Large control systems like DCS require numerous cabinets with hundreds IO (Input Output) points at each one. Managing IO point assignment can be easier when there is a graphic cabinet layout representation of an Excel IO list. Spare module channels are clearly indicated, and finding wire terminals is easier while troubleshooting. The IO list to cabinet layout conversion script has been designed for Emerson Ovation DCS, but it can be easily modified to any other control system.
The program analyzes IO lists and extracts cabinet and module information. Afterwards, it creates a new spreadsheet for each cabinet. Each IO module in a cabinet is represented with a block of cells which are shaded by a color. The color is designated by the module type. The final step of the program populates module blocks with IO point tags and descriptions.