What is an Industrial Automation Project Methodology?

Step One: Proposal

Our Sales & Application Teams 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 responsibilities and yours, along with the project cost and 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 begin. In many cases, proposal development is a consultative process between our team and yours—and the beginning of what we consider a partnership.

Step Two: Project Kick-Off

You will be introduced to your Project Manager as the Sales Team hands over the project. We identify key players from Concept and your team and organize the Project Team.

We also develop a Project Management and Quality Plan, which includes a timeline and delineation of responsibilities. The purpose is to ensure that we meet our obligations and deliver everything on schedule. It establishes how we will communicate and includes a method for handling any issues that may arise.

Step Three: Functional Design

Working closely with you, we detail the architecture and functionality of the system. Through in-person and online meetings, and written communication, we ensure that we clearly understand your specific requirements.

This forms the foundation for all remaining design and development. The importance of this step cannot be emphasized enough.

Step Four: Detailed Design

While the previous step determines what the system will do, this step details how it will be done. We produce full electrical schematics, material lists, detailed and assembly drawings, and complete software specifications.

Our team provides a solution for every identified task in the project, which you are then able to review before implementation. This is the heart of the design effort.

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?”

We define the detailed criteria used to measure project completion and create tests that will be performed to confirm proper operation and performance. We work with you throughout this process to ensure alignment.

Step Six: System Development

We develop the software and hardware configurations for the final system. This step involves programming and testing to ensure that the various parts of the system function properly as they are developed. System Development is often performed concurrently with Step Seven.

Step Seven: Hardware Development and Assembly

All required materials are procured for your system, although some items with longer lead times may be ordered earlier in the project. Depending on the project scope, certain materials may also be customer-provided. We work closely with our manufacturers and distribution partners to manage availability, lead times, and potential alternatives to help keep the project on schedule.

As materials arrive, we assemble the required control panels and hardware according to the approved design. This work often occurs concurrently with System Development.

Step Eight: Hardware Quality Control

Once the hardware has been fully assembled, we perform a detailed quality-control inspection to ensure correct wiring and a neat, professional 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 (FAT)

Hardware and software are tested internally for functionality, and the complete system is reviewed to ensure all components function properly together.

Once we have determined that the system meets or exceeds the project requirements, we perform the Factory Acceptance Test with someone authorized to accept or reject the system.

Step Ten: Shipment

Once 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 its destination. We work closely with you to arrange shipping according to requirements identified during Step Two.

Step Eleven: Integration

We work closely with you and other vendors on five main tasks: reviewing the integration schedule and plan; installing and integrating the control and mechanical systems; verifying proper operation of all hardware and software; commissioning the system by demonstrating proper performance in its final configuration under defined conditions; and training your personnel to support and maintain the system.

Step Twelve: Site Acceptance (SAT)

Your final approval follows a demonstration that the system meets all defined functional, quality, and performance criteria. We then provide final versions of all project deliverables.