasonably small number of instances for availability across users/platforms/applications etc - most people know how to use email and how to deal with a comma delimited file.

In my experience of this kind of system, the reason tecchies wouldn't know about it is that unless there are torrents of data, most tecchies think it's easier to let someone do a small amount of data entry than to write an application specifically to do it.

I'm with you though - any typing saved is a great idea - saves creating errors and also can add up to hundreds of hours saved over a few years...

Thanks RobertOz. I'm not only not a techie but have never programmed for pay. It was mostly a hobby with me. I used VB6. I say used instead of use because I haven't written anything for a couple of years. Right now I need to learn PLC programming. Wish me luck. I'm 71 years old!

"I need to learn PLC programming. Wish me luck. I'm 71 years old!"

Skelly,

Hey don't sweat the PLC stuff. I had not touched the stuff for some twenty years (I am 42) and just had to pick back up on it. (And believe me I was no expert then either! haha)

If I may be so bold. I would suggest purchasing a small unit like I am using for my application and just start playing with it and the manual. I suggest the TECO SG2 series. The manual is VERY good and it comes with free software that is pretty good for programing it. I got mine from factorymation.com for about 80 bucks, And you will need the programing cable (20 bucks) unless you want to do it from the built in Keys and LCD (really too small to really work with, good for a quick tweak though).

I am a ladder logic kinda guy. But the software allows FBD or Ladder so you can swing both ways.

Good luck! and bye the way there are some really smart PLC guys here that helped me get started! I am sure any problem you run into is just a post away!

Bill12780

Hello

PLC programming is easy, nothing but logic! As some one sugested get a small PLC say 4DI and 4DO then operate different programmes, you will be thrilled.

You can try Siemens logo PLC, this programme can be simulated and seen on the screen, in which case no need to have the PLC.the software can be downloaded from siemens site free.

I believe that the Siemens Logo PLC is the same unit (repackaged) as the TECO SG2 series. And they too have free software that has simulation mode.

I used this to get a head start on my project while I was waiting for the PLC to arrive.

Here is a link to the software:

http://factorymation.info/plr/SG2ClientSetup.exe

Good luck! and have fun!

bill12780

Thank you all. Life would be indeed dull if we couldn't learn something new every day.