You need more than leading-edge software and hardware to make your project a success.  You have deadlines to meet and schedules to keep in addition to keeping the existing production lines running.  Our Project Managers provide a single point-of-contact during your project and ensure all deliverables and schedules are met on the way to your successful, on-time launch. With over 17 years of industrial project management experience and over 3000 successful projects, we understand the value and importance of project management to your success.  We are dedicated to your success and employ an 11-step process that guides your project from inception to system acceptance.

Step 1:   Automation Plan  Step 2:   Project Kick-Off Meeting  Step 3:   Field Survey  Step 4:   Functional Description  Step 5:   Detailed Description  Step 6:   Acceptance Test Plan  Step 7:   System Development  Step 8:   System Integration Task  Step 9:   Factory Acceptance Test Step 10:  Support Services Step 11:  Documentation

Step 1: Automation Plan

	Existing system operating procedures
	Highest potential automation areas
	Hardware/software block diagrams
	Field Hardware and sensor requirements
	Operational documents requirements
	System implementation plan and schedule
	System development, integration, assembly and testing requirements
	Phased pricing summary
	Return on investment analysis

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	Review scope of work and clarity integrator and client responsibilities
	Establish a mail and transmittal system
	Set up a drawing list
	Obtain a set of safety requirements
	Obtain reference drawings and data
	Establish project reporting methods
	Introduce key integrator and client personnel with overall project responsibilities
	Develop a preliminary outline for format of final report
	Establish deliverables

Project team reviews current system, including:

	Physical layout
	Screen and report requirements
	Man machine interface
	Sequence of operation
	Current process overview

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States functional requirements for project.

	Reference request for proposal
	Involves customer input
	Upon final client approval is basis for design document
	I/O list Machine identifier Rack identifier Input card identifier Signal type Terminal numbers Signal identifier

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Provides implementation method for each requirement in the functional description.

	Controls, regulates and directs progress of system development
	Measures technical conformance
	Maintains project schedule
	Delineates internal structure of system (i.e., data dictionaries, flow charts, logic pseudo code)
	Client reviews design progress on regular basis and must approve final document before project can proceed

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Test No. 1: Factory Acceptance Test 

	Complete system staging
	Comprehensive test to demonstrate all hardware and software for the project

Test No. 2: Field Acceptance Test (after system installation)

Software Design

	Write software specifications per the Functional Description. Specifications will consist of data flow diagrams, block schematics (for PLC programming), data dictionary and mini-space (an English language description of the software functions). The specifications will provide enough information for a software engineer to write programming specifications.
	Software specifications must be reviewed and approved by the client before coding begins. Any changes after client review will be regarded as major additions to the contract.
	Programming specifications will be pseudo-code version of the final program, specific to operating system, language and hardware.
	Review of programming specifications will be made prior to final code and implementation.
	Graphics configuration: Application of control and feedback features to the screens as defined in the Functional Description.
	Coding of controls according to the software and program specifications.

Hardware Design

	Verification of existing customer drawings against actual field conditions.
	Develop demolition drawings to show sequence and conditions applicable to the removal of existing equipment.
	Develop system schematics showing terminal numbering, equipment type, etc.
	Develop diagrams to show wiring installation, terminal connections, conduit routing and cable type, etc. These will normally be done according to customer's standard cable schedule format.
	Develop diagrams for the necessary enclosures and panels for equipment mounting. Drawings will be suitable for bidding and construction by a third party supplier.
	Specifications to inform the vendor of the requirements necessary in the manufacture of the panels, i.e. type of enclosure (NEMA 4, etc.), weld instructions, finish, materials, etc.
	Release panel drawings for bid, or according to the procedure for the project (preferred vendor, etc.), and manufacture.
	Designate delivery time of panels and enclosures.

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	After completion of software development and hardware/software interfaces, system hardware and software are integrated.
	During integration, power is applied to all hardware and burn-in program operates for 100 hours.
	Purchased hardware and all system peripherals are inspected and tested to verify that all software and hardware function according to manufacturers' specifications.
	Hardware and software are functionally tested and software is modified, as necessary, to assure software modules and hardware elements function as one system.

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Step 9: Factory Acceptance Test

	Performed at system integrator test facility.
	Complete system staged and comprehensive mock-up test performed to demonstrate all hardware and software.
	Daily review of scheduled tests and test results.
	If necessary, integrator engineers correct any errors discovered and perform regression tests to show correct system performance.
	Client and integrator jointly develop a "punch" list of items, if any, which require further action and/or correction before shipment.

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Shipment

	Client must approve Factory Acceptance Test before shipment
	All equipment packed in manufacturers' packing boxes
	All items in shipment marked separately with shipping labels and clearly marked with special handling instructions
	Industry standard shipping materials and methods utilized to avoid damage to fragile items
	Proper shipping papers and packing slips prepared
	Physical audit and inventory of all deliverables performed and data given to client before delivery
	Physical audit and inventory data repeated by integrator after shipment
	Shipment sent using commercial carriers approved in advance
	Close contact maintained with carrier to verify that shipment is received promptly and in good condition

Installation Supervision

	Integrator's field installation engineer(s) will supervise all installation by others and will have the following responsibilities:
	Documentation package interpretation, distribution and maintenance
	Liaison
	System testing prior to commissioning
	Assist in system training sessions
	Inspection
	Work closely with client to respect the schedules and other demands on client personnel during installation

Start-Up

	One integrator engineer will be designated to schedule and coordinate all start-up activities with client
	Engineer will work closely with client to respect schedules and other demands on client personnel during start-up
	Same engineers who were responsible for designing the system will be responsible for the system start-up

Field Acceptance Test

	Lecture seminar for executives and managers
	Present general features and functions of the system
	Techniques for effective management monitoring and control of the system
	Discuss possible future development of the system
	Answer participants' questions

Computer Training Program

	For system managers and engineers
	Theory of system operation
	Hardware configuration/system components
	Software concepts and structure
	System interface and data communications
	System preventative maintenance

Operator Training Program

	Combination lecture/seminars and hands-on training for dispatchers and supervisors
	Focused on individual job assignments

Maintenance Training Program

	Combination lecture/seminars and hands-on training for supervisory and maintenance personnel
	Instructions on how to maintain, troubleshoot and adjust system equipment

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Step 11: Documentation

	Complete set of manuals of all hardware and standard software products incorporated in the system.
	Operational documentation for normal use of the system.
	Start-up and maintenance documentation for recovery operations.
	Design documentation specifying overall system structure.

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