Businesses looking to invest in automation often come across the terms panel builder and systems integrator but what do they actually do? While they frequently work together on industrial projects, they perform different roles and offer different expertise.
Understanding the distinction can really help you choose the right partner for the job – and avoid unnecessary costs. And whether you’re looking to upgrade production equipment, install a new manufacturing line, or automate a process, knowing who does what is an important first step.
What is a Panel Builder?
A panel builder specialises in designing, manufacturing and testing electrical control panels – the central control point for industrial machinery and processes. They house the electrical and electronic components that power automation systems.
A professional panel builder manufactures bespoke panels that may include:
- PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers)
- Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs)
- Variable Speed Drives (VSDs)
- Motor starters
- Circuit breakers
- Relays and contactors
- Power supplies
- Safety relays
- Terminal blocks
- Communication equipment
The completed panel is then fully wired, inspected and tested before being delivered to site.
What does a Systems Integrator Do?
A systems integrator on the other hand focuses on bringing multiple technologies together so they operate as one complete system. They design the overall automation solution and ensure all equipment communicates correctly.
Their typical responsibilities include:
- Automation design
- PLC programming
- HMI development
- SCADA programming
- Robot integration
- Motion control
- Network configuration
- Software development
- Machine commissioning
- Performance optimisation
They effectively connect machinery, sensors, software and control systems into a fully functioning production environment.
The main difference
The simplest way to understand the distinction is this:
A panel builder manufactures the hardware, while a systems integrator delivers the complete automation solution.
The two disciplines overlap, but their primary responsibilities are very different.
What does a Panel Builder deliver?
A panel builder will typically provide:
- Bespoke electrical control panels
- Electrical design
- Component selection
- Panel layout
- Internal wiring
- Enclosure assembly
- Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
- Electrical documentation
- Quality inspection
- Certification where applicable
Their focus is on producing a safe, reliable and compliant control panel.
What does a Systems Integrator deliver?
A systems integrator is usually responsible for:
- Process analysis
- Automation strategy
- PLC software
- SCADA systems
- HMI screens
- Industrial networking
- Equipment integration
- Site commissioning
- Operator training
- Ongoing support
Their objective is ensuring the entire production process works efficiently.
How they work together
On many industrial projects, both specialists work as part of the same team. A typical project might follow this sequence:
- The customer defines the production requirements.
- The systems integrator designs the automation strategy.
- Electrical drawings are produced.
- The panel builder manufactures the control panel.
- The completed panel undergoes Factory Acceptance Testing.
- The panel is delivered to site.
- The systems integrator installs and commissions the equipment.
- Final testing and operator training are completed.
This collaborative approach combines high-quality manufacturing with reliable automation.
Industries that use both
Many industries require both panel builders and systems integrators.
Examples include:
Manufacturing
Automated production lines, robotic assembly and material handling systems all rely on expertly built control panels combined with sophisticated automation software.
Food and Beverage
Production lines require hygienic control panels alongside integrated filling, packaging and labelling equipment.
Water and Wastewater
Pump stations, treatment plants and monitoring systems rely on robust electrical hardware connected through SCADA platforms.
Pharmaceutical
Accurate process control, batch management and environmental monitoring require both precision-built panels and advanced software integration.
Renewable Energy
Solar farms, wind turbines and battery storage systems use control panels for electrical distribution while systems integrators connect monitoring and energy management systems.
Can one company do both?
Yes – some companies even offer both panel building and systems integration services under one roof. This can provide several advantages:
- Improved communication
- Faster project delivery
- Simplified project management
- Better coordination
- Single point of responsibility
- Reduced risk of design conflicts
However many successful projects also involve separate specialist companies working closely together.
Which should you choose?
The right choice depends on your project. You may only need a panel builder if:
- You already have electrical drawings.
- Your PLC software has been completed.
- You simply need a control panel manufactured.
- You’re replacing an existing panel.
- You’re outsourcing panel production.You might need a Systems Integrator if :
- You’re trying to automate a whole production line from start to finish.
- You need someone to program your PLCs.
- Some of your new machinery needs to talk to each other.
- You require SCADA or HMI development work.
- The project involves commissioning and optimising everything from the ground up.
For bigger automation projects, you’ll often need both a good panel builder and a reliable systems integrator on board.
What to Look For in a Panel Builder
When you’re picking a panel builder, think about:
- Their experience of working on projects like yours in your specific industry.
- Whether they can produce panels tailored to your exact needs.
- If they meet all the necessary standards and regulations.
- Whether they do a good Factory Acceptance Testing.
- The quality of the documentation they provide.
- The level of experience of the electrical engineers they have working for them.
- Do they have proper quality management systems in place?
- Have they got a solid track record of successfully completing projects in the past?
Can they manufacture one-off units or can they also produce them in bulk?
A well-built panel gives you the foundation you need for reliable automation.
What to Look for in a Systems Integrator
A good systems integrator should have experience with all the different bits of a modern automation system, including:
- Different PLC platforms
- Industrial networking
- SCADA software
- HMI development
- Machine safety
- Optimising your processes for the best possible performance
- Commissioning and getting everything up and running
- And ongoing technical support so you can get help when you need it
If they have experience working in your industry, that’s a big bonus.
Common Misconceptions
“They’re the same thing, one’s just better than the other.”
Actually, their main responsibilities are pretty much different from each other. A panel builder is all about building the control panel, while a systems integrator is focused on putting all the different bits of the automation system together.
“The cheapest person for the job is always the best choice.”
But industrial automation projects are long-term investments – you don’t want to be stuck with a solution that breaks down all the time and costs you a fortune in the long run. Going with experienced people can actually save you money in the end.
“A panel builder is just a fancy assembler.”
Actually, modern panel builders bring loads of knowledge and expertise to the table – they do more than just slap bits together, they design the panel, select the components, test it, and make sure it complies with all the relevant regulations.
Future Trends
As Industry 4.0 just keeps on evolving, the relationship between panel builders and systems integrators is getting even closer.
Some of the new technologies that are on the horizon include:
- Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
- Monitoring and controlling your system from the cloud
- AI
- Predictive maintenance
- Digital twins
- Cybersecurity
- Remote diagnostics
- Energy management systems
These new innovations require a much more collaborative approach between the electrical manufacturing and automation engineering specialists.
A good panel builder and a good systems integrator are both essential for making a modern industrial automation system work properly. A panel builder provides the expertly built electrical control panel that is the heart of the system, while a systems integrator is responsible for putting all the machinery, software and processes together to make the whole thing work.
Understanding the difference between the two is key to finding the right people for the job and making sure your project is completed on time and to a high standard. In the end, many automation projects are all about combining the best of both worlds: a well-built panel and a reliable systems integration, so that the hardware and the control strategy work together seamlessly.
