As much as 80% of project problems are due to a lack of proper communications between the client and the integratorwww.cechina.cn, according to the results of a recent survey in which the 1800+ system integrators listed in control Engineering's Automation Integrator Guide were asked to share their top tips for ensuring the success of an automation project.
　　These facts from the field bear this point out: When system integrators help with a projectwww.cechina.cn, they should discuss every detail of the project with every stakeholder; disseminate all decisions to everyone responsible for designing, implementing or using the system; and make sure everyone understands not only what needs to be donewww.cechina.cn, but why and how.
　　Above all else, respondents to the survey advised their clients to communicate effectively. "If you're not communicating, you're guessing," says Bob Zeigenfusewww.cechina.cn, CEO of Avanceon, a member of Control Engineering's System Integrator Hall of Fame. "You notice where you failed to communicate when it's time to start up the project."
　　Start communicating early
　　But good communication is important even before the first screw is turned. "Many projects start with communications through a salesperson who tries to pass on information based on his/her understanding of a projectwww.cechina.cn, without understanding the complete need or knowing the questions to ask," says Jeffrey Thompson, applications specialist at Electrodynamic Automated Solutions.

www.cechina.cn, which equates to the cost of changing your mind as a project progresses." src="http://www.cechina.cn/upload/article/6537dddd-e6b4-4d34-a7cb-74231ce35575/1.jpg">

　　Chart shows the relative cost of fixing a defect in software at various stages of a projectwww.cechina.cn, which equates to the cost of changing your mind as a project progresses.

　　Thompson adds that the client needs to give a prospective integrator full access to all plant personnel directly involved with the proposed project. "This provides a path for accurate collection of needed information, and helps develop the clearest possible definition for the project."
　　Laurens Van Pageewww.cechina.cn, director of branch operations at Hall of Fame integrator JMP Engineering, agrees. "The