Mount heat producing components like VFDs at the top of the cabinet.
(5) Use a 3 tier terminal block for Digital inputs. This allows you to land the sensor & power (+)/(-) in one spot. If you don't use the power terminals - no worries, they are there for future considerations.
Those are just off the top of my head.
(4) Don't use relay cards. Use digital output cards and wire to a terminal block relay (like these: https://www.automationdirect.com/ad...elays/slim_interface_relays/kpr-sce-24vacdc-1
Would you care to expand as to why to not use relay cards? Aside from the card costing more then a digital output card, about double in the 5000IO line from AB.
Since the VFD is probably also the most heat sensitive component, it can be wise to put it in the buttom. Better to put heat resistant components at the top if you ask me
Disagree, a VFD is most likely not "heat sensitive" by design, and it will almost certainly protect itself. Putting it in the bottom of the enclosure is just gonna add stress to the other inhabitants above it.
It makes sense to put the devices producing the most heat "top to bottom" thereby protecting the devices with lower temperature ratings below them. Even with forced ventilation !