How can you demonstrate your value as an industrial automation professional?

In my experience, I think it is important to make time to make friends with co-workers in different departments. For example, as an automation person, it is helpful to build strong relationships with machine operators to understand how the machine should function and how we can make improvements to the functionality of the machine. I also find it very helpful to talk to the quality department to determine how well the machine is producing products and how we can make the equipment perform to a higher standard to minimize defective products.

In automation, In my own opinion. We need to build a relation with process and operations in handling data that are critical to the final product. Controls optimization and alarms management will greatly help process and operations in achieving the full potential of the company operations.

In this field one thing i find helpful and necessary is to understand the control topology/network of the existing control system in your facility, mastering the communication systems and the topolgy used amongst instrument devices gives you an upper edge in the field. You should know when its: -fieldbus -modbus -4-20mA -ethernet -FOC etc. also essential is the need to have basic troubleshooting skills (mostly electronically and electrically) as most devices in this field are been driven by different forms of current and signals. And finally it pays to interact well with member/operators of other department, its gives you a deep understanding of how the systems works and enables you to provide solutions and upgrades whenever necessary.

One thing I’ve learned during my 14 years career in the Automation Industry is that we must know where we are to arrive where we want. When you know this two simple things, the steps to reach the goals come naturally and you will be successful once you know and understand how to use the tools to get it. It can be hard to find the path, but it’s not impossible, and it will depend on how good you are in your relationship with your colleagues and your network. In simple words, a good Automation Engineer must know to listen and compile to the best way possible the desire of its clients, operators and quality workers.

The biggest challenge for an industial Automation Engineer is to understand what the machine shall do in terms of their process. As a programmer there are very rare Limits in terms to how to program the machine the real Deal is you have to get your Program so that the Product Quality is the best. This means the Automation engineer has to learn the process and the application before Writing the actual Program. In my Opinion it shuld be mandatory that there is excessive Training on the Process Knowledge before the engineer even starts to write the Software for teh specific application.

The importance of mastering the tools and systems used in industrial automation, and how it contributes to delivering reliable and robust automation solutions: Efficiency and Precision, Troubleshooting and Maintenance, Adaption and Customisation, Integration and Interoperability, Safety and Reliability, Adherence to standards, Staying Current with Technology, Realizing the Full Potential of Automation.

Feeling comfortable getting your hands on a device, setting it up and seeing what it does, builds up both knowledge and confidence navigating in the unknown. You really see what you have to work with and make sure there are no surprises.

If you don't know the tools you use you will always lack what is best possible. Especially in the case of softwares that are many things possible which we may miss and later on we find out and regret that we didn't knew it.

One valuable aspect of industrial automation is developing new skills that can enhance your team's effectiveness. This dynamic environment requires control engineers to stay current with their skill sets. One way to achieve this is by stepping out of your comfort zone and actively engaging with the project team (e.g., project managers, installation crew). Drive initiatives, take courses to acquire new knowledge, and create procedures and training documents to assist new engineers in your department. This approach will add value to your team.

One thing I find helpful is to continue taking on-line courses related to specific tools that we use on a day-today basis. LinkedIn, YouTube, and kindle are among my favorite on-line resources. Also, having a working relationship with product vendors will give you access to their technical support training courses and access to real staff who can answer questions and give quick tutorials over the phone and on video meetings.

There is demand for both the skill-based subject matter expert and the generalist of automation. The skill demand is often dependent on company type, size, and location. This could be considered as a specialist or expert vs what some might call a jack of all trades. Some have lucrative careers working only with PLCs. Others have careers that are only the software or hardware side. The generalist of automation is more likely to have working knowledge of all network components. The generalist might have accountability for the entire network and needs enough skills to troubleshoot and maintain all assets. However, since they may not be a specialist or an expert in any given subject, support from subject matter expert peers is of high value.

It's also highly beneficial to gain experience by actively participating in various projects, allowing you to collaborate with diverse teams and learn from a wide range of projects. This exposure provides an invaluable opportunity to share knowledge and insights while receiving fresh perspectives from others, ultimately enriching your professional growth.

Although this is a good practise, alas it’s not always possible as majority of the projects an engineer would have worked on will either be protected under IP or an NDA.

almost no Company out of the industrial field will aloow their Software which contains Application Knowledge Hosted on Platform like Github. The risk that the competion has insights is way too high for The Company Sometimes there is just one Gameplayer for a Process. Showcasing PLC Software is very difficult as it also can not be demonstrated without the same equipment.

I think NDAs would prohibit this from happenning, maybe using the same portfolio-ing technique and skills to create some "How To" exclusive to your company and collaborators would be useful.

It is very important to network with your peers. Whenever you are on-site at a facility, and you get to work alongside a fellow peer in automation it is important to exchange business cards and learn about what specific technology they are using and how it works. It is also equally important to share some knowledge with others that ask about your role and responsibility.

Networking with peers is pure gold in my experience. Whether it's connecting online via platforms like LinkedIn, participating in technical committees, engaging in forums, or collaborating with on-site work partners, the wealth of insights on common topics is invaluable. These interactions not only offer beneficial perspectives but also significantly expand your knowledge and network sphere.

Maintaining regular contact with colleagues, teams, or projects with whom you have previously been involved is exceptionally beneficial. This ongoing connection allows you to receive valuable feedback from your past projects, helping you identify areas for improvement in your current and future work. It serves as a valuable feedback loop, fostering continuous growth and refinement of your skills and approaches.

Je länger ich in der Automatisierung und Elektrik unterwegs bin umso wichtiger empfinde ich die Vernetzung um Denkimpulse, Erfahrungen und Ideen einsammeln zu können ubd auch mit zu prägen.

In my view, one can demonstrate their value as an automation engineering professional through exhibiting their problem-solving results achieved. They can discuss the specific challenges they have overcome and the positive outcomes they have achieved in their automation projects. Also,by using quantifiable metrics to highlight how their expertise has improved productivity, reduced downtime, or enhanced safety.

Through feedback, we can further develop our skills and become a better professional. Feedbacks can be in different ways, such as a formal yearly performance review with your line manager or monthly informal meetings with a mentor. However, I found that valuable feedback can be given by the clients when delivering a project. Good communication skills are essential, and there is always room for improvements in our journey to excellence.

About feedback : Feedback is not only crucial for obtaining project insights but also for maintaining a strong connection with clients.

It is very important that the Automation engineer is not shy to work with a screwdriver and make either mechanical or electical adjustments themselve. When the software is well prepared 80 Percent of the Commisioning is adjustment and finding issues.

You should never program for yourself or other control engineers it does not matter if you are an integrater or an internal controls engineer you should ALWAYS try to program so anyone with a fundamental understanding of PLC/SCADA can troubleshoot your program with minimal difficulty. If you are not available and nobody else can troubleshoot your programming easily when the system is down then it is not a good program in my opinion. Overcomplicated programming should never be the normal.

Technology Background. You have to be open-minded to learn experiment new things. Commissioning is not the same thing if you are able to create/write PLC programs. Also you should be good at troubleshooting. Sometimes user manuels are not enough to solve issues.

The automation engineer needs to understand the process intimately, and be able to wear as many hats as needed to effectively design/commision a system.