Get some automation optimization advice from system integrators

Webcast: To move operations more toward optimal, consider upgrading existing or applying new automation. The Jan. 30 webcast, archived for a year, “Automation: System Integrator of the Year Winners look ahead,” from Control Engineering and Plant Engineering, and article below explains how. See nine points of advice.

Automation optimization insights

Automation optimization insights

  • Understand how to identify and measure bottlenecks in production or lapses in quality or other metrics. Often a process redesign is needed before automation is applied or updated.
  • Examine what standards, internal and external, and regulatory requirements need to be considered.
  • Receive recommendations and insights based on application knowledge on where to begin and how to progress.



Need to optimize production with automation? Identify bottlenecks, automate where practical and use a data-centric approach throughout. This was among advice system integrator instructors offer in the Jan. 30 webcast, “Automation: System Integrator of the Year Winners look ahead,” from Control Engineering and Plant Engineering, both WTWH Media publications.

Are there bottlenecks that automation could resolve in your facility? Do you need upgrades of existing systems or new systems? Don’t overlook the latest standards and regulatory requirements along the way. Award-winning automation system integrators offer their best advice on next-level automation applications in the year ahead. Use their insights and application knowledge about control and automation system integration so your next projects go more smoothly and meet and exceed objectives. Live audience polling and a question-and-answer opportunity at the end of the presentations are included in the one-hour Jan. 30 webcast, offering a RCEP/AEC professional development hour (PDH) to those listening live. Broadcast time is 1 p.m. Central time Jan. 30; the webcast is archived for a year.

Automation optimization instructors and learning objectives

Instructors (Figure 1) providing material for the webcast and below are:

Figure 1: System integrator experts provide advice about automation optimization in the webcast, “Automation: System Integrator of the Year Winners look ahead,” from Control Engineering and Plant Engineering, both WTWH Media publications. The instructors are Dan Malyszko, vice president, Malisko Engineering; Rob Goldsmith, PMP, associate director of the industrial systems division at Matrix Technologies; and Fred Fontaine is president of E Tech Group. The Jan. 30 webcast is archived for a year at www.controleng.com. Courtesy: Control Engineering, Plant Engineering webcasts

Malyszko suggested practical benefits of aligning analytical and process data, such as avoiding disconnected systems and inconsistent data formats while creating easier data integration and analysis (Figure 2). Also see: “2025 System Integrator of the Year: Complex batch control project.”

Figure 2: Aligning analytical and process data helps avoid disconnected systems and inconsistent data formats, while creating easier data integration and analysis, explains, Dan Malyszko, vice president, Malisko Engineering in the Jan. 30 webcast, “Automation: System Integrator of the Year Winners look ahead.” Courtesy: Malisko Engineering, Control Engineering, Plant Engineering webcasts

Fontaine, in an automation optimization example, noted rapid return on investment including 40% increased production rates and greater than a 24% in average performance (see Figure 3). Learn more on a related automation topic in “E Tech Group, 2025 System Integrator of the Year: New digital twins.”

Figure 3: An automation optimization example from Fred Fontaine, president of E Tech Group. This comes from the Jan. 30 webcast, “Automation: System Integrator of the Year Winners look ahead,” from Control Engineering and Plant Engineering. Courtesy: E Tech Group, Control Engineering, Plant Engineering webcasts

Goldsmith said to “Automate as much as you can, where it makes sense. Not only will it help with data analysis, it will help ensure consistent, reliable results at a greater throughput” (see Figure 4).

Figure 4: Advice on automation optimization from Rob Goldsmith, PMP, associate director of the industrial systems division at Matrix Technologies. This comes from the Jan. 30 webcast, “Automation: System Integrator of the Year Winners look ahead,” from Control Engineering and Plant Engineering, archived for a year at Courtesy: Matrix Technologies Inc., Control Engineering, Plant Engineering webcasts

Learn more about automation benefits.

Nine points of advice from system integrators on automation optimization

Control system integrators can help with automation optimization. Some summary advice (see Figure 5) from the webcast includes:

Figure 5: Automation optimization advice, part of the Jan. 30 webcast, “Automation: System Integrator of the Year Winners look ahead,” from Control Engineering and Plant Engineering. Courtesy: Control Engineering webinars

1. Identify bottlenecks, automation and data collection opportunities.

2. While regulatory requirements vary by industry, automation, documentation, electronic record can help.

3. Do gap analysis, prioritize high-ROI areas and focus on incremental improvements.

4. Bottleneck causes can include mechanical issues, environmental factors, operating procedures and automation challenges.

5. Be realistic about automation goals; compare against industry benchmarks for the particular equipment, process and industry.

6. Automate as much as you can, where it makes sense. It helps with data analysis and helps ensure consistent, reliable results with a greater throughput.

7. Take a data centric approach to continuous improvement. Data is your friend.

8. Involve your system integrator as early as possible in the process, they will be your guide.

9. Before you launch into an individual initiative, stop and consider your long-term goals. Does this initiative support and enable the achievement of your long-term goals?  Avoid rework and wasted expense by following the mantra “begin with the end in mind.” Move from as-is to what the project should be.

CONSIDER THIS

How are you improving how you apply automation?

ONLINE

Register for “Automation: System Integrator of the Year Winners look ahead” here.

See more about System Integrator of the Year and automation advice from Malisko Engineering, Matrix Technologies Inc. and E Tech Group.

See additional pointers about applying automation in GSIR 2024 expert Q&A: System integration challenges, trends.