Flexible map with application data identifiers for PLC communications

A controller configured to operate a melter of a hot melt adhesive dispensing system including one or more applicators configured to dispense a hot melt liquid adhesive received from the melter, the controller comprising:

• one or more processors;
• and
• memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the controller to:
• receive input of a configuration file comprising a custom data map, wherein the custom data map indicates a plurality of parameters associated with the adhesive dispensing system melter and a plurality of corresponding memory space locations of a memory space available to the controller, and wherein the custom data map facilitates communication between the controller of the melter and an associated programmable logic controller (PLC);
• determine a parameter value of a parameter of the plurality of parameters;
• and
• cause the memory space to indicate the parameter value at a memory space location corresponding to the parameter.

A device, comprising:

• one or more processors;
• and
• memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the device to:
• receive a first user input indicative of a selected parameter from a plurality of parameters associated with a melter of a hot melt adhesive dispensing system including one or more applicators configured to dispense a hot melt liquid adhesive received from the melter, wherein the selected parameter is subject to data exchange between a controller of the melter and an associated programmable logic controller (PLC);
• receive a second user input indicative of a memory space location in a memory space of the controller;
• and
• generate a custom data map indicative of an association between the selected parameter and the memory space location, wherein the custom data map facilitates communication between the controller of the melter and the associated PLC.