Today’s business environment faces many challenges including spiralling energy costs, supply chain disruptions and a need to make credible commitments to tackle climate change. Imagine a world where you could optimise your industrial processes, reduce downtime, and increase overall productivity effortlessly. This is the reality that upgrading your control system can bring to your plant. In this article, we highlight the numerous benefits that come with this investment and how doing so, aligns with industry best practices with a renewed focus on both energy usage and emissions reductions, which can often be accomplished by more efficient process design and modern control systems.
We hear from James Broadfoot, Head of Engineering at iTech who shares his top 8 tips on why this is a worthwhile investment.
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Greater Reliability
Reliability is paramount in any industrial setting. Older control systems may be more prone to failures and downtime, leading to costly disruptions. By upgrading to a newer system, you can benefit from improved hardware and software components that are better equipped to handle the demands of today’s industrial environments. This translates to translates to increased uptime, lower maintenance costs and reduced risks from obsolescence.
- Enhanced Security
In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is a top priority. Older control systems may lack the robust security features necessary to protect your operations from cyber threats. Upgrading to a modern control system ensures that your facility is equipped with the latest security measures to safeguard against potential breaches and data theft.
- Enhanced Efficiency & Lower Carbon Operation
Upgrading your control system can significantly enhance the efficiency of your operations. Modern control systems are designed to handle complex processes with precision, resulting in smoother workflows. They offer advanced algorithms and automation capabilities that allow you to optimise control loops, reduce energy consumption & Greenhouse gas emissions, and minimise waste. The result? Increased throughput and improved resource utilisation.
- Improved Data Analytics
Data is the lifeblood of modern industry, and an upgraded control system can help you tap into its full potential. With advanced data analytics tools, you can gain deeper insights into your processes, identify trends, and make informed decisions. This leads to better process optimisation and ultimately, increased profitability.
- Scalability and Flexibility
Modern control systems are built with scalability in mind. They offer the flexibility to adapt to changing production needs and the ability to integrate with other systems seamlessly. This means you can easily expand your operations, integrate new technologies, or modify your processes without the headache of a major overhaul.
- Regulatory Compliance
Regulatory requirements in the industrial sector are continually evolving. An outdated control system may not meet current standards, putting your facility at risk of non-compliance. Upgrading ensures that your operations adhere to industry regulations, reducing legal and financial risks.
- Minimising Carbon Emissions is a credible commitment to Net Zero
Legacy control systems can create excess emissions which need to be carried in the Scope 3 carbon accounts of customers. As a result, using modern control systems which create far lower green house gas emissions restore confidence with clients, concerned about the carbon footprint from their suppliers.
- Competitive Advantage
Staying ahead of the curve is essential in today’s competitive landscape. Investing in a modern control system gives you a competitive edge by improving your ability to respond to market changes and customer demands more efficiently.
Why iTech?
Over the past 30 years, iTech have built up a solid reputation as a highly regarded control systems integrator. Now part of the Booth Welsh family, we have a team of expert engineers who have the knowledge and experience to ensure your control system is in the best hands. We believe in collaboration over competition, and pride ourselves on our ability to work in partnership with our clients. Our professional network has grown over the years, and we have quality relationships with clients in a range of sectors including Food and Beverage, Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals, Aerospace, Water & Wastewater and more.
Not only can we provide 24/7 control system support contracts, as an excellent service to our clients, but our expert engineers also believe in knowledge transfer to ensure our clients have the ability and confidence to maintain their control systems. Efficiency savings can also be made by our provision of in-depth, bespoke training for teams.
In summary, upgrading your control system is a strategic move that can lead to increased efficiency, reliability, and competitiveness in your industry and demonstrate your credible commitments to a Net Zero future. It aligns with best practices in the field and empowers you to harness the full potential of your plant. So, if you are looking to drive your operations to new heights, it is time to seriously consider upgrading your control system. Embrace the future, enhance your productivity, and watch your plant thrive.