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STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) careers are the foundation of innovation, and as technology continues to evolve, it’s more important than ever to inspire and support young people entering the field.

One of the ways we’re helping shape that future is through hands-on experience and mentorship. Our Junior Automation Engineer, Charlie, is currently completing his Electrical Engineering Apprenticeship, gaining valuable real-world experience alongside our team of skilled engineers.

What makes Charlie’s journey especially meaningful to us is that many of our senior engineers started in exactly the same way, as apprentices eager to learn, problem-solve, and build something great. Their paths are a reminder that some of the most successful engineering careers start with curiosity, opportunity, and the right support network.

At EK, we’re proud to provide that environment. We know that developing future talent isn’t just about teaching technical skills, it’s about building confidence, creativity, and a lifelong passion for engineering.

By investing in people, we’re investing in the future of our industry. Every innovation starts with someone who was given the chance to learn, grow, and create something better.

Here’s to the next generation of engineers - and to a future powered by knowledge, collaboration, and innovation.

What was once about programming a machine to follow a set of fixed instructions has now evolved into building systems that can learn, adapt, and optimise themselves - creating smarter, safer, and more efficient industrial environments.

From Reactive to Predictive Automation

At EK, we’re seeing a major shift from traditional automation to intelligent, data-driven systems. AI and ML technologies enable machines to analyse performance data, recognise patterns, and make decisions, often before a human operator even needs to intervene.

This means maintenance that predicts failures before they happen, control systems that adapt to real-time conditions, and processes that continually refine themselves for maximum efficiency.

The EK Approach: Smarter Systems, Safer Operations

We’re integrating AI and ML into our automation and IIoT solutions to help clients unlock new levels of productivity and reliability. By combining real-time data with intelligent algorithms, our systems can:

• Predict and prevent downtime through proactive maintenance alerts

• Optimise energy usage and reduce waste across processes

• Enhance system safety with adaptive controls that respond to anomalies instantly

It’s automation that doesn’t just work harder - it thinks smarter.

Empowering People, Not Replacing Them

AI and automation aren’t about removing the human element; they’re about empowering teams to focus on higher-value tasks. By taking care of the repetitive, data-heavy operations, intelligent systems give people the space to innovate, make strategic decisions, and drive improvement.

The Future Is Intelligent

As AI and ML continue to evolve, the possibilities for industrial automation are expanding faster than ever. At EK, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of that journey, helping our clients build intelligent, connected systems that stand the test of time.

💡 Learn more about how we’re integrating intelligence into automation:
👉 https://www.ek-as.co.uk/solutions/software-solutions

In today’s connected world, where IT and OT are more intertwined than ever, cybersecurity has become the backbone of safe, reliable, and resilient industrial operations.

That’s why our IEC 62443 certification journey continues and this month, we’re proud to celebrate the next major milestone.

Congratulations to Kai Potter – Stage 2: OT Cyber Security Risk Assessment Specialist

Following the successful completion of his Stage 1 Fundamentals certification, our Director, Kai, has now achieved the IEC 62443 Risk Assessment Specialist certification.

This next stage of the journey dives deeper into the heart of operational technology security, focusing on how to identify, assess, and manage cyber risks within industrial environments. It’s a crucial step in ensuring that the systems we design are secure by design, from concept to commissioning.

Why This Matters

IEC 62443 is more than a global standard, it’s a framework that defines how industrial organisations can protect control systems from growing cyber threats. By investing in this training, EK is strengthening its capability to:

✅ Carry out detailed OT risk assessments
✅ Design and implement hardened, future-ready control architectures
✅ Bridge the IT/OT security gap across industries
✅ Support clients in meeting compliance requirements such as IEC 62443 and beyond

Our Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Cybersecurity isn’t a one-time effort, it’s a continuous process of learning, adapting, and improving.
For us, this certification isn’t just about recognition. It’s about ensuring every solution we deliver is secure, compliant, and resilient in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

As we progress through the IEC 62443 certification pathway, we’re building the internal expertise and frameworks that will allow us to better support asset owners, integrators, and manufacturers across the UK and beyond.

Looking Ahead

We’re incredibly proud of Kai for leading the way on this journey - and this is just the beginning. The next stages will take us even deeper into practical implementation and advisory-level certification, helping EK become a trusted partner for industrial cybersecurity excellence.

Because at EK, we believe the future of automation will only thrive when it’s built on security, collaboration, and continuous growth.

Charlie joins EK while completing his Electrical Engineering Apprenticeship, combining his formal training with hands-on experience in real-world automation projects.

At EK, we’re passionate about supporting the next generation of engineers, helping them develop their skills, gain confidence, and contribute to meaningful innovation within the industry. Charlie’s enthusiasm, curiosity, and commitment to learning make him a perfect fit for our growing engineering team.

As our project portfolio grows and new opportunities arise, talented individuals like Charlie are key to driving EK’s vision forward, creating automation solutions that are smart, secure, and sustainable.

Welcome to the team, Charlie - we’re excited to be part of your journey!

This month, we’re delighted to welcome Steven, who joins us as a Control Systems Engineer.

Steven brings with him a wealth of hands-on experience in engineering, maintenance, and control systems. Over his career, he’s worked across a variety of sectors, including manufacturing, field service, and R&D. His impressive background includes:

• Engineering Manager and Maintenance Engineer at Fibrestar Drums,

• Field Service Technician at NOV,

• and Production Maintenance Engineer at Kingsland Drinks.

Steven’s experience designing bespoke control systems and managing engineering operations makes him an invaluable addition to our growing team. His practical approach and technical expertise align perfectly with EK’s focus on delivering high-quality, future-ready automation solutions.

We’re thrilled to have Steven on board as we continue to strengthen our capabilities and expand our reach in the automation and control systems sector.

Welcome to the team, Steven, we’re looking forward to the exciting projects ahead!

Then: A Decade Ago

Ten years ago, automation systems were simpler but also more limited. The focus was on controlling processes, maintaining production speed, and reducing human error.

Typical features included:

• Standalone systems with little or no integration across sites.

• Manual monitoring, requiring constant operator oversight.

• Limited data visibility, with information trapped inside machines.

• A strong emphasis on efficiency over flexibility or intelligence.

These systems did their job well but lacked the connectivity and insight needed for modern, data-driven decision-making.

Now: Today’s Landscape

Modern automation has taken a giant leap forward. Instead of siloed machines, we now see fully integrated ecosystems where IT and OT work seamlessly together.

Today’s systems are defined by:

• IT/OT convergence that bridges enterprise systems with the factory floor.

• Real-time visibility through IIoT and advanced analytics.

• Cybersecurity by design, with standards like IEC 62443 guiding best practice.

• Smarter, more resilient systems that adapt to change and anticipate issues before they happen.

This evolution has transformed automation from a tool of efficiency into a driver of innovation, security, and sustainability.

Why the Shift Matters

The difference between then and now isn’t just about technology. It’s about what businesses can achieve:

• Faster, smarter decisions.

• Safer, more secure operations.

• Stronger resilience against downtime and cyber threats.

• A foundation for future innovation, from digital twins to AI.

At EK, we’ve seen how the right mix of SCADA systems, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) connectivity, and data analytics is transforming the way factories operate. By capturing, connecting, and interpreting data, manufacturers are unlocking new levels of performance, efficiency, and resilience.

Real-Time Visibility with SCADA

SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) has become the backbone of modern operations. By providing real-time monitoring and control, SCADA gives teams complete visibility of their processes. This means problems can be spotted and solved before they escalate, reducing downtime and helping keep production lines moving smoothly.

Connectivity Through IIoT

The IIoT connects machines, sensors, and systems across the factory floor. Instead of information being locked away in silos, data flows freely across the organisation. This connected approach enables smarter scheduling, predictive maintenance, and more efficient resource use, all of which are critical in a competitive manufacturing environment.

Insights from Analytics

Raw data only becomes powerful when it is analysed and acted upon. With advanced analytics, manufacturers can identify trends, anticipate issues, and make informed decisions that directly improve output. Whether it’s cutting energy use, reducing waste, or optimising maintenance schedules, analytics is the key to turning information into action.

Why It Matters

Data-driven decision making doesn’t just improve efficiency, it empowers people. By giving teams access to accurate, timely insights, they can focus on solving problems and driving improvements rather than reacting to crises. For businesses, this means greater resilience, better use of resources, and a stronger foundation for sustainable growth.

The EK Approach

At EK Automation, we don’t just supply systems, we build solutions that combine SCADA, IIoT, and analytics into one cohesive framework. From control panels to remote monitoring and SLA-backed support, our goal is to help manufacturers make smarter decisions every day.

Where Design Meets Craftsmanship

Each panel starts life in our design office, where our engineers use advanced tools like Siemens TIA Portal and AutoCAD to create intelligent, efficient layouts tailored to each customer’s needs.

Once the designs are signed off, our in-house fabrication team gets to work. Every cable, terminal, and component is selected with care, then fitted and labelled with meticulous attention to detail. This isn’t just about making a panel that works - it’s about building something that’s easy to operate, maintain, and expand in the future.

Quality You Can See and Trust

Before a panel leaves our facility, it undergoes thorough testing to ensure it meets industry standards, project specifications, and EK’s own high benchmarks for quality and safety. We test for performance, durability, and integration compatibility, so when it arrives on-site, it’s ready to deliver seamless automation from day one.

Why This Matters for Our Clients

Control panels may not always be in the spotlight, but they’re the nerve centres that keep industrial operations moving. A well-built panel means fewer breakdowns, easier troubleshooting, and greater operational efficiency - all of which save time and money.

Whether it’s a one-off custom build or part of a complete turnkey solution, our team ensures that every panel we produce reflects our commitment to intelligent automation and seamless performance.

That’s why we’re proud to announce the first major milestone in our cybersecurity journey: our team has officially begun the process of becoming fully certified in IEC 62443, the globally recognised standard for securing Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS).

Recently, our director, Kai, successfully earned the IEC 62443 Fundamentals Specialist certification. This foundational achievement demonstrates our understanding of essential cybersecurity concepts, threat models, and risk mitigation strategies specific to operational technology (OT) environments.

But this is just the beginning.

A Strategic Commitment to OT Security

We are now progressing into the IEC 62443 Assessment Specialist track, deepening our capabilities in conducting structured risk assessments, vulnerability evaluations, and gap analyses for industrial systems. This path will allow us to offer our clients expert-level guidance on:

• 🔍 OT Cybersecurity Assessments – tailored, risk-based evaluations that identify threats and vulnerabilities unique to each operation

• 🛡️ System Hardening & Secure Architecture – designing resilient systems that are secure by design

• 📜 Compliance Support – helping businesses align with IEC 62443, NIS2, and other regulatory frameworks

• 🔗 Bridging the IT/OT Divide – translating cybersecurity best practices from IT into industrial environments without compromising performance or uptime

We know that cybersecurity can feel like a daunting investment. But the cost of doing nothing — both financially and operationally is far greater.

Why This Matters

With the industrial threat landscape growing in scale and complexity, the demand for trusted partners who understand both automation and security is higher than ever. At EK, we are uniquely positioned to help because we live and breathe automation and now, we’re embedding cybersecurity into everything we do.

This certification journey reflects our wider commitment to helping manufacturers, utilities, and integrators safeguard their operations, protect their data, and future-proof their systems.

Let’s Secure Industry – Together

As we continue this certification process, we’ll be sharing insights, updates, and lessons learned along the way. Our aim is not just to become certified — but to become a valuable resource for those navigating the ever-evolving industrial cybersecurity landscape.

If you’re reviewing your OT security posture, working toward IEC 62443 or NIS2 compliance, or simply looking for guidance on where to start we’re here to help.

📩 Get in touch to find out how we can support your journey toward a safer, smarter industrial future.

The Most Common Contenders

From our experience across sectors like manufacturing, food & beverage, and logistics, here are some of the top areas businesses look to automate:

1. Production Lines

The heart of many operations, production lines are ideal for automation. Whether it’s PLC-controlled systems or robotics integration, automating production lines can significantly increase throughput and reduce downtime.

🔹 Stat: A study by PwC found that automated production can boost output by up to 30% while reducing errors by 25%.

2. Repetitive Administrative Tasks

It’s not always about machinery – automation has huge value in the office, too. Think data entry, scheduling, reporting, or inventory updates. These are prime candidates for automation using digital solutions or low-code platforms.

🔹 Stat: McKinsey reports that 60% of all occupations have at least 30% of activities that could be automated.

3. Reporting & Data Analysis

SCADA systems and smart dashboards allow for real-time data visibility and decision-making. Automating the reporting process means less time gathering data – and more time acting on it.

🔹 Stat: Businesses using automated analytics see 5x faster decision-making processes, according to IBM.

4. Upgrading Legacy Systems

Legacy control panels and outdated systems can be slow, unreliable, and insecure. Automating the upgrade process through modern SCADA, secure networks, and new control hardware is a game-changer for both safety and performance.

🔹 Stat: According to Deloitte, 42% of manufacturers say legacy systems are a key barrier to digital transformation.

What Would You Automate?

Whether it's shop floor automation, system upgrades, or improving remote monitoring through SCADA and SLAs, the options are vast. At EK Automation Systems Ltd, we help clients navigate these decisions every day – bringing intelligence to the factory floor.

🔧 From bespoke control panel builds to turnkey solutions, we’re here to make automation more accessible, cost-effective, and future-ready.