After several weeks closely learning and collaborating with the fellow engineers on-site, I've developed a clear understanding of my daily responsibilities. One of our focuses is ensuring smooth operation of systems and programs through frequent troubleshooting and applying our problem-solving skills to identify root causes of issues.
In our commitment to continuous improvement and facilitating operational efficiency, we collaborate closely with on-site operators. This includes designing intuitive HMI screens that enhance their job effectiveness, as well as tweaking pre-existing HMI screens for improvement in readability and understanding.
Recently, I was tasked to determine the root cause of a critical issue where one of our HMI screens incorrectly displayed a zero production rate for a specific board type on one of our production lines. This discrepancy created a domino-effect that cascaded into inaccuracies across several other data metrics. To address this issue, I conducted a thorough investigation into the data source to ensure the accuracy of the values being transmitted to the HMI screen. It turned out that the problem stemmed from the fact that the logic responsible for writing these values had been inadvertently erased during a significant overhaul of the associated machinery. Together, with the assistance of a coworker, we managed to revert the changes while also making slight modifications and adjustments to improve the pre-existing logic.
Our primary goal is to integrate control systems carefully into industrial operations. As engineers, our responsibilities include creating, designing, and maintaining control systems using diverse programs, equipment, and devices. As such, It is essential for us to understand the operational mechanisms of industrial equipment and processes, recognize their significance in the workplace, and understand their role within larger systems to ensure efficient automation processes.
Collaboration remains a cornerstone of our approach, not only within our engineering team but also with other departments such as production, quality assurance, and maintenance. This cross-functional collaboration ensures that our control systems not only meet technical specifications but also align with operational needs and strategic objectives. Effective communication skills are crucial in our roles. We regularly engage in discussions with each other and attend meetings to gather requirements, provide updates on project statuses, and gather feedback to continually refine and improve our systems.
