Cost-effective programmable logic controller alternatives optimized as embedded components in OEM products
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Embedded Programmable Controllers for OEMs

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Programmable Logic Controller replacement for OEM embedded controls


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Programmable Logic Controller replacement for OEM embedded controls
Selecting, specifying or configuring a controller for your product can be a daunting task, especially if you are not a controls expert. We at SPLat Controls have over 28 years experience in helping non-electronics companies successfully integrate electronic controls into their products. Maybe we can help you?
 
The no-cost survey below is obligation free. Your answers will give us an initial "handle" on your needs, and let us start evaluating how we might best fill those needs with a SPLat controller. It may be that you can best benefit from one of our off-the-shelf standard controllers, or perhaps a custom SPLat would be the best way for you to go. We will even tell you if we don't think a SPLat is a good fit for your needs (we know we can't be all things to all people, and we're in the business of building long term mutually beneficial relationships with our customers).
This questionnaire will take you several minutes to complete. When you have completed it and click the submit button, it will be sent to SPLat Controls, and a copy emailed to you. At SPLat Controls it will be analyzed by a controls engineer with at least 20 year's experience, not by a sales person, and he will spend maybe half an hour formulating a reply. That's significant value right there!
 
You may find some of the questions daunting. You may even feel some of them are a bit intrusive. Let's just say this is not some cheap gimick to get your email address. We are serious about being able to help prospective customers find good solutions to their control needs, but we need proper information to work with. If there are question you are not sure how to answer, do your best.
 
The next step after this questionnaire is that we will get back to you, either by phone or email, and most probably with a number of additional questions. We may go several rounds of questions and answers as we home in on a solution for your needs.
 
You are under no obligation to do business with us. We would however like to think that you are genuinely a prospective customer.
Contact details * means required field
Name* Your basic identity. Please include your website address if you have one. It can be very helpful to us in getting an overview of the business you are in.
Company*
Division
Website
Describe your company* Help us understand the type of company you represent.
Your position* It helps us, and ultimately you, if we know where things stand. If you have a boss you must convince then we may need to help you with ammunition. Certainly, and let's be frank about this, if we're not initially dealing with the decision maker we will need to eventually make sure a good case is put to that person.
email address* Without your correct email address we can't get back to you. We will only use your email address to respond to your query, and if you subscribe, to send you our infrequent newsletter.
re-type email*
Country* We need to know what country we are dealing with for commercial and legal reasons.
For North America we like to know your state or province. It also helps us know when we can call you.
City*
State/Province
(USA & Canada)
Phone number* A cell phone number is best, so we can call you at a time that will work best across time zones. The best format is "+cc aaa nnnnnnnn" where cc=country code, aaa=area code for callers from abroad, nnn=number.
Application  
Brief description of your product*
 
1500 characters maximum 		With an understanding of what your product does we can better suggest what kinds of control solutions will work best for you. If it's on your website, please provide a URL or detailed model number so we can find it. Be brief, we will get more out of you later. You can depend on it!
What stage are you at with the product?* This question helps us understand where you are at with your product, and gives us a cue as to the amount and type of support you may require.
Key issues
 
500 characters maximum 		In terms of the controls, are there any issues that have become a sticking point? This might be a technical requirement you are having trouble meeting, a cost issue (we all have those!), or something related to supply, reliability or environment.
 
Remember, our mission is to solve your control headaches and help you find the best solution.
Current controls Your current control system, if any, can give us valuable clues about your needs. We are interested in brands and/or general classes of controller. You can also use this box to describe any pluses or minuses you see in the existing system.
Quantity /year* If we have some idea of your quantities we know better what kinds of solutions will be most appropriate. Select the quantity range you think is a realistic expectation in the medium term. For a new product that might be what you realistically expect to sell in the 2nd or 3rd year in the market place. For an establish product or an upgrade, it might be the 1st year's sales.
Technical
Can you supply full technical data on everything connected to the controller (in and out)?* Yes   No
 The more detailed information you can supply, the better. In order to help you match sensors and actuators to a controller, we need to know their characteristics. We will very possibly ask you to supply technical data sheets on the devices you are using. We might even eventually ask you to supply samples, if it is something unusual or something we know requires careful attention to detail.
Inputs and outputs* Describe as best you can everything that will connect to the controller, like sensors, limit switches, relays, valves etc. Provide as much detail as you can, but don't worry if at this stage you don't all the details. We will eventually extract that information from you. We have ways!
Operator interface None
Buttons & Lights
Buttons and text display
Display and Keypad
Other  		What kind of integrated operator interface (HMI/MMI) do you need, if any? The choices given increase in cost as you move down the list. A touch screen is nice, but can cost several times more than the actual controller. Our MMi202 without an LCD falls in the "Buttons and lights category". With an LCD it becomes "Buttons and text display" At that level it is capable of providing a sophisticated set of menu selections.
Special capabilities What other special capabilities do you NEED? Notice we ask about capabilities not features. Experience has shown us that people very often ask for desirable features rather than specify a required outcome. They put the means before of the ends. For example, we are often asked for a thermocouple interface (the means) rather than temperature measurement (the end). We can best help you if we know your functional needs (ends). With our vast experience maybe we can then suggest a means.
Comments  
Any other comments? Use this text box for any information you think is relevant but didn't seem to fit anywhere.
All done!  
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Cost-effective programmable logic controller alternatives optimized as embedded components in OEM products