System Design & Configuration

When it comes to system design, like many things, for optimum results, you first need a solid plan. That's where Champion makes the difference.

Champion takes a holistic approach to designing your system. Whether your project is an idea for a Green Field (Initial) system or Brown Field (Upgrade New or Existing) system – our design expertise, multi-platform experience and exposure to diverse industries ensures your new system delivers.

A control system is more than hardware and software. Champion works with clients to determine your end goals and expectations. Our automation engineering professionals - with broad experience across industries and platforms – establish the system requirements (sizing/scale), specify the architecture, institute best practices of installation and configuration, and detail the Bill of Materials. Our detailed Project Execution Methodology, which aligns with the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) globally-recognized standards, ensures successful implementation.

Since Champion partners with multiple manufacturers, we have access to all the resources that they provide. We can guarantee the most up-to-date resources for your system.

Project Management

Champion's Project Managers are committed to the success of each project -- we understand that each project, no matter how large or small, is a critical investment for your processes and your company. We provide a single point of contact, a project manager who is well-versed with best practices for Project Management methodologies and processes.

Our project management methodology includes an approach supported by Control Systems Integrator Association (CSIA) and the Project Management Institute. Our team keeps abreast of best practices for both control systems integrators and project management. This strategy allows our clients to receive the most up-to-date and relevant information for their control systems projects. That's why clients trust our project managers to plan, execute, and deliver what they need while mitigating unnecessary risk and maintaining the overall schedule.

The majority of our client base consists of repeat business -- a testament to the reliability and effectiveness of Champion's project management program.

Our Project Execution Methodology

Conceptual Control Scheme Design

An optimal control system starts with strategic design. That means understanding the root of our clients’ control needs -- which goes beyond technology.

Champion has extensive experience in a broad range of industries to work with clients on designing a control scheme that meets current needs, and many times, positions the facility for the future. This expertise comes from seasoned professionals who understand control concepts and the application of design per industry standards.

Some of our offerings for Conceptual Control Scheme Design include:

Working with clients to take a fresh look at control needs; not just replacing used equipment.
Evaluating Instrumentation currently available, adequate, and appropriate for the application.
Ensuring the strategy aligns with industry recommended best practices.
Assessing already-implemented designs for usability, efficiency and optimal output.

Control & Electrical Panel Design & Fabrication

When it comes to design and fabrication of control panels that meet the needs of your unique control system and production environment, you want to know that any investment you make meets your expectations.

Champion clients rely on our design experts and in-house UL-certified panel shops to provide customized, turn-key panel design, fabrication, and testing services for their control system requirements. Our staff is capable of providing a range of control panels, from controlled environments to highly hazardous areas. Our UL-certified facilities produce panels that meet UL 508A standards for general industrial use and control panels that meet UL 1203 and UL 698A listings for hazardous locations. That's why Champion's high-quality panels have been installed in hundreds of locations nation-wide.

While most clients take advantage of our full turn-key design and fabrication, others choose Champion for build-to-print services on already-developed enclosure designs. If necessary, our experts review submitted designs and discuss possible improvements that could be made to save labor and material costs while maintaining the quality and integrity of the design. For clients who require many identical panels, Champion accommodates bulk panel orders for various industries, including petrochemicals, mining, oil and gas, and others.

When your panels are complete and tested, our team carefully packs and ships them to client-designated locations -- often warehouses, sub-contractors, or final project destinations.

Control System Evaluation

When our clients' control systems face end-of-life, or the hardware and software that they rely on is being phased out, they turn to Champion to conduct an unbiased, independent control system evaluation.

During a control system evaluation, our experts study the control system and define a strategic path for extending the lifecycle of your system.

Deliverables from the study include a detailed report that provides recommendations on how to extend the life of your current asset and you will receive a feasible, well defined plan for your control system, including its total cost of ownership.

We tailor our recommendations to your industry, your processes, and your team's goals. We provide all the information you need to make the decision that's best for your company.

When our clients decide to reinvest in their control systems, they trust Champion to complete a strategic and efficient control system migration.

Alarm Management

Your system's alarms are one of the most important ways that your operators interact with the system and its processes. Today’s modern control systems have robust alarming schemes, creating the potential for inadequately implemented alarms and alerts, which raises operational risk.

When alarms and alerts occur, they should be meaningful each time and reported to the appropriate team members. Developing an Alarm Management methodology is one of the first steps to ensure that when your system tries to tell your team members something, they pay attention.

Comprehensive Alarm Management programs that align with ISA 18.2 standards are important for control systems because they may be able to mitigate larger issues that may arise with the operation of the system over time. Establishing effective operating conditions that work with your system can mitigate production losses, equipment damage, and lost-time injuries. By implementing an effective Alarm Management program, your plant can become safer and more reliable.

Whatever your system or process, Alarm Management is a continuous effort to identify necessary alarms, remove unnecessary ones, and ensure that the system works to achieve your goals while ensuring a safe and compliant work environment.

Training

When it comes to training, Champion clients expect targeted, efficient training properly tailored to meet the needs of their personnel. This generally consists of users from Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering.

Our clients enjoy training tailored to fit their specific needs and requests. Trainings are geared to incorporate a hands-on experience with your existing system in a no-risk environment to give users a better understanding of your system. To ensure that your team is comfortable with your control system, and its many parts, Champion provides access to manufacturer-specific hardware and software to ensure system-specific training. We also provide simulation scenarios with your process logic to train operators and to measure performance in various situations that they may encounter.

We strive to make training convenient for our customers -- offering sessions locally, at one of Champion's many facilities, or right in our clients' facilities.