FAQ
What is Automation & Control?
Automation and control is referred to use of control systems such as programmable logic controllers along with software to control industry machinery and processes.
It is important to realize automation is not merely mechanization. Mechanization of a process is mostly to help the employees physically where automation reduces the need for human involvement all together.
Why Automate a Process?
Following are some of the reasons why factories and plants choose to automate their processes. They all have to do with increasing profits or saving the business money.
- Increased productivity: Automated processes don’t get tired and can perform around the clock.
- Consistency in production
- Ability to produce detailed production analysis
- Safety: replacing humans in risky environments with automated machines and processes
To better understand what automation and control is, watch the following two videos:
What does an “Automation Engineer” do?
An automation engineer designs automation and control systems based on the customer’s needs. Once an automated process is designed and installed it needs service and maintenance. A field engineer also troubleshoots systems that are not working, upgrades softwares and firmwares, and makes small design upgrades on the job site.
When production lines are down the affected businesses can cost tens of thousands of dollars or more an hour. So it is very important that the field engineer has a broad knowledge of the available systems and how to troubleshoot them fast.
What does PLC stand for?
Programmable Logic Controller
What does HMI stand for?
Human Machine Interface