When looking to automate your manufacturing processes or upgrade your existing control systems, hiring an experienced Rockwell Automation systems integrator is key. Rockwell Automation systems integrators have the knowledge and expertise to properly design, program, and implement robust control solutions that leverage the capabilities of Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMI interfaces, drives, and safety equipment.

As you evaluate potential Rockwell Automation systems integrators, here are five key questions you should ask.

Safety First

Safety should be the top priority for any automation project. Evaluate an integrator’s safety culture and emphasis on proper safety system implementation.

Q: What experience do you have implementing safety instrumented systems and safety PLCs?

Rockwell Automation systems integrators should have extensive experience applying safety-rated devices and programming safety logic. Make sure they follow safety standards like ISO 13849 and can conduct the necessary hazard and risk assessments. Well-designed safety systems greatly reduce the risk of dangerous failures.

Focus on Complex Control Logic

A hallmark of experienced Rockwell Automation systems integrators is their ability to program complex control algorithms and sequences. Avoid firms that simply reuse the same basic ladder logic.

Q: How do you approach programming complex sequences and machine control logic?

Look for engineers who understand sequential and state-based programming techniques. They should ask insightful questions to understand the true machine requirements versus simply implementing what’s outlined in a specification sheet. This expertise results in more reliable PLC code.

Understanding Your Goals

Each automation project has unique objectives, whether that’s increasing throughput, improving quality, or reducing costs.

Q: What questions would you have for our team to understand our goals and constraints?

Experienced Rockwell Automation systems integrators take the time to thoroughly understand your specific automation goals, production environment, machine interfaces, and budgetary constraints. This guides them in making perfect design choices and tradeoffs to save you money while still achieving your operational objectives.

Commissioning and Validation Procedures

The mark of a truly professional systems integrator is having thorough testing and documentation procedures. Avoid teams that want to slap equipment together as quickly as possible or solely focus on programming.

Q: Can you explain your standard commissioning, testing, and validation procedures?

A diligent Rockwell Automation systems integrator will describe a systematic approach to commissioning and testing focused on safety, quality, and reliability. This includes point-to-point verification, human-machine interface (HMI) and alarm checking, failover testing, SOPs for operators, and validation documentation. Confirm that these best practices are followed on your project.

Ongoing Training and Support

The automation world constantly evolves. Make sure your Rockwell Automation systems integrator stresses ongoing training and has the expertise for multi-year support.

Q: How do you stay current on the latest Rockwell products and provide continued tech support after project completion?

Leading systems integrators invest heavily in Rockwell Automation product training and support membership programs. This keeps their engineers’ skills sharp for ongoing support through the lifetime of your automation system. Some even provide discounted training at their own facilities.

Evaluating Rockwell Automation System Engineers

Besides these questions, there are additional considerations, including:

Industry Specialization

Seeking out Rockwell Automation systems integrators with specific expertise in your industrial vertical allows them to leverage relevant experience in similar applications. This translates to smarter design decisions and accelerated implementation.

Ask potential partners about their specialization in your market segments, like automotive, biopharma, food and beverage, and warehousing, as well as sample project experience. The right match here results in a better-performing system.

Breadth of Capabilities

Leading systems integrators have expertise across electrical design, robotics integration, IT and networking, cybersecurity, and custom machine building. This enables them to deliver complete turnkey solutions, not just focus on the controls piece in isolation.

Inquire about the range of related engineering capabilities and services offered. Some even maintain internal machine shops. This consolidation simplifies project management for clients when implementing expansive, multi-disciplinary projects, compared to coordinating numerous separate contractors.

References and Site Tours

The very best judge of integration competency and quality is seeing past customer implementations first-hand and speaking with plant engineers who partnered on previous projects.

When evaluating potential Rockwell Automation system integrators, ask for relevant customer references and site tours in your geographic area. This allows you to inspect their work and have candid conversations to better understand typical deliverables, communication, and support.

The Takeaway

Working with an experienced, safety-focused Rockwell Automation systems integrator like Pacific Blue Engineering ensures your next automation project is executed to the highest standards. Leverage PBE’s expertise in Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMIs, servo systems, and industrial networking to maximize production and minimize lifecycle costs. Use these five key questions during your evaluation process to pick the right partner for your success.

For experienced Rockwell Automation systems integrators, contact the control systems engineering experts at Pacific Blue Engineering today at (657) 201-8603 or request a consultation online.