We have extensive experience using the G programming language (i.e. LabVIEW) and use it exclusively in our work because of the tremendous development time advantage available (when compared to sequential code programming languages). We have experience working in such industries as: Bioscience, Food & Beverage, Pharmaceutical, Medical, Cosmetics & Fragrances, Chemicals, Electronics, Plastics, Paper, Films, Metals, Coating/Treating, Waste Water Treatment and Information Services.

We can provide expertise in the construction of computer based automation systems. This includes the selection and installation of: instrumentation; computer hardware and software; control algorithm; and the final control elements. We can also develop and implement advanced control strategies for difficult-to-control processes using mathematical techniques and process modeling.

Our typical software design and development projects are executed in several 1 - 2 week phases. This approach is preferred because it allows more accurate cost and schedule estimates for subsequent phases, and it eliminates the need for up-front estimation of total project costs and schedules which are usually quite inaccurate. Activities we perform are done, and billed, on a time, materials and expense basis. We will not provide "not-to-exceed" cost quotations for client projects without a well written and comprehensive functional specification.

Product and Process Improvement

Process Automation Corporation consults with manufacturing businesses to help them improve the profitability of their operations and the quality of their products. We do this by clearly defining all of the factors that have major quality, profitability and performance impacts. At your request, we can produce a report that contains broad enhancement recommendations for changing the important factors, along with estimates of probable financial gains and business impacts. When our recommendations are accepted, our associates can make detailed implementation suggestions on how to reengineer and automate processes, change practices and apply computer based technology for improvement. To insure and quantify best results, we can do a follow-up evaluation in the year following implementation. Below are some of the steps we take to lead our clients through the improvement process. Some or all of them may be required during a typical project.

Financial Analysis A thorough internal evaluation will be made of the contribution that your assets are making to company performance. These results can be benchmarked against other companies.

Product Evaluation Your products and their specifications (recipes, assembly instructions and bill of materials) will be studied. Product samples will be taken, within your plant and from customer inventory, and analyzed with necessary instrumentation and statistical techniques, to determine how well they are meeting specifications, customer expectations and applicable regulatory codes. Competitive product samples can also be evaluated and compared with your products to determine if opportunities exist to reduce product cost. Customer expectations can be surveyed if necessary to determine the strengths and weaknesses of your products and services. The key relationships between your product and the expectations of your customer will be defined and documented.

Process and Practice Evaluation Recommendations will be made to change product specifications where this will result in increased customer satisfaction (higher quality, lower cost, better service and faster delivery) or profitability improvement. The manufacturing processes and the business processes supporting them will be reviewed. Recommendations will be made for reengineering business procedures and the manufacturing process (including capital equipment employed).

Quantified Benefits Well managed assets increase your customers' satisfaction by decreasing costs, improving delivery, simplifying billing, and generally improving quality of products and services. We will quantify benefits in the areas of: asset utilization, increased production; labor waste, material utilization, cycle time; reduced product "give away"; and quality enhancements.

Recommended Improvements We will describe proven paths to achieving the changes necessary to improve your business and production processes so that you can realize the desired benefits. Implementation cost estimates, expected benefits, time schedules and rate-of-return calculations will be done.

Implementation We will be available to assist in managing or performing implementation activities. Our level of involvement can vary from simply making recommendations to assuming complete responsibility for implementation. For projects that require automation, we can apply computer and PLC based automation and instrumentation. We are experts at applying National Instruments products (e.g. LabVIEW) to solving client problems.