Automation
Managing complexity. Delivering performance.
Project Management
Keeping Automation Projects on Track and on Time
Project management in the automation industry involves overseeing the planning, coordination, and execution of complex automation projects from concept to completion. It ensures that all phases—design, procurement, integration, testing, and commissioning—are delivered on time, within budget, and to specification. Effective project management brings structure and clarity to multi-disciplinary efforts involving controls, mechanical systems, and software.
By maintaining clear communication, managing risks, and aligning teams around shared goals, project managers help reduce delays, cost overruns, and technical issues. Their leadership is essential to ensuring quality, safety, and performance across every stage of an automation project.
What Project Management Brings to Your Automation Success
Why is project management important for automation projects?
Project management is essential in automation projects to ensure complex tasks are executed efficiently, on time, and within budget. It brings structure to multi-phase efforts involving engineering, procurement, installation, and commissioning. A project manager coordinates teams, manages risks, monitors progress, and ensures compliance with technical and safety standards.
Without effective project management, automation projects are more vulnerable to delays, cost overruns, miscommunication, and scope creep—compromising both performance and return on investment.
Project management ensures that deliverables are met at each stage, risks are managed, and stakeholders are aligned. A structured approach allows for smooth transitions between phases and greater overall project success.
What are the key phases of an automation project?
An automation project typically includes the following phases: requirements gathering, system design, hardware and software engineering, procurement, installation, programming, testing, commissioning, and handover. Each phase is interdependent, requiring careful planning and coordination to stay on schedule and meet performance goals.
Project management ensures that deliverables are met at each stage, risks are managed, and stakeholders are aligned. A structured approach allows for smooth transitions between phases and greater overall project success.
What tools and methodologies are used in automation project management?
Automation project managers often use tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or cloud-based platforms such as Asana or Monday.com to manage schedules, resources, and tasks. Methodologies like Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid models are chosen based on project scope and complexity. Gantt charts, risk registers, and communication plans are used to track milestones, identify bottlenecks, and ensure stakeholder alignment.
These tools and methods help maintain control over timelines, budgets, and technical deliverables throughout the project lifecycle.
What role does the project manager play during system commissioning?
During system commissioning, the project manager coordinates final testing, verification, and validation of the automation system to ensure it meets all functional and safety requirements. They work closely with engineering teams, vendors, and the client to resolve last-minute issues, schedule inspections, and oversee documentation and training.
The project manager ensures that commissioning activities are executed smoothly and that any deviations from scope are addressed promptly. This role is crucial for a successful handover and project closeout.
General Motors Assembly Line
Oshawa, Ontario
Our team recently completed a full control system upgrade for an automotive manufacturing assembly line producing high-volume vehicle chassis. The project involved replacing outdated PLCs with modern, networked controllers and integrating real-time data monitoring across welding, material handling, and inspection stations.
Additional Hardware / Software Highlights
Drives: Siemens SINAMICS S120 servos for precision fastening
Safety: SICK deTec4 light curtains, Pilz PNOZmulti safety relays
Network: Redundant PROFINET ring with Scalance switches (1 Gb/s)
Data Layer: MQTT Sparkplug B broker to cloud BI portal
Results at a Glance
20 % cycle-time reduction and 30 % drop in unplanned downtime
Full VIN-level traceability on welds, torque, and vision checks
Six-week shutdown delivered on schedule with zero lost-time incidents
This integrated stack future-proofs the line for EV chassis variants while giving maintenance teams real-time insight and one-click recipe changes.