In the world of industrial automation, customer needs can vary greatly. At Digitec, over the years, we have learned that to offer truly effective solutions, it is essential to thoroughly understand the operational context and the starting point of each project. Our company has a diverse client base that falls into two broad categories, each with specific needs in terms of industrial automation.
Plant manufacturers: automation based on defined specifications
The first group consists of plant manufacturers—companies that design and build the mechanical components of machines and entrust us with the entire development of the automation system. In these cases, the work begins with well-defined operational specifications: we receive technical documentation, lists of devices to be installed, and precise instructions regarding the required control logic. Our role is to transform this information into a reliable, high-performance automation system that is perfectly integrated with the machine.
This is a highly structured process that requires precision, adherence to deadlines, and the ability to maintain continuous communication with the manufacturer’s technical department.
Plant users: automation revamping and refurbishment
The second group consists of the end users of the plants, who often find themselves needing to renew or completely overhaul the automation portion while keeping the existing mechanical structure unchanged. In these cases, the situation is more complex: the documentation may be incomplete, obsolete, or no longer available, making a careful on-site analysis of the plant essential.
This is where our experience comes into play: we conduct technical surveys, analyze the machine’s operation, identify the operational logic, and gather all the information necessary to design a new automation system that is modern, safe, and compliant with current regulations, without disrupting the plant’s mechanics.
Experience as Added Value
In automation revamping and retrofitting projects, we leverage all the expertise we have gained over the years with various types of systems and machines. This experience allows us to operate independently and systematically, accurately interpreting the customer’s production needs and translating them into reliable technical solutions. Being able to gather specifications directly from the plant means reducing machine downtime, minimizing the risk of errors, and ensuring a final result consistent with actual operating conditions.
Digitec’s goal is a tailored approach; whether collaborating with a plant manufacturer or working on an existing system at the end-user’s site, we provide efficient, flexible, and durable industrial automation solution.
We approach every project holistically, from the analysis and design phase through to the construction, installation, and final testing of the system. We strive to be a reliable technical partner, capable of supporting our clients in the evolution and optimization of their production systems.
The Phases of Industrial Automation Projects
Let’s briefly review the main phases involved in industrial automation projects.
1) Specification Gathering
In this phase, we receive the design and functional specifications for the system to be automated from the client. Our experience allows us to quickly evaluate the client’s information and, above all, to propose technical solutions.
2) Hardware Design
Based on a list of motors, sensors, and actuators provided by the customer, we define all the hardware devices to be installed in the electrical equipment. This phase must be carried out in accordance with current regulations, which also depend on the system’s final application; we refer to CE standards or UL standards, upon which we base the design of our systems.
3) Software Design
The following types of software are installed on our automation systems: automation PLCs, safety PLCs, HMI (Human Machine Interface), and Level 2.
The automation PLC manages machine sequences to meet our customers’ needs and requirements;
The safety PLC enables the system to operate in accordance with the safety guidelines established by the risk analysis;
HMI is the software that, through monitors or touchscreens installed on the equipment, allows machine operators to manage the plant;
Level 2 is the software layer that acts as an intermediary between the machine and the factory management system, creating a two-way communication channel that enables the machine to process and fulfill orders from the management system.
4) Implementation of Automation Systems
After acquiring all necessary components, this production phase involves the implementation of systems based on detailed electrical schematics.
The result of this phase is control panels, operator consoles, push-button panels, junction boxes, and any other equipment required for the project.
5) On-site equipment testing
Before shipping the systems to the customer, each piece of equipment is tested in our test lab. During this phase, we ensure that every component within the systems has been installed and connected correctly. We also install the software developed as part of the project and properly configure each programmable device.
6) Installation at the end customer’s site
Once the equipment reaches its final destination, it must be positioned, installed, and connected to the machines.
We can manage this phase upon request, deploying personnel with the necessary expertise to work on the system.
7) Functional testing at the end customer’s site
Once the equipment is connected to the system, functional testing begins—first without the need for raw material to be processed, and subsequently with the material that will be processed by the system.
During this phase, all functionalities and compliance with specifications are tested, as well as the system’s operation in conjunction with the factory management system.
8) On-site production support
Once the system has been tested, it is “handed over” to the customer, who assigns its machine operators to use the system. During this phase, we guide and assist the operators in using the system.
9) After-sales support
In the period following the plant’s start of production, we are available to provide customers with both on-site and remote support as needed.
This phase is managed by a dedicated “Service” department that handles all requests for service calls, spare parts, or repairs.
