Successful automation projects provide increased value by improving operations, safety, or quality; reducing costs; or directly increasing profitability. The investment made to achieve one or more of these goals can be significant, and that investment will only pay off if the project is successful.
Like any project, automation projects require sound project management and expert technical skills to succeed. However, automation projects have one particular distinction that can make them the most stressful and risky part of any capital project—the development process is largely technical and behind the scenes. You often don’t know if the control system meets your expectations, or even works, until it is far too late in the overall project to change course.
This white paper provides an overview of seven practices manufacturers should look for in their search for a systems integrator to ensure automation project success.
