It is definetely PLC specific. And in my opinion has never been straight forward, especially if your using cable fast or other quick connector block.
If your lucky enough to be using Modicon PLCs with Proworx NXT, the software will generate Auto Cad drawings for you based off of the actual cards and addresses used.
You will def. have to hit the books. Best bet is to search the PLC manuf website and look for manuals on I/O cards. You need to know the I/O cards you are using however, as there are usually a ton of them.
good luck
get help from your PLC programmer