Automated controls
provide many benefits to organizations who would like to have a
mechanized infrastructure or wish to lessen burdensome
manual business processes.
All size
organizations, who have traditionally relied heavily on manual
business process controls can greatly benefit from the
replacement of those manuals controls with automated controls to
enhance their control structure and reduce the cost of
compliance.
Organizations
should undertake and also understand the cost/benefit analysis before
tackling the actual implementation of automated controls, since
there is a real and definable effort in implementing and
maintaining those controls.
Automation
controls, along with environmental input sensors, output
feedback devices, lights, relays, switches, and touch screen
monitors, can also be used to create an interactive experience
with a rich multimedia experience for just about any conceivable
kiosk scenario.
Such a scenario
can utilize a Programmable Logic Controller or PLC. A PLC
is a device that a user can program to perform a series or
sequence of events. These events are triggered by stimuli
(called inputs) received at the programmable logic controller
through delayed actions such as time delays or counted
occurrences.
Once an event
triggers, it actuates in the outside world by switching on or
off electronic control gear or the physical actuation of
devices. A Programmable Logic Controllers will continually loop
through its user defined program waiting for inputs and giving
outputs at the specific programmed times.
Examples of
Control Devices: