ServiceAutomation & control
AUTOMATION & CONTROL
SYSTEMS.
We support existing control systems and design and build new automation systems for industrial plant and equipment. This can include the electrical design, control panels, PLC and HMI programming, instrumentation, site installation and commissioning.
What we help with
- Control system and PLC fault finding
- PLC and HMI modifications
- New automation systems
- Electrical and control system design
- Failed or obsolete PLC/HMI replacement
- Sensors and instrumentation
- Control panel modifications
- Connecting new equipment into existing controls
Common reasons we’re brought in
- An existing control system needs fault finding or modification
- A machine or process needs to operate differently
- New equipment needs to be integrated into the plant
- A new electrical and automation system needs to be designed and installed
How we approach the work
Understand what the system needs to do
We start with the equipment or process and work out what the electrical and control system needs to do. For an existing system, we first understand how it currently works and what needs to change.
Design or modify the system
Depending on the job, we can modify the existing controls or design a new electrical and automation system. We work through the control hardware, PLC and HMI, instrumentation, control panels and the electrical requirements for the installation.
Build, install and commission
We build or modify the controls, carry out the electrical installation, program the system, then test and commission it onsite.
For more complex automation projects involving multiple machines or more extensive programming, we can bring in a specialist automation team to work with us. We remain involved in the project and coordinate the electrical side of the work.
Platforms we work with
For new PLC and HMI systems, we mainly work with Phoenix Contact and Siemens. The platform is selected to suit the equipment, project requirements and any existing systems it needs to work with. We also support, modify and upgrade existing IDEC systems.
- PHOENIX CONTACT
- New systemsA good fit for new standalone and custom control systems where flexibility, instrumentation and connectivity are important.
- SIEMENS
- New & existing systemsOften suited to systems that need to work with an existing Siemens plant or where the project has more extensive automation, drives, safety or integration requirements.
- IDEC
- Existing systemsSupport, modifications and upgrades to existing IDEC PLC and HMI systems.
Worth knowing
Support for an existing PLC or HMI system depends on the platform, software and access available. We confirm what we can support before making changes.
Related work
All projects ↗︎
Mine site pump VSD & control system
What we didDesigned and built the VSD and control system, including the control panel, programming and electrical documentation.
How it helpedThe equipment passed introduction to site without delay and operated for the duration of the project without issue.
Read the project
Mine site pump control systems
What we didDesigned and built two identical pump control systems.
How it helpedThe mobile skid and plug-in supply simplified transport, setup and connection onsite.
Read the project
IDEC PLC & HMI upgrade
What we didConverted and updated the existing FC3A PLC program for the FC6A platform.
How it helpedThe upgrade replaced an unsupported PLC while retaining and updating the existing rotomoulding machine controls.
Read the projectQuestions people ask
Which PLC and HMI platforms do you work with?
We mainly work with Phoenix Contact, Siemens and IDEC. We use Phoenix Contact and Siemens for new systems, while our IDEC work is focused on supporting, modifying and upgrading existing systems. For other platforms, we first confirm whether we have the software and experience needed for the work.
Can you modify an existing PLC program?
Yes, where we have the correct software and experience for the platform. We normally take a backup of the existing program before making changes.
Can you design and install a new automation system?
Yes. We start with what the equipment or process needs to do, then design the electrical and control system required to make it work. This can include the electrical design, control panels, PLC and HMI programming, instrumentation, installation, testing and commissioning.
What happens on larger or more complex automation projects?
For projects involving multiple machines or more extensive programming, we may bring in a specialist automation team to work alongside us. We remain involved in the project and coordinate the electrical installation and onsite work.
Related services
Other services in Industrial support.
Industrial maintenance
Electrical repairs, modifications and new equipment, with site history built up over time.
02Advanced fault finding
Recurring, intermittent and difficult faults that need more investigation than a straightforward repair.
03New facilities & expansions
Electrical delivery for a new facility or the next stage of an existing site.
Discuss your automation project
Tell us about the equipment or process and what you need to change or achieve. It might be an existing system that needs fault finding or modification, new equipment that needs to be integrated, or a new automation system that needs to be designed and installed.
Prefer to talk? 1300 886 613