Documentation, when used correctly, makes everything better. You can scope jobs faster, you can communicate between groups more accurately and generally sleep better at night. Documentation is huge when it comes to a nice control system.
Some key types of drawings controls staff need to know...
Relay Ladder Logic
Relay logic is the foundation of most simple controls. It is wonderful in that you can troubleshoot it years down the line. No software required and, when you do have programmable elements inside, it is clear how they must operate.
There are great guides on this topic. Note the difference between relay ladder logic and PLC ladder logic.
Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams
The intersection of the plumbing and electronics of the plant are shown, labelling the transmitters and locations in the process. Crucially, it shows the connections between various control elements. These can save massive amounts of headaches, primarily preventing miscommunications about how the system should work versus how it does work.
One Line Diagrams
These show the power feeding different systems. Depending on your location, your standard voltages vary. My employer deals primarily with 480V (for motors and actuators) and 120V (for smaller devices). Their utility usually lies in scoping out what equipment can be added and balancing your system, but are critical for electrical safety reviews
There are plenty of other drawings, but these should help you the most. You will find that the high-end industries (pharmaceuticals, semiconductors) are willing to invest the most and have excellent drawings and process knowledge. More commoditized industries face more pressure to shortcut, so you will likely find worse documentation in agriculture, food and beverage, water and wastewater, or concrete.
Learning the drawings comes before the actual implementation or updates for your drawings. I will cover how to get started on CAD soon. Best of luck!
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