Guidelines to define a step

When defining the steps of the process, use these guidelines:

Start with large steps and refine the steps in several passes.

When first opening an SFC routine, it contains an initial step and transition. Use this step to initialize the process.

	initial step
	initial transition

To identify a step, look for a physical change in the system, such as:

a new part that is in position

a temperature that is reached

a preset time that is reached

a recipe selection that occurs

The step is the actions that takes place before that change.

To control a device during more than one time or phase (step), perform one:

Option	Example
Make a separate step that controls the device.
			Transfer
			Paint
			Clean
			Fan Control
Note the step that turns on the device and the step that turns off the device. Later, define a Stored and Reset Action pair to control the device.
		Transfer
		Paint
		Clean
		Turn on the fan
		Turn off the fan
Use one large step that contains all the actions that occur while the device is on.
		Paint
		transfer, paint, clean, transfer, control the fan

Stop when the steps are in meaningful increments.

For example:

This list of steps	Is
Product Solution	probably too large
Set Mode, Close Outlet, Set Temperature, Open Inlet A, Close Inlet A, Set Timer, Reset Temperature, Open Outlet, Reset Mode	probably too small
Preset Tank, Add Ingredient A, Cook, Drain	probably about right

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