Project Management Process

With each automation project, Midwest Engineered Systems implements a project management process that walks through the steps for successful equipment integration.  The process describes the procedures that are taken to manage every element of the project.  In addition to providing a comprehensive set of project procedures, the project process gives Midwest Engineered Systems a practical approach to managing projects from start to finish within the following considerations:

• Time
• Cost
• Quality
• Risk
• Change
• Issues
• Acceptance
• Communication
• Much more

Read on to learn about our automation project process in more detail.

1. Receive Order
   After a request for quote has been fulfilled, approved, and a PO has been received, Midwest Engineered Systems begins the new project process.  We use a milestone system to take the project from one step to the next and insure quality along the entire process from concept to installation.


2. Schedules & Kickoff Meeting
   Schedules are created and resources are assigned showing the timeline of goals that need to be accomplished and who is responsible for fulfillment.  Schedules are also shared with the end customer.  Project kick-off meetings are held at this point to get the group of managers and engineers to understand the project requirements before the concept and build begins.


3. Mechanical Design
   Mechanical engineers design automation systems with the latest technology to help our customers be successful.  During the design phase, we choose components appropriate for the application while considering the life cycle cost of the machine including mean time between failure (MTBF) and mean time to repair (MTTR).


4. Electrical Design & Programming
   Lead electrical engineer(s) are assigned at the start of the project to insure the machine concept is in-line with the customer expectations from an electrical perspective as well as mechanical.  Their involvement increases as the mechanical design solution is finalized.  The appropriate controls architecture is developed using the latest technology to meet our customer’s needs and expectations. MWES standard guidelines are followed when developing software for PLC’s, PC’s, HMI’s, and robots in order to minimize cost and lead time of the final system.


5. Procurement
   Purchasing is involved at the beginning of the project to help insure the most cost effective design for our customer.  Purchasing establishes relationships and works with vendors to keep our engineering staff aware of the latest technologies.  MWES also provides feedback to the manufacturers to help minimize the life cycle cost of the equipment and communize our machine building blocks.  Making the machines more robust.
   
   MWES has an in-house machine shop to help control costs and maintain schedules.  Our machine shop includes a CNC boring bar, CNC lathes, CNC mills, weld shop, paint booth, inspection equipment, and several other small machining centers. 


6. Build & Test
   Input from the assembly department(s) is included in the design phase of each project.  When a high percentage of parts are received and kitted, the build process begins.
   
   Our MWES UL certified panel shop builds panels while mechanical assembly is in progress.
   
   System testing and debugging occurs once the machine is powered up.  Our staff tests the machine before the customer is invited for equipment acceptance.


7. Demonstrate Capabilities
   After the machine has been fully tested internally, the customer will verify the machine has been built to meet their expectations.  The Capability of the machine will be demonstrated at MWES facility prior to shipment.


8. Install
   MWES professional field installation team typically installs equipment.  Equipment is set up in the customer facility, tested, and run-off again to demonstrate that we have met all requirements.  Midwest Engineered Systems includes system training and a 1-year warranty on all systems.

Final Thoughts
There you have it!  This business process helps our team keep a framework for delivering high quality automation equipment for each customer. Midwest Engineered System’s goal is to help our customers solve their most complicated manufacturing problems through innovative automation solutions.