I would like to understand what criterion is used by companies when selecting control system vendors.

I would like to get feedback on the advantages and disadvantages of control system vendor dependency.

Thanks.

 

Dear Murphy

I think you should decide on the type of control system first based on the process study & control scheme.

Vendor dependency is absolutely dangerous.

Jari
[email protected]

 

Dear Murphy

Our firm was dependent upon one system integrator for a long time; it was terrible. We found other suppliers, did a great deal of in-house training, and tightened up our standard for people doing work in our plants. We are now totally independent and do not need outside help.

To better answer your question, though, I look for a few key things in evaluating a potential integrator:

1) Number of years in business
2) Referrals from other customers
3) Key skill sets (i.e. what specific manufacturer's products have they worked with).
4) Number of employees; beware of one-person operations or people working out of garages.
5) Examples of past work. This is very important; look at their documentation.
6) Financial condition of the company. There are many ways to gauge this; too many to list here.

Regards,

Jim D.