| Step | Focus | Main deliverables |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Discovery & requirements | Understand your process, constraints, and goals together with production, maintenance, and IT. | Clarified scope, list of signals and systems, risks, and success criteria. |
| 2. Concept & architecture | Translate needs into a high‑level architecture and realistic implementation plan. | Proposed architecture, technology choices, integration approach, and effort estimate. |
| 3. Implementation | Develop PLC/HMI/SCADA logic and OT connectivity, keeping code structured and traceable. | Configured devices, programs, tag lists, and integration mappings. |
| 4. Testing & commissioning | Test first in a controlled environment, then on site with your team to minimize downtime. | Test plans, commissioning support, and recorded test results. |
| 5. Documentation & training | Make sure future operators and engineers can understand and work with the system. | User and maintenance documentation, code structure overview, and training sessions. |
| 6. Handover & support | Complete a structured handover and define how support will work after go‑live. | Formal handover, issue tracking list (if needed), and agreed support approach. |
Automation and OT projects touch many stakeholders: production, maintenance, engineering, quality, and IT. Clear communication keeps all of them aligned and avoids last‑minute surprises.
Depending on project size, I typically propose a simple but disciplined communication structure:
- One main contact person on your side for decisions and priorities.
- Regular check‑ins (for example weekly) to review progress, risks, and next steps.
- Shared documentation (for example in your existing tools) so requirements, changes, and open points are always visible.
- Written confirmations for important design choices and scope adjustments, to avoid misunderstandings later.
I am used to working with plant engineers, OT teams, and IT departments at the same time. I try to translate between their viewpoints, so that the final solution supports production needs, follows IT policies, and remains maintainable for automation engineers.
Toms Automation is not tied to a single vendor or platform. This gives flexibility to choose technologies that really fit your existing environment, internal standards, and long‑term strategy.
In practice, this means:
- Working with your preferred vendors and using existing licences and hardware where it makes sense.
- Evaluating options transparently when new technologies are needed, including pros, cons, and lifecycle aspects.
- Avoiding unnecessary lock‑in by using open standards and clear interfaces whenever possible.
- Designing with future changes in mind, so the system can grow with new lines, machines, or IT systems.
The goal is not to push a specific product, but to build solutions that support your production for many years and can be serviced by your internal team or other partners if needed.
Good collaboration starts with clear expectations on both sides. When you work with Toms Automation, you can expect:
- Professional response times: I acknowledge new requests quickly and give realistic timelines for detailed answers or proposals.
- Hands‑on involvement during commissioning: I aim to be present (on site or remotely) when critical changes go live, to solve issues quickly.
- Structured issue handling: Open points are tracked, prioritized with you, and resolved in a transparent way.
- After‑project availability: Even after handover, I remain available for questions, small improvements, or follow‑up projects.
- Respect for your team and processes: I adapt to your way of working where possible, while still bringing structure and best practices from automation projects.
If this way of working matches what you are looking for, the next step is to discuss your specific situation.