In the grand narrative of intelligent manufacturing transformation, advanced equipment, cutting-edge
technology, attractive blueprints are certainly important, but how to compose these scattered “notes” into an
efficient operation of the “factory symphony”? This is inseparable from a crucial role - industrial automation
system integrators. They are not simply assemblers of equipment, but master planners, chief engineers and
lifelong partners who have a deep understanding of processes, are proficient in multi-disciplinary technologies,
and are good at project management and resource integration. Choosing and trusting an excellent system
integrator is often the decisive factor in the successful landing of a manufacturing company's automation project.
System Integration: Cracking the Core Competency of Complexity
Industrial automation system integration is the process of seamlessly connecting, deeply coupling, and unifying
hardware devices (PLC, HMI, robots, sensors, drive systems, etc.), software systems (SCADA, MES, databases, etc.),
network communication technologies, and enterprise-specific production processes from different vendors into a
single organic whole and realizing predefined functional goals. Its core value is to solve the “fragmentation” problem:
Crossing the technology gap: Automation projects involve mechanical, electrical, control, software, network, data
and other multi-disciplinary knowledge. Integrators have cross-disciplinary technical teams that speak “multiple
technical languages” and eliminate communication barriers.
Architects of complex systems: In the face of a wide variety of devices and protocols (PLC brands, robots with
different interfaces, old and new systems), integrators design robust, open, and scalable architectures (e.g.,
unified data platforms based on OPC UA) to ensure system compatibility and room for future upgrades.
Translator of Process Requirements: Deeply understand the customer's specific production process, quality
requirements, beat bottlenecks, and safety specifications, and translate abstract business requirements into
precise technical solutions and executable automation logic.
Gatekeeper of Project Risks: Anticipate and manage technical selection risks, schedule delays, cost overruns,
and system debugging risks to ensure that projects are delivered on time, on quality, and within budget.
Continuous value of the escort: provide from planning, design, implementation, commissioning to the later
operation and maintenance, optimization and upgrading of the full life cycle services, to ensure long-term
stability and efficient operation of the system.
The “hard core” qualities of an excellent integrator
In the mixed market, how to recognize a truly valuable system integration partner? The key is to examine
whether they have the following core competencies:
Deep industry knowledge:
Vertical expertise: Rich project experience in specific industries such as automotive, electronics, food & beverage,
pharmaceuticals, logistics, chemicals, etc., and an understanding of the industry's special process requirements,
regulations (e.g., GMP, FDA) and typical pain points.
Depth of process understanding: Not only an automation expert, but also a “half-insider” of the customer's
production process, able to accurately identify the optimal point of automation intervention and value points.
Comprehensive technology integration capabilities:
Multi-technology platform proficiency: Proficient in mainstream PLC (e.g. Siemens, Rockwell, Schneider, etc.),
DCS, SCADA, MES, robotics (four families and collaborative robots), machine vision, industrial network (Ethernet,
fieldbus, wireless) and other technologies, and have the ability to select, program and debug.
Openness and compatibility design: Prioritize the use of open standards and protocols (e.g., OPC UA, MQTT,
EtherNet/IP) to ensure that the system is easy to integrate with third-party equipment and future technologies,
avoiding “vendor lock-in”.
Customized development capability: able to develop customized software modules, human-machine interfaces
(HMI), data interfaces or special algorithms according to special needs.
Rigorous engineering implementation and management capabilities:
Standardized project management process: follow the mature engineering management methodology (such
as stage door review), strict control of demand analysis, program design, detailed design, procurement,
manufacturing, installation, commissioning, acceptance, document transfer and other key aspects.
Accurate schedule and cost control: Accurate estimation based on rich experience, effective coordination of
internal and external resources to minimize the risk of project delays and budget overruns.
Rigorous commissioning and validation: Perform detailed functional, security, performance and stress tests
during factory tests (FAT) and site tests (SAT) to ensure that the system is “done right the first time”.
Excellent ongoing service capabilities:
Fast Response Localized Support: A team of field service engineers covering the customer's area can provide
7x24 hour emergency response and regular preventive maintenance.
Professional technical training: Provide systematic training for customers' operation, maintenance and management
personnel, and empower customers' independent operation and maintenance capabilities.
Continuous optimization and upgrading: Based on the analysis of system operation data and the development
of customer's business, we provide value-added services such as performance optimization, function expansion
and technology upgrading.
The ultimate pursuit of quality and safety:
Functional safety compliance: Strictly follow IEC 61508, ISO 13849 and other safety standards to ensure the safety
of personnel, equipment and environment in system design and implementation.
Network Security Protection: We have the knowledge and practical ability of industrial network security (IEC 62443),
and integrate in-depth defense strategies in system architecture, network design, and equipment configuration.
Quality Management System: Pass ISO 9001 and other certifications to ensure the quality of project process
and deliverables can be controlled.
Choosing the “right” partner: a key decision for manufacturing organizations
Choosing an integrator for an automation project is a strategic decision. The following steps are crucial:
Define your needs and objectives:
Clearly define the scope of the project, the core pain points to be solved (Efficiency? Quality? Safety? Flexibility?)
Quantitative targets to be achieved (OEE improvement? Energy consumption reduction? Labor savings?) , budgetary
framework and timetable.
Sort out the status of existing equipment, systems, and networks, and define integration boundaries and compatibility requirements.
Identify and screen potential partners:
Industry reputation and cases: Focus on their successful cases in the same industry or projects of similar size and
complexity, and ask for detailed case descriptions and customer testimonials (which can be anonymized).
Match of technology capability: Evaluate whether their technology stack covers the key technologies required for
the project (e.g. specific robot brands, MES integration experience).
Service Capability Coverage: Confirm whether their service network, response time, and spare parts support can
meet the later operation and maintenance requirements of the project.
Communication and Understanding: During the initial contact, feel whether the team really listens, understands
and gives accurate feedback on your needs.
In-depth evaluation and program comparison:
Program Review: Require potential integrators to provide a detailed technical proposal, focusing on: the rationality
of the architectural design, openness, scalability; the selection of key technologies based on the process pain points;
targeted solutions; risk identification and response measures; detailed implementation plans and milestones.
Cost Composition Analysis: Not only look at the total price, but also analyze the cost breakdown (hardware, software,
design, engineering, services) to assess the reasonableness.
Team inspection: Understand the qualifications and experience of the proposed project manager and core
engineers, as well as their compatibility with the project.
Establish a partnership rather than a buyer-seller relationship:
Clear and transparent contract: Define scope, responsibilities, delivery criteria, acceptance process, payment points,
confidentiality clauses, intellectual property rights, service commitments and liabilities.
Deep involvement and collaboration: Clients need to assign strong project managers and core users to participate
in the entire process, and work closely with the integrator's team to make joint decisions.
Emphasize knowledge transfer: Consider the project process as an opportunity to improve the capabilities of the
internal team, and require the integrator to provide adequate training and documentation.
Conclusion: Winning the Future Together, with Integration as a Wing
The industrial automation system integrator is the key bridge between advanced technology and actual productivity,
and the core driver of transforming smart manufacturing blueprints into real factory value. An excellent integrator
can not only deliver projects efficiently and reliably, but also become a trusted advisor and partner in the long-term
digital transformation journey of enterprises. In the journey toward intelligent manufacturing, choosing a “director” and
“doer” with deep technical skills, rich industry experience, excellent engineering management capabilities and strong
service consciousness is a key step for enterprises to avoid risks, improve efficiency, ensure return on investment and
ultimately win the future competition. It is a key step for enterprises to avoid risks, improve efficiency, ensure return
on investment and finally win the future competition. Choose carefully and cooperate in depth, let the professional
system integration become the powerful engine for you to release the potential of automation and win the era of
intelligent manufacturing!