A Successful Project Starts With Clear Expectations

by Jim Williams September 14, 2010

The quality of the start of a project determines how well it will end. Setting clear expectations in the initial phases of project execution can go a long way toward minimizing misunderstandings, changes, and delays. Setting clear expectations also allows the project to evolve smoothly and predictably. Some ideas for setting the stage are: Prepare [...]

read more …

What does ‘CSIA-Certified’ mean to you?

by Jim Williams September 1, 2010

In order to attain status as a CSIA-Certified Control System Integrator, a candidate company must pass an audit, designed by the CSIA, and administered by an independent contractor, covering the following topics: General Management – Organizational Structure, Computer Systems Management, Risk Management Human Resources Management – Recruitment, Personnel Performance Evaluations, Training, Compensation Marketing, Business Development, [...]

read more …

Control System Integrator Selection – CSIA-Certification

by Jim Williams August 20, 2010

Control System Integrator selection is made easier when a CSIA-Certified Integrator is among your choices. When selecting between a licensed electrical contractor and one that is not licensed, which would you select? When selecting between a UL Listed device versus one that’s not UL Listed, which would you use? So if you’re an end-user selecting [...]

read more …

Reduce Energy Costs – Include Alternate Sources

by Jim Williams August 13, 2010

Operational Efficiency A small change in scheduling can have a significant impact on energy consumption. Consider staging the starting of major electric consumers, i.e. motors, heaters. Monitor current operations and determine ways to reduce downtime and rejects. Infrastructure Improvements Add levels of automation and associated controls to provide better control and monitoring of processes. Process [...]

read more …

Equipment Tracking and Production Monitoring

by Jim Williams July 8, 2010

Should you invest in new capital equipment to increase production, or simply try to get more out of what you already have? An early step in increasing the operating efficiency of existing production equipment is to first monitor its performance. Downtime tracking can provide valuable information, which can reveal potential areas of improvement.

read more …

Next Entries →