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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Legacy control panels and outdated systems can be slow, unreliable, and insecure.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.

What is BS EN 60204-1?

BS EN 60204-1 is the British and European standard for the electrical equipment of machines, covering everything from wiring practices to operator interface design. It’s designed to ensure that equipment is safe, functional, and fit for purpose, protecting both machinery and personnel.

Compliance with this standard is not just a checkbox - it’s a critical part of delivering dependable automation solutions that are built to last.

How EK Automation Delivers to Standard

✅ Safe by Design
We incorporate the BS EN 60204-1 requirements into our control panel design from the ground up. This includes correct component selection, protection against electric shock, clear labelling, and sound wiring practices.

✅ Tested and Verified
Before any panel leaves our workshop, it undergoes rigorous testing, including insulation resistance, functionality checks, and continuity testing, in line with the standard's guidance.

✅ Skilled, Certified Team
Our electrical engineers and panel builders are trained and experienced in applying BS EN 60204-1 principles. We stay up to date with changes to ensure we always remain compliant.

✅ Customer Confidence
Our clients can be confident that their machinery will be safe, legal, and ready for CE or UKCA marking when installed — helping reduce delays, rework, and costly errors during commissioning.

Why It Matters

When you work with EK Automation, you're not just getting a control panel - you're getting peace of mind. BS EN 60204-1 compliance isn’t just a requirement; it’s part of the quality guarantee we deliver to every customer.

Engineered with Precision

Each project we undertake is built with one goal in mind: to provide intelligent, reliable automation systems that support our clients’ success. Our control panels are no exception. Whether we’re designing systems for process automation, energy management, or full SCADA integration, we ensure that every panel is tailored to meet the specific operational needs of the client.

Using trusted components, professional-grade tooling, and industry best practices, our experienced engineering team brings together performance, efficiency, and future-readiness in every build. From layout to labelling, every detail is intentional – because we know the difference it makes in the field.

Full In-House Build & Testing

Our in-house capabilities allow us to maintain strict control over build quality, testing, and compliance. Before any panel leaves our facility, it undergoes thorough inspection and functional testing to verify performance, safety, and reliability. This gives our clients complete confidence that their systems will integrate smoothly and operate exactly as intended.

We support every panel we produce with long-term service level agreements (SLAs), ensuring peace of mind and ongoing technical support beyond installation.

Why EK?

✔️ Tailored design – built to your exact operational requirements
✔️ In-house production – maintaining quality at every stage
✔️ Fully tested & documented – for performance and compliance
✔️ Backed by SLA support – ensuring long-term system health

Take a look behind the scenes at the craftsmanship and engineering that power your automation – it’s just one part of how we help businesses become more connected, efficient, and future-ready.

Smarter Systems, Stronger Results

From our workshop to your production line, everything we do is about performance, precision, and progress. Our automation systems are designed to:

• Enhance productivity by reducing manual intervention

• Streamline operations with intuitive, integrated controls

• Future-proof businesses through scalable and adaptive technologies

Whether it's a single control panel or a full turnkey solution, we focus on delivering reliable systems that empower our clients to achieve more.

Behind the Scenes at EK

We’re proud of the work we do, and the people who make it happen. From the initial design phase to final assembly and testing, every project is a team effort rooted in experience, innovation, and attention to detail.

Take a look behind the scenes: Our latest photos offer a glimpse into our shop floor, our team in action, and the intelligent panels we’re building every day. It’s all part of the process that transforms ideas into industry-ready solutions.

At EK Automation Systems Ltd, we’re not just passionate about automation we’re passionate about people. That’s why we were thrilled to sponsor the drinks package at Stockport Rocks, a fantastic community event run by Sector 3, which celebrates and honours local volunteers.

Sector 3 is a hub for Stockport’s voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector. Their goal? To champion the amazing individuals and organisations that make Stockport such a special place to live and work. Stockport Rocks is their flagship event, an evening dedicated to celebrating the people behind the scenes who generously give their time, energy and heart to support their communities.

We were proud to support this incredible evening by sponsoring the drinks package. It’s our small way of saying “cheers” to the real rockstars, the volunteers. We might design complex control systems by day, but by night we love raising a glass to good company and community spirit.

We’re committed to giving back to the areas that support us, and we believe strong communities are the foundation of a better future, both in and outside of the workplace.

At EK, we believe great support shouldn’t just be fast, it should also be smart, efficient, and sustainable.

That’s why our remote support services are built into everything we do. Whether it's a routine system check or troubleshooting an unexpected issue, our team can often diagnose and resolve problems without ever needing to travel to site.

Thanks to our integrated SCADA systems and well-defined Service Level Agreements (SLAs), we can monitor your automation setup in real-time, identify potential issues early, and provide immediate solutions. For our customers, this means:

• Less Downtime – Fast response and resolution keeps your operations running.

• Reduced Costs – Fewer site visits = lower costs for both you and the planet.

• Smaller Carbon Footprint – Supporting you remotely cuts emissions and makes your automation journey more sustainable.

Remote support is just one of the ways we’re rethinking how automation should work — efficient, responsive, and environmentally conscious.

We’re thrilled to announce our sponsorship of our local cricket club. While you won’t see us out on the pitch scoring centuries (we’ll leave that to the pros), you will spot our banner proudly displayed around the ground and we have to say, it looks pretty sharp!

Giving Back Where It Matters

We believe in giving back to the places and people that shape who we are. Supporting local organisations, whether through charity, partnerships, or grassroots sport, is a core part of how we operate. This sponsorship is just one small way we can help foster community spirit, healthy competition, and good old-fashioned teamwork.

Here’s to a Brilliant Season

To the club and its players — we’ll be backing you every step (or swing) of the way. Thank you for letting EK be a part of your journey this season. We’re proud to support such a dedicated group of people who bring our community together through sport.

We're equally dedicated to reducing our environmental impact and supporting a more sustainable future. Through small, deliberate changes in the way we operate, we're striving to make a big difference. Here’s how we’re putting sustainability into action:

1. Electric Vehicles
Transportation is one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions. That’s why our team uses electric vehicles for client site visits and commutes. This shift has already helped us significantly reduce our carbon footprint while maintaining the same high level of service.

2. Remote Monitoring & Support
Our automation solutions are built with remote access capabilities, allowing for diagnostics, updates, and system support without the need for travel. Fewer site visits mean less fuel consumption and reduced emissions, while clients benefit from quicker response times and cost savings.

3. Paperless Processes
We've moved away from paper-based systems, transitioning to fully digital project management, cloud-based documentation, and e-reporting. By reducing unnecessary printing, we save resources and increase efficiency across the board.

4. Employee Awareness & Eco-Friendly Culture
Sustainability is a team effort. We actively encourage our staff to adopt greener habits, including cycling or carpooling to work and reducing energy use in the workplace. This culture of awareness is something we foster both in and out of the office.

Looking Ahead
As we continue to innovate in the world of automation, we’re also focused on evolving how we work to leave a lighter footprint on the planet. Our clients trust us to bring efficiency and reliability to their operations — and we’re proud to deliver that with sustainability in mind.

If you're looking to partner with a forward-thinking automation provider who values the planet as much as performance, let's talk.

#Sustainability #GreenAutomation #EcoInnovation #EKA #IndustrialAutomation #CarbonReduction #AutomationForGood

How We Help You Succeed

Control Panel Design & Build
We create bespoke control panels from concept to commissioning, engineered to meet exacting industry standards and customised to your operational needs.

PLC & HMI Programming
Our engineers craft smart, scalable software solutions tailored to your process requirements. Seamless, secure, and built for performance.

System Integration & Upgrades
Outdated system? No problem. We modernise and integrate new technologies into your existing setup with minimal disruption and maximum results.

Data & IIoT Solutions
Connect your systems to the future. We help you unlock actionable insights through real-time data, dashboards, and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) capabilities.

Ongoing Support & Maintenance
Our service doesn't stop at delivery. We offer comprehensive support and maintenance to keep your systems running efficiently for the long term.

Security You Can Trust

We are proud to be Cyber Essentials Certified, giving you peace of mind that our systems and your data are protected against today’s digital threats.

Why EK Automation Systems?

Innovation is at the core of what we do. With decades of combined experience, our team is passionate about creating smart, reliable, and future-focused automation solutions.

Let’s work together to make your operations smarter, faster, and more efficient.

Contact us today to discuss how we can support your business.

At EK, we work closely with businesses across multiple sectors, helping them unlock the full potential of automation. But even with cutting-edge tools, many organisations are still facing real challenges.

So, we asked:
“What’s the biggest challenge in industrial automation today?”
Here’s what we’ve seen (and heard) as the most common roadblocks:

 1. Old Systems That Don’t Work with New Tech

Many companies are still using legacy systems—older machines and software that don’t easily connect with today’s smart technologies. Integrating these with new platforms can be slow, expensive, or even impossible without a full upgrade. This makes innovation harder than it should be.

2. Not Enough Skilled People

Automation is growing faster than the available talent pool. Whether it’s engineers, technicians, or data specialists, there’s a clear skills gap. Without the right people in place to design, install, and maintain automated systems, progress often stalls.

3. It’s Too Expensive to Get Started

Initial costs—equipment, software, training, and downtime during setup—can be a big deterrent, especially for small and mid-sized businesses. Even if the long-term return on investment is strong, the short-term investment can feel overwhelming.

4. Concerns About Data and Cybersecurity

More automation means more data. And more data means more risk. From cyberattacks to data leaks, businesses are right to be cautious. Strong cybersecurity needs to be built into every solution from the ground up—but not everyone knows where to start.

💬 What Do You Think?

We’re running a LinkedIn poll right now to get your thoughts. Join the conversation, vote, and see what others in the industry are saying:

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