The Pivotal Role of Control Systems Engineers in Modern Industry

Control Systems Engineer

Introduction to Control Systems Engineers

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern industry, the role of a control systems engineer has become increasingly vital. These professionals are at the forefront of designing, developing, and managing dynamic control systems across various sectors. Their work ensures the stability and efficiency of systems that are integral to our daily lives, from simple household appliances to complex industrial machinery.

Control Systems Engineers

Understanding Control Systems Engineering

Control systems engineering, a discipline intertwined with mechanical and electrical engineering, employs control theory to design systems that operate with minimal or zero human intervention. This field has evolved to focus primarily on binary and digital controls, with analog controls becoming less prevalent. Control systems engineers are responsible for creating systems that range from lighting and water flow controls to advanced automotive and aviation technologies.

Job Overview and Responsibilities

A control systems engineer’s job is multifaceted, involving research, design, and management of equipment that monitors and controls various systems and machinery. Their goal is to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations. Key responsibilities include:

  1. Development and Construction of Controls: Engineers design and build control systems, selecting appropriate algorithms and tools.
  2. Research and Design: They engage in extensive research to understand the processes they aim to control, often collaborating with equipment operators and designers.
  3. System Implementation: This involves purchasing ICT equipment, overseeing installation, and training personnel on system usage.
  4. Maintenance and Optimization: Engineers are tasked with maintaining existing systems and enhancing their safety, efficiency, and economic viability.
  5. Leadership: They often lead teams comprising engineers and technicians, ensuring smooth project execution.

Control System Engineers Skills and Qualifications

Control systems engineering requires a blend of technical and soft skills. Technical skills include a strong foundation in mathematics, science, and technology, along with proficiency in software like Matlab, HMI, Simulink, and PCI. Knowledge in electrical theory, robotics, and automation is crucial. Soft skills such as organizational ability, problem-solving, and effective communication are equally important. Typically, a Bachelor’s degree in engineering is required, with specializations in fields like Industrial Technologies or Computer Engineering. Advanced roles may require a Master’s degree.

The Impact of Control Systems Engineering

Control systems engineers play a critical role in various industries. Their work impacts:

  1. Manufacturing: They design systems that automate production lines, increasing efficiency and safety.
  2. Transportation: Engineers develop control systems for vehicles and traffic management, enhancing safety and reducing congestion.
  3. Energy: In the energy sector, they create systems that optimize the use and distribution of energy resources.
  4. Healthcare: They contribute to the development of medical devices and hospital management systems, improving patient care.

Challenges and Opportunities

The field of control systems engineering is not without its challenges. Keeping pace with rapid technological advancements, managing complex projects under tight deadlines, and ensuring system security are some of the hurdles these professionals face. However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation, career growth, and significant contributions to technological progress.

Southern Conveyor Systems

Conclusion

Control systems engineers are the unsung heroes of the modern industrial world. Their expertise in designing and managing complex systems plays a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of various industries. As technology continues to advance, the demand for skilled control systems engineers is set to grow, making this field an exciting and rewarding career choice.

Lafayette Engineering: A Leader in Sortation Systems

Sortation Systems

In the dynamic world of material handling and warehouse operations, Lafayette Engineering stands out as a leader in providing advanced sortation systems. Sortation, a critical process in modern logistics, involves identifying individual items on a conveyor system and accurately diverting them to their designated locations. This process is facilitated by a range of devices, all controlled by specialized software, ensuring efficiency and precision in handling materials.

One of the most significant hurdles businesses encounter in the journey of delivering their products to the market is product sortation. Sortation systems play a crucial role in this process by dividing products into distinct lanes, each corresponding to a specific outbound destination. To create an effective material handling solution, various kinds of sortation and conveyor systems are integrated, working in unison to streamline the distribution process.

The Essence of Sortation Systems

Sortation systems are integral to various stages of warehouse operations, including receiving, picking, packing, and shipping. These systems not only enhance the sorting rate but also significantly reduce error levels, contributing to overall operational efficiency.

The importance of precise and timely order fulfillment has reached unprecedented levels in today’s market. This urgency, coupled with the need to minimize resources and cut costs in the distribution process, underscores the value and efficiency that automated sortation systems bring. In the era of booming e-commerce, these systems have transitioned from merely moving cases for retail restocking to managing a diverse array of items and packaging types, such as cases, totes, and polybags. This shift has brought about new complexities in order fulfillment, necessitating:

  • Enhanced throughput to match the surge in order volumes and the diversity of SKUs.
  • Refined order accuracy to reduce the need for processing returns.
  • The development of efficient cross-docking techniques to reduce storage and handling demands.
  • Seamless integration with warehouse execution systems for heightened automation.

Types of Sortation Systems

Lafayette Engineering offers a comprehensive range of sortation solutions, catering to different needs and applications:

  1. Case Level and Unit Sortation: These systems are designed to handle different types of products and rates, ensuring versatility in operations.
  2. Linear and Loop Sortation Systems: These include a variety of technologies, each suited to specific operational requirements.
Advanced Sortation Solutions

Advanced Sortation Technologies

Our portfolio includes an array of advanced sortation technologies:

  • Narrow Belt Sorter
  • Pusher and Paddle Sorters
  • Pop-Up Wheel Sorters
  • Shoe Sorters
  • Bombay, Cross Belt, and Tilt Tray Sorters
  • Pocket Sorters and Garment-On-Hanger (GOH) Systems
  • Autonomous Mobile Robots like TiltSort-Bot and Hi-Tilt-Bot
  • Innovative Putwall and Robotic Putwall Systems

Application in Distribution Centers

Sortation systems from Lafayette Engineering find extensive application in:

  1. Receiving: Facilitating efficient return processing and putaway.
  2. Picking: Enhancing order fulfillment and reducing cycle times.
  3. Packing: Streamlining the consolidation of orders.
  4. Shipping: Optimizing the shipment process for various carrier methods.

Why Choose Lafayette Engineering?

With over three decades of experience in designing and implementing high-speed sortation systems, Lafayette Engineering is at the forefront of this technology. Our solutions are tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients, ensuring the best fit for their operational requirements.

Considerations for Implementing Sortation Systems

Before integrating a sortation system, it’s crucial to consider:

  • The nature of items to be sorted (fragility, variety, geometry)
  • Required sorting rate and noise levels
  • Available space and footprint
  • Packaging materials needed

Conclusion

Lafayette Engineering’s commitment to innovation and excellence in sortation systems makes us a trusted partner in enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of your warehouse operations. Our expertise in designing and implementing custom solutions ensures that we deliver the best sortation system for your specific needs.


Enhancing Warehouse Efficiency with Pick and Pass Zone Routing Conveyors – A Perspective for Lafayette Engineering

The Pick and Pass Zone Routing Conveyor System

In the realm of warehouse automation, the Pick and Pass Zone Routing Conveyor system represents a significant leap in efficiency and productivity. This system is designed to optimize the ‘person to product’ material handling concept, where order selectors travel to pick locations to gather products. The system’s primary goal is to reduce unnecessary movement (deadheading) and increase the productivity of operators.

Introduction to Lafayette Engineering

Lafayette Engineering, a leader in industrial automation solutions, specializes in conveyor systems and controls. Their expertise in streamlining production processes through innovative technology makes them a key player in the industry. Understanding the intricacies of conveyor systems, Lafayette Engineering is well-positioned to appreciate the advancements in warehouse automation, particularly the Pick and Pass Zone Routing Conveyor system.

How Does Zone Routing Work?

The Pick and Pass system is a sophisticated conveyor setup that intelligently routes shipping cartons or order totes through a pick system to the exact zones where work is located. The process involves several key steps:

  1. Induction of Containers: Cartons or totes are introduced into the picking area from other zones or a centralized point.
  2. Travel and Scanning: The container travels along a conveyor towards a pick zone transfer, where it is scanned to identify its destination.
  3. PLC and WES Interaction: The barcode information is sent to a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), which interfaces with the Warehouse Execution System (WES) to determine the container’s next destination.
  4. Order Processing: Operators in the pick zone process the container by fulfilling the required picks, guided by the Warehouse Management System (WMS) or WES.
  5. Return to Conveyor: Once the picks are completed, the container is returned to the central conveyor for further routing.

Benefits of the System

The Pick and Pass system offers several advantages:

  • Reduced Deadheading: By eliminating movement through zones with no required picks, it enhances operational efficiency.
  • Targeted Order Placement: Orders are automatically directed to zones where picks are needed, streamlining the process.
  • Ergonomic Handling: The system is designed to minimize physical strain on operators.
  • Seamless Integration: Interfaces with WMS and WCS ensure smooth operation and tracking of orders through the system.

Lafayette Engineering’s Role

For a company like Lafayette Engineering, the integration of Pick and Pass Zone Routing Conveyors into their conveyor solutions portfolio could be a game-changer. Their expertise in conveyor systems and controls can be leveraged to implement these advanced systems in warehouses, enhancing their clients’ operational efficiency. The system’s ability to integrate with existing WMS and WCS aligns perfectly with Lafayette Engineering’s focus on customized, high-quality solutions.

Conclusion

The Pick and Pass Zone Routing Conveyor system represents the future of warehouse automation, offering unparalleled efficiency in order selection and material handling. For Lafayette Engineering, adopting this technology could further solidify their position as a leader in industrial automation, providing their clients with cutting-edge solutions to meet the evolving demands of warehouse management.

The Evolution of Efficiency – Print and Apply Label Systems in Modern Industry

Print and Apply

The Emergence of Print and Apply Label Systems

In today’s fast-paced industrial landscape, efficiency and accuracy are paramount. This is where Print and Apply Label Systems come into play, revolutionizing the way businesses handle product labeling. These systems combine the processes of printing and applying labels into one seamless operation, significantly saving floor space and improving control over variable data on each product.

Print and Apply

Introduction to Lafayette Engineering

Lafayette Engineering, a dynamic player in the industrial automation sector, has been at the forefront of providing innovative solutions to streamline production processes. With a focus on conveyor systems and controls, their expertise lies in enhancing operational efficiency and productivity for various industries. Their commitment to delivering high-quality, customized solutions makes them an ideal subject for discussing the integration and benefits of Print and Apply Label Systems in modern manufacturing and distribution environments.

Understanding Print and Apply Label Systems

A Print and Apply Labeling System is an amalgamation of a label printer and a label applicator. This system is particularly beneficial for products or cartons requiring specific information like lot numbers, expiration dates, and shipping addresses. The key components of these systems include:

  1. Print Engine: A robust, high-speed printing module designed for industrial use, capable of enduring harsh production environments.
  2. Label Applicator: This component accurately places labels on containers.
  3. Programmable Logic Controller (PLC): It controls both the printer and applicator, interfacing with the operating technology system to manage label formatting and data generation.

Print engines in these systems are not your average office printers. They are designed for continuous operation in challenging environments. Brands like Zebra and Sato offer engines with varying specifications to suit different label sizes and print quality requirements. The printing technologies used are primarily:

  • Direct Thermal Printing: Ideal for short-term applications like shipping labels, using heat-sensitive paper.
  • Thermal Transfer Printing: Suitable for long-term legibility requirements, this method uses a heated print head to melt ink from a ribbon onto the label.

Label Application Techniques

The label applicator typically employs a tamp/blow method, where the label is held by a vacuum on a tamp and then applied to the container using a blast of air. This method adapts well to varying product loading speeds. Other methods like merge or air blow are also used depending on specific requirements.

Addressing Industrial Needs

Print and Apply Label Systems are designed to address two primary industrial challenges:

  1. Balancing Printing Speed with Product Loading Variations: A loose loop system creates a buffer for labels, allowing for consistent application despite varying product speeds.
  2. Flexibility in Label Usage: A web bypass feature enables the use of pre-printed labels without passing them through the print engine, maintaining high throughput.

Connectivity and Control

Modern Print and Apply Systems offer diverse connectivity options, including serial, parallel, Ethernet, USB, and wireless communications. This versatility ensures seamless integration into existing production lines, allowing for efficient control and data transmission.

Conclusion: The Role of Lafayette Engineering

Incorporating Print and Apply Label Systems aligns perfectly with Lafayette Engineering’s ethos of enhancing efficiency and productivity in industrial settings. Their expertise in conveyor systems and controls can be leveraged to integrate these labeling systems into existing production lines, offering clients a streamlined, efficient, and error-free labeling process. As industries evolve, the collaboration between innovative solutions like Print and Apply Label Systems and industry leaders like Lafayette Engineering will continue to drive the future of manufacturing efficiency.

What does a Warehouse Control Systems (WCS) do?

Warehouse Control Systems

In today’s fast-paced and technologically advanced logistics landscape, Warehouse Control Systems (WCS) have emerged as critical tools for optimizing warehouse operations. These systems serve as the technological backbone that coordinates and streamlines various activities within a warehouse, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.

What is a Warehouse Control Systems?

A Warehouse Control System is a sophisticated software application designed to manage and optimize the flow of materials within a warehouse. It ensures efficient utilization of resources while maintaining high levels of inventory accuracy. The primary role of a WCS is to act as a bridge between higher-level Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and various automated equipment and systems on the warehouse floor​.

Functions of WCS

Real-Time Inventory Tracking and Visibility: WCS maintains accurate inventory records by tracking material movements and updating stock levels in real-time​.

Order Fulfillment Management: Efficiently manages order processing, ensuring accurate order picking, packing, and shipping​​.Integration with Material Handling Equipment: WCS is designed to seamlessly interact with material handling equipment such as conveyors, sortation systems, and automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS)​

Labor Management and Performance Tracking: WCS helps optimize labor utilization by coordinating warehouse workers with automation systems​​.Data Analysis and Reporting: Offers valuable insights into warehouse operations, identifying bottlenecks and enabling data-driven decision-making​.

Warehouse Control Systems

How WCS Improves Warehouse Operations

Operational Efficiency: By providing real-time monitoring and data-driven insights, WCS identifies bottlenecks, optimizes workflows, and dynamically adjusts task priorities​.

Real-Time Visibility: Offers real-time insights into inventory levels, locations, and demand patterns, enabling accurate demand forecasting and efficient stock rotation​​. Improved Accuracy: Reduces errors in order fulfillment, enhancing customer satisfaction​​. Optimized Resource Utilization: Maximizes the efficiency of labor, equipment, and space, automating routine tasks and assigning work based on real-time demands​​. Scalability and Flexibility: Adapts to changing business needs and accommodates growth​.

Integration with Automation Systems

A key strength of WCS is its ability to integrate with various automated systems and equipment. Through standardized communication protocols, the WCS establishes a bi-directional data exchange with these systems. It receives real-time data information, such as equipment status and capabilities, and sends commands and instructions to direct their movements, speeds, and actions. This integration facilitates efficient coordination and control, ensuring synchronized operations within the warehouse​.

The Role of Machine Learning and AI

Modern WCS solutions often incorporate advanced technologies like machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI). These capabilities enable the WCS to learn from historical data, make intelligent decisions, and optimize operations based on predictive models, further enhancing efficiencies and improving decision-making for warehouse managers​.

Conclusion

Warehouse Control Systems are indispensable in modern warehousing operations. By leveraging WCS, businesses can streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and achieve greater accuracy in their operations. This leads to cost savings, increased productivity, and improved customer satisfaction, positioning businesses competitively in today’s dynamic supply chain landscape.

FAQs

What does a WCS do?

Optimizes warehouse operations, coordinates tasks, and controls material handling equipment to improve efficiency and productivity​.

Difference between WMS and WCS?

WMS focuses on higher-level inventory management and overall warehouse optimization, while WCS specializes in real-time control and coordination of material handling equipment within the warehouse​.

Difference between WCS and WES?

WES includes planning functionality not found in WCS, which develops an Optimal Execution Plan based on current conditions within the operation​.

For those looking to delve deeper into the world of Warehouse Control Systems, understanding their functionalities, benefits, and integration capabilities is crucial for maximizing efficiency in warehouse operations.

Lafayette Engineering: A Leader Among Top Conveyor Companies

In the realm of top conveyor companies, Lafayette Engineering Inc. (LEI) stands out as a prime example of innovation and efficiency. This Kentucky-based company has carved out a niche for itself in the conveyor industry, offering an array of services and products that cater to the complex needs of modern warehouses and distribution centers.

The Lafayette Engineering Edge: Top Conveyor Companies

LEI specializes in control systems engineering, focusing on advanced conveyor systems and controls engineering to enhance efficiency (LEI Homepage). Their unique approach to warehouse control systems (WCS) exemplifies this focus. Just like a traffic cop ensures smooth flow in busy intersections, LEI’s WCS acts as a central command, directing the real-time activities within warehouses, ensuring that all components like conveyors and sorters operate seamlessly (Conveyor Works – LaFayette Engineering).

Top Conveyor Companies

Diverse Range of Services

One of LEI’s strengths lies in its comprehensive service offerings. These include mechanical and electrical installation, project management, and control panel design, ensuring a holistic solution for material handling systems (Mechanical Install – LaFayette Engineering). Moreover, their controls engineering services encompass the entire process from need assessment, concept development, AutoCAD electrical control drawings, to PLC programming and launch assistance (Controls Engineering – LaFayette Engineering).

Innovations and Solutions

LEI’s ‘Conveyor Works’ software application is a testament to their innovative spirit. It’s designed to integrate all moving parts in a warehouse or distribution center, thereby optimizing operations (Conveyor Works – A Warehouse Control System To Manage Your Operations). From batch picking to printing sortation, LEI’s solutions are tailored to improve efficiency and productivity.

Reconditioned Systems: A Smart Choice

An intriguing aspect of LEI’s offerings is their reconditioned conveyor systems. These systems provide a high ROI and quick turnaround, which can be crucial for businesses operating under tight schedules and budgets (Conveyor Systems: New or Reconditioned – LaFayette Engineering). While there are some trade-offs, like the absence of a warranty and the potential need for retrofitting, the cost savings and immediacy of availability make reconditioned systems an attractive option for many.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lafayette Engineering exemplifies the qualities of top conveyor companies through their comprehensive services, innovative solutions, and customer-centric approach. Whether it’s a new installation or a reconditioned system, LEI offers expertise and quality that sets them apart in the conveyor industry. With their commitment to efficiency and technological advancement, they are not just a provider but a partner in the growth and success of businesses requiring advanced conveyor solutions.

Your #1 Conveyor Systems Source: LaFayette Engineering Inc.

Conveyor Systems

LaFayette Engineering, Inc. (LEI), located in Danville, Kentucky, is a renowned electrical controls company with a specialized focus on Conveyor Systems. They excel in designing and installing control systems specifically for Conveyor Systems, including sophisticated high-speed case sortation. LEI’s services cover a wide array of control engineering solutions, meticulously crafted to support the diverse needs of the material handling and warehouse control sectors.

Overview of Services:

1. Conveyor Systems:

LEI excels in the integration of control systems, particularly for conveyor systems used in material handling. Their approach is comprehensive, starting from the initial design phase to the implementation of these systems in both new and existing facilities. This involves a deep understanding of the client’s needs and the deployment of the latest technology and control devices to enhance system efficiency, reduce operational costs, and increase productivity.

Conveyor Systems

2. Control Panel Design & Fabrication:

They offer specialized services in control panel design and fabrication. This process includes the meticulous design and assembly of control panels that form the nerve center of conveyor systems. LEI’s expertise ensures that these panels are not only functional but also optimized for efficiency and reliability.

3. Warehouse Control Systems:

LEI is also adept at developing warehouse control systems, a critical component for modern warehouses and distribution centers. These systems are designed to streamline operations, improve inventory management, and enhance the overall efficiency of warehouse operations.

View More on Warehouse Control Systems

4. Custom Solutions and Innovative Strategies:

Understanding that each business has unique needs, LEI focuses on providing custom solutions. They research, design, and build innovative systems to solve common and complex material handling problems. This involves close collaboration with clients to understand their specific processes and develop solutions that align with their business goals.

5. Comprehensive Project Process:

LEI’s process encompasses a full range of services from the assessment of client needs to the development and implementation of conveyor concepts. This includes producing detailed AutoCAD electrical control drawings, fabrication of control panels, advanced PLC programming, and project management. They also provide installation coordination, field installation, launch assistance, and ongoing service and support.

6. Commitment to Quality and Integrity:

Under the leadership of Bruce Robbins, the owner, LEI is guided by a commitment to integrity and providing honest solutions. They aim to become a valued business partner for their clients, focusing on delivering high-quality, reliable, and efficient conveyor system solutions.

Conclusion:

LaFayette Engineering’s services are designed to cater to a diverse range of industries requiring sophisticated conveyor systems and control solutions. Their focus on custom solutions, combined with their commitment to quality and integrity, positions them as a valuable partner for businesses seeking to optimize their material handling and warehouse operations.

Tailoring Control Systems to Propel Your Business Forward

Control Systems

LaFayette Engineering: Your Premier Partner in Control Systems Integration

LaFayette Engineering, rooted in Danville, Kentucky, stands as a leading integrator of control systems, focusing on the design and execution of sophisticated conveyor systems for material handling. Our portfolio showcases successful collaborations with prominent companies, reflecting our prowess in tailoring conveyor solutions to both new and pre-existing warehouse and distribution facilities.

Control Systems

The cornerstone of any efficient conveyor system is its controls. At LaFayette Engineering, we meld our profound electrical engineering expertise with cutting-edge technology and control mechanisms. This fusion is aimed at amplifying equipment effectiveness, escalating system efficiency, curtailing operational expenses, and boosting productivity, all while ensuring adaptability in your material handling systems.

Crafting Bespoke Solutions for Material Handling

LaFayette Engineering dedicates itself to inventing, designing, and constructing customized solutions addressing typical challenges in material handling. Our team of seasoned engineers invests time in comprehending your distinct processes, collaborating closely with you to craft solutions perfectly aligned with your business requirements.

Our industrial automation systems are engineered prioritizing performance, precision, resilience, and dependability. These solutions are renowned for their industry-leading throughput and speed capabilities, rigorously tested before deployment in your facility.

In our control systems, we consistently employ open, non-proprietary components and programming structures. By utilizing components from established industry leaders for starters, relays, lights, switches, etc., we not only adhere to stringent quality standards but also guarantee the availability of spare parts locally and as required.

Whether it’s a new installation or an upgrade to an existing system, LaFayette Engineering can swiftly deliver a competitive quote for any control application. Our spectrum ranges from small-scale control panel projects to comprehensive, customized solutions for complex challenges, ensuring optimal value for your investment.

Our Methodical Approach to Project Execution

LaFayette Engineering’s meticulous process encompasses:

  • Comprehensive assessment of your specific needs.
  • Development of innovative conveyor concepts.
  • Generation of detailed AutoCAD electrical control drawings, including panel layouts with bill of materials, motor power wiring, electrical schematics, input/output schematics, and field wiring diagrams.
  • Fabrication of state-of-the-art control panels.
  • Advanced PLC Programming with sortation logic.
  • Thorough project management, from inception to completion.
  • Coordinated installation processes.
  • Field installation with precision.
  • Development and tracking of punch lists.
  • Launch assistance, providing start-up support directly at your facility.
  • Continuous service and support, ensuring enduring system performance.

By choosing LaFayette Engineering, you partner with a team committed to driving your operational success to new heights through innovative and reliable control system solutions.

Choosing the Right Integration Partner

Investing in an industrial automation system for the first time or upgrading an existing system is a large undertaking.

Industrial automation is an innovative field with new advances every year combining hardware and software, often within an existing system to have production and control systems operate at their maximum efficiency. This is where a system integration partner comes in.

They are companies not tied to any company specifically, who partner with you to help achieve top results in your facility while managing schedules. Whether that be storage, conveyance, Robots, etc.

A system integrator will manage all components like engineering, and materials, as well as installation and implementation of control systems.

The right system integrator can bring great benefits to your company such as:

  • Having the capability to be able to quote more than one solution for comparable numbers.
  • Long-standing relationships with the right partners to be able to provide the solution desired either in an area or nationwide.
  • Experience with more than one product line that could tie into the system that you already have in place or to help you rebuild that line.

In this blog, we will discuss finding the correct integrator and the due diligence that it takes to make sure that your experience is nothing but successful.

Determine Your Needs

Are you looking for short-term solutions, or do you need a long-term ROI? Once you have established what your company will need, the search for the correct system integration partner begins.

Ask for sites to visit or references.

Speak with people who have worked with the integrator in the past. Listen to what solutions they represent and do those solutions fit your needs.

Select the Necessary Credentials

Even though cost is a huge factor when you are looking for efficient solutions, do not let this be the entire reason you go with a system integrator. As we mentioned earlier, ask colleagues you worked with in the past. Surprisingly enough, the integrator world is a lot smaller than we think so there is a high chance your peers have been through the process before and will probably have insights and recommendations.

Reviewing Their Work

This is the most telling aspect. While all systems are unique, and require different solutions, at the higher level there is something you can learn from the installation and implementation of the integrator. Learn as much about the problems they encountered and what they did to tackle those hurdles. Ask what they felt was a success of that project. If there is an area that just seems odd then ask them why they designed it this way, more often than not there is a story to tell of how they came to the final solution.

Do They Have Connections to Get the Job Done?

We would argue that one of the most important, yet underrated facets of being a successful integration partner is networking. Working with trusted companies can be a huge advantage when it comes to choosing an integrator because they will be able to generate a quicker less stressful completion date due to already having the connections they need.

Searching for subcontractors with availability is minimized because many work exclusively with the integrator. Something that Lafayette Engineering takes a lot of pride in as a system integrator that has been built over time.

We value our long-standing relationships with vendors and subcontractors, as well as our ability to do almost every aspect in-house. Though we can work with a great majority of companies there are some situations Lafayette is not the correct integrator to work with and it could be for many different reasons.

At the end of the day, we want each and every customer or potential customer to be happy so if we are not able to help with your system, we have the network to help you find the right fit for the job.

Give us a call today to see if we are the right system integrator for you or let us help you connect with the right one. Call us today at (844) 845-7580.

Frequently Asked Questions for Lafayette Engineering

1-Does Lafayette Engineering manufacture conveyors?

No. We are an integrator.

We do, however, partner with Hytrol, and other manufacturers to allow us the flexibility to offer each customer custom solutions for their price point and functionality.

Learn more about what we and our partners do here.

2-What type of support does Lafayette Engineering provide?

All of our projects come with a support agreement for one year after installation. We encourage all of our customers to sign a support agreement with us after that year is up to maintain seamless system support.

LEI offers two unique support contracts.

Advanced, which is 24/7 on call, and standard, which is 8:00 am to 5:00 pm EST.

If you do not have a support contract with us, you can easily sign up with us. You simply sign a non-support agreement, meaning that you pay hourly (minimum of two hours) for support calls.

We have a team of dedicated engineering professionals who handle support 24/7. The process is easy. When you call in for system support, a call center will take your information and relay that to our team. Once we have all the necessary information, one of our support engineers will contact you.

3-How many locations does Lafayette Engineering have?

We have FOUR locations currently.

Our headquarters are located in Danville Kentucky.

We have additional office locations in Ontario-California, South Plainfield-New Jersey, and Atlanta-Georgia. With multiple locations we are able to cover coast to coast and everywhere in between, to give our customers fast access to our team, no matter where they are.

We encourage our readers to reach out with any additional questions or suggestions for future FAQ articles. We are committed to continually enhancing our content and fostering a community of engaged readers. Together, we can build a knowledge-sharing platform that serves as a reliable resource for everyone.

If you don’t have a team of experts on your side to help you streamline your business, we would love to help you. Call us today at (844) 845-7580.