Project Management for Turn-Key Automation Solutions

Our Project Management Philosophy

At SDC, we understand that successful automation projects require a well-defined process, clear communication, and expert oversight at every stage. Our project management approach is designed to guide each project from concept to completion with precision and efficiency. By following a structured, phased methodology, we ensure that every aspect— from initial planning and design to procurement, assembly, testing, and final delivery—is executed with careful coordination and attention to detail. This disciplined approach allows us to deliver high-quality automation solutions that meet our customers’ needs while minimizing risks, optimizing resources, and maintaining project timelines.

5. Testing

The Testing Phase of an automation machine involves comprehensive evaluation and validation of its functionalities, performance, and reliability to ensure that it meets the specified requirements and quality standards. During this phase, SDC will assign a lead testing engineer who will work with the project manager to create and execute a testing plan, which includes:

Functional testing to verify that each subsystem and component operates as intended, both in isolation and as part of the integrated system.
Performance testing to evaluate the machine’s throughput, accuracy, reliability, and safety under real-world operating conditions.
Compliance testing to ensure that the machine complies with relevant industry standards, regulations, and safety protocols.
User acceptance testing involving end-users or stakeholders validating the machine’s usability and effectiveness against their requirements and expectations.

Because this phase can be the most challenging, SDC builds in extra time by executing the initial phases ahead of schedule whenever possible. This information is reflected to the customer in our up-to-date project schedules.

Key Deliverables: Weekly progress updates and an up-to-date project schedule.

6. Closeout

The Closeout Phase involves wrapping up all remaining activities, documenting project outcomes, and transitioning deliverables to the client or end-users. It is a critical phase that ensures a smooth handover and closure of the project. At SDC, the project manager will ensure that all documents are transferred quickly and efficiently.

Key Deliverables: Final documentation, including mechanical models and drawings, electrical and pneumatic drawings, all software for the machine and HMI, maintenance manuals, and a spare parts list.

Our Project Management Software: Why SDC Uses Smartsheet

To effectively manage and execute projects, SDC uses Smartsheet as our primary project management software.

Versatility: Smartsheet offers a wide range of project management functionalities, including task tracking, Gantt charts, resource management, and collaboration tools. Its versatility allows us to customize workflows and adapt to different project requirements easily.

Ease of Use: Smartsheet’s intuitive interface and familiar spreadsheet-like layout make it accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise. Team members can quickly learn how to navigate the platform, reducing the need for extensive training.

Collaboration: Smartsheet facilitates seamless collaboration among team members on both our teams and our customer’s teams. Features like real-time updates, comments, and file attachments promote communication and transparency throughout the project lifecycle.

Visibility and Reporting: Smartsheet provides robust reporting and dashboard capabilities, enabling project managers to track progress, monitor key metrics, and generate insights into project performance. Customizable dashboards allow stakeholders to visualize data in real time and make informed decisions.

We have experience in nearly every industry, with proven methods to build robust automated solutions.

At SDC, we specialize in creating custom machines that automate production, enhancing efficiency and performance on the factory floor compared to traditional manufacturing methods. Our capabilities and expertise are adaptable across any industry, with our technology easily transferable to meet the unique needs of each sector. Over the years, our team has engineered and built hundreds of machines to produce a diverse range of products. We approach each project with a fresh perspective, designing tailored solutions that combine proprietary processes and advanced equipment to meet every machine specification with precision.

Project Management

Our Project Management Philosophy

Project Breakdown

1. Initialize

2. Design

3. Procurement

4. Build

5. Testing

6. Closeout

Our Project Management Software: Why SDC Uses Smartsheet

Ready to tackle your next project?

We have experience in nearly every industry, with proven methods to build robust automated solutions.