Cost for Sending Over Program for Failed PLC Circuit

I concur with the prevailing viewpoint. If there is no specific intellectual property like Ron S Magic (tm) involved, it is advisable to bill for the time spent on the task, rounding up for administrative costs, and then allowing the client to proceed. My stance is typically that in the case of custom machinery or integration, the ownership of the code should belong to the system owner, unless otherwise agreed upon beforehand.

• 05-09-2024
• mk42

I offer complimentary email services as a way to attract customers at a low cost. I only charge fees for travel or file work. While charging for phone and email consultations is typical, I have not encountered any instances of time misuse thus far.

• 06-09-2024
• KenWiegers

In my experience collaborating with multiple vendors, I've found that many require a minimum 8-hour charge for their services, a policy I also adhere to.

• 07-09-2024
• Ken Moore

I support Robert and Ken's suggestion to provide the service for free, as your programming was already paid for in the initial project. Offering assistance can make a big impact on attracting new customers.

• 07-09-2024
• Scottryan03

When determining pricing for providing a PDF of a program to convert to a newer PLC for the original owner who is still in business, I would base it on a range between zero and the standard office rate multiplied by the amount of time spent. What would be your charge in this scenario?

• 07-09-2024
• Steve Bailey

It typically takes about four hours, which includes a follow-up installation phone call. Providing a straightforward answer saves you time and prevents overthinking your pricing strategy, ultimately saving you valuable time and resources.

• 07-09-2024
• RetiQlum2

I am still waiting to hear everyone's perspectives on this issue. Your programming services were compensated for based on the original purchase order for the project. If you maintained your work by purchase order number and job number, as best practices dictate, fulfilling their request should not be a difficult task. Provide them with the program they paid for to ensure customer satisfaction and potentially secure future work. Even if they are not the original owner, handling this situation professionally can lead to more opportunities down the line. It's puzzling to me that they are attempting to charge for this service, as it seems like a straightforward decision. Perhaps this attention to detail is why I consistently attract new projects.

• 07-09-2024
• Scottryan03

Now is the perfect opportunity to review your program and documentation to determine if any updates are necessary based on your current programming skills. Reflecting on machines I programmed nearly three decades ago, I am amazed at how they operated safely without any incidents. It makes me ponder, "What was I thinking?" Avoid labeling these updates as "safety updates" due to potential liability and warranty implications. Instead, refer to them as "feature" or "operational" updates to avoid complications with charging for them or being required to perform them if a safety issue is identified.

• 07-09-2024
• I_Automation

Scottryan03 raised an interesting point that has sparked discussion among various individuals. It is important to consider that programming labor costs were already covered in the original purchase order for the project. If you need access to saved projects by PO#, Job#, etc., don't hesitate to contact Minster Press in Ohio. However, be prepared for some light-hearted laughter and banter as they may have already been compensated for the requested information. In a recent experience, I required a schematic for a circuit board testing machine that had undergone a feature change in 1998. While most companies charge a substantial fee for schematic PDFs and PLC programs, there are exceptions. French Oil stands out as a rare example, providing me with a free schematic and PDF of the PLC program when I needed to create a new control for a press. This level of service is uncommon in the industrial maintenance field, where obtaining essential documents like MSDS's can often come at a price.

• 07-09-2024
• I_Automation

If you need a schematic or a copy of a program from Minster Press in Ohio, don't be surprised if you hear laughter and jokes when you ask - they charge a premium for these documents. I recently needed a schematic for a circuit board testing machine that had undergone a feature change in 1998. The current model schematic is priced at $900, while the pre-1998 model schematic costs $5,000. Additionally, copies of the PLC programs are even more expensive than the schematics. In my 42 years of experience, only French Oil Company has provided me with a free schematic and PLC program PDF when I needed to design and construct a new control system for a press. This outdated way of doing business is not sustainable, and companies following this practice will soon find themselves struggling for business. It's time to embrace a more customer-friendly approach.

• 07-09-2024
• Scottryan03

Are you tired of wasting precious hours searching for lost files? Calculate your hourly rate and put an end to it. It's baffling how companies neglect to have spare equipment and backup procedures. Ultimately, equipment failure is inevitable. Time equals money on the production line. By finding the original file promptly, you've potentially saved the company valuable production time and significant costs compared to starting from scratch.

• 07-09-2024
• dummy_bit

I found it incredibly frustrating when an OEM only supplied paper drawings in a large format like size E or F, alongside a password-protected PDF file that couldn't be printed from. When I requested an unlocked version to print on a smaller sheet, they insisted I purchase new paper copies with a purchase order. I ultimately decided against it.

• 07-09-2024
• joseph_e2

dummy_bit asked how much time you spent searching for the original file. Calculate your hourly rate and consider it a finished task. I have a NAS system with an external USB backup, allowing me to retrieve files for any device within minutes, even if I'm traveling. The cost at your rate would be $4.25. It's important to note that the customer requesting the file is not your client, so there's no obligation to fulfill their request. If it were my original customer, I would provide the program for free and even offer remote desktop assistance to install it on a new computer as a marketing gesture, but I wouldn't extend the same courtesy to a different buyer.

• 07-09-2024
• I_Automation

I would send it to their new integrator at no cost, while also using it as a way to potentially build goodwill for future collaborations.

• 07-09-2024
• OkiePC

Have you considered charging a nominal fee of 1 cent per bit of the file size for "storage rental"? This unique approach can help you monetize your data storage services effectively.

• 07-09-2024
• ojz0r

The issue has been resolved. While I agree with some comments and disagree with others, I appreciate everyone's input. The initial project was a one-time job back in 2010. If the company had reached out to me, I would have gladly attended to replace the PLC and only charged for labor and parts. This is a service I have provided on multiple occasions, including replacing dead batteries and restoring programs from my backups. Although this company is located far away and it's unlikely I will receive future work from them, they have chosen to use a local programmer for the job. After converting my original 2010 invoice to 2024 rates, I charged them 10% of the programming cost, which amounted to thousands of pounds. They have since paid, and I assume everything is now up and running smoothly.

• 07-09-2024
• Ron S

dummy_bit expressed disbelief in companies that fail to have spare equipment and backup procedures in place, leading to inevitable failures. This lack of preparedness is often attributed to incompetence, as many decision-makers prioritize social connections over asset management. Additionally, operational managers may only focus on short-term goals, neglecting long-term planning. Furthermore, a lack of understanding of financial principles and project pricing can hinder funding for necessary upgrades. Demonstrating the potential risks and costs associated with a project is crucial in securing support. joseph_e2 shared a frustrating experience with an OEM who provided limited and inconveniently large paper drawings, making it difficult to work with the supplied information. The challenges of obtaining necessary documentation are further exemplified by the lack of digital copies provided by certain companies, such as Samsung when purchasing a drillship. Despite the importance of digital files for efficiency, some companies still rely solely on printed materials.

• 07-09-2024
• cardosocea

The perception of your business is crucial when it comes to customer relationships. I once had a client whose Omron HMI screen failed, and the original company quoted them around 8k for a replacement and programming. After a quick search online, the client found the same HMI for about 2k, saving them 6k. I was able to transfer the program to the new HMI at a cost of 3k, and the client was satisfied with the outcome. This experience highlighted the importance of fair pricing and honest practices in building a good reputation as a supplier or manufacturer. By treating others the way you want to be treated and offering quality products at reasonable prices, you can attract loyal customers and sustain repeat business. This philosophy is what drove me to enter the supply industry, as I knew I could provide a better experience for clients who value integrity, quality, and efficiency in every transaction.

• 07-09-2024
• geniusintraining