Skip to main content
All services

Fault finding at the machine, PLC programming and control retrofit

Fault finding, PLC programming and control retrofit

When a line stops, we look for the fault where it sits: in the control, in the drive, at the sensor or on the bus. Our PLC programmers work with Siemens S7-1200 and S7-1500 in TIA Portal, on new plants as well as on existing programs whose documentation is missing. Whoever adapts the program has seen the drive and the sensor behind it first.

  • Fault finding on controls, drives, sensors and bus
  • PLC programming: Siemens S7, TIA Portal
  • HMI/SCADA: WinCC, Ignition
  • IoT integration and OPC UA communication
Siemens S7-1500 PLC with PROFINET cabling

Fault finding and automation for food production

Modern food industry plants are highly automated: PLCs coordinate conveyors, filling lines, packaging machines and sorting systems. When that automation fails, the whole line stops. Our team combines control engineering with plant experience: whoever adapts the program has seen the drive and the sensor behind it first.

Fault finding at the machine

We read out fault codes, measure signals at sensors and drives, compare program and parameters against the expected state and narrow down bus errors: a systematic search on controllers of any brand, even without current documentation. What we find, we repair in the same visit; if a part is missing, we build a temporary solution so the line keeps running.

PLC Programming and Parameterization

We program and parameterize PLC controllers for your production plants. Whether initial commissioning, adapting existing programs or complete reprogramming. We work with common control systems and adapt the logic to your production processes. Including recipe management, batch tracking and interfaces to higher-level systems.

PLC Migration

Outdated controllers are one of the most common causes of production downtime: spare parts no longer available, software no longer compatible, no support from the manufacturer. We migrate your existing control system to current platforms, with minimal production interruption and complete functional testing.

SCADA and Process Visualization

Clear visualization of your production processes: plant states, alarms, production data. All at a glance. We implement SCADA systems and operator interfaces that make daily work easier for your staff.

Pneumatics

Valve terminals, cylinders, compressed air supply, throttle valves: pneumatic systems are ubiquitous in the food industry. We install, maintain and repair pneumatic components and perform systematic troubleshooting for pressure losses and malfunctions.

Applications

  • PLC programming for washing and cleaning systems
  • SCADA visualization of entire production halls
  • Recipe management for batch production
  • OPC UA connectivity to MES/ERP systems
  • Remote maintenance and access
  • Migration from S5/S7-300 to S7-1500
  • Drive parameterization (Siemens, ABB, SEW)

Frequently asked questions

What PLC systems does VLD Service program?
We program Siemens S7 (S7-300, S7-400, S7-1200, S7-1500), Siemens TIA Portal. For HMI/SCADA, we use WinCC and Ignition. IoT integration is done via OPC UA.
Does VLD Service also offer IoT integration and remote maintenance?
Yes, we integrate IoT solutions via OPC UA to capture and analyze machine data in real time. This enables predictive maintenance, remote diagnostics and production optimization.
Can VLD Service upgrade existing control systems?
Yes, we carry out migration projects from older PLC generations (e.g. S5 to S7), including hardware replacement, software migration, HMI modernization and commissioning. The transition often takes place over an extended weekend to minimize production downtime.
Can you also maintain older PLC systems?
Yes. We have experience with various generations of control systems. If your control system is outdated and spare parts are no longer available, we advise you on migration to a current platform.
Do you also offer remote maintenance?
In many cases, we can perform an initial diagnosis remotely: saving time and costs. For actual programming and commissioning, we come on-site.
How much does PLC programming or automation cost?
Billed by actual effort: productive hours, licences, travel: Siemens S7, TIA Portal, WinCC, OPC UA. No idle costs, no flat-rate markups. Cheaper than an internal automation engineer. Concrete quote after a free on-site analysis.

PLC & Automation as Swiss Partner for Machinery Manufacturers

VLD Service programs and configures automation systems (Siemens S7, TIA Portal) for international machinery manufacturers deploying equipment in Switzerland: local expertise, international standards.

Install machines in Switzerland: automation partner

What is on your plate?

One day of on-site analysis, free. After that you know what it takes.

Every hour of downtime costs more than the intervention that ends it.

On-call staffed, reachable now +41 79 751 59 83
Sophi: VLD Service
Sophi
Online

Contact our specialists: we are happy to help!