3 Benefits to Hiring a Rockwell PlantPAx Certified System Integrator

If you’re building a new manufacturing facility, upgrading an existing control system, or adding capacity to an existing process, you’ll need to evaluate your options and choose a control system platform. There are many possible choices, and your decision will likely be driven by a combination of performance, existing systems in place, team knowledge, and cost. Recently, we have seen many of our clients consider several vendor’s solutions and, after careful evaluation, choose Rockwell Automation’s PlantPAx as their plant’s DCS (distributed control system).

While the choice of control system platform is important, selecting the right control system integrator may have a greater impact on your project. As with any technology, the range of outcomes depends upon how effectively the system is designed and implemented. While most system integrators have experience with Rockwell ControlLogix PLC’s and FactoryTalk, very few have the expertise to properly develop a PlantPAx system. In my previous blog, I shared the fact that there are fewer than 20 system integrators in the United States who have been recognized with the PlantPAx Capability Badge from Rockwell Automation.

A qualified control system integrator brings more than technical knowledge to the project, they will bring experience with project execution as well. If you have experience with large, complex projects, you are likely familiar with the “Three-Legged Stool” concept of Project Management. The three legs are Schedule, Cost, and Quality (I’ve had some people tell me you can only choose 2 of these 3 on any project, but that’s a discussion for a different time!). A PlantPAx-certified integrator will help you to experience benefits on each leg of the project management stool:

Benefit #1: Meeting Schedule through Streamlined Project Execution

We all know the importance of meeting schedules on large, highly visible projects. Your organization is making an investment in expanding capacity or improving operations, and the financial returns are predicated on being on-line by a defined date. We also know that control systems are typically the last major element of a project, and the schedule end date won’t change even if the mechanical and electrical systems are turned over a month late. Control system integrators are used to making up time at the end of the project while working under pressure (and having construction managers asking us if we’re done yet) and pulling everything together at the end.

An experienced system integrator will reduce your risk of missing the schedule. A PlantPAx-certified integrator will follow Rockwell’s structured approach, industry best practices, and their previous project experience to avoid missteps during design, programming, or commissioning that can lead to costly delays, angry bosses, and rework. Hiring a PlantPAx-certified integrator ensures that your team has experience in all aspects of implementing PlantPAx. The last thing you want is for a system integrator to be learning how to use PlantPAx while working on your project!

Benefit #2: Reducing Costs with Faster Project Execution

One of the biggest advantages of working with a PlantPAx-certified integrator is the speed and efficiency they bring to a project. They’ve been through the process before and have developed internal standards and tools to improve productivity. These standardized tools and templates will accelerate configuration and testing and avoid common pitfalls, reducing the overall project costs.

Benefit #3: Improving Quality through Expertise

Rockwell has developed a thorough process for system integrators to complete prior to receiving the PlantPAx Capability Badge. Certified integrators have:

• Completed extensive training.
• Demonstrated hands-on expertise by delivering successful PlantPAx projects.
• Passed rigorous testing and auditing to ensure they follow best practices.

Think of it like hiring a master craftsman instead of someone who just watched a couple of YouTube videos. When you hire a PlantPAx-certified integrator, you’re not just getting someone who can “make it work.” You’re getting a partner who will follow Rockwell’s best practices, ensuring the system works efficiently, reliably, and exactly as intended.

A Strategic Advantage for Your Business

Choosing a PlantPAx-certified system integrator is a strategic decision that can have a lasting impact on your business. By partnering with a certified expert, you gain access to a wealth of technical knowledge, superior implementation strategies, and long-term reliability that will help meet your project’s objectives, including schedule, cost, and quality.