As technology evolves, industries are under pressure to do more with less. Businesses need to boost productivity, reduce errors, and meet rising demand—all while cutting costs. This is where industrial automation integrators come in.
They are the experts who design, install, and maintain systems that automate industrial tasks. In this blog, you’ll learn who they are, what they do, how they can help your business grow, and how to choose the right one.
What Is an Industrial Automation Integrator?
An industrial automation integrator is a company or specialist that connects machines, control systems, software, and data into a smooth, automated workflow. They bring all the parts of an automated system together and ensure it runs efficiently.
Integrators work in industries like:
Manufacturing
Food and beverage
Automotive
Pharmaceuticals
Oil and gas
Packaging
Aerospace
Their goal is simple: make your operations smarter, faster, and more reliable.
What Do Industrial Automation Integrators Do?
Automation integrators provide turnkey solutions, meaning they handle everything from design to implementation. Their main services include:
1. System Design
They assess your current process and identify what can be automated. Then, they create a custom plan using the right tools and equipment.
2. PLC and HMI Programming
Integrators write code for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs). This controls how machines operate and how users interact with them.
3. Control Panel Building
They build and wire control panels that act as the command center for automated machinery.
4. Robotics Integration
Many integrators specialize in installing and programming industrial robots for tasks like welding, assembly, and packaging.
5. SCADA and MES Implementation
They connect your system to SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) and MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) for real-time monitoring and production control.
6. Testing and Commissioning
Before going live, integrators test the full system to ensure everything works properly, meets safety standards, and is optimized for performance.
Key Benefits of Hiring an Industrial Automation Integrator
Increased Productivity
Automated systems can work non-stop with minimal human input, speeding up operations and reducing downtime.
Cost Savings
Although automation has upfront costs, it pays off by cutting labor expenses, reducing waste, and increasing output.
Improved Safety
Automation reduces human interaction with dangerous machinery or chemicals, lowering the risk of accidents.
Better Quality Control
Machines operate with high precision, leading to consistent product quality and fewer defects.
Scalable Solutions
Integrators build systems that grow with your business. You can start small and scale up as needed.
Expert Support
From software updates to hardware repairs, integrators provide long-term support and training.
Top Technologies Used by Industrial Automation Integrators
| Technology | Function |
|---|---|
| PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) | Control industrial machines and processes |
| HMIs (Human Machine Interfaces) | Let users control and monitor systems via screens |
| SCADA Systems | Remote monitoring and control of plant operations |
| Industrial Robots | Perform tasks like picking, placing, welding, and sorting |
| Sensors and Actuators | Gather real-time data and trigger machine actions |
| Industrial IoT Devices | Connect machines and collect performance data |
Industrial Automation Integrators vs. System Integrators
While all automation integrators are system integrators, not all system integrators focus on industrial automation.
| Aspect | Industrial Automation Integrators | General System Integrators |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Manufacturing and industrial systems | Broad IT or enterprise systems |
| Core Skills | PLCs, robotics, control systems | Software, servers, databases |
| Industries Served | Manufacturing, oil & gas, packaging | Healthcare, finance, IT |
| Tools Used | SCADA, MES, PLCs, sensors | APIs, ERPs, cloud software |
If you're automating a production line or plant, an industrial automation integrator is the right choice.
How to Choose the Right Automation Integrator
1. Industry Experience
Look for a partner who understands your industry’s specific challenges and compliance requirements.
2. Certifications
Ask about certifications like CSIA (Control System Integrators Association) or vendor-specific ones (Rockwell, Siemens, ABB).
3. Technology Expertise
Make sure they’re skilled in the hardware and software your operation uses—or plans to use.
4. Support and Training
Will they offer support after installation? Can they train your staff to use the new system?
5. Customization
Avoid one-size-fits-all solutions. The best integrators tailor systems to your exact needs.
6. References and Case Studies
Ask for case studies or speak to past clients to gauge performance and reliability.
Real-World Applications of Industrial Automation Integrators
Automotive
Integrators design robotic assembly lines that build vehicles faster and more accurately than manual processes.
Food and Beverage
They create hygienic, automated systems for bottling, sorting, and packaging food products.
Pharmaceuticals
Automation ensures precision dosing, labeling, and compliance with FDA regulations.
Energy and Utilities
Integrators help monitor pipelines, control flow rates, and prevent equipment failure through automated systems.
Trends in Industrial Automation Integration
Smart Factories and IIoT
Integrators are enabling smart factories by connecting machines through the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) for real-time data and control.
AI and Machine Learning
Artificial Intelligence is helping systems adapt, predict failures, and improve uptime automatically.
Digital Twins
A digital twin is a virtual model of your facility. Integrators use it to simulate changes before making them in real life.
Cloud-Based SCADA
Remote monitoring is going mobile. Cloud SCADA lets managers control operations from smartphones or tablets.
Green Automation
Energy-efficient automation systems are helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint while saving on energy bills.
Common Challenges Integrators Help Solve
Legacy system upgrades
Complex machine-to-system communication
High downtime due to human error
Regulatory compliance
Real-time production monitoring
Data-driven decision-making
By working with a skilled integrator, businesses overcome these roadblocks and move toward full automation.
Ready to Automate Your Facility?
Whether you’re planning a new facility or upgrading old equipment, an experienced industrial automation integrator can help you design and implement the right solution.
From planning to programming, from setup to support—your journey to full automation starts here.
? Contact us today to speak with our automation experts. We'll assess your needs and create a plan to increase productivity, improve quality, and reduce costs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is an industrial automation integrator?
An industrial automation integrator designs and installs systems that automate industrial processes using tools like PLCs, robotics, and SCADA.
Why do I need an automation integrator?
Integrators bring all parts of an automation system together. They ensure everything works properly, safely, and efficiently—saving you time and money.
How much does automation integration cost?
Costs vary based on project size, equipment, and scope. Small projects may cost $10,000–$50,000, while large plant-wide systems can exceed $500,000.
What industries use automation integrators?
Industries like automotive, food and beverage, oil and gas, electronics, and pharmaceuticals rely heavily on automation integrators.
Can an integrator upgrade existing systems?
Yes. Skilled integrators can retrofit older machines with modern controls, improving performance without full replacement.
What certifications should integrators have?
Look for CSIA-certified integrators and those with experience in your preferred hardware/software platforms (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider Electric).
