Planning an automation project

1. Describe the outcome

Start with the operational change you want. It might be a new piece of equipment, clearer operator information, coordinated conveyors or a replacement for ageing controls. Describe the current behaviour and the desired result in plain language.

2. Establish the starting point

The installed equipment and available information determine the starting point. You do not need every document before calling, but it helps to know what exists.

• Controller, drive and HMI model numbers
• Current software and application versions
• Available PLC and HMI backups
• Electrical drawings and equipment lists
• Plant and network layouts
• Existing database or reporting connections

3. Define the interfaces

Identify the machines, suppliers and information systems involved. Explain what starts each part of the process and what must be communicated between systems. A simple sequence description is often more useful than a long feature list.

4. Discuss the commissioning window

Explain when the plant can be made available and who will be involved. Agree which production operations are affected and what information the project team will need to confirm the intended behaviour.

5. Keep the brief focused

Send a short description of the plant, the operational objective and the information you already have. We can use that to discuss the next step and the appropriate project scope.