Automated Systems Design and Integration

When you have a project that is too complex for your internal resources to tackle, but too custom to be handled by a mass market solution, John Henry Foster can help. We specialize in bridging the gap between off-the-shelf products and fully customized solutions, providing tailored engineering and automation services to meet your specific needs and requirements.

With over 80 years of experience in fluid power and automation, and an extensive staff that includes dedicated mechanical and control engineers, 2D and 3D designers, precision tool specialists, and more, we can handle any challenge. Our team of industry professionals, together with our well-established strategic partners, will guarantee the successful completion of any project. We’ll handle anything ranging from individual components to full turnkey systems, while still maintaining the highest quality standards.

Call our experts at (800) 444-0522 today to discuss how John Henry Foster can help you optimize your automated systems design to its fullest potential.

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Our Customized Process

Any project started is only as good as the process it follows and any solution is only as good as the results it provides. Our entire team is dedicated to the success of your automation system design and integration. Every project follows a proven process centered around collaboration and communication to ensure your requirements are met and your expectations are exceeded.   

At JHF, we help your company throughout the entire process, from initial concepting to implementation to continued maintenance to keep you up and running.

Research & Concept Development

JHF will assess your line and help you discover the best solution.

Step 2

Detailed Design 

Our experienced engineers will design the perfect system for your needs. 

Step 3

Procurement & Fabrication 

Leave the heavy lifting to us! Will get all the materials needed and build everything for you. 

Step 1

Assembly & Testing 

Our factory-trained engineers will assemble your custom automation system for you, test it, and tune it for maximum efficiency. 

 

Step 2

Machine Run-Off Validation 

We’ll make sure all equipment works as intended before installation so you can take advantage of greater efficiency on day one. 
 

Step 2

Delivery & Installation 

We’ll deliver and install your new custom automation system for you. 

Step 2

Life Cycle Maintenance 

Our commitment doesn’t stop after installation. JHF will work with you to make sure your custom system is maintained with maximum uptime for the duration of its service life. 

 

 

What JHF Can Do for You

Custom Test Stands

Test stands apply motion, force, or pressure to simulate a real-world condition on a product. These machines can be used to improve the quality of the products that you produce through non-destructive or destructive testing.

Custom industrial test stands from John Henry Foster incorporate a combination of sensors, data acquisition systems, control systems, and software to monitor and control your testing process to ensure your product meets whatever specifications are needed.

Custom Machine Control Panels

John Henry Foster is UL certified (UL508A), as well as ISO 9001:2015 certified, to ensure our products meet the highest standards of quality. Control panels from John Henry Foster are customized to meet the specific requirements of your unique application and are designed to ensure safe and efficient operation.

We aren’t forced to use any one brand of product for our designs. This allows us to use your preferred manufacturers and protocols.

Mobile Machinery & Controls

When it comes to mobile machinery, there isn’t usually a one-size-fits-all solution. We have experience working with the difficult constraints and requirements of mobile applications. These systems often require precise and thoughtful hydraulic/electric system integration to ensure your equipment designs are efficient and cost-effective.

Our engineers are proficient in mobile hydraulics and CAN Bus programming, allowing us to be a valuable partner in your machine design. We take the time to learn about your business and your goals to offer a solution that works for both your customers and your bottom line.

 

Machine Overhauls & Retrofits

Oftentimes, retrofitting or overhauling an existing machine is a cost-effective solution to upgrading your industrial machinery and equipment. Our experienced engineers can breathe new life into your industrial machinery and equipment by replacing or upgrading outdated or obsolete hardware components, such as sensors, actuators, and controllers. We don't stop at hardware; our team will also upgrade your software, reprogram control logic, and integrate innovative features to boost efficiency and capabilities.

Whether you need a simple reprogramming or a comprehensive reinvention of your machine, we tailor our solutions to meet your unique needs.

Custom Machines & Custom Equipment

Leverage the power of JHF's core competencies to bring your custom machine ideas to life. Our areas of expertise include pneumatics, hydraulics, compressed air, sophisticated electric controls, linear guidance, and aluminum structures. By integrating these capabilities, we craft comprehensive and tailored solutions to your most unique and challenging problems.

Our dedicated technical project managers will be your partners throughout the entire process. From the initial research and conceptual discussions to machine installation, we ensure your machine performs to your expectations. Our commitment doesn't end after delivery. Post-installation, we provide extended life cycle maintenance support, ensuring that you get the most out of your investment.

Safety Solutions

You need to ensure the safety of your employees, complex machines, and processes; John Henry Foster can help. We design and integrate safeguards, including machine guarding, sensors, E-Stops, safety mats, light curtains, interlocks, and more, to meet your specifications and help eliminate hazards in any process or facility. If you do not know the specific safety requirements you need to meet, we partner with a third-party safety audit service to provide a risk assessment and recommendations for your specific existing equipment or new equipment designs.

 

Process Control

Automate any manufacturing, product handling, production, and distribution process with ease and efficiency. Use custom electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic assemblies and systems from John Henry Foster.

From discrete to batch, manual to fully automated functions, we can help. John Henry Foster carries the products to build process solutions: industrial pumps, compressors and vacuum pumps, industrial hoses, automated valves and positioners, pneumatic pilot control systems, process gauges and transmitters, and much more.

Machine Vision

Machine vision systems from John Henry Foster help with a variety of manufacturing processes including monitoring, inspection, assembly, sorting, and quality control. We use devices such as cameras, software, barcode readers, scanners, computers, and more to reduce costs, increase accuracy and consistency, and improve productivity.

System Integration

Our experts will seamlessly integrate new or existing equipment into your distributed control system (DCS), or tie multiple processes together to create a seamless flow. Our controls engineers will design and implement software connections to help you achieve greater efficiency, productivity, and cost savings.

 

 

 

Why Choose John Henry Foster for Automated Systems Design and Integration?

  • Automation is the future of many manufacturing processes. Putting the right mechanisms and controls in place will ensure improved quality, safety, and productivity, without sacrificing unnecessary time and capital.
  • We provide solutions that work for your business, ensuring the right systems are put in place using unbiased product recommendations, reverse engineering, system integration, collaborative design, and more.
  • At John Henry Foster, we’re focused on one thing: Helping you find the best solution for your needs. That’s why we only employ the most experienced factory-trained engineers. Through our decades of experience, we’ve learned no two businesses are the same, which is why we pride ourselves on integrating the latest automation technologies with innovative custom solutions to help meet your specific goals.
  • Our aim is to keep you at peak efficiency as long as possible, so all of our solutions are scalable, allowing for future expansion or modifications as your business needs evolve. JHF support doesn’t stop after installation. We pride ourselves on being a true partner to your business. If your system has any issues, you can contact us and we’ll be there to get you up and running again fast.                                                                                                                                                        Partner with JHF today and get unparalleled automation support from a company that always has your back.

What Technologies, Industries, or Applications Do We Offer our Services To?

Our team of engineers and experts possess a wide array of skill sets, such as engineering and project management, enabling us to assist various industries and applications:

  • Industrial
  • Mobile
  • Process Control
  • Complete Turnkey Systems
  • General Manufacturing
  • Robotics
  • Semiconductors
  • Aerospace
  • Automotive
  • Food & Beverage
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Energy
  • Healthcare
  • Logistics & Transportation
  • Packaging
  • Machine tools
  • Life Science
  • Agriculture
  • Construction
  • Chemical
  • Woodworking & Sawmills
  • Printing Paper & Converting

 

What Specialized Tools, Software, Technology, or Experience Makes JHF the Best?

Longstanding partnerships with industry-trusted partners such as Rexroth, Festo, and Delta Motion allow us to provide quality product offerings in both the mid and upper-tier performance levels.

We have state-of-the-art software, mechanical engineers, control engineers, 2D & 3D design engineers, hydraulic engineers, and product and technology specialists. All of that, combined with a dedicated warehouse space, work cells, and on-site collaboration, allows us to help from one piece of the project to the whole project.