MACHINE OPERATION (AUTOMATION)

EMC is a unique Canadian not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping manufacturers grow and become more competitive. Our education, training and development programs build excellence at all levels and every stage of a career.

EMC est un organisme canadien sans but lucratif unique en son genre, qui se consacre à aider les fabricants à croître et à devenir plus concurrentiels. Nos programmes d’éducation, de formation et de perfectionnement favorisent l’excellence à tous les niveaux et à chaque étape d’une carrière.

Learner has attended 3 facilitated sessions, up to 24hours, and has achieved 100% in all knowledge checks, and has successfully demonstrated and has successfully Operated the Machine Simulator correctly, completed all simulations and associated documentation

Course Content

• Basic machine operation
• Human Machine Interface (HMI) - what is it and how to interpret and act on it
• Automated systems
• Documentation of machine issues to share with other departments

Learning Outcomes

Operate Automated Machinery Safely and Correctly

• Start, stop, and run automated machines following digital work instructions and safety protocols.
• Identify automation related hazards (robot motion, pinch points, sensors, actuators) and apply proper PPE.
• Discuss lockout/tagout procedures during jams, changeovers, or maintenance escalation.

Interpret Machine Status, Indicators, and Automation Signals

• Read machine status lights, HMI screens, and digital dashboards to determine run/stop/fault conditions.
• Monitor cycle time, throughput, and machine speed to maintain production targets.
• Identify abnormal operating conditions such as temperature spikes, pressure drops, or vibration alerts.
• Recognize and interpret common PLC/HMI alarms, warnings, and error codes.
• Perform operator level corrective actions (resetting faults, clearing jams, adjusting parameters).
• Escalate unresolved automation faults using standardized digital reporting procedures.
• Verify correct operation of proximity sensors, photo eyes, limit switches, pressure sensors, and temperature probes.
• Identify sensor misalignment, contamination, or failure using machine diagnostics.
• Confirm that automated sequences are functioning correctly (material feed, robotic pick and place, conveyor flow).
• Diagnose basic automation issues using HMI messages, machine logs, and visual inspection.
• Distinguish between mechanical, electrical, and sensor related faults.
• Adjust machine parameters within approved operator limits to restore normal operation.

Communicate Effectively in an Automated Production Environment

• Report automation issues clearly using digital forms or communication tools.
• Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, and quality teams using shared data.
• Participate in shift handovers by communicating machine status and automation performance

Minimum requirements:

Learner has attended 3 facilitated sessions, up to 24 hours, and has achieved 100% in all knowledge checks, and has successfully operated the Machine Simulator correctly, complete all simulations and associated documentation

Estimated effort time

24 hours

EMC updates learning content on a regular basis. Version: 2026-1