When I started in this field I didn't really know how big it was, how much there is to it."

Prasanna Neti is a principal automation engineer at Stellix Global Services.

On March 21st, 2024, we talked with Prasanna Neti, a principal automation engineer at Stellix Global Services. Prasanna takes us through her career path, sharing her educational background and career evolution. She provided insight into how automation replaces manual steps with efficient workflows, and discover the impact of cutting-edge advancements like generative AI on this dynamic field. Prasanna’s role in designing automation solutions and front-end engineering is shaping the future of industrial processes.

Explore the fascinating world of control systems and human-machine interfaces (HMIs) as we break down complex concepts into understandable segments. We explain how signals from field instruments like flow control valves and level sensors are processed by programmable logic controllers (PLCs) for essential computations. Understand the importance of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems in data visualization and management, and learn why historizing data is crucial for compliance and optimization. We also touch on Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, highlighting their roles in tracking production batches and managing raw materials. Simplify control engineering principles with relatable examples like PID control and thermostats.

Dive into the world of industrial-scale bioreactors, essential for biological manufacturing processes. Discover the critical components such as feed pumps, agitators, sensors, and thermal jackets that ensure precise process control and regulatory compliance. Learn how to bridge the gap between industrial applications and laboratory practices, with valuable insights for scaling up cell growth experiments.