Automation Specialist

What does an Automation Specialist do?

An Automation Specialist is an expert who deals with the implementation of technological solutions and automated processes in manufacturing plants. Their main goal is to streamline production processes, increase efficiency, and minimize costs and errors.

Main duties of an Automation Specialist

Production Process Analysis: Evaluating existing production processes, identifying areas that can be automated or improved.
Automation System Design: Creating designs for systems and devices that automate production, such as industrial robots, assembly lines, or control systems.
Installation and Configuration: Responsible for the installation and configuration of automation devices and the software to control them.
Testing and Diagnostics: Conducting system tests, identifying potential issues, and diagnosing faults.
Optimization: Striving for continuous improvement of automation processes, reducing production costs, and increasing efficiency.
Safety: Ensuring that automation systems are safe for workers and comply with industrial safety standards.
Employee Training: Preparing and conducting training for workers operating automation devices.

Required Skills

Understanding Production Processes: Knowledge of production processes and the ability to identify areas for automation.
Technology Knowledge: Understanding technologies related to automation, such as robotics, SCADA systems, PLC, etc.
Programming Skills: Ability to program and configure automation devices.
Problem Solving: Ability to solve problems related to production automation.
Understanding Standards and Regulations: Knowledge of standards and regulations related to industrial safety and production quality.
Communication Skills: Collaboration with the production team and automation technology suppliers requires good communication.

Automation Specialists play a crucial role in today's industry, which increasingly relies on technology and automation. Their work contributes to increasing production efficiency, improving product quality, and reducing costs. Production automation is important not only from an economic perspective but also from the standpoint of sustainable development, as it can contribute to the reduction of waste of resources and energy. If someone is interested in technology, process optimization, and problem-solving, the profession of an Automation Specialist can be highly satisfying.

Why is the profession of an Automation Specialist important?

Scope of Duties

Production Process Analysis: Evaluating and analyzing production processes to identify areas that can be optimized and automated.
Selection of Technology Solutions: Selecting appropriate automation technologies and tools, such as industrial robots, PLC systems, or computer-controlled machines.
Automation System Design: Creating designs for automation systems that meet specific production goals and ensure efficiency.
Installation and Configuration of Devices: Installing and configuring automation devices and software in production processes.
Controller Programming: Creating control programs for devices and machines to operate according to specified parameters.
Testing and Deployment: Conducting tests and deploying automation systems, then monitoring their operation in production.
Repair and Maintenance: Ensuring the proper functioning of devices and automation systems through repairs and regular maintenance.
Personnel Training: Preparing and conducting training for production workers on operating automation devices.
Performance Monitoring: Supervising the operation of automation systems, analyzing data, and monitoring production performance.
Problem Solving: Identifying and resolving potential problems and failures in automation systems.

Qualification Requirements

Education: Typically, engineering education in automation, electronics, industrial informatics, or a related field is required.
Technology Knowledge: Understanding various automation technologies, including PLC systems, industrial robotics, sensors, and others.
Programming: Ability to program devices and control systems.
Understanding Production Processes: Understanding production processes and the ability to analyze them.
Technical Skills: Ability to solve technical problems and maintain equipment.
Communication: Ability to communicate and collaborate with other members of the production team.
Understanding Norms and Standards: Knowledge of safety and quality standards applicable to the industry.

Advancement to Managerial Positions: Possibility of advancing to managerial positions, such as automation department manager or production director.
Self-Employment: Working as an automation consultant or freelancer, offering automation implementation and management services.
Specializations: Opportunity to specialize in specific areas of automation, such as robotics, SCADA systems, or Industry 4.0.
Work in Different Industries: Automation specialists can work in various industries, from the automotive industry to the food industry.
Professional Development: Opportunity to participate in training programs for continuous professional development.

Career Perspectives

Salary and Benefits

The salary of an Automation Specialist can vary significantly depending on experience, location, and industry. Here are some factors influencing salary and benefits:

Experience: Specialists with more experience typically receive higher salaries.
Region: Salaries vary depending on location, especially in cities with a high cost of living.
Industry: Working in a specific industry, such as the aerospace or pharmaceutical industry, may be more lucrative.
Self-Employment: Specialists working as consultants can set their own prices for services.
Bonuses and Additional Benefits: Some companies offer bonuses for achieving goals, health insurance, medical care, and support for professional development.
Job Stability: Working in the field of production automation is often stable, providing job security.

History and Development of the Profession

The profession of an Automation Specialist is closely related to the development of industrial technology. Here are a few key moments in the history and development of this profession:

Beginnings of Automation: The history of industrial automation dates back to the 19th century when the first mechanisms and mechanical machines, such as spinning and weaving machines, appeared.
Era of Heavy Industry: With the development of heavy industry in the 1920s and 1930s, automation became increasingly important, especially in automobile production and the steel industry.
Computer Era: The 1950s and 60s brought the development of computers, enabling more advanced production control systems.
Development of Robotics: The 1970s saw the development of industrial robotics, with robots performing various operations on production lines.
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC): Programmable logic controllers emerged, becoming crucial tools in controlling production processes.
Industry 4.0 Era: Currently, in the Industry 4.0 era, production automation is integrated with information technology, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things, enabling more advanced and intelligent production systems.

Tips for Candidates

Education and Continuous Learning: Having engineering education related to automation, electronics, or industrial informatics is an asset. However, continuous learning and keeping up with the latest trends in automation are crucial.
Understanding Production Processes: Understanding production processes in a specific sector is crucial, so gaining knowledge in this area is worthwhile.
Learning Programming: Acquiring the skill of programming devices and control systems, including programmable logic controllers (PLC), is essential.
Problem-Solving Skills: Automation Specialists must be capable of solving technical problems and reacting quickly to faults.
Understanding Norms and Standards: Familiarity with safety and quality standards in a specific sector is important.
Interpersonal Skills: Collaboration with the production team and communication with the client are important in the work of an Automation Specialist.
Sustainable Development: Considering aspects of sustainable development in automation projects can be an asset.
Practice and Experience: Starting a career with practical experience in production can help understand processes and issues related to automation.
Developing Technical Skills: Investing in developing technical skills, including operating various devices and technologies, is important.