Required skills

Required skills include

determining the features and functions of the PLC application including OHS regulatory and risk management requirements

interpreting parameters to the brief or contract

researching latest trends and techniques in application of PLCs PLC functions and programming options

researching latest trends and techniques in reverse engineering

investigating and measuring modelling and calculating for options

investigating faults in existing designs and arriving at solutions

prototyping and systematically programming and testing actuators and interfaces input sensortransducers communications and network connections human machine interfaces HMIs and graphical user interfaces GUIs

generating a range of solutions and evaluating them for feasibility against design criteria engineering practice and financial analysis

selecting actuators interfaces microcontroller sensortransducers signal conditioning HMIs communication and network software and connections if required

communicating negotiating and reviewing with stakeholders and client throughout process to obtain agreement on proposal and signoff on design

documenting design with drawings specifications and instructions

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes

contemporary engineering PLC application design methods

automation fundamentals including mechanical electrical electronic and information technologies sensortransducers controllers interfacing and signal conditioning networking if required software data sharing and control functions

features and capability of plant equipment controllers software network and communication systems

OHS and regulatory requirements codes of practice standards risk management and registration requirements

processes for investigation developing options modelling and calculating generating a range of solutions completing feasibility and evaluation studies and preparing proposals

use of techniques for

continuous improvement

problem solving and decision making

root cause analysis RCA or failure mode and effects analysis FMEA or design review based on failure mode DRBFM and Pareto analysis

communications and control systems standards protocols and programming

system logic as flow charts and state diagrams

specifications for inputsoutputs IO

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently

interpret features and functions of the application and parameters to the brief or contract

determine sustainability automation safety OHS regulatory and risk management

research and test system components

investigate and measure model and calculate for options

generate and evaluate a range of solutions

design PLC system solution

implement systems thinking continuous improvement and constraint and contingency management

select system components

prototype and systematically program and test system component function

ensure automation safety using appropriate licensed technical and professional assistance

communicate negotiate and review with stakeholders and client throughout process to obtain agreement on proposal and signoff on design

document design with drawings specifications and instructions

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit may be assessed on the job off the job or a combination of both on and off the job Where assessment occurs off the job that is the candidate is not in productive work then a simulated working environment must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team

Where applicable reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity age gender demographics and disability

Access must be provided to appropriate learning andor assessment support when required Where applicable physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities

Method of assessment

Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the MEM Metal and Engineering Training Package

Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the MEM05 Metal and Engineering Training Package.

Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts together with application of underpinning knowledge

Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on underpinning knowledge to ensure its correct interpretation and application

Assessment may be applied under projectrelated conditions real or simulated and require evidence of process

Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is able not only to be satisfied under the particular circumstance but is able to be transferred to other circumstances

Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency where required

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed

Client

Parameters to the brief

PLC solutions

Applications