I do add them all the time - for MY convenience - not for customer!
I include programming ports, light fixtures, power outlets,
documentation and disc pockets, foldable shelfs etc. for
his majesty - myself. After they get few machines with panels
that sport little things like that, somehow they turn out to be
the new standard and end up on the spec...
If the system doesn't offer pass through connection for HMI,
I usually put dual port etc. It costs but it's a small price to
pay compared to project cost and it's worth (it's good to have
and it doesn't come out of my pocket and when you need something
like that, money won't help - not in that moment).
If the machine has PC doing logging (and it's not on a network),
it's nice to add USB bulkhead connector on the panel so you can plug
cheap little usb drive and export some records without need to open
enclosure or use darn floppy discs.
I'm tired of looking around for some "desk" (dusty cardboard
box or broken chair) and other "comfort items" while working
on running equipent and standing on one foot or spending my
weekends or even holidays in the middle of nowhere.
How many times I ended up working on some damn dinosaur where
you have to use flashlight to see what's inside, search for prints
in the locker of maintenance guy who is not in,
sit on flipped bucket while debugging someone's not commented
program using beat up laptop and who knows what else!?
So I asked myself is this how I want to work? No way... Not anymore!
There must be better justification.
This is not quite exactly what one
gets for working in this field (got only one ok car, wife and kids
are beautiful, house is nice but not on the lake...)
If someone want's something CHEAP, they better go elsewhere...
I'm sure they'll find someone.
shutit
