Our Project Methodology is a proven process to ensure they are completed on time, on budget and to customer expectations
Our project management method is based on real-world experience and ensures open communication, so all those involved have an up-to-date understanding of each other’s expectations and responsibilities.
Our methodology helps us complete projects faster, so you are up and running sooner and have less downtime during any upgrade.
Phase A
Phase A begins with a proposal and project kick-off. Teams are assembled and the system is designed.
Step One: Proposal
We work with you to define the overall scope of the industrial automation project and the elements required to achieve the desired results. The proposal explains our duties and responsibilities and yours. It also includes cost and a schedule. Creating the proposal might take a few days or a few months, depending on the complexity and maturity of the project. Once you approve the proposal, the project can start.
Step Two: Project Kick-Off
We identify key players from Concept and your staff and organize the Project Team. We also develop a Project Management and Quality Plan, which includes a timeline and a delineation of responsibilities. The purpose is to ensure that we meet our obligations and deliver everything on schedule. It spells out how we will communicate and includes a method for handling any problems that may arise.
Step Three: Functional Design
Working closely with you, we detail the architecture and functionality of the system. Through meetings, conference calls and written communication we ensure that we clearly understand your specific requirements. This forms the foundation of all remaining design and development. The importance of this phase cannot be emphasized enough.
Step Four: Detailed Design
While the previous phase determines what the system will do, this phase details how it will be done. We produce full electrical schematics, material lists, detail and assembly drawings, and complete software specifications. Our team provides a solution for every identified task in the project. You are then able to review these solutions before implementation. This is the meat of the design efforts.
Phase B
In Phase B, the project system is engineered and all components are procured, assembled and tested. It is shipped to the customer.
Step Five: Acceptance Planning
This step answers the question: “How will we know that we have delivered what we said we would deliver, and that you are satisfied?” In this phase we spell out the detailed criteria we will use to measure project completion and create tests that will be performed to confirm proper operation and performance. We work with you to ensure alignment between us.
Step Six: System Development
We develop the software and hardware configurations for the final system. This phase involves programming and various tests to make sure the various parts of the system are working as they are developed. This step is often performed concurrently with Step 7.
Step Seven: Hardware Development and Assembly
All required materials are procured, although items with a long lead time will have been ordered previously. We assemble all panels. This is often done at the same time as the previous step.
Step Eight: Hardware Quality Control
Once the hardware has been fully assembled, we do a detailed quality-control inspection, ensuring correct wiring and neat, visually pleasing assembly. We believe the visual impression our work leaves is just as important as the technical accuracy of our wiring.
Step Nine: Factory Acceptance Testing
Hardware and software are tested internally for functionality, and the whole system is reviewed to ensure all components function properly together. When we have determined for ourselves that the system meets or exceeds the project requirements, we perform the Factory Acceptance Test with someone who is authorized to accept or reject the system.
Step Ten: Shipment
When the system has passed Factory Acceptance Testing, it is ready for shipment. The type of packaging or crating depends on how it is being transported and where it is going. We work closely with you to arrange shipping, per requirements that were identified during Step 2.
Phase C
Phase C begins after shipment of the system to the customer. Components are installed and integrated. Customer personnel are trained, and the customer signs off on the completed project.
Step Eleven: Integration
We work closely with you and other vendors on five main tasks: review the integration schedule and plan; install and integrate the control system and the mechanical system; verify proper operation of all hardware and software; commission the system by demonstrating proper performance in its final configuration under defined conditions; and train your personnel to support and maintain the system.
Step Twelve: Acceptance
Your approval follows a demonstration that the system meets all functional, quality and performance criteria, and we provide final versions of all deliverables.
