Control System Engineering & Integration

Full-Service Control System Engineering with 150+ Combined Years of Experience

ACI's team of engineers has 150+ combined years of factory automation and engineering experience encompassing the design, programming, and installation of complete production lines; upgrading and modernization of equipment; drive system replacements; and much more for companies in a broad range of industries.

As a trusted control system engineering partner and authorized system integrator, ACI delivers turnkey solutions with single-point responsibility—from initial design through final commissioning. Whether you need PLC programming, HMI integration, legacy control migration, or full electrical systems integration, our engineers have the expertise to get it done right.

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Our Control Engineering Services

ACI handles every phase of your control system project under one roof.

Inside the Logic: A Technical Look at PLCs and Their Role in Automation

PLC Programming

Whatever your PLC of choice is, ACI's talented engineers have the expertise. Rockwell, Beckhoff, Siemens, you name it—we've got you covered. As an authorized Rockwell integrator, we can handle the micro and nano series up through ControlLogix.

We provide fully annotated PLC programs written clearly and concisely, suited for your specific application. Whether your application is machine or process control for any industry, our engineers have the solutions. We also follow our projects through start-up, assuring complete satisfaction and single-point responsibility.

Supported PLC Platforms:

  • Rockwell / Allen Bradley®
  • Siemens®
  • Beckhoff®
  • Schneider®
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Human Machine Interface (HMI) Integration

Operator interface to your machine or process is critical to your production. Our talented engineers have spent many hours on the factory floor and know what is required to produce structured, standardized, clear, and easy-to-use graphic screens to optimize your production.

Working closely with your staff, we develop HMI solutions on any platform—Rockwell PanelView or PC-based products such as Inductive Automation, AVEVA, CiTect / Schneider, and many others.

Supported HMI Platforms:

  • Rockwell®
  • Inductive Automation®
  • AVEVA®
  • Citect / Schneider®
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Electrical Systems Integration

Since our inception in 1995, ACI has been integrating legacy machines and processes with state-of-the-art control systems. Integrating critical legacy equipment while upgrading others is our specialty.

The ACI team provides complete turnkey integration by working closely with your team on sequencing and functional requirements. We can provide the full design package—wiring diagrams, network architecture, P&IDs—along with PLC and HMI programming, panel build, electrical installation, and start-up services. This assures you of a successful project and single-point responsibility.

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Control Panel Design

Our experienced engineers can design any control panel, console, or MCC to your specifications using the latest version of AutoCAD Electrical. Drawing packages include:

  • Panel layouts
  • Detailed bills of material with vendor part numbers
  • Network architecture and P&IDs
  • Clear, easy-to-read drawings with cross-referencing and detailed notes

We can also design to any UL panel classification required. For custom control panels, visit our dedicated control panels page.

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Start-Up Services

Everyone knows that start-up is where the rubber meets the road. A control system by ACI is not complete unless one or more of our talented engineers are onsite performing a complete start-up. That includes:

  • Loop checks
  • Drive system start-up and tuning
  • Process sequencing
  • HMI and data collection verification

We have provided start-up services across the US and internationally for our clients. Trust your project to the team of engineers at ACI.

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Legacy Control Migration

Trust your PLC, HMI, or drive system upgrade or migration to the experienced engineers at ACI. Our vast experience affords us expertise in both legacy and current technologies. We have performed many manufacturers' legacy control upgrades, including Rockwell, Allen Bradley, GE, and others.

Real-World Example: A recent project at a chemical plant had an obsolete GE PLC processor and could not afford any downtime. Our engineers provided a solution by utilizing the existing GE Genius I/O and installing a new AB ControlLogix PLC—fully loaded and tested before installation. The new AB PLC communicated directly to the existing GE I/O, saving hundreds of hours of installation time and thousands of dollars.

Trusted by Leading Manufacturers & OEMs

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Industries & Markets We Serve

Automotive

Automotive manufacturing demands precision, repeatability, and minimal downtime. ACI supports OEMs and Tier suppliers with automation, controls, panel fabrication, and industrial electrical installation solutions designed to keep high-speed production lines operating safely and efficiently.

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Chemicals

Chemical processing environments require strict safety standards, hazardous-area expertise, and reliable control systems. ACI delivers automation and electrical solutions built for complex batch and continuous processes while meeting demanding regulatory and safety requirements.

Learn More

Energy

Energy facilities rely on dependable control systems and robust electrical infrastructure. ACI provides integration, modernization, and installation services that support safe, efficient power generation, distribution, and process reliability.

Learn More

Environmental Remediation

Environmental remediation projects demand precision, monitoring, and dependable process control. ACI designs and installs automation and electrical systems that support treatment processes, regulatory compliance, and long-term operational performance.

Learn More

Food & Beverage

Food and beverage operations require consistent quality, traceability, and minimal production interruptions. ACI delivers automation and electrical solutions that enhance throughput, maintain compliance, and improve overall plant efficiency.

Learn More

Glass

Glass manufacturing involves high temperatures, continuous processes, and demanding production schedules. ACI provides control system integration and electrical services that improve process stability, equipment reliability, and plant performance.

Learn More

Manufacturing

From discrete to process manufacturing, facilities depend on reliable automation and electrical systems. ACI partners with manufacturers to modernize equipment, streamline operations, and support safe, efficient production environments.

Learn More

Paper

Paper mills operate complex, high-speed systems where downtime is costly. ACI delivers control system upgrades, industrial electrical installations, and integration solutions that enhance reliability, improve process visibility, and support continuous operation.

Learn More

Packaging

High-speed packaging lines demand synchronized automation and precise control. ACI designs and integrates systems that improve line efficiency, reduce downtime, and support seamless communication between machinery and plant systems.

Learn More

Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceutical manufacturing requires strict compliance, detailed process control, and reliable documentation. ACI supports pharma facilities with automation and electrical solutions built for regulated environments and consistent, repeatable production.

Learn More

Plastics

Plastics and extrusion operations rely on accurate temperature control, drive systems, and synchronized processes. ACI provides automation and electrical expertise that improves product consistency, reduces waste, and increases production uptime.

Learn More

Steel

Steel facilities operate in rugged, high-demand environments where reliability is critical. ACI delivers durable control systems and electrical solutions that withstand harsh conditions while improving process control and operational efficiency.

Learn More

Vinyl & Film

Vinyl and film production requires tight process control and consistent material handling. ACI integrates automation and electrical systems that enhance quality control, line synchronization, and overall production performance.

Learn More

Wire & Cable

Wire and cable manufacturing depends on precise tension control, extrusion accuracy, and coordinated line operation. ACI provides automation and electrical solutions that support consistent output, reduced scrap, and dependable plant performance.

Learn More

Industries & Markets We Serve

Delivering precision automation across high-impact sectors.

Automotive

Automotive manufacturing demands precision, repeatability, and minimal downtime. ACI supports OEMs and Tier suppliers with automation, controls, panel fabrication, and electrical installation solutions designed to keep high-speed production lines operating safely and efficiently.
Learn More

Chemicals

Chemical processing environments require strict safety standards, hazardous-area expertise, and reliable control systems. ACI delivers automation and electrical solutions built for complex batch and continuous processes while meeting demanding regulatory and safety requirements.
Learn More

Energy

Energy facilities rely on dependable control systems and robust electrical infrastructure. ACI provides integration, modernization, and installation services that support safe, efficient power generation, distribution, and process reliability.
Learn More

Environmental Remediation

Environmental remediation projects demand precision, monitoring, and dependable process control. ACI designs and installs automation and electrical systems that support treatment processes, regulatory compliance, and long-term operational performance.
Learn More

Food & Beverage

Food and beverage operations require consistent quality, traceability, and minimal production interruptions. ACI delivers automation and electrical solutions that enhance throughput, maintain compliance, and improve overall plant efficiency.
Learn More

Glass

Glass manufacturing involves high temperatures, continuous processes, and demanding production schedules. ACI provides control system integration and electrical services that improve process stability, equipment reliability, and plant performance.
Learn More

Manufacturing

From discrete to process manufacturing, facilities depend on reliable automation and electrical systems. ACI partners with manufacturers to modernize equipment, streamline operations, and support safe, efficient production environments.
Learn More

Paper

Paper mills operate complex, high-speed systems where downtime is costly. ACI delivers control system upgrades, electrical installations, and integration solutions that enhance reliability, improve process visibility, and support continuous operation.
Learn More

Packaging

High-speed packaging lines demand synchronized automation and precise control. ACI designs and integrates systems that improve line efficiency, reduce downtime, and support seamless communication between machinery and plant systems.
Learn More

Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceutical manufacturing requires strict compliance, detailed process control, and reliable documentation. ACI supports pharma facilities with automation and electrical solutions built for regulated environments and consistent, repeatable production.
Learn More

Plastics

Plastics and extrusion operations rely on accurate temperature control, drive systems, and synchronized processes. ACI provides automation and electrical expertise that improves product consistency, reduces waste, and increases production uptime.
Learn More

Steel

Steel facilities operate in rugged, high-demand environments where reliability is critical. ACI delivers durable control systems and electrical solutions that withstand harsh conditions while improving process control and operational efficiency.
Learn More

Vinyl & Film

Vinyl and film production requires tight process control and consistent material handling. ACI integrates automation and electrical systems that enhance quality control, line synchronization, and overall production performance.
Learn More

Wire & Cable

Wire and cable manufacturing depends on precise tension control, extrusion accuracy, and coordinated line operation. ACI provides automation and electrical solutions that support consistent output, reduced scrap, and dependable plant performance.
Learn More

Authorized Integrators & Certified Partners

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Why Choose ACI as Your Control System Integrator?

150+ combined years of experience

Deep expertise across machine control, process control, and multi-industry applications

Single-point responsibility

One team owns design, programming, installation, and start-up—no need for contracts with multiple vendor

Authorized integrator status

Certified on Rockwell, AVEVA, Inductive Automation, ThinManager, and ICONICS platforms

Nationwide start-up services

Engineers travel across the US and internationally to commission your system onsite

Legacy + modern technology expertise

We work with what you have and upgrade where it matters most

In business since 1995

Decades of proven performance across a wide range of industries

Need factory floor data collection alongside your controls work?

Our FIN (Factory Intelligence Network) integrates directly with your new or existing control systems to deliver real-time production insights.

What Our Clients Say

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"ACI has been our go-to systems integrator for over 15 years. Their depth of PLC knowledge and commitment to on-time delivery is unmatched in the industry."

JM
James Mitchell
Plant Manager — Eastman Chemical
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"The custom control panels ACI built for our pharmaceutical facility are exceptional — UL-certified, perfectly documented, and delivered ahead of schedule."

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Sarah Reynolds
Engineering Director — GlaxoSmithKline
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"Their FIN data collection system transformed how we view our plant floor. Real-time OEE data drives daily decisions and improved our efficiency by 18%."

DK
David Kowalski
VP Operations — WestRock

Control System Engineering: FAQs

  • What is control system engineering?

    Control system engineering involves designing, programming, and integrating automated systems that control machines and processes in industrial environments.

  • What do control system engineering services include?

    Control system engineering covers PLC programming, HMI development, electrical integration, panel design, startup, and legacy migration. At ACI, it means one team handles the full lifecycle from design through commissioning—so your system is built, tested, and brought online with a single point of responsibility.

  • What does a control systems integrator do?

    A control systems integrator connects hardware, software, and processes—such as PLCs, HMIs, and electrical systems—into a unified, fully functioning automation system.

  • What industries use control system engineering?

    ACI has delivered control system engineering solutions across a broad range of industries, including automotive, chemicals, energy, food and beverage, glass, packaging, pharmaceuticals, plastics, steel, paper, vinyl and film, and wire and cable manufacturing.

  • What is the difference between PLC and HMI?

    A PLC controls machine logic and processes, while an HMI provides a user interface for operators to monitor and interact with the system.

  • Which PLC platforms does ACI support?

    ACI supports a wide range of PLC platforms, including Rockwell / Allen Bradley, Siemens, Beckhoff, and Schneider.

  • Can you integrate legacy equipment with new controls?

    Yes. Legacy control migration is a core part of the service. ACI regularly upgrades older PLC, HMI, and drive systems while preserving critical equipment where possible—reducing downtime, lowering installation costs, and extending the life of existing assets.

  • When should I upgrade legacy control systems?

    You should consider upgrading when systems become obsolete, unreliable, difficult to maintain, or incompatible with modern technologies.

  • Do you provide startup and commissioning support?

    Yes. Startup is included as a key part of every project, not an afterthought. ACI performs loop checks, drive tuning, sequencing validation, and HMI verification onsite to make sure the system works as intended before project closeout.

  • How long does a control system integration project take?

    Timelines vary based on complexity, but projects can range from a few weeks for upgrades to several months for full system implementations.

  • Why choose a control system integrator instead of managing vendors separately?

    A single integrator reduces coordination risk, speeds up troubleshooting, and keeps accountability clear. With ACI, engineering, programming, panel design, installation, and startup are aligned under one team, which helps avoid gaps between design intent and field execution.

Get Started with Control System Engineering

Talk to Our Team About Your Project