A control system for factory automation includes a first unit and a second unit that exchange data with each other, and a synchronization module that synchronizes a control counter included in the first unit and a control counter included in the second unit using a clock. Each of the units includes an information storage that stores information on conversion for calculating a time from a counter value of the counter of the unit, the information being shared between the units.

A control system for factory automation includes a first unit and a second unit that exchange data with each other, and a synchronization module that synchronizes a control counter included in the first unit and a control counter included in the second unit using a clock. Each of the units includes an information storage that stores information on conversion for calculating a time from a counter value of the counter of the unit, the information being shared between the units.

Systems and methods for synchronizing time between multiple systems on a mining machine. The system includes a programmable logic controller (PLC) for controlling the mining machine and for transmitting a time to synchronize computer subsystems on the machine. The PLC includes a system clock that is programmed to operate on local time. A battery pack is connected to the PLC to allow the system clock to function continuously, even when the machine is turned off. Computer subsystems request and receive time updates from the PLC. A local time on each computer subsystem is determined based on the time update received from the PLC. Each computer subsystem includes a time zone parameter set to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and a Daylight Saving Time (DST) parameter that is disabled. Accordingly, the local time on each computer subsystem is set to the time update value received from the PLC.