To examine data from process sensors for use in calculations. A single sweep of PLC applications program operation. The scan operates the program logic based on I/O status, and then updates the status of inputs and outputs.

A transducer whose input is a physical phenomenon and whose output is a quantitative measure of the phenomenon.

An automatic, closed-loop motion control system that uses feedback to control a desired output such as position, velocity, or acceleration.

To make a signal compatible or intelligible to a given device, by processing its form or mode.

Statistical Process Control is a quality control method focusing on continuous monitoring of the process rather than the inspection of finished products, with the intent to achieve control of the process and eliminate defective product.

Structured Query Language is a format for accessing data within a relational database management system.

State languages are used primarily for expressing sequences of operations in the real world. Typically, these languages divide a program into a series of "states," or steps - the program executes wholly in one step until some transition event occurs which causes the program to move to a new step. As such, it represents a reasonable way to express the operation of machinery, which itself must transit through a series of mechanical states as it operates. Practical state languages used for automation must allow multitasking, whereby multiple threads of steps may be in operation at once.