VIP Electricals’ Automation Division is a fully integrated aspect to our business, but what is automation, how does it all work and why is it integral to our business?

Electrical Automation is the process by which control systems are designed and created for the purpose of increasing efficiencies and workflow processes with minimal human interaction and improved data acquisition.

These system can be “Process automation”, commonly associated with “Supervisory control and data acquisition” SCADA systems or “Distributed Control System” which are more a proprietary system.

They work mainly as a centralised system that controls entire sites or regions or variety of sites and are utilised within the industrial sector for power generation, manufacturing, fabrication, as infrastructure for waste water collection & treatment, oil, gas and power transmission, large communications systems and traffic lights. They are also found in facilities both domestic and public and include ventilation & heating, energy consumption control and water management such as a watering system for gardens.

These systems operate through a network of interfaces and control units such as Remote Terminal Units and Programmable Logic Controllers which are restricted to the actions allowed by their programming, all controlled of course through a primary Human-Machine Interface.

Some of these systems can become so complex that they require redundancy to the point of complete duplication. This type of extensive redundancy becomes more apparent when you consider safety and the lives of personnel that may be at risk. Some companies also prefer redundancy to improve quality and workflow, allowing servicing of automated systems  without interruption to production.

So why is Automation an integral part of VIP Electricals’ business?

As with all of VIP’s divisions, Automation works harmoniously alongside Service, Industrial, Construction and Hazardous Areas. It allows a continual flow of expertise across all our divisions and increases the productivity of our project management systems.

VIP Electrical can provide a full range of services. Our expertise lies in our ability to interpret and implement innovative electrical solutions for a wide range of requirements and through our strategic alliances with civil, mechanical and engineering companies we are able to provide fully integrated Electrical Automation solutions.