Key Objectives of the RoleIdentify what machine and process data already exists within PLCs and control systemsEstablish safe, read‑only access to that dataLay the foundations for a centralised cloud data lakeEnable reliable data visualisation and reporting as the next phaseDe‑risk future analytics, SPC, and optimisation initiativesKey Responsibilities1. PLC & Shop‑Floor ConnectivityAssess production equipment and identify:PLC make, model, and generation ( Siemens S7, Rockwell/Allen‑Bradley, Mitsubishi, Omron)Available communication protocols (OPC UA/DA, Profinet, EtherNet/IP, Modbus)Work with maintenance and controls teams to:Confirm Ethernet availabilityIdentify safe read‑only data access optionsDocument machine connectivity constraints and opportunities2. Data Discovery & Availability AssessmentIdentify what process data is present at PLC level, including:Machine states (run/stop/fault/idle)Cycle counts and ratesFault and alarm codesSetpoints vs actual valuesKey process variables ( temperature, pressure, speed)Distinguish between:PLC‑resident dataHMI‑only or report‑level dataCreate a clear data availability matrix by line and asset3. OT / IT Security & Access AlignmentAssess OT and IT constraints impacting data accessEnsure all connectivity approaches are:Read‑onlyNon‑intrusiveAligned with OT safety principlesWork with IT to align on:Network segmentationFirewall rulesCloud connectivity patterns4. Cloud Data Lake Foundations (Next Phase Readiness)Contribute to the design of a cloud-based data lake capable of ingesting:PLC and machine telemetryERP, batch, and quality data (later phases)Define:Raw vs curated data layersNaming standards and timestamp handlingBasic data validation and quality rulesEnsure shop‑floor data is structured for downstream use (SPC, reporting, analytics)5. Data Visualisation EnablementSupport the transition from raw data to meaningful visualisation, including:Line and machine status dashboardsThroughput, waste, and energy viewsEarly OEE-style metricsWork with analysts or BI developers ( Power BI) to ensure:Data models align with manufacturing realitiesMetrics are traceable back to source signals6. Advisory & Roadmap SupportProvide practical recommendations on:Which lines/assets to prioritiseWhere quick wins existWhat should be phased laterHelp define a realistic roadmap from:Connectivity → data lake → visualisation → SPC → advanced analyticsRequired Experience & SkillsEssentialStrong Experience in manufacturing environmentsHands‑on knowledge of PLCs and industrial control systemsExperience working with industrial data protocols:OPC UA / OPC DAModbusProfinet / EtherNet/IPPractical understanding of OT safety and read‑only access principlesExperience contributing to or designing cloud data platforms, such as:Azure Data Lake / Fabric / Databricks (or equivalent)Ability to translate shop‑floor data into structured, analytics‑ready datasetsComfortable working on‑site with operators, engineers, and ITDesirableExperience with industrial edge platforms ( Kepware, Ignition, IoT Edge)Familiarity with manufacturing KPIs (OEE, yield, waste, energy)Experience supporting Power BI or similar BI toolsExposure to SPC or quality analytics (not mandatory)Consulting or advisory Experience in brownfield manufacturing sites Job Title: Architect Location: Peterborough, UK Job Type: Contract Trading as TEKsystems. Allegis Group Limited, Maxis 2, Western Road, Bracknell, RG12 1RT, United Kingdom. No. 2876353. Allegis Group Limited operates as an Employment Business and Employment Agency as set out in the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003. TEKsystems is a company within the Allegis Group network of companies (collectively referred to as "Allegis Group"). Aerotek, Aston Carter, EASi, Talentis Solutions, TEKsystems, Stamford Consultants and The Stamford Group are Allegis Group brands.
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