A well-structured intake process is one of the most effective ways to ensure a smooth control panel project. But here’s the reality—your intake process should evolve over time. No matter how well-designed your intake form is today, there’s always room for improvement. Lessons learned from past projects, feedback from engineers and project managers, and industry…
Every control panel project starts with a vision—but without a structured intake process, that vision can quickly turn into missed deadlines, budget overruns, and endless revisions. In our last post, we covered the must-have sections of a great intake form. Now, let’s explore the tangible benefits of getting your intake process right—and how it prevents…
A well-structured control panel intake form is the difference between a project that runs smoothly and one that’s plagued by delays, redesigns, and cost overruns. In our last post, we covered the biggest mistakes companies make when starting a control panel project—most of which stem from missing or incomplete information at the beginning. Now, let’s…
Control panel projects don’t typically fail because of bad engineering. They fail because critical information is missing or unclear from the start. A weak intake process creates confusion, delays, and costly rework. But what are the specific mistakes companies make? Let’s break them down—and more importantly, discuss how to avoid them. Mistake #1: Not Clearly…
Control panel projects are complex, requiring precise coordination between engineers, designers, and project managers. But what if I told you that many of the most common project delays, design errors, and budget overruns aren’t caused by technical issues—but by incomplete or unclear project intake? What Is a Project Intake Process? Before diving into how a…
Understanding Text Overrides Text overrides in CAD software allow designers to manually input dimension values instead of displaying actual measured distances. While this feature can be useful in certain design disciplines, it has significant drawbacks when applied to control panel layouts. In control panel design, particularly in space-restricted enclosures, accuracy is non-negotiable. Every component must…
In the field of electrical design and control panel engineering, precision and safety are not just priorities—they’re imperatives. Recently, I faced a situation that perfectly illustrated the challenges and risks associated with traditional measurement methods. During a visit to a customer site, I needed to take detailed measurements of an energized control panel. This is…
In the dynamic field of industrial automation, the distinction between roles can be subtle yet essential for the successful execution of projects. At our company, we delineate the responsibilities of Controls Engineers and Controls Designers, ensuring that each project is handled with precision, expertise, and thoroughness. Understanding these roles and their unique contributions is crucial…
In the realm of electrical control systems, the configuration and operation of switch contacts play a crucial role in ensuring reliable and efficient performance. Among the most commonly used contact forms are Form A, Form B, and Form C. However, there are several other configurations that cater to more complex requirements. This article delves into…
Introduction Circuit protection is critical in control panel design to safeguard both power and control circuits, ensuring system longevity and reliability. This article focuses on circuit protection for 120VAC and 24VDC systems, covering fuses, circuit breakers, and electronic circuit protectors. We’ll discuss best practices for various loads and key considerations like cost, complexity, and downtime.…