Control systems: the invisible force behind technical processes

From production lines to power stations: control systems play a crucial role in countless technical applications. For engineers and technicians, a solid understanding of control technology is indispensable. DWG recognized this need and enlisted PAOTM for a tailor-made in-company course ‘Control Systems.’ Under the guidance of course leader Jan Schuurmans, Casper Mertens and his teammates from the Process Control department immersed themselves in the world of control technology for four days at the end of last year. In this article, he shares his experiences and insights.

From engineer to lead engineer

Casper Mertens started his career at DWG 7,5 years ago and grew within the company to his current role as Lead Engineer Process Department. DWG, a system integrator in the industry, automates processes that were previously carried out manually. Casper explains: “Our expertise is primarily in tank terminals. We are able to automate everything an operator used to do manually, such as starting a pump, opening a valve or loading a ship.”

Why an in-company course on control technology?

As a Process Control Engineer, Casper forms the bridge between the ‘process’ and ‘software’ departments. To properly fulfill this role, in-depth knowledge of control systems is essential. “Our organisation works with advanced control systems on a daily basis, but many colleagues lacked the theoretical foundation,” he says. The in-company course from PAOTM offered exactly that depth.

Applicable knowledge, immediately usable

In consultation with PAOTM and course leader Jan Schuurmans, a customized program was developed, fully tailored to DWG’s needs. Casper: “Only the relevant topics were covered, allowing us to dive straight into the details. The course was perfectly aligned with our practical work. One of the main objectives of the course was to gain more insight into control engineering which improving both the quality and speed of our work.”

A major advantage of the in-company course was the immediate applicability of the acquired knowledge. “The theory was clearly explained and directly linked to practical examples from our own work environment,” says Casper. Although participants had varying levels of knowledge, the course leader managed to accommodate everyone’s needs effectively.

An expert and inspiring course leader

In addition to the content, Casper also praises the teacher: “Jan Schuurmans has an enormous passion for his field of experience and it was evident in everything he did. He conveyed his knowledge in a captivating way and encouraged us to ask questions. That made the course extra valuable.” This underlines the strength of PAOTM's approach: experienced teachers from the field who not only master the theory, but also convey it clearly and convincingly.

The advantages of an in-company course

The choice for an in-company set-up had great added value for DWG. “Because we participated as a team from our own company, we were able to switch immediately and apply the learning material to our specific challenges,” Casper explains. This makes an in-company course particularly effective: companies can tailor the content to their practice and maximize the training’s impact.

Added value for professionals

For technicians and engineers who want to deepen their knowledge of control technology, this course offers a valuable addition. Casper: “I would definitely recommend this course to colleagues. It has not only given our team new insights, but also concrete tools to optimize our systems.”

Curious about what the in-company course Control systemscan do for your organization? Contact PAOTM and discover the possibilities.