Blog Archives | Spring Automation

December 1, 2025January 7, 2026Blog

Inside Spring Automation Leadership: Evin Mathai, Director of Engineering Operations

When Evin Mathai first stepped into the material handling industry, he began as a Commissioning Engineer, taking on projects across the country and immersing himself in the fast-paced world of automation. By 2020, he was ready for a new challenge and joined Spring Automation as a Controls Engineer in search of greater balance. What he found was not only stability, but a company where his passion for leadership and engineering excellence could thrive.

As Director of Engineering Operations, Evin is taking on the leadership of Spring’s newly established Engineering Operations group. His team is responsible for bringing mechanical and electrical installations to life. His group coordinates with vendors, customers, and end-users to ensure each project is installed and commissioned with quality—no small feat given the number of moving parts and inevitable curveballs that arise during projects. Evin explains his approach: “Leadership, to me, is setting a clear vision for the team, communicating it well, and empowering all team members to execute on it. I want to foster a culture of respect, accountability, and continuous improvement.”

A Passion for Growth

Evin’s favorite part of his role is watching his team rise to challenges. Whether it’s solving complex technical problems or adapting to changing project scopes, he finds inspiration in their determination and grit. “It’s extremely rewarding to see the growth of the team,” he says. In fact, fostering development is something Evin actively invests in—sometimes in unexpected ways. When the workload allows, he organizes an Engineering Leadership book club, giving his team a space to discuss ideas, expand their perspectives, and sharpen their leadership skills.

Milestones and Memorable Moments

Among his many achievements, one stands out: commissioning a project during his first year with Spring. “It was extremely satisfying to see the first package sort,” he recalls. That sense of accomplishment still fuels him today, as he leads a team that continually tackles new challenges head-on in the fast-paced environment of a growing company.

Evin’s role requires constant cross-functional collaboration, which means that challenges are rarely one-dimensional. “A problem I may have thought was simple as an engineer has a few more layers when you look through the lens of other functions in the business,” he explains. His solution? Listen first, then propose solutions that work for everyone involved, not just his team.

What Makes Spring’s Approach Unique

Evin believes Spring Automation’s success comes from forming true partnerships with customers. “I enjoy getting to understand our customers’ goals and long-term plans, then executing to exceed their expectations,” he says. “We understand that when our customers are successful, so are we!”

For customers, commissioning day often looks seamless, but Evin knows that smooth execution is the result of meticulous planning, preparation, and training. His team’s adaptability is key, especially as projects evolve in scope or schedule. “Our projects undergo constant change, whether in scope or schedule. Being adaptable is key to meeting customer goals,” he says.

For those starting out in the field, Evin offers two pieces of advice: “Learn all you can when you can, and don’t underestimate yourself. Ownership is key— The work you do is important, no matter how big or small that piece is.” From commissioning cutting-edge automation systems to building a culture of respect and accountability, Evin’s leadership is shaping both his team’s growth and Spring Automation’s continued success.

When he’s not leading complex commissioning efforts, Evin enjoys another type of creation—cooking. He prepares most of the meals at home, finding it a relaxing and rewarding way to unwind after a long day.

Join us on LinkedIn as we explore more stories like Evin’s that highlight the people behind Spring’s engineering excellence. To connect with our team or learn more about our solutions, email us at sales@springautomation.com.

November 17, 2025November 17, 2025Blog

Spring Automation’s Stamp of Approval: Inside Our Design Engineering Team

At Spring Automation, every system we design and deliver reflects a shared commitment to precision, innovation, and reliability. That level of consistency doesn’t happen by chance. It is guided by the expertise of our Design Engineering team and the Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), who help shape the foundation of our engineering process. This team, led by Reid Foster, Director of Controls Engineering, ensures that every project aligns with Spring’s high standards.

Building the Blueprint for Success

The Design Engineering team is made up of three specialized groups: Electrical Design, PLC & Programming, and HMI & SCADA. Each category has dedicated design engineers and SMEs who bring deep technical knowledge and hands-on experience to their discipline.

These experts don’t just set internal standards — they define how we work. They develop, test, and refine the tools, templates, and methods that guide every engineer at Spring. From creating design standards and process documentation to reviewing project deliverables, they ensure each solution meets both customer goals and Spring’s benchmark for quality.

Stamped with Confidence

For you, this means consistency and confidence. The Design Engineering team ensures that every system is designed and programmed the “Spring way.”

Their influence extends beyond engineering — these SMEs collaborate with project teams, sales and estimating, customer service, and applications engineering to support all phases of the project lifecycle. When schedules tighten or workloads peak, they step in directly to execute critical work, ensuring deadlines are met without compromising quality.

Just as importantly, the Design Engineering team serves as mentors within Spring. They train, guide, and review engineering work, helping to grow the next generation of technical leaders. This internal alignment ensures that customers benefit from a team that not only delivers results today but is continuously improving for tomorrow.

In many ways, the Design Engineering team is the stamp of approval behind every project. They’re the ones ensuring that every design reflects the right balance of innovation, functionality, and reliability and that Spring continues to set the standard in the material handling industry.

Stay tuned for our next Leadership Spotlight, where we’ll continue exploring the people and teams driving innovation at Spring Automation. Follow us on LinkedIn for updates.

November 11, 2025November 14, 2025Blog

Inside Spring Automation Leadership: Reid Foster, Director of Controls Engineering

At Spring Automation, leadership is more than a title—it’s a combination of deep technical experience, strategic thinking, and the ability to adapt. Reid Foster, our Director of Controls Engineering, brings all of that and more. From early days at Spring Automation to leading multifaceted teams across departments, Reid has played an instrumental role in shaping both our internal processes and our customer-facing success.

A Journey of Growth

Reid’s journey into the material handling industry started straight out of college with a role as a control systems specialist. With travel dominating his schedule, Reid was ready for a shift and soon found himself in a new opportunity—one that would lead to the early days of Spring Automation.

Today, Reid oversees the Applications, Learning & Development, and Design Engineering teams. This cross-functional responsibility gives him a rare view into both the pre-contract and execution sides of the business. “I’m one of the few people who has visibility across the entire workflow,” Reid explains. “This perspective gives me a unique insight into our business.”

Problem Solving at the Core

Reid is energized by challenging problems, finding satisfaction in tackling them. When asked his favorite part of the job, he doesn’t hesitate: “Solving complex problems.” This passion became especially evident during a standout moment where Reid had the opportunity to be the lead engineer in Spring’s largest project at the time. “Not only did we maintain the dates with limited resources, but we went live successfully and at the time one of the highest-performing projects of its kind, outperforming many competitors.”

For Reid, leadership means leading by example, teaching, challenging the team, and knowing when to step back. “Trying to find that balance between supporting the team but not hindering their growth is the trickiest part,” he says. He finds fulfillment in watching team members rise to the occasion by solving and conquering their own challenges. In his role, he navigates constant change, particularly when it comes to evolving customer goals. “One of our biggest challenges is adapting to shifting customer requirements,” he notes. “For large customers, there may be dozens of stakeholders involved with a project. This leads to changing goals or requirements. We try to stay aligned with those as best we can but will address issues with the customer immediately if this diverges too far from reality.”

From Vision to Execution

Adaptability is a cornerstone of Spring’s engineering process—something Reid believes truly sets the team apart. “We’re more flexible in our engineering process than many competitors.” While it’s not always the most efficient path, it’s often the one that delivers the greatest value to customers. A crucial part of Reid’s role is helping customers understand the relationship between what they want and what is technically feasible. “We’ve started developing simulations of our systems, which provide much clearer visuals of how the system will function and why,” Reid says. “This ability shows the customer their ideas, highlighting both negative and positive aspects.”

For those just entering the field, Reid offers simple but powerful advice: “Be aggressive in your own growth. Controls is a very deep field; there is so much to learn that it feels nearly impossible. To anyone starting out, I highly recommend investing as much time as possible to learn and lay the foundation for your future career and growth.”

Outside of work, Reid brings the same drive and discipline to his personal life. A dedicated CrossFit athlete and adventurer, he and his wife have visited iconic destinations like Zion, Glacier, Bryce, and Grand Canyon National Parks and are set to explore Banff next.

Stay tuned to learn how our Design Engineering team keeps Spring moving forward. Join the conversation on LinkedIn or reach out to us at sales@springautomation.com.

October 22, 2025October 22, 2025Blog

Maximize System Performance with Proactive Support Solutions

In today’s highly automated material handling environments, preventing issues is just as important as fixing them. That’s why Spring Automation goes beyond traditional reactive support to offer a proactive approach that enhances system reliability, efficiency, and safety.

From thermal inspections to network analysis, power studies, and system efficiency evaluations, our support services are designed to keep your operations running. Here’s how these advanced offerings can help you identify hidden risks, optimize performance, and reduce costly downtime:

Thermal Inspections

With thermal inspections, Spring Automation can create reports to help detect problems, reduce power outages and troubleshooting times, and increase safety and reliability. Our infrared electric inspections identify hot spots within a control panel. We can develop reports that highlight areas of concern and determine required cooling methods for panels through Natural or Forced Convection, or Closed-loop cooling.

By integrating thermal inspections into your predictive maintenance practices, you gain valuable insights that allow your team to take corrective action before failures occur, minimizing unplanned downtime, extending equipment life, and ensuring a safer operating environment.

Network Analysis

Automation systems rely heavily on high-speed, reliable communication. Spring Automation’s network analysis services identify issues and detect unknown components within the network that compromise system performance.

What We Provide:

Diagnostics of Ethernet Length and latency issues
Monitoring of traffic load and network health
Detection of crimped or damaged cabling
Confirmation of expected addresses within the network

The result? A clearer picture of your control network’s performance and fewer headaches due to elusive communication issues.

Power Studies

Spring Automation’s power studies provide a comprehensive overview and analysis of your facility’s energy usage, offering real-time data. Our team can remotely access systems, allowing for continuous insight and quicker responses to abnormalities for improvement.

This data allows you to plan upgrades and implement more innovative energy management strategies.

System Efficiency Evaluations

Even a fully functional system can underperform if it’s not optimized. Our system efficiency evaluations examine both hardware and software performance to uncover opportunities for improvement, whether it’s more effective HMI interfaces or better I/O utilization.

Efficiency Evaluations Include:

Assessing overall system operations to evaluate performance and reliability
Identifying primary causes of downtime and inefficiencies
Developing comprehensive reports with actionable solutions to improve uptime and throughput

By taking this step, we help ensure your system isn’t just running, but running at its best, so you can maximize productivity and reduce costly interruptions.

Ready to take the next step toward a more reliable and efficient operation? Visit our website to learn more about these proactive support offerings or reach out to our team at sales@springautomation.com. You can also join the conversation on Spring Automation's LinkedIn page.

September 29, 2025Blog

Inside Spring Automation Leadership: Brian Carey, Director of Project Execution

When it comes to ensuring our projects are executed with precision, integrity, and long-term value, Brian Carey, Director of Project Execution, is the one leading the charge. His journey into the material handling industry wasn’t planned, but it’s become a significant chapter in his career.

Brian brings a rare mix of technical knowledge, project insight, and people-centered leadership to every challenge. After serving in the Navy, Brian’s path eventually led him into the material handling industry and later to Spring Automation, where he found a focused opportunity to lead on the controls and electrical side of the business. “I started seeing manufacturing plants close in my hometown,” Brian recalls. “More distribution centers were opening, and I made a decision to seek out a role in the material handling industry. It’s served me well, and it’s an industry I didn’t even know existed until 2015.”

A Team-Driven Mindset

Ask Brian what drives him every day, and you’ll get a simple, but powerful answer: his team. “I genuinely enjoy the diversity, experience, and fellowship within my team. Managing different groups gives me a strong sense of what’s going on across the business, and it keeps me on my toes.”

It’s not just about managing tasks, though. For Brian, leadership is rooted in responsibility. “Being a leader means taking care of people, clearing roadblocks, and serving the company. I am a person who likes to improve things, so helping make small changes and adjustments is also something that keeps me thinking about what we can do next.”

Making a Measurable Impact

This level of collaboration is no accident. Brian prioritizes relationship-building with customers, maintaining transparency, and open communication to navigate challenges head-on. “When a customer has a direct line to me, it helps. Being able to have honest, direct conversations allows you to tackle the hard things."

Brian recalls a specific project, “Helping a customer arrive at a strong solution and having the opportunity to share my experience in material handling has been rewarding. They trusted us to contribute to decisions we don’t typically get to be a part of.”

What Customers Don’t See

One of the most critical phases of any project, Brian explains, happens before a single line is drawn: scope alignment. “Unfortunately, if the wish or requirement wasn’t documented, there is a good chance it was not captured. If we take time at the very beginning of the project to review all the expectations and thoughts, we can identify any gaps prior to work being completed. We are very customer-centric, and we strive to provide customers with what they want. We just need to know what that is.”

Time and money are constant pressures in Project Execution, and Brian has learned that changes in one will always affect the other. His team stays nimble and proactive, helping customers adapt without compromising on quality.

A Path Shaped by Purpose

Brian never set out to be a manager—he stepped back from leading people to focus on projects. But when the opportunity arose to fill a leadership gap, he stepped in for the good of the company. “Managing people is hard, harder than managing projects. Sometimes, being the best we can be for the company challenges us to step outside of what we desire. Being available to fill gaps and help where you have experience can be very rewarding and helpful for the company.”

Whether he's helping refine internal processes, guiding a project team, or strengthening customer relationships, Brian leads with honesty, adaptability, and a commitment to long-term success for our people, our customers, and the systems we build. For those just entering the field, Brian offers this advice: “Lean into the technical side of things. My experience has shown that people who are more technical tend to excel in this industry. Not just in your field, but if you can think deeper about issues or solutions, it can be a great benefit.”

Stay tuned to learn how the Spring Automation Project Execution team works behind the scenes and alongside you to ensure every detail is planned, coordinated, and delivered with precision. Learn more about our customer support and maintenance offerings.

September 16, 2025September 16, 2025Blog

Bringing Your Project Vision to Life: Inside Spring Automation’s Applications Process

Bringing Your Project Vision to Life: Inside Spring Automation’s Applications Process

At Spring Automation, successful projects start long before the first piece of equipment is installed. Our Applications Engineering team plays a critical role in the pre-contract phase, partnering with both our internal teams and our customers to ensure each proposal is accurate, efficient, and tailored to your needs. Mario Quispe, Applications Team Lead, puts it best: “Our Applications team turns our customers’ early ideas and concepts into clear, executable plans with quick-turnaround quotes. We take ownership of the bid design by clearly defining the scope, cost, and assumptions our customers can trust.”

Turning Details Into a Clear Plan

When a project opportunity comes in, our Applications team steps in to do the engineering groundwork needed to prepare a comprehensive bid. This involves delving into the details—estimating material costs, calculating engineering hours, and outlining the resources required to deliver a system that meets your operational goals. We believe the best solutions come from close collaboration. Our Applications Engineers work hand-in-hand with our Sales team and directly with you, the customer, to clarify needs, uncover potential challenges, and refine project specifications. This open dialogue ensures that expectations are clear on both sides from day one. As Mario notes: “We run structured kickoffs and regular touch points. Sales frames the customer context, Applications walks the layout and scope, and we track open items with clear owners. Risks and open questions are documented and shared with the customer, so everyone stays aligned.”

Asking the Right Questions

Every facility and operation is unique, which is why we take the time to understand the details that will make your system successful. We ask targeted questions about your goals, workflows, space constraints, and integration needs. These conversations help us design solutions that are not only technically sound but also practical for your day-to-day. Mario recalls: “On a parcel project, we set up an alignment meeting with the customer before starting design and pricing. That call surfaced key specifications and requirements up front, which avoided time lost in redesign and kept the proposal on schedule.” By the end of the Applications process, we’ve gathered the technical and operational details needed to develop a bid that is accurate, transparent, and aligned with your vision. This upfront investment of time and expertise reduces surprises later, sets realistic expectations, and positions your project for a smooth transition into the design and implementation phases. The Applications phase isn’t just about numbers, but about building a shared understanding. By combining technical expertise with collaborative communication, our team ensures that every project we propose is engineered for success from the very beginning.

At Spring Automation, we’re committed to being a partner that listens, collaborates, and delivers innovative, reliable controls systems designed for the future of material handling. Want to see how we bring your project to life? Reach out to our Sales team today!

September 8, 2025September 8, 2025Blog

Inside Spring Automation Leadership: Anthony Osbourne, VP of Engineering

When it comes to shaping culture, developing talent, and aligning teams across departments, Anthony Osbourne, Vice President of Engineering, plays a foundational role at Spring Automation. From the start, Anthony was drawn to more than just the technical challenges—he was drawn to the company’s strong vision and values. “It was refreshing to find a company that took those values seriously and embedded them into the culture,” he recalls.

From Startup to Strong Foundation

As Spring was growing, he saw the potential to help build something unique—and he’s played a key role in that growth ever since. “It’s rewarding to reflect on how far we’ve come,” he says, “but we’re always focused on how we can continue to improve.” That balance between reflection and forward momentum defines Anthony’s leadership. He’s especially proud of what the team accomplishes each year after peak season. “Our industry comes with challenges, and I’m continually impressed by the resilience and dedication of our people.”

Leadership That Serves Others

Ask Anthony what leadership means to him, and the answer is clear: it’s about service. “Leadership is showing up for others and creating an environment where people can thrive. It requires being humble, present, and dependable while elevating the people around you.”

One responsibility he takes seriously is recruiting. “Hiring the right people is one of the most important decisions I make. It has long-term effects on team morale and overall success. While technical competency is important, it’s not everything. It’s more important that someone is team-oriented, humble, excited to learn, and a strong communicator.” This commitment to team culture directly ties into his personal view of leadership, showing up for others and creating an environment where people can thrive.

Guiding Communication and Collaboration

As Spring has grown, Anthony has helped evolve how teams work and communicate. “It’s a lot easier to communicate when you are a 10-person team instead of now 80+ people!” he explains. His role often involves bridging departments and helping engineering leaders stay in sync with broader company goals—and with the customer.

He points to Spring’s collaborative culture as one of its biggest strengths. “Culturally, we are fortunate to have people across all departments who are team-oriented and committed to doing great work together. From a process perspective, we use an agile methodology called Scrum that is inherently collaborative.”

Anthony sees the customer relationship as an extension of Spring’s internal team culture. “If our customers aren’t successful, we aren’t successful.” Even though he’s not always customer-facing, Anthony helps ensure engineering efforts stay aligned with client goals. “Adaptability is key. Things change daily, and you must be willing to pivot quickly. That said, even when plans don’t survive first contact, good decisions still require preparation and thoughtfulness.”

Leading with Purpose and Perspective

Outside the office, Anthony is a proud dad to three energetic boys and credits his wife for her support and patience. “My kids think the Spring office is the coolest place ever,” he laughs. Whether attending a family event or raiding the break room for snacks on a Friday, they already feel part of the Spring community.

Anthony’s advice to someone entering the field? Focus on what you can control. “Effort and Attitude don’t require years of experience. It’s in your control from day one. Experience and Skills come naturally when you show up every day with the right mindset.” He also offers, “Don’t be afraid to try new things, even if it means taking a risk. If the outcome isn’t perfect, you will still grow and learn, and others will respect your willingness to take on new challenges.”

Through every phase of growth, Anthony’s focus remains steady: build a strong team, serve with humility, and keep pushing for excellence. As for what keeps Anthony motivated, he says, “I believe we are building something special at Spring. We’re not perfect and still have work to do, but we’re a company that values the right things and is genuinely committed to making this a great place to work.”

Through intentional leadership, a focus on people, and a steady eye on the future, Anthony continues to shape both the engineering department and the larger culture at Spring Automation. Anthony enjoys watching the incremental progress and growth Spring makes every day. For him, it’s rewarding to feel like he has a direct impact on that progress. He shares, “Every year after peak season, when the dust settles, I feel proud of everything our team has accomplished and overcome. While it’s satisfying to reflect on how far we’ve come, we continue to look forward and focus on how we can improve.” He adds, quoting Nick Saban, “You’re either getting better or getting worse. You never stay the same.”

Stay tuned to learn how the Spring Automation Applications team is transforming ideas into actionable plans, highlighting how our team works to deliver accurate, reliable solutions. Follow us on LinkedIn for more updates!

September 2, 2025September 2, 2025Blog

From Connection to Completion: Inside Spring Automation’s Collaborative Sales Process

At Spring Automation, our sales process is more than a transaction—it’s a relationship. From the very first conversation, our Sales Team is focused on building trust, understanding our customers’ needs, and staying engaged every step of the way.

“Building trust is the key to maintaining strong relationships,” says J.R. Gillette, Spring Automation’s Key Account Manager. “The only way I know how to build trust is to be honest and transparent. I try to put myself in my customer's shoes; we try to see their goals and objectives from their perspective, and to do everything in our power to help them meet and exceed them.” Alex adds, “My role with key accounts is centered around relationship depth and long-term success. Internally, this means ‘connecting dots’ by ensuring alignment between Sales, Marketing, Project Execution, and Engineering to deliver consistent value to our customers. Externally, this means providing senior-level visibility and support while aligning Spring Automation as a strategic partner to help guide long-term planning with our customers.”

Collaboration Drives Precision

Once an opportunity is identified, our team transitions into the quoting phase after determining if the project is the right fit for us. At this stage, timing is everything—clear communication around quote dates, award dates, project start dates, and electrical installation timelines, and go-live is essential. These milestones keep all parties aligned and informed. “Communication is the biggest part of the job,” J.R. emphasizes. “From initial discovery to managing deadlines, transparent communication is key to gaining trust with our customers.”

The process with our Applications Engineering team becomes highly collaborative, involving both our internal teams and the customer. This phase is all about gathering details, asking the right questions, and working through specifications to ensure we’re aligned on the system’s functionality. Two of the most critical documents needed at this stage are the equipment manifest and the system layout. These documents work hand in hand; while the layout shows the physical arrangement of the system, the equipment manifest breaks down each piece of equipment associated with it.

Having these two documents allows our Applications Engineers to layer our control devices directly onto the customer’s layout. Once everything is placed on the drawing, we count and estimate accordingly, which forms the foundation of our project proposal. Without this level of detail and accuracy, it's extremely difficult to provide an accurate quote, making these early deliverables essential to project success.

A Process Built on Partnership

But our involvement doesn’t end with the quote. Once a project is awarded and the design is finalized, our Sales team remains closely connected throughout the full lifecycle, supporting a seamless transition as the opportunity is handed off to our Project Execution team. At this stage, representatives from the pre-contract and project execution teams collaborate to review the project scope and ensure that all necessary steps are aligned for a successful launch.

“Ensuring a smooth transition from Sales to Project Execution is one of my biggest responsibilities,” says Alex. “The internal handoff sets the tone for the project and ultimately our customers’ satisfaction. To mitigate risk, we involve Engineering and Project Management early in the process to validate scope, timelines, and feasibility.” Throughout the entire process—from introduction to post-installation support—our Sales Team remains involved to maintain continuity and provide ongoing value. We believe this consistency builds confidence, strengthens relationships, and delivers better results.

“Building trust and strong relationships throughout the sales and project lifecycle is critical to the success of any partnership or project,” says Alex. “I believe by actively listening, demonstrating credibility, and being transparent, you can establish trust early in the sales process. Post-sale and through the project lifecycle, it is my responsibility to monitor the project’s progress and act as the internal advocate for our customer. The most rewarding part of the process is when a customer sees how Spring Automation can benefit their business as a trusted partner. It's not just about closing deals but making a difference.”

As an active member of MHI, our team regularly engages in industry-leading trade shows and conferences. An upcoming event we’re especially looking forward to is the MHI Annual Conference in October, where we’ll connect face-to-face with clients, strengthen relationships, and stay at the forefront of the automation trends shaping our industry. “Being in-person is extremely impactful for any relationship, most notably it deepens trust,” says Alex Smith, Director of Sales and Marketing. “When you shake someone's hand and have a real conversation, you move from being a vendor to a partner. Taking the time to travel or meet in person shows the dedication and seriousness about the partnership.”

At Spring Automation, we’re committed to being a partner that listens, collaborates, and delivers smart, reliable controls systems designed for the future of material handling. Want to see how we bring your project to life? Reach out to our Sales team today!

August 12, 2025August 12, 2025Blog

Inside Spring Automation Leadership: Alex Smith, Director of Sales & Marketing

In the third feature of our Leadership Spotlight Series, we’re highlighting Alex Smith, Director of Sales and Marketing. For Alex, Leadership isn’t just about strategy or sales numbers—it’s about empowering others, building meaningful relationships, and staying curious every step of the way. With a career rooted in automation and a passion for continuous improvement, Alex brings energy, clarity, and a deep sense of purpose to everything he does.

Finding the Right Fit in Automation

Alex’s journey into the material handling and controls world began on the hardware side—selling scan systems. It didn’t take long before he was hooked by the pace, complexity, and opportunity to innovate in the industry. “Spring Automation gave me the chance to lead a team providing turn-key controls systems,” Alex shares. “It brought me closer to the End User and allowed me to further drive customer satisfaction and innovation.”

As a natural self-starter, his deep passion for driving continuous improvement, whether it be with a customer or internally, is a key motivator in his role. By aligning scope and expectations early in the sales process, Alex ensures his team can develop a clear game plan, setting project teams up for success from day one.

Small Wins, Big Impact

When asked what he enjoys most about his job, Alex doesn’t hesitate: “Seeing people succeed—small wins and big wins.” Whether it’s a team member stepping into a new role, a streamlined process that saves time, or a customer milestone, these moments remind him why he leads. He’s also passionate about optimizing workflows to remove friction and give people room to be more creative and strategic in their work. Alex defines leadership simply: “Lead by example and empower your team with the tools necessary to accomplish our goals.” For him, the key is to set a clear strategy and then execute it alongside the team. He knows that in this fast-paced industry, adaptability and process are key to keeping up and staying ahead.

That love of process and problem-solving? It goes way back. “True story,” Alex says, “when I was young, I used to take my parents’ computer apart to see if I could put it back together.” That same curiosity still drives him today.

The Power of Relationships

While much of Alex’s work happens pre-contract, his influence is felt throughout the project lifecycle. He emphasizes clear scope alignment upfront, so the project team can focus on delivering value. He stays aligned with customer goals through effective communication and teamwork. “When we win, we win together,” he says.

Spring’s relationship-first mindset is part of what makes its approach stand out. “We lead with building lasting connections with our customers, vendors, and our community. That’s what sets us apart,” Alex notes. Alex and his team are focused on more than just winning projects—they’re committed to understanding customer needs, anticipating challenges, and delivering an experience that reflects Spring’s values. It’s a strategy rooted in integrity, collaboration, and long-term relationships. As Spring Automation continues to grow, Alex’s leadership is helping to shape not only how we connect with our customers, but how we define success: together.

Family, Fun, and the Atlanta Braves

Outside of work, Alex’s favorite title is “Dad.” Becoming a father, he says, is his proudest moment. It’s also one of the reasons he values time and relationships so deeply. Alex grew up watching the Atlanta Braves on TBS—and every year, he travels with his brothers to visit a different stadium to catch a game. When he’s not watching baseball, you’ll find him out on the golf course. For those just starting out in the field, Alex offers this advice: “Listen and take time to learn from others. Don’t be afraid to ask the question. Always lead with integrity.”

Stay tuned to learn how the Spring Automation sales process is built on partnership, precision, and trust in an upcoming blog, where we’ll take a closer look at the sales process—from the first handshake to post-project support—highlighting how our Sales team works to deliver precise, thoughtful solutions tailored to each customer’s needs. Join the conversation on LinkedIn or reach out to us at sales@springautomation.com.

August 8, 2025August 8, 2025Blog

The Hidden Costs of Outdated Systems: Why It’s Time to Upgrade Your PLC, HMI, and SCADA Platforms

In today’s fast-paced industrial landscape, manufacturing and automation systems must be agile, efficient, and secure. Yet, many facilities continue to rely on outdated Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and Supervisory Controls and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Systems. While your system may seem to function “well enough”, it carries hidden risks that can severely impact operational efficiency, safety, and profitability.

At Spring Automation, we can modernize your control systems to mitigate these risks. Let’s explore some of the most common risks associated with outdated automation systems, why timely upgrades matter, and how services that Spring offers, can make a measurable difference.

1. Increased Risk of Downtime and Maintenance Delays

Older PLCs and HMIs often operate on discontinued hardware or unsupported software. When these systems fail, finding replacement parts or knowledgeable technicians can be difficult, leading to extended unplanned downtime.

The cost of downtime? It’s not just lost production. It can mean missed deadlines and a loss of revenue.

Spring Automation Insight: We specialize in PLC and HMI upgrades, including hardware, software, firmware, and runtime file updates. Our team can evaluate your control system and improve current operations by adding new functionality to an existing system or by creating a new, modern solution that keeps your operations moving.

2. Limited System Integration

Modern automation systems rely on seamless communication across various machines and platforms. Outdated PLCs may not support current communication standards like Ethernet and IP, hindering integration with newer equipment or analytic tools.

Our Upgrade Approach:

Enhance or add functionality to existing PLCs and SCADA platforms, allowing for more flexible operation.
Support hardware and remote I/O upgrades, making it easier to scale or modify systems as needed.
Ensure compatibility with modern communication standards to prepare your system for future expansion.

3. Reduced Operational Visibility

Outdated HMI and SCADA systems often have limited data logging, visualization, and diagnostic capabilities. Operators may lack the insight needed to make informed decisions quickly, increasing the risk of inefficiencies and errors.

Spring Automation upgrades include modern visualization tools and real-time dashboards to enhance system control. Custom diagnostic and status screens can be built to help operators make better and faster decisions. Options could include adding energy management features, network and power monitoring capabilities, or field-level component diagnostics.

Don’t Wait Until It Breaks

Many companies wait until their systems fail to consider an upgrade—by then, the cost and operational impact can be severe.

Here’s What We Offer:

Evaluate system risk and implement modern control solutions with minimal disruption.
PLC upgrades, including hardware and software.
HMI & SCADA upgrades to improve operator visibility and control.

Ready to Modernize?

Don't let outdated systems put your operation at risk. Visit Spring Automation to learn more about how we can help upgrade your PLC and update your HMI and SCADA Systems.