Factory Automation Project Summary
Industrial Automation Specialist | PLC & Control Systems Expert | Delivered Automation Solutions for Automotive, Pharma, and FMCG Sectors
With hands-on experience in the industrial automation sector, I’ve led the design and deployment of tailored automation solutions across multiple high-demand industries—including automotive, pharmaceuticals, logistics, food and beverage, and pulp and paper. During my time at Planet T&S (Thailand), I advanced from R&D Engineer to Project Manager, driving end-to-end project execution for major clients such as General Motors Thailand, Ford Motors Thailand, Hutchison Ports, Interthai Pharmaceuticals, KCG Biscuits, and Double A.
My work focused on PLC-based automation (primarily Siemens TIA Portal and Step 7), industrial robotics integration, and control system optimization to enhance factory throughput and compliance with safety and regulatory standards. I’ve managed cross-functional teams, sourced components, coordinated with clients, and delivered automation systems that significantly boosted operational efficiency, quality, and system reliability across complex manufacturing settings.
Automotive Manufacturing
Ford Motors Thailand – Body Shop (Ford Ranger, EcoSport, Fiesta, Focus)
I spearheaded the development and deployment of an advanced quality control (QC) station positioned just before the paint shop. This system utilized 12 industrial cameras, integrated with SICK vision sensors and Siemens PLCs, to inspect vehicle bodies for structural and assembly defects. The QC station significantly enhanced early defect detection, ensuring compliance with quality standards prior to painting.
General Motors Thailand—Powertrain Division (Colorado Engine Assembly)
I implemented a factory process improvement to verify piston-to-crankshaft clearance after crankshaft installation—critical for maintaining optimal combustion pressure. This involved integrating Panasonic distance sensors and modifying the existing Siemens PLC logic to include a dedicated QC checkpoint. The solution became a standardized step in GM’s assembly line process.
Additionally, I deployed Cognex handheld barcode readers to enable comprehensive traceability of engine components throughout the assembly process, improving part tracking and production data accuracy.
Port & Logistics
Hutchison port, Thailand
At Hutchison Ports, I designed and implemented a custom early collision detection system for Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes, aimed at preventing accidents involving other RTGs, vehicles, and personnel within the port yard. These collisions posed significant safety risks and financial liabilities.
To address this, I integrated SICK radar sensors with Siemens PLCs, creating a real-time monitoring and alert system tailored to the port’s operational environment. The system provided early warnings and automated responses, significantly reducing the likelihood of collisions and improving overall yard safety. This solution was customized to fit the movement logic and operational dynamics of RTG cranes, offering a cost-effective and scalable safety enhancement for port operations.
Custom Fully Automated Warehouse – Pilot Project at Planet T&S (Thailand)
I was a key member of the development team that designed and built a fully automated warehouse system entirely from scratch, as part of a pioneering pilot project at Planet T&S. The goal was to create a cost-effective, locally engineered warehouse automation solution for the Thai market.
The system featured a 7-story racking structure with a rail-guided picking robot that operated across levels using horizontal tracks and a vertical lift for storage and retrieval. Laser Guided Vehicles (LGVs) were used to transport packages between the warehouse and outbound stations.
The entire system was managed through a custom-built Warehouse Management System (WMS) GUI, with machine-level communication handled via TCP/IP protocols interfacing with Siemens PLCs. From mechanical layout and software architecture to communication protocols and control logic, every component was conceptualized, designed, and implemented in-house by our engineering team.
This project served as a proof of concept for scalable and affordable warehouse automation tailored to regional logistics needs.
Pharmaceuticals
Interthai Pharmasutical, Thailand
At Interthai Pharmaceuticals, I developed a vision-based inspection system for an automated packaging machine to ensure the presence of medication in foil blister packs—a critical requirement in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
The challenge addressed was the risk of incomplete blister cards during the initial stages of packaging, which could lead to product defects and regulatory non-compliance. I implemented a custom solution using Cognex VisionPro integrated with Siemens PLCs, enabling real-time detection of missing tablets before final sealing. This system significantly improved quality assurance, minimized product waste, and strengthened compliance with GMP standards.
Food & Beverage
KCG biscuits, Thailand
At KCG Biscuits, I implemented a packaging quality control solution on an existing automated biscuit production line to ensure that each packet consistently contained the recommended number of biscuits—an essential requirement for maintaining product standards and brand integrity.
Using SICK distance sensors and Siemens PLCs, I developed a real-time verification system that monitored the quantity of biscuits before sealing. The system triggered alerts or halted the process if under-filled packets were detected, reducing product rejects and increasing packaging accuracy. This initiative was part of a continuous process improvement strategy aimed at enhancing quality assurance and operational efficiency on the factory floor.
Pulp & Paper
Double A, Thailand
At Double A, I developed and deployed a machine vision-based traceability system to automate the identification and tracking of paper bundles within the warehouse. The solution involved capturing QR codes on paper bundles and updating the Warehouse Management System (WMS) in real time.
This system was built using Cognex In-Sight vision cameras, Siemens PLCs, and a custom interface developed in Visual Basic, ensuring seamless communication between the shop floor and the warehouse database. The implementation improved inventory accuracy, reduced manual entry errors, and enhanced the overall efficiency of warehouse operations.