You’re considering hiring a System Integrator for your company’s automation processes. But, where to begin? Aren’t all integrators alike? Not really. Below are a few questions to consider before choosing the right integrator for you.
PEOPLE:
Are the Integrator’s staff experienced and committed to your needs?
While selecting a particular platform or technology from a myriad of vendors is critical, having the right people with the right support skills (and winning mindset!) is just as imperative.
When choosing your integration partner, ask these questions about their people:
- What types of experts do you have on staff?
- What experience do you have with the platform I use?
- Does your company invest in having personnel trained within industry associations such as ISA and PMI?
Champion knows a System Integrator is only as good as its people. That’s why we put so much importance on the hiring, professional development, and nurture of our workforce culture.
Our Mission puts it best: To improve the overall safety, well-being, and prosperity of our employees, our company, our customers, and our communities through the intelligent and efficient application of the resources and technologies currently available.
PERFORMANCE:
What is the System Integrator’s experience with my industry?
If you ever hear the phrase, “Industrial Automation is the same across all industries,” you probably want to keep looking.
Be sure to ask these types of questions:
- How long have you worked in my industry?
- What types of industry-related processes have you automated in the past?
- What is your success rate for my type of project?
- How do you keep up with the latest automation innovations in my industry?
Champion holds extensive automation experience across a diverse set of industries. This knowledge didn’t just “happen” overnight; every industry has its own set of operational nuances, regulatory standards for Safety and Quality, and requirements to ensure the highest satisfaction.
Champion continues to grow with the latest technologies, standards, and industry best practices to keep our clients operating at peak performance.
PROCESSES:
Does the Integrator have tried-and-true workflow processes?
If the System Integrator you’re considering speaks broadly about their work but struggles to provide time-proven workflow processes to achieve goals, be extra cautious before proceeding.
Be sure to ask these types of questions:
- What does a typical project look like from start to finish?
- How does the System Integrator communicate with their client?
Champion’s Project Life Cycle is client-focused. What does this mean? It means we tailor our solutions to meet the needs and criteria of our clients. From Conceptual Planning & Front-End Engineering, to Project & Program Management, Commissioning & Start-Up, and ongoing Support Services, we are able to meet the needs through the entire life cycle and beyond.