RESOURCES

FEATURED NEWS

Explore the latest insights, events, and resources from GPA.

We’re sharing ideas that move industrial operations forward.

GPA case study cover for end-to-end automation delivery at a greenfield waste processing facility, shown over an industrial smokestack background.

End-to-End Automation Delivery for a Greenfield Waste Processing Facility

GPA delivered an end-to-end automation foundation built for complex waste streams, regulatory confidence, and scalable operations.

GPA

4 min read

Blog post cover image featuring Bill Medcalf, GPA’s VP of Digital Transformation & Innovation, for an article on the 2030 manufacturing workforce gap, digital transformation, AI readiness, and the future of manufacturing operations.

Is Manufacturing Ready for the 2030 Workforce Gap?

Is the manufacturing workforce gap by 2030 real? Explore how knowledge loss, AI, skills, and technology shape the future of manufacturing.

GPA

5 min read

Industrial pulp and paper facility interior featuring large-scale production equipment and overhead piping, overlaid with GPA branding and “Case Study” title, highlighting digital transformation and control system modernization expertise by GPA.

Driving Measurable Migration Success Through Long-Term Partnership

A phased migration approach helped a major facility modernize systems with less risk, delivering ahead of schedule through strong planning and partnership.

GPA

3 min read

People Powered Manufacturing Intelligence: Featuring Jay Settle

Manufacturing Intelligence is not built in dashboards. It is built by people who know how systems actually work. Jay Settle’s story reflects that reality. From hands on projects to architecting real world MI and MES solutions, his work focuses on turning raw machine data into something teams can trust, understand, and act on.

GPA

4 min read

NEWS & BLOG

Developing Logical IP and VLAN Infrastructure for OT Networks

Well-structured IP addressing and VLAN segmentation improve reliability, security, and predictability in OT networks.

Scott McNeil

3 min read

GPA case study cover showing a technician monitoring industrial equipment with the title Building a Secure OT Infrastructure at a Greenfield Metals Facility.

Building a Secure OT Infrastructure at a Greenfield Metals Facility

GPA built a secure OT infrastructure from the ground up for a new metals facility to support reliable operations and future growth.

GPA

2 min read

Graphic titled “Advancing Industrial Wireless Standards” featuring a framed IEEE Standards Association certificate recognizing Scott McNeill for contributions to IEEE Standard 3388-2025, displayed on a light, abstract background with orange and green design elements.

Advancing Industrial Wireless Standards: GPA’s Scott McNeil Recognized by IEEE

Scott McNeil is recognized by the IEEE Standards Association for his contributions to the development of the new IEEE 3388-2025 industrial wireless performance standard.

GPA

1 min read

A Post-Mortem on the Unsuccessful MES Project You Are About to Start: Part 5

Part 5 explores key factors that shape MES success, from system access to platform selection and execution methods, helping teams plan smarter for digital manufacturing.

GPA

10 min read

Delivering Significant Energy Savings with Data-Driven Dashboarding Powered by Ignition HMI

GPA integrated Ignition HMI and SQL analytics to give a major phosphate producer real-time energy visibility and achieve multi-million-dollar monthly savings.

GPA

2 min read

A Post-Mortem on the Unsuccessful MES Project You Are About to Start: Part 4

Part 4 explores how billing methods and scheduling impact MES project success, stressing clear scope, realistic timelines, and collaboration between vendors and customers.

GPA

9 min read

A Post-Mortem on the Unsuccessful MES Project You Are About to Start: Part 3

Part 3 examines how project type, system integrations, and execution strategy influence MES success—and why an iterative, well-planned approach reduces risk and drives long-term value.

GPA

9 min read

Enhancing OT Network Security with a Comprehensive Systems Upgrade

GPA transformed a major paper mill's flat OT network into a secure, segmented system aligned with NIST SP 800 standards.

GPA

2 min read

People Powered Automation: Featuring Andrew Jones

At GPA, automation is powered by people. Andrew Jones shares how collaboration, innovation, and a customer-first mindset help build smarter, more resilient operations.

GPA

3 min read

An Argument for Upgrading Obsolete but “Working” Systems

Legacy industrial control systems may seem reliable, but sourcing parts and qualified support is becoming harder and more expensive. A $200 component failure can escalate into thousands in downtime, and on-call expertise can cost $75,000 or more annually. Upgrading aging platforms protects profitability and reduces operational risk.

GPA

3 min read

Driving Efficiency with Ignition SCADA

GPA partnered with a Global 500 manufacturer to replace fragmented HMIs and custom tools with an integrated Ignition SCADA platform featuring MES capabilities. The solution unified scheduling, recipe management, and OEE insights, delivering improved reliability, data accuracy, and production efficiency

GPA

3 min read

Elegance Is Overrated When the Plant Is on Fire

When a code migration was done line by line, it created confusion, safety risks, and long delays in troubleshooting. Clear, simple logic could have prevented the issue and saved time.

GPA

3 min read

A Post-Mortem on the Unsuccessful MES Project You Are About to Start: Part 2

Part Two explores how engaged stakeholders and strong organizational buy-in drive MES project success through collaboration, communication, and clear accountability.

GPA

7 min read

A Post-Mortem on the Unsuccessful MES Project You Are About to Start: Part 1

Digital Factory projects offer great potential, but without planning, even strong intentions can fail. Part One reveals why clear requirements, collaboration, and leadership are key to MES project success.

GPA

3 min read

SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT

We’re excited to highlight Scott McNeil, who represented GPA as a featured speaker at WICO North Carolina this week.

Scott shared his deep expertise in industrial OT wireless design, helping attendees navigate the complexities of modern OT environments.
Thank you, Scott, for driving OT innovation and pushing modern wireless technology forward.

Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/eg7weMF8
#GPA #WICO #IndustrialOT #engineeringsocially #industrialwireless #otnetworking

Certified. Verified. Proven.

GPA just achieved RAVS360® Certification with a Stage 5 safety‑culture score.

Safety isn’t a policy — it’s our identity.

Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/g-8vRK4t

#GPA #SafetyExcellence #ISN #Safety #RAVS #RAVS360 #ManufacturingIntelligence #DigitalTransformation #OperationalTechnology #IndustrialAutomation #SmartManufacturing

Control system modernization puts a lot of pressure on outage execution.

At one large pulp and paper facility, migration work was planned around real outage windows and carried out in phases over several years. Each phase built on the last, which kept the work structured and predictable even as complexity increased.

That showed up in the results:
- Over 1,100 I/O points completed outside the major shutdown
- Removed from the outage critical path
- ~80% of checkout finished nearly 24 hours early
- Completed ahead of schedule with zero contingency days used

What made this work wasn’t tied to one moment or decision, but to how the project was carried from start to finish. Preparation happened early enough to take pressure off execution, testing was handled before systems ever reached the field, and documentation stayed current so teams weren’t second-guessing the work. Over time, that consistency built real familiarity with the site, which made each phase more predictable than the last and kept the project moving without unnecessary friction.

That’s where modernization starts to create real value: not just in the system that gets installed, but in how the work actually gets done.

Read more: global-business.net/resources

#DigitalTransformation #IndustrialAutomation #ControlSystems #Manufacturing #OperationalExcellence

Are the numbers true? Could the U.S. really face 2.1 million unfilled manufacturing jobs by 2030?

According to The Manufacturing Institute, that is the projection if the manufacturing skills gap is not addressed.

In our recent YouTube video and blog post, we discussed this workforce challenge with Bill Medcalf, GPA’s VP of Digital Transformation and Innovation. Bill believes the prediction is realistic, and one of the biggest reasons is simple: a generation of experienced workers is leaving the industry, taking decades of operational knowledge with them.

AI may help manufacturers close part of the gap, but only if the right foundation is already in place.

The challenge is that many manufacturers are not prepared to use AI effectively yet. Without clean data, connected systems, strong processes, and captured knowledge, AI cannot solve the problem on its own. And with 2030 only a few years away, the window to prepare is getting smaller.

The path forward will not come down to people or technology. It will require both.

Manufacturers need to invest in workforce development, knowledge transfer, Manufacturing Intelligence, and digital infrastructure that helps teams make better decisions with the people they have today.

So, the bigger question is whether manufacturers are preparing fast enough.

🎥Watch the full discussion here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lfed-OBRPhk&t=10s �

OR

📝Read our full report here: https://www.global-business.net/post/is-manufacturing-ready-for-the-2030-workforce-gap

#Manufacturing #WorkforceDevelopment #DigitalTransformation #ManufacturingIntelligence #AI

Miles apart, moving together for a meaningful cause. 💚

GPA was proud to participate in the 2026 Coastal Walk/Run for Autism, hosted by the @autismsocietync.

Together, our GPA Cares team raised more than $1,300 in support of ASNC and its mission. Our Wilmington, NC participants joined the race at the UNCW track, while employees from our Ruston and Chester offices held remote walks and runs with their teams. Remote employees also participated from across the country, many alongside their families.

What made this event so special was the way our team came together across locations to support a cause that impacts so many individuals and families, including those connected to our own team.

Thank you to everyone who walked, ran, donated, encouraged, and helped make this effort possible. We are grateful for the opportunity to support ASNC and help promote greater awareness, inclusion, and support for individuals with autism.

#GPACares #AutismAwareness #AutismAcceptance #CommunityEngagement #InclusionMatters

Spring Release was a great reminder that some of the best student connections happen outside of a formal recruiting setting.

GPA was proud to attend this year’s Spring Release hosted by Louisiana Tech University’s @latechcoes and @latechesa. As an industry partner with the College of Engineering and Science, we value opportunities like this because they allow us to connect with students and their families in a fun, relaxed environment.

The event brought together crawfish, jambalaya, drinks, crafts, student organizations, and a ping pong tournament sponsored by GPA.

Even better, we had the chance to celebrate one of our own. GPA intern @kailie_carrigee received an Outstanding Senior Award after being nominated by her professors, and we are so proud to see her hard work recognized.

Thank you to the College of Engineering and Science and ESA for creating a space where students, families, faculty, and industry partners could come together. Events like this help strengthen the connection between education and industry, and we are grateful to be part of it.

#LouisianaTech #EngineeringStudents #IndustryPartnership #WorkforceDevelopment #STEMCareers

When the project gets technical…sometimes the best move is to break it down.

Behind every successful project is a strong project manager keeping timelines aligned, priorities clear, and teams moving in the same direction. When complexity picks up across automation, OT, and digital transformation initiatives, that coordination makes all the difference between progress and confusion.

At GPA, it’s not just about solving technical challenges. It’s about bringing structure, communication, and a little personality to the process along the way.

#ProjectManagement #DigitalTransformation #IndustrialAutomation #OperationalExcellence #Teamwork

Modernizing a control system is one thing.

Executing that migration without disrupting production is another challenge entirely.

In this project, GPA partnered with a large pulp and paper facility to support a phased control system migration strategy designed around outage efficiency, risk reduction, and long-term modernization goals.

Results included:
• 1,100+ I/O points migrated during routine outages
• Removal from outage critical path
• 80% of I/O checkout completed nearly 24 hours ahead of schedule
• Zero contingency days used

Strong migration outcomes come from disciplined planning, detailed preparation, and a partner who understands how to execute in live manufacturing environments.

See how GPA helped deliver measurable migration success through long-term partnership: https://www.global-business.net/post/driving-measurable-migration-success-through-long-term-partnership

#IndustrialAutomation #ControlSystems #DigitalTransformation #Manufacturing #ProcessAutomation #OperationalExcellence #OTInfrastructure #PulpAndPaper #SystemsIntegration

Happy National Superhero Day! 💪

Today, we’re putting a different spin on what “superhero” looks like in OT.

The Integrator:
In most manufacturing environments, systems don’t start off broken. They evolve. Over time, small decisions stack up and create complexity that’s harder to manage, secure, and scale. The Integrator represents a more intentional approach. Through OT assessments, network infrastructure design, multi-layered security, asset visibility, and strong governance, systems are built with structure from the start. Not patched together over time.

OT Network Villains:
The biggest risks rarely show up all at once. They build gradually. Remote access that isn’t fully secured. Credentials that were never updated. Networks that were never properly segmented. Legacy systems that continue to carry risk. Individually, none of it feels urgent. Together, it creates real exposure that can impact performance and reliability.

This isn’t about reacting after something goes wrong. It’s about building systems the right way so those issues don’t show up in the first place.

If any of this sounds familiar, it’s fixable.
📩 info@global-business.net

P.S. To the everyday “superheroes” who keep operations running, solve problems, and move the industry and world forward, thank you for what you do today and always.

#DigitalTransformation #OTSecurity #IndustrialAutomation #SmartManufacturing #Cybersecurity

Jay Settle has always been someone who needs a project.

He learned by building things, testing them, and figuring out how they actually work. That same curiosity still shapes how he approaches his work today, and it carries directly into how he thinks about Manufacturing Intelligence.

For most manufacturing leaders, the issue is not a lack of data. It is knowing what to trust, what matters, and how to use it to drive the operation forward. That gap between data and decision-making is where a lot of value is either realized or lost.

That is where Jay and the team focus their time. Turning raw machine data into clear, reliable insight. Building systems that reflect how operations actually run. Giving teams the visibility they need to make confident decisions at the right time.

It is a hands-on, practical approach that aligns technology with real operational goals, not just technical capability.

And that is where the real impact comes from: the people behind it.

🔗 Read the full story here: https://www.global-business.net/resources

#ManufacturingIntelligence #MES #DigitalTransformation #SmartManufacturing #IndustrialAutomation #IIoT #ManufacturingData #Industry40 #DataDriven

Artificial Intelligence is getting all the attention.
But in manufacturing, AI is only as effective as the operational data behind it.

Before AI can predict, recommend, or optimize, organizations need a foundation of structured, trusted, real-time operational data.

That is where Manufacturing Intelligence comes in.

Manufacturing Intelligence turns raw plant floor data into usable operational insight. AI builds on top of that foundation to drive more advanced analysis and decision-making.

The manufacturers seeing the most value from AI are building the right data strategy first before skipping steps.

At GPA, we help manufacturers strengthen that foundation so advanced capabilities like AI can deliver meaningful business value.

What are you doing with your data? Stop guessing. Start Knowing:
www.global-business.net/manufacturingintelligence

#ManufacturingIntelligence #ArtificialIntelligence #DigitalTransformation #SmartManufacturing #IndustrialData #ManufacturingTechnology

Manufacturers are generating more operational data than ever before, but turning that information into something useful is still a challenge for many organizations.

Across the plant floor, data often lives in too many places, lacks context, or requires manual effort to piece together before anyone can confidently act on it. By the time teams have clarity, the moment to respond may have already passed.

That is where Manufacturing Intelligence comes in.

A strong Manufacturing Intelligence strategy creates the foundation for real-time operational visibility, better production insights, improved KPI tracking, and smarter decision-making across the organization.

At GPA, we help manufacturers build that foundation by connecting systems, structuring operational data, and creating the infrastructure needed to support scalable digital transformation initiatives.

If your team is working toward better visibility, stronger analytics, or a more connected manufacturing operation, this is worth the conversation.

Stop Guessing. Start Knowing: www.global-business.net/manufacturingintelligence

#ManufacturingIntelligence #DigitalTransformation #OperationalTechnology #IndustrialAutomation #SmartManufacturing

GPA Cares is proud to support the 2026 Coastal Run/Walk for Autism, and we’d love to have you join our team.

Whether you’re able to be in Wilmington or want to participate virtually, this is an opportunity to come together for a meaningful cause and support individuals and families impacted by autism across North Carolina.

Registration is open now through April 22, and there are multiple ways to get involved. You can join the team, participate virtually, or support the cause through a donation.

Join GPA Cares’ team, donate, or learn more here: http://support.autismsociety-nc.org/goto/GPACares2026

#GPACares #AutismAwareness #CommunityImpact #RunWalk #GiveBack

More stunning views from Artemis II… 🌕 😂

We may not be installing billboards on the moon, but connecting your plant floor is something we do every day.

Across manufacturing, teams are under pressure to move at light speed, see further into their operations, and make decisions without getting lost in orbit. That expectation is only attainable when systems are aligned and the data makes sense.

At GPA, that is the standard. We design and implement industrial automation, OT infrastructure, manufacturing intelligence, and digital transformation solutions that work together from day one.

With no black holes in your data and no drifting systems, your operations stay grounded while everything else scales.

If you are thinking about how to take off, we are always open to the conversation. 🚀

#DigitalTransformation #Manufacturing #Automation #Industry40 #SmartManufacturing #ArtemisII

OT challenges often build gradually within day-to-day operations.

You might see it when a team has to wait on the right person to troubleshoot an issue. It also shows up when a system has the data but no one fully trusts it. Decisions can get delayed when there is not a clear view of what is actually happening.

Over time, that kind of friction starts to slow progress across the operation.

We see this pattern across manufacturing environments. The technology is there and the investment has been made, but the foundation underneath it is not always fully in place.

This carousel walks through five of the most common OT challenges we see and how they show up in real operations.

If you want a deeper look at what is driving these challenges and what they mean in practice, we broke it down here: https://www.global-business.net/post/5-common-ot-challenges-we-see-across-manufacturing-environments

If any of this sounds familiar, we are always open to the conversation.
#OperationalTechnology #Manufacturing #DigitalTransformation #OTInfrastructure #IndustrialAutomation

Deadlines like this are common in OT environments, especially when commissioning is close and everything has to be ready at the same time.

This customer's OT infrastructure, network, and system setup all needed to come together without delays, and the team had everything up and running in just four business days. We were especially glad to hear Nick’s feedback, not just on the speed, but on what happened after: the documentation made it easy for someone new to step in and go through the process with ease.

That is what strong OT systems should look like in practice. They should be clear, structured, and easy to maintain. Teams should know what they are working with, and operations should be able to move forward with confidence. Get the same results: info@global-business.net

#OTInfrastructure #OperationalTechnology #IndustrialAutomation #Manufacturing #DigitalTransformation

April Fools felt like the perfect time to run a completely harmless experiment in the Ruston office. We wanted to see what would happen if everyone texted the boss at the exact same moment.

Everyone sent the same message at the same time with no heads up.

For a brief moment, it seemed like we might get away with it. Then the reply came through and made it clear the experiment was over. She caught on quickly, called it out, and let us know in the nicest way possible that she was not going to pick favorites.

So technically, the prank failed.

What it proved was better than whatever result we expected. In manufacturing, timing and coordination matter, but so does awareness. When people are paying attention, you cannot game the system, even on April Fools.
In the end, there was no winner and no favorite, just a boss who was one step ahead and a team that ended up with a better story than the prank itself.

#AprilFools #Manufacturing #WorkplaceCulture #Leadership

Q1 2026 was a big step forward for a lot of manufacturers. With that momentum, there is a natural shift happening in what teams are focused on next.

Inside the plant, it often looks like connecting data across systems, getting everyone aligned on what the numbers actually mean, and building a clearer, real-time view of performance. It is less about adding something new and more about making what already exists work the way it should.

That is the stage many organizations are in right now, and it is exactly what we break down in our latest blog.
We talk through:
- where manufacturers should realistically be after Q1
- what progress looks like in practice
- how to carry that momentum into Q2 in a way that actually drives results

Stop rushing into the next tool or trend. The teams seeing the most success are taking a step back, getting aligned, and building a foundation that everything else can grow from.

In 2026, success is defined by how well everything works together. Learn more: https://www.global-business.net/resources

#Manufacturing #DigitalTransformation #SmartManufacturing #OperationalExcellence #Industry40

Last Friday, the Virginia team volunteered at @shooflyfarmvirginia as part of a GPA Cares initiative.

The team supported general upkeep across the property to help prepare the farm for its upcoming visitor season. The work contributed to creating a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for both the animals and the families who visit.

Shoofly Farm provides more than a place for animals. It creates a space for the community to step away, reset, and connect. Supporting organizations like this reflects GPA’s commitment to giving back in the communities where we live and work.

GPA Cares continues to create consistent opportunities for teams to get involved and make a meaningful impact.

Read more about GPA Cares and Shoofly Farm: https://www.global-business.net/post/gpa-cares-supporting-communities-that-matter

#GPACares #CommunityImpact #CompanyCulture #GiveBack #ManufacturingLife

Most manufacturers are talking about AI right now, but far fewer actually trust the data behind it.

Across plants, the same challenges continue to surface. Data is inaccurate or incomplete, asset context is unclear, KPIs are defined differently across teams, operators hesitate to rely on dashboards, and systems remain disconnected.

These are not AI problems. They are foundational issues.

And this is exactly what AI exposes.

Before moving forward with new digital initiatives, leadership should be able to answer a few critical questions with confidence.
Are KPI definitions aligned and trusted across teams?
Are signals from critical equipment reliable and consistent?
Can operational data move securely across systems?
Is there a clear structure for assets, naming, and context?
Is operational data owned and maintained as a trusted asset?

When those answers are not yet clear, the next step is not more technology. It is building a stronger operational foundation.

With the right foundation in place, organizations can move faster, make better decisions, and drive improvements that actually last. Without it, even the most advanced AI initiatives struggle to deliver measurable value.

Start the AI conversation: info@global-business.net

Before investing in AI, the better question is simple. Is the operation structured to support it?

#Manufacturing #ManufacturingIntelligence #DigitalTransformation #AIinManufacturing #AI

Automation does not look the same in every plant.

Some facilities run continuous processes. Others rely on machines, robotics, and production lines. Both environments need control systems that are reliable and built for real operations.

At GPA, we work across both process and discrete automation. Our teams help manufacturers design, integrate, modernize, and commission systems that keep production moving.
In discrete manufacturing, that often means PLC-based machine and line control, system integration, legacy modernization, HMI development, panel fabrication, and field commissioning.

Automation built with the plant floor in mind offers numerous benefits. Operators have clearer visibility. Engineers have systems that are easier to maintain. Leadership gains confidence that production will keep running.

This quick walkthrough highlights the services that support reliable discrete automation systems in modern manufacturing.
If your team is exploring automation improvements, we would be glad to connect and talk through the possibilities.

#IndustrialAutomation #Manufacturing #DigitalTransformation #Automation #Industry40

Every plant has a story behind its automation systems.

Some were built decades ago and expanded over time. Others were designed quickly to meet production demands. In many facilities, operations teams are working every day to keep complex process environments running smoothly while balancing reliability, compliance, and performance.

That is where strong process automation makes a difference.

At GPA, we work alongside manufacturers to design and support automation systems that reflect how their plants actually operate. Our process automation services span everything from process control optimization and FEED studies to control system integration, legacy DCS migration, functional safety programs, and control panel design and fabrication. The goal is not simply new technology, but automation that improves stability, supports operators, and keeps production moving.

When automation is implemented with the realities of the plant floor in mind, the result is a system that teams trust and leadership can depend on.

#ProcessAutomation #IndustrialAutomation #Manufacturing #DigitalTransformation #ProcessControl

IT/OT convergence has moved out of the server room and into the boardroom.

Manufacturers are under pressure to improve production visibility, accelerate decision cycles, strengthen cybersecurity, and integrate plant operations with enterprise systems. Connecting IT and OT is no longer a modernization project. It is a business decision that directly affects operational resilience, risk exposure, and long-term competitiveness.

In this paper, we examine why IT/OT convergence is accelerating across manufacturing, what the data says about industrial control system vulnerabilities and cyber risk, and how leading organizations are approaching convergence with architectural discipline rather than speed alone.

For executives responsible for digital transformation, operational performance, OT cybersecurity, and enterprise integration, the real question is not whether to converge IT and OT. It is how to do it without expanding risk faster than value.

Read the full analysis here: www.global-business.net/resources

#DigitalTransformation #ManufacturingLeadership #OTCybersecurity #Industry40 #ITOTConvergence

If going above and beyond for customers was illegal… we’d probably plead guilty. 😉

In all seriousness, some of the best feedback we get comes directly from the people we work with every day. The reviews popping up in this video are a few examples of what customers have shared after working with our team.

We’re grateful for the trust and the partnerships behind every one of them.

#IndustrialAutomation #OperationalTechnology #DigitalTransformation #SmartManufacturing #Industry40

GPA is proud to recognize Katelyn Tischler, Director of Customer Success, in our Women Who Drive GPA spotlight as we kick off Women’s History Month.

At GPA, progress is driven by people who lead with consistency, expertise, and a strong commitment to our customers. Through her tenure, Katelyn has played a key role in strengthening customer relationships, guiding teams through complex initiatives, and helping ensure the experience our clients rely on every day.

Her steady leadership and customer first mindset continue to make a meaningful impact across the organization.

Thank you, Katelyn, for all you do to move GPA forward.
#PeoplePowered #CustomerSuccess #GPATeam

Inconsistent control panels do more than create confusion. They create risk.

When fan and pump systems vary from site to site, teams often face limited diagnostics, inconsistent operation, and longer troubleshooting cycles. That is exactly what one mining operation was experiencing before moving to a standardized approach.

In this new case study, we break down how GPA delivered a unified PLC and HMI control platform that improved operator visibility, reduced commissioning effort, and created a scalable foundation for future expansion.

What you will learn:
• How standardized control panels reduce commissioning time
• Why operator friendly HMI design improves system awareness
• How built in calibration tools simplify field adjustments
• What a consistent Ethernet/IP framework enables long term scalability

If you are working to improve reliability, safety, and maintainability across multiple sites, this is worth the read.
🔗 Read the full case: https://www.global-business.net/post/standardized-control-solutions-for-safer-smarter-mining-operations

#IndustrialAutomation #MiningOperations #PLC #HMI #DigitalTransformation #Industry40 #SmartManufacturing

GPA’s Vice President of Digital Transformation and Innovation, Bill Medcalf, was on site at ProveIt! 2026. One thing became clear throughout the week: manufacturers are moving fast, and the technology is moving with them.

Across sessions and live demonstrations, the conversations consistently pointed in the same direction. The focus remains on real interoperability, connected architectures, and solutions that can move from concept to the plant floor with confidence.

Events like ProveIt! help GPA stay locked in on what is actually working in modern manufacturing. We continuously track emerging technologies and proven approaches so our digital transformation solutions remain practical, current, and built to deliver measurable results.

#ProveIt2026 #DigitalTransformation #Industry40 #SmartManufacturing #ContinuousImprovement

Capital projects rarely fail during execution.

They fail much earlier.

By the time a project reaches execution, scope is locked, infrastructure decisions are made, and constraints are already embedded. Every adjustment becomes more expensive. Every change becomes harder.

Front-End Loading exists to reduce that risk. But only if the right voices are in the room before capital is committed.

The real question is not whether technology matters.

It’s when technology enters the conversation.

Where does it enter yours?

#CapitalPlanning #ManufacturingLeadership

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CASE STUDIES

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READY TO EMBRACE THE FUTURE?

At GPA, we help you embrace the future of manufacturing with expert guidance and innovative solutions. Whether optimizing processes or exploring growth, we’re here to keep you ahead in an evolving industry.

SPEAK TO AN EXPERT

RESOURCES

FEATURED NEWS

End-to-End Automation Delivery for a Greenfield Waste Processing Facility

Is Manufacturing Ready for the 2030 Workforce Gap?

Driving Measurable Migration Success Through Long-Term Partnership

People Powered Manufacturing Intelligence: Featuring Jay Settle

FILTER BY CATEGORY

FILTER BY TAG

NEWS & BLOG

Developing Logical IP and VLAN Infrastructure for OT Networks

Building a Secure OT Infrastructure at a Greenfield Metals Facility

Advancing Industrial Wireless Standards: GPA’s Scott McNeil Recognized by IEEE

A Post-Mortem on the Unsuccessful MES Project You Are About to Start: Part 5

Delivering Significant Energy Savings with Data-Driven Dashboarding Powered by Ignition HMI

A Post-Mortem on the Unsuccessful MES Project You Are About to Start: Part 4

A Post-Mortem on the Unsuccessful MES Project You Are About to Start: Part 3

Enhancing OT Network Security with a Comprehensive Systems Upgrade

People Powered Automation: Featuring Andrew Jones

An Argument for Upgrading Obsolete but “Working” Systems

Driving Efficiency with Ignition SCADA

Elegance Is Overrated When the Plant Is on Fire

A Post-Mortem on the Unsuccessful MES Project You Are About to Start: Part 2

A Post-Mortem on the Unsuccessful MES Project You Are About to Start: Part 1

SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT

CASE STUDIES

Title

Title

VIDEOS

READY TO EMBRACE THE FUTURE?

RESOURCES

FEATURED NEWS

End-to-End Automation Delivery for a Greenfield Waste Processing Facility

Is Manufacturing Ready for the 2030 Workforce Gap?

Driving Measurable Migration Success Through Long-Term Partnership

People Powered Manufacturing Intelligence: Featuring Jay Settle

FILTER BY CATEGORY

FILTER BY TAG

NEWS & BLOG

Developing Logical IP and VLAN Infrastructure for OT Networks

Building a Secure OT Infrastructure at a Greenfield Metals Facility

Advancing Industrial Wireless Standards: GPA’s Scott McNeil Recognized by IEEE

A Post-Mortem on the Unsuccessful MES Project You Are About to Start: Part 5

Delivering Significant Energy Savings with Data-Driven Dashboarding Powered by Ignition HMI

A Post-Mortem on the Unsuccessful MES Project You Are About to Start: Part 4

A Post-Mortem on the Unsuccessful MES Project You Are About to Start: Part 3

Enhancing OT Network Security with a Comprehensive Systems Upgrade

People Powered Automation: Featuring Andrew Jones

An Argument for Upgrading Obsolete but “Working” Systems

Driving Efficiency with Ignition SCADA

Elegance Is Overrated When the Plant Is on Fire

A Post-Mortem on the Unsuccessful MES Project You Are About to Start: Part 2

A Post-Mortem on the Unsuccessful MES Project You Are About to Start: Part 1

SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT

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CASE STUDIES

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VIDEOS

READY TO EMBRACE THE FUTURE?