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…
Component selection is one of the most crucial steps in designing reliable and efficient control panels. It’s all too easy to make mistakes, like choosing a relay with the wrong coil voltage—say, a 120VAC relay for a 24VDC circuit. These errors can stem from design changes, procurement missteps, or simple oversight. When components don’t match…