What is industrial control and automation?
Industrial control and automation uses programmable controls, robotics, sensors, machine vision, software, and related equipment to monitor and manage manufacturing processes. These systems can coordinate machines, move parts, inspect products, control material delivery, and collect production data. The objective is to improve consistency, productivity, quality, safety, and operational flexibility while reducing the amount of repetitive manual work.
What is an industrial automation control system?
An industrial automation control system is the connected hardware and software that directs an automated manufacturing process. It may include PLCs, robot controllers, sensors, safety equipment, HMIs, machine vision, SCADA, and IoT connectivity. GLOBAL designs and integrates these elements with production equipment so machines can communicate, execute programmed sequences, support inspection, and provide useful operating information.
What does PLC support include?
PLC support may include controls engineering, programming, equipment integration, troubleshooting, system upgrades, validation, commissioning, documentation, and production launch assistance. The exact scope depends on the existing control architecture, equipment, process requirements, and project objectives. GLOBAL can evaluate current manufacturing systems and help connect PLC controls with robotics, machine vision, safety systems, SCADA, and other automation technologies.
Can GLOBAL upgrade an existing manufacturing line?
Yes. GLOBAL supports production line modernization through turnkey automation projects and embedded engineering resources. Upgrades may involve retrofitting robots, integrating new equipment, converting manual operations to automated processes, supporting new product launches, handling model year changeovers, expanding capacity, or optimizing existing cells. The engineering approach is designed to improve the line while considering facility constraints, production requirements, and implementation scope.
Does GLOBAL provide complete robotic automation systems?
GLOBAL provides turnkey robotic system integration, including project management, engineering and design, robot simulation, controls engineering, machine vision integration, SCADA and IoT connectivity, build and integration, installation, commissioning, training, technical documentation, and ongoing support. Applications include machine tending, material handling, painting and coatings, dispensing, welding, assembly, and other industrial manufacturing processes.
Can industrial controls integrate with machine vision?
Yes. Controls systems can coordinate machine vision with robots and production equipment for part identification, position verification, quality inspection, random bin picking, dispense bead validation, and real-time part tracking. GLOBAL integrates vision-guided automation into manufacturing systems so robots can respond to changing part locations, verify process conditions, and help identify quality issues before parts move downstream.
How can a manufacturer evaluate an automation opportunity?
A feasibility study can examine the production workflow, cycle times, existing equipment, facility constraints, automation opportunities, conceptual system design, and expected return. GLOBAL uses this information to develop practical recommendations for robotics, machine tending, material handling, welding, painting, dispensing, assembly, or other applications. This evaluation helps manufacturers understand project scope and the requirements involved before pursuing full system integration.
Can GLOBAL provide engineers to support an automation project?
Yes. GLOBAL’s staffing division provides automation and manufacturing talent, including controls engineers, PLC programmers, robotics technicians, electrical designers, project managers, commissioning engineers, mechanical designers, installation engineers, and robot programmers. Staffing options include contract positions, contract-to-hire arrangements, and permanent direct placements, allowing manufacturers to supplement internal teams or support project-specific engineering needs.