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The Benefits of Custom OEM Control Panels for Industrial Automation

Greater industrial automation delivers a range of advantages for business owners across all spheres of production, including:


  • Improved precision in processes

  • Reduced labor needs

  • Greater output consistency

  • Easily replicable processes

  • Process data collection

  • Round-the-clock equipment operation, maximizing ROI


Custom OEM control panels designed and built for your industrial processes' needs can significantly enhance your projects' effectiveness and final capabilities. Standard spec OEM control panels can be purchased and installed to fit all purposes, but this one-size-fits-all approach means missing out on potential space, functionality, and safety gains. 


Deploying tailor-made control panels with features and components that align perfectly with your job needs and meet regulatory requirements ensures that the project delivers the capacity and functionality to fuel future business growth and revenue security.


Here, we’ll examine some of the benefits that custom OEM control panels can deliver for industrial automation and your business as a whole.


Man working on industrial control panels

The Benefits of Custom OEM Control Panels for Industrial Automation


Improving Capacity for Automation


Automation through human-machine interfaces (HMI), where an operator programs a PLC with instructions for the line equipment, has been a common practice for decades. However, the next step in automation involves remote controls and, eventually, AI-driven controls. 

For remote controls, a control panel and associated equipment must gather and relay information on the process in question to a control center and implement process changes as guided by the remote operator. AI-driven controls take this a step further by having the controls operated by a computer that makes decisions based on real-time circumstances and environment data fed into an algorithm, constantly optimizing according to conditions. 

For either advancement to be effective, custom OEM control panels must be developed that are fitted with the necessary control, sensor, and connectivity equipment. 


image of a ComAp HMI on an industrial control panel

Streamlining Operations


The various equipment involved in process control and automation, whether a new-build project or a retrofit, increases the complexity of integration. Many industries, such as data centers, also have space considerations, constantly striving to maximize revenue on a per-foot metric. Deploying custom OEM control panels allows operations to become significantly more streamlined by incorporating all control and monitoring systems into one cohesive unit, reducing disparate systems requiring connection or oversight.


Centralizing monitoring and control systems simplifies automation and delivers greater efficiencies. Custom OEM control panels designed for a specific purpose can also be built around a specific suite of hardware or software solutions that manage and optimize processes.  


Delivering Operational Efficiencies


Bespoke OEM control panels are designed and built with specific operations in mind, meaning less ill-fitting equipment and mismatched ratings. Having one uniform purpose makes it easier for maintenance teams to monitor condition and fault indicators, reducing downtime and larger potential losses. 


The same tools used for gathering data to improve system processes can also be used to log feedback on operational conditions such as revolutions, temperature, or misalignment. With the right documentation and data logs, the equipment running automated processes won’t require the in-depth knowledge that usually only comes with a specialized team that works closely with specific equipment.


Meeting Regulatory Requirements


It’s important to ensure that all control panels and associated industrial equipment meet the regulatory standards for the relevant industry and jurisdiction. In North America, control panels are governed by regulations such as NEC Article 409, UL508A, and UL698A, while in the EU, the equivalent regulations are EN 60204-1 and EN 61439-1. Other important regulations to note are UL891 for switchboard safety, UL924 for emergency lighting and power equipment, UL 845 for motor control centers, and UL62368-1 for information and communication technology equipment.


Adhering to applicable regulations isn’t just best practice for the safety of your workforce, but it also improves revenue security by minimizing equipment downtime due to faults and litigation over accidents. Off-the-shelf solutions may not be able to offer the same level of assurance around parts, equipment, and spacing as OEM control panels built exactly to spec for their purpose.


Internals of a custom industrial control panel

Scalable Solutions


Industrial automation projects can only be considered when there are clear returns and benefits to the organization. An important aspect is how scalable a specific project is, such as how repeatable the actions taken will be in other departments or facilities. A business must also have a clear idea of how the automation will respond if production needs are greatly expanded.


Custom OEM control panels can greatly assist in creating scalable and replicable automation solutions for a business. When working from a unified design concept, all process planners can identify the specific utility, functionality, and spacing required in a specific situation rather than making assumptions about how engineers made a particular solution fit. Also, by creating the best possible proposition, a better case can be made for the benefits the proposed automation will deliver.


Conclusion


Custom OEM control panels better allow industrial automation to deliver the maximum range of its benefits. Using the right control panels allows for better spacing and incorporating the various process, sensory, and communication equipment necessary for automation. Including all necessary components within custom-built control panels also helps to streamline work, making automation simpler and maintenance more effective. Custom-built panels also help ensure regulatory compliance and make it easier for process engineers to replicate actions in other projects.


At Enercon, we help design, build, and install OEM control panels that meet client specifications, including automation and regulatory requirements. To find out more about how we can help your organization design and deliver on its potential for industrial automation, talk to our team.

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