Modernizing Automation: Unlocking Reliability, Security, and Scalability
Authors:
- Premanand Vettukattil
- Muthukumar Venugopal
Why Automation Upgrades matter?
With nearly 80 years of experience in industrial processing, Desmet has seen firsthand how plants evolve over time. Equipment ages, technologies shift, and operational demands grow. Refurbishment and automation upgrades are not just inevitable - they’re a logical and necessary part of maintaining a plant’s performance and competitiveness.
Based on our long-standing experience, we know that modern automation systems typically require updates every 8 to 10 years. This is a critical milestone that every plant manager should be aware of. Delaying upgrades can expose operations to significant risks.
At Desmet, we view automation upgrades not merely as technical enhancements, but as strategic investments in operational excellence, reliability, and long-term business resilience.
Desmet’s Modernization Approach
To address these issues, Desmet offers a comprehensive automation upgrade solution tailored to each plant’s needs. Our approach replaces legacy PLCs, SCADA platforms, and industrial computers with modern, secure, and scalable systems - designed to integrate seamlessly with existing operations. How do we do it? Here is step-by-step overview of upgrade process by Desmet.
Overview of Desmet Upgrade Process
To address these issues, Desmet offers a comprehensive automation upgrade solution tailored to each plant’s needs. Our approach replaces legacy PLCs, SCADA platforms, and industrial computers with modern, secure, and scalable systems - designed to integrate seamlessly with existing operations. How do we do it? Here is step-by-step overview of upgrade process by Desmet.
Step 1: Assessment Phase – Evaluate current infrastructure to identify outdated components and areas for improvement.
Step 2: Planning Phase – Select appropriate hardware and software, define timeline and resources.
Step 3: Implementation Phase – Install new PLCs, SCADA systems, and integrate them with existing processes.
Step 4: Training and Support – Train the staff to operate systems and ensure ongoing support to maintain performance.
Real Results from Real Plants
These upgrades deliver measurable impact. One customer in the Middle East had been operating on a SCADA system that was no longer supported. Frequent shutdowns and slow diagnostics were affecting production. After partnering with Desmet, they saw a 30% improvement in uptime and significantly faster response times.
In another case, a plant in India transitioned to a new PLC platform with our support. The upgrade resolved recurring maintenance issues and improved overall system stability —without interrupting operations.
“The transition to the new PLC platform was seamless. Desmet’s team provided excellent support and training throughout the process. Our frequent maintenance/shutdown issues were resolved.” — E&I Manager, India
Let's Talk Modernization
If your facility is still relying on outdated automation systems, now is the time to act. Desmet’s team is ready to help you modernize with solutions that enhance reliability, improve performance, and prepare your operations for the future.
