Automation Controls Specialist OPERATIONS/PRODUCTION/ SKILLED TRADES AUTOMATION CONTROLS SPECIALIST Implementing automated processes can be challenging for the food and beverage industry. Unlike other materials that are more predictable in characteristics (like metals used in car manufacturing), foods come in different shapes, sizes and compositions. However, now more than ever the food industry is adopting new technologies and manufacturers need professionals who can support and lead these changes. The professionals who lead this charge are automation control specialists and help get companies moving toward the future of automation! 1. Automation Control Specialists Install and Maintain Automation Systems Automation Control Specialists (ACS) who work in the food processing industry help companies to automate their manufacturing processes. They act as experts within the food facilities in the areas of controls, programmable language controls (PLCs) and automation. Typically associated with the maintenance teams they will maintain and repair conveyor belt systems, automation systems and other facilities equipment. Some common types of automation equipment that are present in a food facility include: • Automated ovens • Filling equipment • Forming Machines • Wrapping Devices ACSs also troubleshoot and back up all PLCs, including common issues such as module failure, electrical noise interference, corrupted memory, power problems, and communication issues. Because these systems are automated, they must perform backup and disaster recovery plans for manufacturing facilities. That way if there were to be an issue at facilities, they could recover their data. Outside vendors produce automated equipment used in processing facilities off-site; therefore, ACSs will have to contact them for technical support, installation, configuration, and troubleshooting help when a problem occurs. Overall, automation technical specialists will acquire more knowledge over time, enabling them to work effectively with other maintenance personnel, troubleshoot equipment together, and train other technicians and production staff who may need assistance learning how to operate manufacturing processes. 2. Automation Electrical Engineers Know How to Program Programmable Controllers Knowing how to program in multiple languages is essential for automation electrical engineers. It’s a core competency that they need to complete their jobs! Automation engineers create and modify programming in plant automation systems known as programmable language controls (PLCs). PLCs are small computers that can receive data through their inputs and send operating instructions through outputs. For example, PLCs can be used to monitor the temperature of an oven as it runs. The goal often is to create easy-to-use Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) that production workers can use. The most common manufacturing equipment used in food processing plants includes Allen Bradley, Siemens, Omron, Modicon and Bckoff systems. 3. Automation Controls Specialists Troubleshoot and Backup All PLCs As part of the maintenance team, ACSs help food processing facilities resolve maintenance issues. A troubleshooting issue occurs when something unexpected happens unexpectedly. Automation Controls Specialist Designing and implementing processing controls Photo by nuttawutnuy/stock.adobe.com Photo by ronstik/stock.adobe.com 58
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