G
> When you say "its a source control problem", you are simply saying
> "it's the customer's problem". It is very rare that the average machine
> builder (or even worse - their subcontractors) can seem to deliver a valid
> copy of the source code to their customers at the end of a project. So what
> should the customer do? Should they assume they may have to scrap every
> program that comes with a new machine and write their own? Why would any
> customer find this acceptable?
Michael,
If you're saying that people who write and deliver custom PLC software for a living typically cannot produce an electronic copy of their work that matches the copy installed in the box, I'd have to say that's both a serious source code control problem and a stinging indictment of the level of professionalism in the industry.
I hope it isn't true. In any other realm of professional software development, it would be considered absolutely unacceptable. In fact,
all of my custom software development contracts (I can't speak for everyone else) specify valid source code as a deliverable; failure to do
so would constitute non-performance.
Greg Goodman
Chiron Consulting
> "it's the customer's problem". It is very rare that the average machine
> builder (or even worse - their subcontractors) can seem to deliver a valid
> copy of the source code to their customers at the end of a project. So what
> should the customer do? Should they assume they may have to scrap every
> program that comes with a new machine and write their own? Why would any
> customer find this acceptable?
Michael,
If you're saying that people who write and deliver custom PLC software for a living typically cannot produce an electronic copy of their work that matches the copy installed in the box, I'd have to say that's both a serious source code control problem and a stinging indictment of the level of professionalism in the industry.
I hope it isn't true. In any other realm of professional software development, it would be considered absolutely unacceptable. In fact,
all of my custom software development contracts (I can't speak for everyone else) specify valid source code as a deliverable; failure to do
so would constitute non-performance.
Greg Goodman
Chiron Consulting