Abstract: A manufacturing facility includes a plurality of programmable logic controllers that contain operating programs and process parameters. The programmable logic controllers are connected to a network such that the operating programs and process parameters from the programmable logic controllers can be backed-up to a remote data storage device. Preferably, the backing-up of the programmable logic controllers takes place automatically and periodically in a manner that does not interrupt the manufacturing process.

Abstract: Vehicle identification number (VIN) data acquisition and stamping center control, wherein a main computer supplies VIN data to a PLC disposed at the stamping center, and the PLC stores a quantity of VIN data, up to a predetermined maximum, in an input buffer memory of the PLC in order to permit the stamping center to continue operating even when the network connection with the main computer is broken. The PLC also includes an output buffer memory in which stamped VINs may be stored until the network connection is restored, at which point the stamped VINs are transmitted to the main computer. Alternative semi-automatic and manual modes of operation permit the stamping center to continue operating even when the supply of VIN data from the input buffer memory is exhausted.

Abstract: A manufacturing facility includes a plurality of programmable logic controllers that contain operating programs and process parameters. The programmable logic controllers are connected to a network such that the operating programs and process parameters from the programmable logic controllers can be backed-up to a remote data storage device. Preferably, the backing-up of the programmable logic controllers takes place automatically and periodically in a manner that does not interrupt the manufacturing process.

Abstract: Vehicle identification number (VIN) data acquisition and stamping center control, wherein a main computer supplies VIN data to a PLC disposed at the stamping center, and the PLC stores a quantity of VIN data, up to a predetermined maximum, in an input buffer memory of the PLC in order to permit the stamping center to continue operating even when the network connection with the main computer is broken. The PLC also includes an output buffer memory in which stamped VINs may be stored until the network connection is restored, at which point the stamped VINs are transmitted to the main computer. Alternative semi-automatic and manual modes of operation permit the stamping center to continue operating even when the supply of VIN data from the input buffer memory is exhausted.