The People Behind Industrial Automation

Shaping Manufacturing with Automation

Behind every amazing automated machine are brilliant minds combining creativity, skill, and teamwork to solve tough manufacturing challenges. These are the folks (better known as industrial automation experts) who improve efficiency, boost productivity, reduce costs, and make workplaces safer. They may not be famous like movie stars or athletes, but their work is shaping the world around us. Let’s take a closer look at the people driving innovation in industrial automation.

The Basics

Before we go any deeper, let’s take a step back and talk about what actually makes automated machines so interesting. When you look around a modern factory, you’ll find all kinds of technology working together — software making decisions in milliseconds, robotics handling tasks that need perfect timing, and smart systems keeping everything running smoothly.

And behind every product on store shelves, there’s usually a machine (or several!) that helped build it. Some of these machines do just one simple task; others handle entire processes from start to finish. Many are custom-built because no two manufacturing challenges are exactly the same.

There are also companies that focus entirely on creating these machines — companies that spend their days exploring new ideas, testing new tech, and figuring out better ways to help manufacturers produce things faster, safer, and more efficiently. It’s a world where creativity meets engineering, and where every project starts with a problem to solve and a fresh challenge to tackle.

Thinking About Design

“There are always multiple ways to solve a problem. Creating simple, robust designs often presents a bigger challenge than a more complex mechanism because it is boiled down to its essential components. A complex design might be quicker to design but is often more costly and less robust. I try to look at how to remove items from a design, rather than add to it. The challenge is balancing time, cost, and ease of fabrication and construction.”
– Michael Gast, SDC Mechanical Project Engineer

Michael’s perspective highlights one of the biggest truths in machine design: the simplest solutions are often the hardest to create. Instead of piling on extra parts or complexity, he focuses on stripping a design down to what’s truly essential. This approach leads to machines that are stronger, more reliable, and more cost-effective. But finding that balance between time, cost, and ease of building is what makes great engineering both a challenge and an art.

The People Behind Industrial Automation

Building automated machines isn’t just about robots and technology—it’s about people working together. Every role, from design to assembly to testing, is crucial for turning concepts on paper into fully operational machines.

These are the people that provide support to solve even the most difficult challenges. It’s more than just robots and lights (although they make for some really cool pictures), it’s the entire team that pushes the industry standard, bringing machines to life.

Every day brings new challenges. Products change, technologies evolve, and automation teams adapt and learn to stay ahead. Custom machine builders rise to the occasion, designing solutions that are flexible, efficient, and reliable.

Meet the Team

Industrial automation is powered by people with all sorts of skills: engineers, project managers, builders, technicians, and more. Everyone has a critical role in creating and maintaining automated machines.

Applications Engineers – These are the idea people. They work with customers to understand requirements and develop the initial concept for a machine using the latest tech and best practices.

Project Management – They turn concepts into action. Project managers connect all departments and the customer, set timelines, and keep everyone on track.

Electrical and Mechanical Engineers – These teams turn concepts into reality, designing and programming the machines while ensuring safety, functionality, and quality.

Assembly and Build Teams – Builders, electricians, welders, and machinists to name a few, bring the machine to life. They work closely together to fabricate, assemble, and wire every part of the system.

Debug and Testing Teams – Before delivery, these teams test, troubleshoot, and make sure the machine runs perfectly, ready for production.

Who Wins with Automation?

The short answer: everyone. Automation can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and handle dangerous or repetitive tasks. It allows employees to upskill and focus on higher-value work, while manufacturers can produce more and better-quality products.

When producing a large number of products, especially if they are unique or complex, industrial automation can be a huge help. By automating various processes throughout the production line, output can be significantly boosted while also reducing costs. In many cases, automated systems can complete tasks that are unsafe or physically demanding for operators to complete, providing manufacturing companies with the ability to upskill their workforce. This gives companies the opportunity to invest in their employees by broadening their skill base so they can be utilized more efficiently elsewhere. This also leaves the manufacturer time and energy to focus on their core business.

Getting Started with Automated Machines at SDC

Not every company has the experience or resources to build custom automated machines in-house. That’s where a trusted partner like Steven Douglas Corp (SDC) comes in. For over 25 years, SDC has helped manufacturers design, build, and implement innovative automation solutions. Their team combines technical expertise, creativity, and dedication to customer service, helping customers produce more with less effort.

Industrial automation is more than machines, it’s the people, innovation, and teamwork behind them. If you have a manufacturing process that could benefit from automation, the professionals at SDC are ready to help turn your ideas into reality.