Cornerstone Automation regularly partners with RC Systems, Inc. Located in Hatfield, Pennsylvania, RC Systems is an industrial automation controls design house with strong expertise in process control equipment as well as control and electrical panel design for automated line integration. The alignment of RC Systems and Cornerstone’s particular areas of expertise, as well as their mutually high standard of product, is the perfect combination for a powerhouse partnership on collaborative projects.
RC Systems has operated as an industrial automation controls design house for more than 20 years. During that period, they have built a wealth of knowledge and experience in the design of process control equipment, including the design and implementation of PLCs, SCADA workstations, and panels. Their engineers can build customized control and electrical panels meeting both UL standards and N.E.C codes. The RC team primarily focuses its work on the material handling, conveyor manufacturers, transportation, and food industries.
RC Systems’ Alignment with Cornerstone
RC Systems’ strengths have a strong alignment with those of Cornerstone Automation. The companies frequently collaborate on projects, with the RC team providing the control panel assembly expertise, and Cornerstone providing programming and startup services. Leveraging each other’s strengths, they deliver the best product that meets the customer’s requirements.
Working together, the RC team will design and build a panel and determine the unique operational sequence to be followed for the project. From there, Cornerstone will perform the HMI and PLC programming and then follow through with startup. Cornerstone’s IT and Controls Engineer Tim Ferrin said, “We can provide up-to-date software development services quickly and accurately for any project requiring a PLC. While RC Systems focuses on electric design and implementation, Cornerstone’s wide industry experience allows us to provide excellence in programming and design.”
Excellence in Control and Electrical Panels
With 50 years in the control panel industry, Bob Stagliano, owner of RC Systems, is a master of his trade. He is dedicated to staying in touch with customers regarding a project’s requirements, design, and implementation. “RC Systems does nice work and Bob knows his craft and communicates well with the customer,” said Alan Ferrin, President at Cornerstone Automation. “We have also used RC for designing and building electrical panels, including UL-certified panels, as they are very thorough and have a high standard for panel design. They turn around our projects quickly which has made them an excellent resource.”
Likewise, RC Systems has recommended Cornerstone’s software development expertise in situations where its customers were unsatisfied with existing controls and programming. As a result, RC’s customers have enjoyed increased throughput and machinery optimization. Bob’s trust in Cornerstone’s work has resulted in direct interfacing with RC Systems customers, as needed. “We are in regular communication with RC Systems and will often interface directly with the customer on their behalf. This provides a seamless experience to the end customer and provides the quickest resolution to a problem without the RC team having to be involved – allowing them to continue with other projects uninterrupted,” said Alan Ferrin.
“Together, Cornerstone and RC Systems meticulously design and construct panels, establishing a distinctive operational sequence tailored to the project’s requirements,” explained Bob Stagliano. “Our focus on electrical design and implementation, combined with Cornerstone’s extensive industry experience, guarantees excellence in programming and design for any project involving PLCs.”
Collaborative Projects Completed with RC Systems
Together, Cornerstone Automation and RC Systems have taken on challenging projects sometimes requiring quick thinking due to changing customer requirements. “We have had to pivot on a moment’s notice to rewrite entire sections of code during FAT [Factory Acceptance Testing] or SAT [Site Acceptance Testing] because a customer’s requirements have changed,” noted Tim Ferrin. “We have also successfully integrated with other control systems that end customers have provided and configured. We can create solutions that are flexible enough to meet any startup requirements.”
Some examples of specific projects completed by Cornerstone Automation in collaboration with RC Systems are as follows:
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- Optimization of a five-year-old wholesale bread bakery conveyance system, for transfers of product from makeup to freezer, by programming improvements that yielded higher throughput rates.
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- Programmed and commissioned a potato chip packaging line with conveyance between unit equipment (sealer, erector, coder, and palletizer with interlocking).
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- Programmed and commissioned a potato chip manufacturer integrated packaging line from filler to case packing.
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- Programmed, implemented, and commissioned the integration of an accumulation conveyance system for medical vials, catering to the needs of a pharmaceutical OEM.
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- Programmed and commissioned a finished goods warehouse conveyance system (with multiple diverters, accumulators, scanners, & combiners) for a tractor parts distribution and fulfillment center.
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- Programmed and commissioned a plant-based meat substitute manufacturer production line with a conveyance system from chunking to palletizer and integration with unit equipment.
Cornerstone Automation values the partnership they have built with RC Systems. With a similar focus on excellence of product, timely delivery, and strong customer communication, the companies align well to deliver the best product possible for their customers.
For more information, visit RC Systems and Cornerstone Automation.
