Industrial automation skills matrix template

Overview Copied

With our free industrial automation skills matrix template, you will receive a clear overview of the skills that are present in your organization, as well as those that are missing. Using this information, you can develop and implement a plan to ensure that your employees’ skills are up to date, comprehensive, compliant, and ready for the future.

Automation systems and architecture

• Understanding of automation system architecture (PLC, SCADA, DCS)
• Designing automation control systems
• Programming PLCs (e.g., Siemens, Allen Bradley, Mitsubishi)
• Designing and configuring SCADA systems
• Distributed Control Systems (DCS) setup and maintenance
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet/IP)
• Integration of automation systems with IT infrastructure

PLC programming and troubleshooting

• Programming ladder logic, function block diagrams, and structured text
• Testing and debugging PLC programs
• Diagnosing and troubleshooting PLC-related issues
• Understanding PLC hardware components
• Configuring and programming I/O modules
• Networking PLCs across multiple systems

Robotics and automation equipment

• Installation and configuration of industrial robots
• Programming robotic systems for automation
• Robot motion control and kinematics
• Integration of robots with PLCs and control systems
• Maintenance and troubleshooting of robotic equipment
• Knowledge of robotic programming languages (e.g., RAPID, KRL, URScript)

HMI/SCADA development and implementation

• Design and configuration of HMI interfaces
• SCADA system programming and configuration
• Real-time monitoring and data acquisition using SCADA systems
• Alarm management and notification systems
• Implementing control and monitoring strategies in SCADA
• Visualization and data reporting in SCADA systems

Industrial networks and communication

• Configuring industrial networks for automation systems
• Understanding fieldbus protocols (e.g., Modbus, Profibus)
• Ethernet/IP network configuration and troubleshooting
• Wireless communication in industrial environments
• Network security and remote access control
• Data communication between automation layers

Control system design and integration

• Designing control loops and automation processes
• Control system integration with existing manufacturing processes
• PID tuning and optimization
• Distributed Control System (DCS) integration
• Ensuring seamless integration of multiple automation systems

Data analysis and reporting

• Data acquisition from automation systems (e.g., historians, OPC)
• Analyzing production data for process optimization
• Use of industrial data analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python)
• Reporting production and performance metrics
• Predictive maintenance using data analytics

Safety systems and standards

• Implementation of safety PLCs and safety controllers
• Functional safety standards (e.g., ISO 13849, IEC 61508)
• Designing machine safety interlocks and fail-safe systems
• Lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures for automation systems
• Risk assessment for automated systems
• Emergency stop and safeguarding strategies

Industrial IoT and smart manufacturing

• Integration of IoT sensors into automation systems
• Smart factory concepts and digital twin implementation
• Cloud connectivity for automation systems (e.g., AWS IoT, Azure IoT)
• Use of edge computing in industrial automation
• Predictive maintenance with Industrial IoT (IIoT)

Related skills Copied

Technical skills: Technical skills in industrial automation are essential for designing, programming, and troubleshooting automated systems. Certifications that can prove technical skills include the Certified Automation Professional (CAP) certification from the International Society of Automation (ISA) and the Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) certification from the ISA.

Analytical skills: Analytical skills are important for diagnosing and resolving issues with automated systems. The Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) certification from the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS) can prove analytical skills.

Project management: Project management skills are important for delivering automated systems on time and within budget. The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) can prove project management skills.

Communication skills: Communication skills are essential for collaborating with other team members, customers, and stakeholders. The Certified Professional in Business Communication (CPBC) certification from the Association for Talent Development (ATD) can prove effective communication skills.

Safety: Safety is a critical concern in industrial automation, and professionals in this field should have a strong understanding of safety standards and regulations. The Certified Functional Safety Professional (CFSP) certification from TÜV Rheinland can prove safety skills in industrial automation.

Benefits Copied

Skills management software for manufacturing can be useful in the industrial automation industry by helping to identify and manage employee skill gaps, ensuring workers are properly trained, and improving safety and efficiency in the workplace.

Download the free Excel Industrial automation skills matrix template Copied

We also have a free Excel template available that you can download if you are not ready to get started with AG5. To download it, please complete this form here.

Author Copied

Wais

With a decade of experience, Wais leads our Customer Success team, providing exceptional customer experiences at AG5. Find him cooking a feast or hosting his podcasts in his spare time.

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