#14: Drop Into the Deep End: Navigating Unfamiliar Processes with Familiar Tools

Mastering the Machine with Frank Lamb | Strategies for Automation, Technology and Entrepreneurship

How does a typical subcontracting job work in system integration? You have a scope of work and you are about to visit a plant for the first time, not knowing what to expect. Join me as I walk you through a trip to a fresh application.

TAKEAWAYS

Subcontracting to Patrick Bunn and BAC (01:00 – 3:20)

Patrick is a familiar face from a previous podcast. The Scope of Work (SOW) and an overview of the application.

Communications and other items on the SOW (3:20 – 6:00)

Fixing a communications issue and how previous experience with unknown applications at ABD helped provide confidence.

More on the process. How important is it to understand it? (6:00 – 12:10)

The hydrogen process and layout of the facility, reformers and the control systems. The purpose of the visit. Changes to the code, and information on the SCADA systems.

Mapping and documentation (12:10 – 13:20)

Why mapping and written documentation is important for both the customer and future integrators.

Leveraging what you know (15:00 – 20:00)

Where to start? The discovery process and organizing a plan. When you aren’t familiar with a plant, procedures and where things are, it’s important to start with what you already know. Some of the things that you need to know in system integration jobs, drawing on previous experiences.

You will not understand everything immediately! (20:00 – 26:30)

Learning on the fly. Again, documentation. Who to talk to and ask questions? Lesson learned on toggling pushbuttons. More on how to approach unfamiliar applications. Starting with the basics can lead to more complex design jobs.

Building trust, interfacing with customers. (26:30 – 30:15)

Some advice on working with new customers, making things reversible, asking questions.

Links mentioned in this episode

Automation Consulting, LLC, www.automationllc.com, https://www.bunnautomation.com/

CONNECT WITH FRANK

Website: https://www.automationllc.com

Facebook: @AutomationConsultingLlc/

LinkedIn: @company/automation-consulting-llc

YouTube: @automationllc