Automation Group’s system integration expertise resolved complex integration challenges for a major food distributor, fostering trust and future collaborations with the customer.
Challenge
Challenges in complex projects are inevitable, but the dedication to overcome challenges is what sets exceptional system integration firms apart. This case study highlights how Automation Group, an E Tech Group company, stepped in when another company was unable to fully execute a project. The case study underscores how Automation Group’s exceptional capabilities not only remedied the situation but also earned the trust of the client to support three additional projects to-date.
The client, a major food distributor, needed to integrate a conveyor system with their pocket filler, vacuum filler, and steamer. Delays in the system deployment resulted from understaffed control support, incomplete project aspects, and equipment transfers from another facility. Plus, new conveyors had been installed by a different controls integrator. The client sought Automation Group’s help to create a clear project outline and overcome the project challenges.
Solution
Automation Group staffed the project with highly skilled engineers with expertise in canning lines and control strategy. First, the project team examined the state of the production line to determine what needed to be finished. They discovered that the current contractors involved were facing too many challenges with the conveyors before the system could become operational and the project deployment lacked direction because of this.
Automation Group’s engineers presented a 30 itemed punch list to the startup team which became the central punch list for the project. Automation Group met with plant technicians to determine how the existing OEM equipment interlocks to the conveyor system and met with OEM experts to have a firm understanding of the pocket filler design. The conveyor company later left the site without completing their controls, which caused Automation Group to create a controls strategy that integrated the conveyor system with the existing pocket filer, vacuum filler, and seamer. The project team corrected electrical issues, standardized the programming between each OEM equipment and conveyor system, and tested the system’s functionality including the customer’s existing Allen Bradley ControlLogix PLCs and PanelView Plus HMIs.
Results
By promptly tackling issues and implementing effective solutions, Automation Group restored the project’s trajectory within weeks. The team’s expertise not only conquered challenges but also built client trust, leading the customer to engage Automation Group for three additional projects to-date. Automation Group rose to the occasion with system integration expertise and dedication, helping the client reach their goals and supporting positive project outcomes.
