Courses

For Maintenance and Controls Engineers

Allen-Bradley RSLogix/Studio 5000 IMFFP® 3

£2,100

Industrial Maintenance & Fault Finding Pro 3: Ready to take the next step in developing your PLC skill-set? Our hands-on and practical City & Guilds Accredited and Assured IMFFP® 3 training courses teach you how to work with PLCs, HMIs/SCADA and Industrial Networks safely and efficiently. We know life’s too short for breakdowns. Build your confidence and gain the skills you need to manage your day-to-day operations, and safeguard your shop-floor.

Course approved and accredited by

Overview

Designed to deliver the comprehensive knowledge and essential skills needed by engineers operating PLCs in industrial settings.

The comprehensive 4-day IMFFP® 3 training program teaches you how to program PLCs, Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs), SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), troubleshoot, and configure Industrial Networks, like PROFINET and PROFIBUS-DP. You’ll also learn a range of advanced programming techniques for the Allen-Bradley RSLogix/Studio 5000 and Inductive Automation's Ignition package.

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4-day training program

This 4-day training course takes you from learning the fundamentals of PLCs, HMIs, SCADA and Industrial Networks to invaluable troubleshooting techniques.

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City & Guilds Assured

When you complete the course, you’ll earn a City & Guilds certification and digital credential that’s recognised around the world.

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Dynamic Resources

You’ll get access to PLC and HMI programming software and Live PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, Remote IO, together with a customised IMFFP® training workbook.

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Continuous Learning

1/year access to the relevant eLearning course to help you stay up to date with your new skillset.

Curriculum

Essential PLC training for anyone working with PLCs, HMIs and Networks at an industrial level.

Day 1: Getting started with Allen Bradley networks and Ignition SCADA

Beginning with exploring how to locate equipment on a network and understand Ethernet communications in industrial automation. Knowing how to set up and maintain reliable communication is key to ensuring a seamless system operation.

  • ENET module installation: Learn how to correctly install and configure Ethernet modules for smooth PLC-to-network communication.
  • DDE & OPC protocols: Understand how these protocols facilitate data exchange between control systems and external applications.
  • Using DDE tools and OPC Data Group Tool: Get hands-on experience in configuring and troubleshooting data communication.

Next, we move into HMI/SCADA systems, specifically focusing on Ignition SCADA and its role in industrial automation. You’ll learn how to install and configure Ignition SCADA, connect it with Allen Bradley PLCs, and retrieve real-time tag data.

  • Viewing PLC tags from Ignition and creating a new project.
  • Using the Ignition Designer Tool to build interactive interfaces.
  • Creating buttons, aligning objects, and designing intuitive navigation.
  • Adding titles, images, and previewing projects to ensure a user-friendly experience.
  • Incorporating tags into an Ignition project for real-time monitoring and control.

Day 2: Advanced HMI/SCADA development and security

In this section, we’ll focus on communication modes and linking tags to Ignition objects to create a dynamic HMI/SCADA environment.

  • Event handlers and display lamps: Learn how to program interactive elements based on system conditions.
  • Style customiser: Configure different visual styles for objects based on real-time data.
  • Data I/O operations: Read and write data to and from the PLC using Ignition.
  • Adding bar graphs, templates, and trends: Visualise industrial processes effectively.
  • Setting up alarms: Learn how to integrate alarm systems for fault detection and response.

Security is a critical aspect of any HMI system. You’ll gain knowledge on:

  • Vision Client Launcher: Deploying SCADA applications for operators.
  • HMI security: Implementing user authentication and access control.
  • Object and tag security: Restricting access to specific functions and data points.
  • Modifying existing HMI projects while maintaining system integrity.
  • Troubleshooting Ignition communication failures to ensure system reliability.

Day 3: Industrial networking and troubleshooting

Understanding different industrial networks is crucial for automation professionals. This section covers:

  • CAN networks and DeviceNet: How these protocols work in industrial automation.
  • PROFIBUS and PROFINET: Key differences and how to configure them.
  • DH+ (Data Highway Plus) and ASI (Actuator Sensor Interface): Understanding these legacy and modern communication methods.

You’ll also explore Point IO, produced and consumed tags, and Ethernet configuration, ensuring efficient data exchange between PLCs and devices.

  • Using communication bridges: Learn how to link different networks for seamless data flow.
  • Produced data and Ethernet faults: Detect and troubleshoot breakdowns in industrial communication.
  • Handling ENET module failures: Recognising fault codes and implementing corrective actions.
  • Using command-line tools (Tracert, Netstat, ARP): Diagnosing network issues effectively.

Day 4: Advanced data handling and ASI networks

This section covers analog signaling, a crucial aspect of industrial automation.

  • Analog inputs and outputs: Learn how to handle real-world sensor data within a PLC system.
  • User-defined types (UDTs) and data arrays: Implement custom data structures for more efficient programming.
  • Indirect addressing: Optimise PLC memory usage and streamline program execution.

We will also dive into ASI (Actuator Sensor Interface) networks:

  • Configuring ASI networks for real-time industrial control.
  • Monitoring ASI status and troubleshooting faults.
  • Working with EDS (Electronic Data Sheet) files to add new devices.
  • Installing and managing EDS files for seamless device integration.

By the end of this course, you’ll have a deep understanding of Allen Bradley’s networking, HMI/SCADA integration, industrial communication, troubleshooting, and data handling, equipping you with essential skills for automation environments!

Locations

Learn in the location that's right for you.

Discover the perfect place to learn and grow with our flexible training options. Whether you prefer hands-on practice at one of our state-of-the-art training centres or the convenience of onsite training, we’ve got you covered.

Gateshead

Our fully-equipped Gateshead training centre is located on the banks of the Tyne River, just 10 minutes from the Angel of the North.

Alderley Park

Alderley Park hosts a vibrant and fast growing community of companies, including Scantime, with our new fully-equipped training suite.

Certification

IMFFP® 3 is Assured by City & Guilds

When you complete our IMFFP® course, you’ll earn a City & Guilds Assured training certificates along with Digital Credentials. These credentials make it easy to showcase your skills online, instantly and professionally. Each certificate will represent one of the two PLC training modules you’ve completed, highlighting your achievement in passing all course assessments at a recognised Assured Training Centre.

Testimonials

We’ve trained engineers at Amazon, Honda, Jaguar Land Rover, EDF Nuclear, Toyota and Transport for London.

Here’s what they say about Scantime’s training courses:

I recently completed the Siemens Step 7 training course. I undertake lots of courses due to the nature of my job and this is one of the best I have been to. Alan and Jay delivered the course brilliantly, very helpful and explained everything in an easy to understand format.

Will Skidmore

Siemens Energy

My colleagues and I of Essity UK wish to share our gratitude for the skills and knowledge we have gained, and continue to gain as we upskill in Siemens Step 7 and TIA Portal. Many thanks to Alan, Chris, Dave and David.

Mark Horner

Essity

The course was brilliant – the content, literature, practical and delivery was exceptional. I really enjoyed it and a took away lots. Nathan was great, tonnes of real experience, really easy to get along with and delivered the training seamlessly. I would without any question, recommend Scantime and Nathan for any control system Solutions / advise / training needs in the future.

Thomas Braisby

Thorntons Chocolate

The PLC training course has been outstanding. Through attending the course I have been able to learn the foundations of PLCs as well as looking at programming and editing systems to see system responses. The instructors are highly knowledgeable and highly engaging. Overall I couldn’t recommend Scantime more.

Samuel Peacock

Anglo American

The facilities and tutors at Scantime are world class! This training has given me the knowledge and confidence to work with PLCs across our site reducing downtime and stepping up maintenance. The classrooms are kitted out with all the best equipment in an easy to understand environment. My tutors Nathan and Jay where a fountain of knowledge and I am so grateful for all their help. 10/10 would recommend!

George Claridge

Tottenham Hotspur Football Club

Scantime has been involved in training our maintenance staff for several years now. They have helped improve and maintain the skill set that is critical for working with processes such as ours. From these various courses, we now have maintenance staff who are more confident and capable of working and finding faults on our PLCs.

Marc Powell

JLR

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything else you need to know.

How often do Scantime’s courses run?

We offer weekly courses at our training centres in Gateshead and Alderley Park. Demand is high, so we advise booking your place at least two months in advance to secure your spot.

Can I attend as an individual?

Absolutely! Our courses are open to everyone, whether you’re sponsored by a company or joining as an individual. They’re especially popular with people looking to switch careers or enhance their CV with new skills.

What resources do you provide during the hands-on IMFFP® course?

When you join one of our training courses, you’ll have your own dedicated training station complete with a computer, PLC, HMI, Remote IO, programming software, and a SCADA system.

You’ll also receive a Scantime workbook to track your progress throughout the course. This detailed resource is yours to keep, making it an excellent reference tool long after training is complete.

Are there any assessments on a hands-on IMFFP® course?

Yes, the course includes two assessments, one at the half-way mark of the course and the second at the end of the course, designed to ensure you’ve understood the material. You’ll receive your results on the same day after completing each assessment.

Pass Marks and Points Available:

  • Module 3 – 1st Asssessment
    • Pass Mark: 120
    • Points Available: 150
  • Module 3 – 2nd Assessment
    • Pass Mark: 120
    • Points Available: 150

Will I receive a certificate upon completion?

Absolutely. We’ll give you a City & Guilds certificate, and a digital credential when you successfully complete any of our IMFFP® course modules.

Get the skills you need to safeguard your shop-floor with Scantime.

Because life’s too short for breakdowns.

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