Automated retrofit installation tool for replacement of one or more pre-existing dedicated input/output (i/o) modules and terminal boards with one or more universal i/o modules

A method for facilitating the replacement of one or more pre-existing dedicated input/output (I/O) modules and terminal boards with one or more universal I/O modules comprising:

• obtaining information about the one or more pre-existing dedicated I/O modules and terminal boards, wherein the information includes at least one or more functions of the more pre-existing dedicated I/O modules and terminal boards;
• determining the one or more functions of the more pre-existing dedicated I/O modules and terminal boards that can be performed by the one or more universal I/O modules;
• and
• if the one or more functions of the more pre-existing dedicated I/O modules and terminal boards can be performed by the one or more universal I/O modules, then either:
• a. preparing a report of spare channels on the one or more universal I/O modules, creating wiring diagrams for wiring in the one or more universal I/O modules, and creating configuration files and software settings for software that interfaces with the one or more universal I/O modules;
• or
• b. specifying a wiring harness, connectors and wiring instructions for connecting the existing dedicated input/output (I/O) modules with the one or more universal I/O modules with the wiring harness and one or more connectors;
• else
• if the one or more functions of the more pre-existing dedicated I/O modules and terminal boards cannot be performed by the one or more universal I/O modules, then:
• a. determining any gaps between the one or more functions of the more pre-existing dedicated I/O modules and terminal boards and the functions that can be performed by the one or more universal I/O modules and reporting the gaps;
• and
• b. preparing a report of spare channels on the one or more universal I/O modules, creating wiring diagrams for wiring in the one or more universal I/O modules, and creating configuration files and software settings for software that interfaces with the one or more universal I/O modules, wherein the report identifies the gaps.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium with computer-executable instructions thereon, said computer readable instructions for performing a method for facilitating the replacement of one or more pre-existing dedicated input/output (I/O) modules and terminal boards with one or more universal I/O modules comprising:

• obtaining information about the one or more pre-existing dedicated I/O modules and terminal boards, wherein the information includes at least one or more functions of the more pre-existing dedicated I/O modules and terminal boards;
• determining the one or more functions of the more pre-existing dedicated I/O modules and terminal boards that can be performed by the one or more universal I/O modules;
• determining any gaps between the one or more functions of the more pre-existing dedicated I/O modules and terminal boards and the functions that can be performed by the one or more universal I/O modules;
• and
• providing instructions for replacement of one or more pre-existing dedicated input/output (I/O) modules and terminal boards with one or more universal I/O modules, wherein the instructions include the gaps between the one or more functions of the more pre-existing dedicated I/O modules and terminal boards and the functions that can be performed by the one or more universal I/O modules.