I have posted similar comm. project, but we have finally decided on the following:

*We have one process which a built in and consists of a conveyor belt doing up a process of placing a cap over a metal piece and forwarding it through. There is a counter counting the caps.. and etc. We have a PLC attached to it.
* The next process is a motor controlled drilling a hole in the caps. It is controlled by a microproceszor.
* The HMI shows in the operation status and emergency shutdown button.
* All this is connected through profibus -DP, all to the WINCC attached with a PLC

Q1) Where do we have to put our focus and the areas we have to pay more attention. We are not well versed with control.

Q2) We have a period of four months, is it good enough, taking into account our knowledge.

Q3)Could you provide some sites that would help a great deal.

 

A1) - You need to pay attention to what is to happen at each stage of the process, including what can go wrong. If you are familiar with state
diagrams, you may wish to use those as a means of analysis. If not, then at least write down in detail what is to happen at each point. Take each sensor and actuator into account in the description. Also, be sure to make complete
electrical drawings before doing any wiring, and mark up any changes you make later on the drawings as you are doing them.

A2) - Four months may or may not be enough time. It depends upon how familiar you are with the hardware and software, and how much of your time you spend on it. Draw up a plan for the project (use Gantt charts if you are familiar with them) with dates on the milestones. Leave plenty of time to start up and debug the system. Allow time to learn about the components if you are not
already familiar with them. When the machine looks like it is all put together, you will probably be at most about half done.