Independent system integrators were few in number and minor in terms of economic impact. The rest described themselves as shown here. Some chose multiple descriptions. Distributors have added engineering services to supplement product sales. Software houses, especially PLC programmers, have begun installing hardware while panel shops have gotten into the programming business.
Reasons vary, but virtually all relate to better serving a client's needs.
Large and small Larger, more general purpose engineering companies capable of building entire factories have also gotten into the system integration business. Although we are typically a process engineering company, ESG is in business to provide professional engineering services of the greatest value to manufacturing enterprises throughout the world. If systems integration is required, then ESG will provide it. President Marvin Menzin notes that the design and installation of a plant's automated equipment has become a key step in many integration projects. Our work must be started earlier than the system integration effort so that a proven machine or equipment process is in place prior, to or at least concurrent with, systems integration.