Automation
Modern automation ensures safe, stable, and efficient production processes. We design and implement high-performance solutions based on PLCs, process control systems, and safety-critical controllers—from architecture and application design through commissioning. Whether batch or continuous operation, greenfield or brownfield projects: our automation solutions increase transparency, availability, and operational reliability, and lay the foundation for sustainable digitalization with future-proof data paths.
Automation Solutions for the Following Industries
Chemicals and Petrochemicals
- Stable operation
- Continuous and batch-based processes
- High requirements for alarm management, process safety, and documentation
- 24/7 availability
- Robust, redundant automation architectures
- Clear separation of safety and operational automation
Pharma and Life Sciences
- Qualification
- Validation
- Traceable Process Management
- Clean Operating Concepts
- Consistent Data Flows
Machinery and Plant Engineering
- PLC-based machine controls
- Modular expansions
- Rapid ramp-ups
- Seamless interfaces between mechanical, E&I, and automation systems
Core Competencies
Automation, Control Systems, and Control Concepts
- PLC, PLCS, and Safety Architectures
- Scalable, modular designs; redundancy & availability
- Safety strategies integrated across all levels
Application and Functionality
- Functional and Operational Descriptions
- Control, Sequence, and Batch/Recipe Concepts
- Machine and Process Functions, Diagnostics, and Alarms
Communication and Integration
- Field, Control, and Supervisory Levels
- Ethernet-APL all the way to the field; fieldbuses & remote I/O
- Integration of skids, packages, and third-party systems; NOA data paths
- Interfaces to higher-level IT and production systems
Engineering and Documentation
- Software designs, program structures, visualization
- Alarm and operating concepts, operating modes (batch/continuous)
- Digital, audit-proof documentation, including safety documentation
What Sets Us Apart in Automation
Understanding the Process
- Chemical/Petrochemical Industry, Machinery and Plant Integration
- Batch and continuous processes, startup/shutdown strategies
- Operations-oriented engineering with a focus on operability
Stability and Operation
- High availability and restart capability
- Rugged, low-maintenance applications
- Clear diagnostics, alarms, and status indicators
Feasibility
- Greenfield and Brownfield Experience
- Migration and Modernization of Existing Systems
- Close Coordination with Operations and Maintenance
Data and Integration (NOA, Ethernet-APL, Factory-IT)
- Decoupled Diagnostic Data (NOA - NAMUR Open Architecture)
- Ethernet-APL All the Way to the Field
- OT/IT Interfaces to MES/ERP/CMMS
Automation at the Heart of Production
Reliable automation is crucial for safe processes, consistent quality, and efficient production.
We develop PLC, DCS, and safety solutions, seamlessly integrate machines, units, and existing plant components into the plant architecture, and establish data pathways that can be reliably utilized by higher-level systems.
Our interdisciplinary teams ensure that automation, E&I, process engineering, piping, and IT work together seamlessly—for stable operations, clear diagnostic capabilities, and a future-proof technical foundation for your operations.
To ensure that your investments and expenditures for modernization pay off in the long term, we always keep an eye on forward-looking topics such as predictive maintenance.
From Concept to Commissioning
Concept and Basic Engineering
- Automation and System Architecture
- Batch Philosophy and Recipe Structure, Operating Modes
- Safety Strategy (Functional Safety and Machine Safety)
- Definition of Interfaces, Data Flows, and NOA Channels
Detail Engineering
- PLC, PLC, and Safety Applications
- Visualization, Alarm and Event Concepts
- Batch Phases, Unit and Procedure Control
- Network and Communication Design, including Ethernet APL
Implementation and Installation
- Installation, Integration, and Migration Planning
- Integration of Field, Drive, and Subsystems
- Commissioning Preparation, System Tests
Testing, Commissioning and Handover
- Functional, integration, and batch tests
- Safety tests and acceptance
- Documentation, training, structured handover
Data and Digitalization
Automation is the key to actionable process and plant transparency.
We structure and utilize automation, batch, and process data for operation, optimization, and maintenance.
Future-oriented architectures based on NAMUR Open Architecture (NOA) enable the secure use of additional diagnostic and condition data alongside the control system. Ethernet-APL provides seamless, high-performance communication all the way to the field—even in demanding environments.
Clearly defined data models, clean interfaces, and audit-proof documentation form the foundation for reliable analyses, quick decisions, and sustainable digitalization.
As a forward-looking company, take advantage of this transparency to minimize unplanned downtime and significantly reduce operating expenses.
Intelligent Data Architecture for Maximum Transparency
NOA and Ethernet‑APL
NOA and Ethernet-APL enable access to additional diagnostic and status data without having to interfere with the running process. Decoupled data channels and end-to-end Ethernet communication all the way down to the field level create a stable foundation for modern predictive maintenance concepts. At the same time, clearly defined OT/IT handover points ensure secure and seamless data integration into higher-level systems. Particularly in energy facilities—such as power distribution systems, power plant environments, or operational energy centers—NOA and Ethernet-APL significantly increase transparency and support reliable plant management. We demonstrate how these technologies are used in practice on our Energy Automation page.
Safety Engineering
Safety engineering is an integral part of any automation system. We handle SIL/PL planning, SIF definition, C&E matrices, safe operating modes, and all relevant tests. All safety-related functions are properly implemented, documented, and maintained in a way that allows them to be tested during operation. This approach perfectly combines regulatory requirements with maximum safety within the company.
Why Work with Etteplan
Your Benefits at a Glance
- Comprehensive Automation—for Batch and Continuous Processes
- NOA and Ethernet APL Expertise—for Future-Proof Data Paths
- End-to-End Engineering—from Concept to Operation
- Reduced Interface Risks—through Interdisciplinary Expertise
- Brownfield Experience—for Secure Migrations and Short Downtimes
FAQ - Industrial Automation
Ask our expert a question
Vice President, Service Solutions