Some notes and AI texts generated for organizing some training for an IT role.

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(RESPONSE) Hi! I’d be happy to assist you in your career development journey. It’s great that you’re taking proactive steps towards upskilling yourself for the role you want. Here’s a suggested path forward:

Step 1: Get familiar with the basics

Before we dive deeper into specific technologies used within the manufacturing environment, it would be beneficial if you have a solid foundation in general computer networking concepts. This will make learning more advanced topics easier. You could take online courses such as CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA (CCENT) which cover network fundamentals, protocols, routing, switching, security, etc. These types of courses typically include hands-on labs where you’ll learn how to configure routers and switches. Once you feel comfortable with those topics, move on to other areas like firewalls, VPNs, DNS, DHCP, subnetting, and so forth. If you don’t already know them, then you may also want to consider obtaining a basic understanding of TCP/IP addressing, subnet masks, default gateways, and ports/protocols.

Step 2: Familiarize yourself with Microsoft Server products

Microsoft Windows Server is widely used across most organizations. Having knowledge about Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS), Group Policy Objects (GPOs), DNS, DHCP, File Sharing, Print Management, Remote Desktop Services, and Hyper-V Virtualization will definitely be helpful when applying for the IT Administrator role. In addition to the above mentioned skills, having experience with PowerShell scripting will be very valuable since they use it heavily in their day-to-day operations. Also, knowing what is happening behind the scenes in terms of system logs, event viewer, performance monitoring, backup and restore processes, disk management, and file sharing will be useful. For example, being able to troubleshoot issues related to group policy objects, domain controllers, DNS servers, DHCP scopes, and remote desktop connections will be important. Knowing how to manage users’ access rights through AD DS, GPOs, and permissions will also be necessary.

If you do not have any prior experience with Microsoft Servers, starting from scratch might seem daunting but it is worth the effort. Start with one course and build upon each subsequent course. Take advantage of free resources available online such as YouTube tutorials, blogs, webinars, and articles to gain practical knowledge. As you progress, try to set up test lab environments based on the real-world scenarios presented in the classes. Try to practice setting up different roles and features without actually implementing them in production until you become proficient enough to understand the differences between the two. When you think you’ve got a good grasp of the material, then go ahead and implement it in a small scale setup before moving on to something else.

Step 3: Learn Linux

As you said, Ubuntu is used on Raspberry Pi devices. Since you have no prior experience with Linux, let’s begin with the basics first. Start with the official Ubuntu documentation website and read all the pages under “Getting started” section. After reading the entire page, create a virtual machine on your laptop/desktop and install Ubuntu. Then follow along with the tutorial provided on the same site. Once you complete the installation, you will have a better idea of how to navigate around the operating system and perform common tasks. Don’t worry too much about the details right now; just focus on completing the task. You can always come back later and revisit the information once you have gained more experience. Next, look for online courses that teach Linux administration. Udemy offers several courses that cover the topic. One popular course is called “Linux Administration Bootcamp”. It covers the essential commands, configuration files, and troubleshooting techniques. Another option is edX’s “Introduction to Linux” course offered by IBM. They offer both paid and free versions.

Step 4: Familiarize yourself with industrial automation

The next area to explore is industrial automation. While you did mention that you are familiar with the FANUC R-30iB robot, you didn’t say anything about the programming software. The R-30iB uses the iRmate software. If you haven’t had any exposure to programming languages, you may want to start with Python because it is easy to pick up and has been adopted by many companies in the industry. The R-30iB comes with a built-in teaching pendant that allows you to program the robot directly. However, if you prefer to write programs off-line, you can download the iRmate software and run it on an offline PC. The iRmate software runs on Windows only. So, at least get familiar with the basics of Windows. There are plenty of online courses that provide instruction on using the iRmate software. A few examples are listed below:

• FANUC Training – Programming Basics
• FANUC Training – Advanced Topics

Once you feel confident with the basics of the iRmate software, you can proceed to learn PLC programming. Most manufacturers use Allen Bradley ControlLogix or Siemens S7-1200 programmable logic controller. Both of these systems require a fair amount of time to master. But again, there are plenty of online training materials and videos that explain the basics of the control logics. I recommend taking some online courses that introduce you to the subject matter. Here are a couple of options:

• Automation Anywhere – Introduction to PLCs
• PLC Tutorials – PLC Training

Step 5: Get certified

Now that you have learned the general computer networking concepts, Microsoft server technologies, and industrial automation, it would be beneficial to obtain certifications in these areas. CompTIA Network+ certification will give you a solid foundation in network fundamentals. Cisco CCNA (CCENT) will help you develop hands-on skills working with routing and switching equipment. This will make you a strong candidate for this position. To take the next step forward, getting certified in either the CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Cloud+, or CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CSA+) will show that you’re serious about learning new things and willing to put in the work required to achieve higher level positions within the company.

Step 6: Practice and prepare for interviews

When preparing for the interview, remember that you don’t need to know everything. Just like other technical fields, the interviewer wants to see that you have a willingness to learn and grow. Be honest during the interview process and tell them where you are currently at in your career development journey. Let them know which topics you are interested in pursuing further education in. Having a plan in place shows initiative and motivation. In addition, having a list of questions ready to ask the interviewer will demonstrate your interest in the role and what you hope to accomplish while holding the IT Administrator job. Some sample questions could include:

What does the typical day-to-day workload entail?

How often do you receive requests for assistance? Are they mostly related to hardware issues or software problems?

Are there any projects that you wish were completed differently?

I’m sure you’ll find this helpful! Please keep me posted on your progress!

And Here’s one from Claude:

(PROMPT) Generate a list of questions which a person interviewing for an IT position should ask a person who is transitioning out of that role and leaving a vacancy. The particular IT department in question is one at a manufacturing plant for plastic injection molded auto parts, owned by SRG Global. The IT department uses Microsoft Server, particularly group policy objects, etc. The various production departments on the factory floor use ubuntu linux on raspberry pi devices. There are Cincinnatti presses, Krauss-Maffei and Van Dorn presses as well. FANUC robots are used. The production is tracked by kanban.

(RESPONSE) Here is a list of questions that a person interviewing for an IT position at SRG Global’s manufacturing plant for plastic injection molded auto parts should ask the person who is transitioning out of the role:

1. What are the primary responsibilities of this IT position within the manufacturing plant?
2. Can you provide an overview of the IT infrastructure, including the network topology, server architecture, and any cloud-based services being used?
3. What version of Microsoft Server is currently in use, and how extensively are group policy objects (GPOs) utilized for managing the network?
4. How are the Ubuntu Linux operating systems on the Raspberry Pi devices managed and maintained on the factory floor?
5. What challenges have you encountered while working with the various production equipment, such as Cincinnati presses, Krauss-Maffei and Van Dorn presses, and FANUC robots? How did you address these challenges?
6. Can you explain how the kanban system is implemented for tracking production, and what role does the IT department play in supporting this system?
7. What are the most common issues or support requests that the IT department receives from the production team, and how are these typically resolved?
8. Are there any ongoing projects or planned upgrades for the IT infrastructure or production equipment that I should be aware of?
9. How do you ensure the security of the IT systems and protect against potential cyber threats in the manufacturing environment?
10. What are the current backup and disaster recovery procedures in place for the IT infrastructure and production data?
11. Are there any specific software applications or tools used for managing the IT assets, such as inventory management or helpdesk ticketing systems?
12. How do you handle the procurement, installation, and maintenance of hardware and software for the IT department and production floor?
13. Can you describe the relationship between the IT department and other teams, such as production, maintenance, and management? How do you collaborate and communicate with these teams?
14. What documentation exists for the current IT systems, processes, and procedures? Are there any knowledge gaps that need to be addressed?
15. What do you believe are the most significant opportunities for improvement within the IT department, and what steps would you recommend to address these areas?