System integrator competency is critical for introducing new technologies

Competency is an important attribute for a business and management. Manufacturers are good at manufacturing, and when they plan a new production line they rely on the competency of their machine suppliers and System Integrators to translate their aims into reality.

When the manufacturer has explained the goals of a project, it is up to the System Integrator to translate those goals of function, price and performance into a physical structure and a control platform – one that will both deliver what the client is looking to achieve, and fit into an existing control and management structure. It also underlines why the role of the integrator is often critical for introducing new technologies.

To deliver, the SI must be aware of the very latest technology solutions, in terms of hardware: PLC, Servo, Sensors, HMI, and robotics along with communication technology and software platforms. The aim is to be cost competitive from a build point of view, effective from a function point of view and provide easy, intuitive, reliable control for the manager and operator.

Adopting new technologies

Most SIs have preferred technology vendors that allow them to achieve this; manufacturers they have worked with over the years that provide great products, but also crucially good technical support. If an SI has been to a robot training session and seen a clean room robot in action, or a collaborative robot example, they will be aware of the opportunities for adopting this technology. They will usually take the lead role in explaining to the customer how the latest technology will benefit them. Adoption of the technology therefore comes down largely to the trust between the SI and the customer.

Being aware of current industry trends such as Industry 4.0 and the role of IIoT will make a client more receptive to a higher level of integration for systems. However, the main driver for introducing new technology such as a switch to using mobile devices for plant interaction. Others include using a robot for palletisation; changing from fieldbus to Ethernet, or using PLC to synchronise processes comes from awareness both the products and their potential.

Open channels of communication

This is where the role of the automation manufacturer, their channel partners and the SI is vital. Good education provision and an active, open channel of communication between them is essential in introducing new technologies from the vendor to the user. This may be better hardware integration to reduce programming and lower costs by adding safety management or robot control functionality, or introducing a mobile app that allows control of inverter drives and HMIs from a remote location. Manufacturing benefits with lower costs and higher productivity.

999 Automation is a leading UK supplier of Factroy Automation Technologies