An automation company which listens, can comprehend your particular needs and concerns, can analyze it all, and put it in perspective for you, efficiently and effectively.
A material handling project is only as successful as the control system. Many companies are realizing the system controls as first priority when planning for automation. Some questions to consider with any control system integration are:
- How should operators interact with the system in a safe manner?
- What is the best control architecture?
- How does the control system interface with automated information systems such as billing and production control?
- How is product and software warranty handled?
- What if my automated system is down; how quickly and in what manner can I restore operation or what is plan "B"?
- Is a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) or PC (Personal Computer) the best controller for the application?
- Which network should I use?
Technical abilities of a supplier are long forgotten if your project is not managed properly. "On-time", "On-budget" and "Professional" are not just industry jargon but represent a commitment to your project team. On-site direction is paramount in the success of the solution. The quality you demand is revealed on your floor on time and as promised; any other result betrays your trust and erodes your bottom line.
The General Design Document is the first deliverable on your project. This single piece of documentation is of paramount importance to the success of your project. The General Design Document combines a concise description of operation, a detailed controls layout, definition of system interlocks and a comprehensive narrative on the operator interfaces.
The General Design Document is best thought of as a manual that you can take joint ownership of. This document provide three very important functions: a description of your system that you and your support staff understands, a "road map" for the engineering and management team to build the system, a document that precedes the Acceptance Test Plan and manages our collective expectations on the project outcome.
