How Main Automation Contractors (MACs) Accelerate Project Timelines

Automation timelines often slow down when sensors, controls, robotics, machinery, and vendor-supplied equipment are managed separately. A main automation contractor (MAC) like Magna IV Engineering creates customized solutions that work with your operations and industry. 

Our MAC Services

A MAC centralizes automation project management, coordinating engineering, procurement, vendors, testing, commissioning, and startup. As your MAC, Magna IV works to prevent cost overruns and project delays at every stage:

Pre-FEED

During Pre-Front-End Engineering Design (Pre-FEED), Magna IV’s automation or generator control specialists work with your team to define your project’s operational requirements and the best architecture and conceptual design. The team helps you determine a feasible timeline and cost estimates, and we can also work with you to develop an accelerated timeline if that is a priority.

By clarifying project requirements and conceptual design before detailed engineering begins, Magna IV uses our engineering consulting experience to help you avoid timeline setbacks caused by late-stage changes.

Procurement Coordination

Managing dozens of suppliers for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), control valves, motor drives, and other specialized components can overwhelm internal teams. 

As your MAC, Magna IV Engineering can manage component and control system procurement, including the unique requirements of different vendors. Magna IV uses supplier relationships and technical specifications to coordinate the right components before procurement delays affect the schedule.

Vendor Management

Communication with the vendors of components can be a major bottleneck on your project. Each vendor brings separate specifications and communication preferences. System integration in Ontario may also involve working with utilities and other stakeholders beyond vendors, which can add complexity and the risk of miscommunication.

Magna IV Engineering reduces back-and-forth and provides one clear contact for technical coordination, keeping communication on track. 

Manufacturing Oversight

Your MAC may visit fabrication shops and facilities to conduct inspections and perform Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) to verify that hardware and software meet specifications before shipment.

Magna IV protects your project timeline through manufacturing oversight that minimizes the risk of hardware defects and other on-site issues. This can help reduce the risk of delays and time-intensive rework. We can further streamline the process by assembling and fabricating custom hardware. Our capabilities extend to programming control panels and software logic.

Programming and Testing

Before the system goes live, Magna IV's software engineers validate software and hardware, so teams can resolve bugs before they create downtime. 

Commissioning

Your MAC transitions your project to operational status by systematically testing every part of the new system. The process may involve instrument calibration and wiring verification. Our commissioning services use a structured approach to reduce troubleshooting time.

Startup

On-site startup support gives your team immediate technical help during energization and operator handoff.

With on-site technical field support as well as customized training solutions and ongoing support options, Magna IV Engineering reduces the downtime possible with new startups. We can also continue to be your partner in upgrades, keeping your new system running during its life cycle. 

Contact Us for Support From an Experienced Main Automation Contractor

Project coordination for automation and control engineering starts with Magna IV Engineering. Contact us to discuss your project and find out how we can accelerate the timeline.