Industrial Automation

What is industrial automation?

Industrial automation is the control of production processes by controllers, sensors, drives and software, without constant human intervention. Its "brain" is the programmable logic controller (PLC), its "eyes" are sensors and instruments, its "muscles" are electric motors, frequency inverters and pneumatics, and its "face" is the operator panel (HMI) and SCADA system.

Automation gives a plant three things: consistent quality (the process runs the same way every time), lower cost (energy, raw material, labour) and data — you see in real time what is happening on the line. IESCO supplies Siemens automation components and delivers industrial projects — from compressor-station control to full automation of process lines.

Components of an automation system

• PLC controllers — Siemens SIMATIC S7-1200 (small and medium machines), S7-1500 (complex lines, safety functions), LOGO! (simple logic where relays are no longer enough).
• HMI panels and SCADA — Siemens SIMATIC HMI Basic/Comfort panels, WinCC — visualisation, alarms, recipes, data archive.
• Frequency inverters — SINAMICS G120/V20, Danfoss, Inovance — motor speed control and energy efficiency.
• Sensors and measurement — pressure, temperature, flow and level transmitters, inductive and optical sensors, energy meters.
• Control cabinets — low-voltage switchgear (breakers, contactors, soft starters), power supplies, industrial networks (PROFINET, Modbus).

Where automation helps

• Compressor stations — joint control of several compressors (master controller), a narrower pressure band, 10–20% energy saving, remote monitoring.
• Water supply and pumps — constant pressure with an inverter, pump rotation, dry-run protection.
• Ventilation and HVAC — demand-based fan control, 30–50% energy saving.
• Process lines — conveyors, dosing, mixing, packaging, temperature control.
• Energy monitoring — consumption metering per machine, peak management.

Why Siemens?

Siemens SIMATIC is the world standard of industrial automation: one engineering environment (TIA Portal) for the controller, panel, inverter and safety; 10+ years of support and parts availability; the largest pool of certified engineers and programmers worldwide. IESCO is a Siemens partner in Georgia — we supply components, design cabinets, write PLC/HMI programs and commission the systems.

How does an automation project start?

1. Task description — what the process is, what must be controlled, what signals exist (inputs/outputs), what the operator must see. 2. Specification and diagram — selection of controller, sensors and drives, cabinet design. 3. Assembly and programming — the cabinet in IESCO's workshop, the PLC/HMI program in TIA Portal. 4. Installation and commissioning — on site, with staff training and documentation. Preview motor starting methods and inverter savings in our simulator and calculator — in the Engineer's Corner.

IESCO offers

Siemens industrial automation — SIMATIC S7-1200/1500 and LOGO! controllers, HMI panels, SINAMICS inverters, sensors and low-voltage switchgear; design and assembly of control cabinets; PLC/HMI/SCADA programming; compressor-station control systems; service and modernisation of existing systems. Everything from one source — from automation to compressors and electric motors.

🎯 Do you have a process that is still controlled by hand? 📞 Call us: +995 32 206 01 00 or visit our office at 52 Avchala St., Tbilisi.

Frequently asked questions about industrial automation

What is the difference between a PLC and a conventional relay circuit?

A relay circuit is "hard-wired" — changing the logic means rewiring; in a PLC the logic is a program that changes in minutes, has self-diagnostics, connects to a panel and SCADA and keeps a history. For circuits with more than 10 relays a PLC is already cheaper and more reliable.

Which controller should I choose — LOGO!, S7-1200 or S7-1500?

LOGO! — simple tasks up to 24 inputs/outputs (pump, ventilation, lighting). S7-1200 — small and medium machines, integration with inverters and a panel. S7-1500 — complex lines, fast cycle, safety (F) functions, large data.

Can existing equipment be automated without buying new machines?

Yes — in most cases the old relay or obsolete controller cabinet is replaced with a new PLC and panel while the motors and mechanics remain. This is the most common and economical modernisation scenario.

What does compressor-station automation give?

A master controller runs several compressors on one pressure band, reduces idling and switches compressors according to load — typically 10–20% energy saving and equalised maintenance intervals; plus remote monitoring and alarms on your phone.

How long does an automation project take?

A simple cabinet with LOGO!/S7-1200 — 2–4 weeks including components; a process line with HMI and several inverters — 1–3 months. IESCO prepares the specification and quotation within a week.

Do you have Siemens components in stock?

Common items (S7-1200 CPUs and modules, LOGO!, Basic panels, SINAMICS V20/G120, power supplies) from stock or within 1–2 weeks, special items within 3–6 weeks. ☎ +995 32 206 01 00, office at 52 Avchala St., Tbilisi.