Kevin Diep: Blog 3: Controls Engineering in Forestry: 2024 FPAC Green Dream Internship Program

  |  
August 29, 2024

After several weeks closely learning and collaborating with the fellow engineers on-site, I've developed a clear understanding of my daily responsibilities. One of our focuses is ensuring smooth operation of systems and programs through frequent troubleshooting and applying our problem-solving skills to identify root causes of issues.

In our commitment to continuous improvement and facilitating operational efficiency, we collaborate closely with on-site operators. This includes designing intuitive HMI screens that enhance their job effectiveness, as well as tweaking pre-existing HMI screens for improvement in readability and understanding.

Recently, I was tasked to determine the root cause of a critical issue where one of our HMI screens incorrectly displayed a zero production rate for a specific board type on one of our production lines. This discrepancy created a domino-effect that cascaded into inaccuracies across several other data metrics. To address this issue, I conducted a thorough investigation into the data source to ensure the accuracy of the values being transmitted to the HMI screen. It turned out that the problem stemmed from the fact that the logic responsible for writing these values had been inadvertently erased during a significant overhaul of the associated machinery. Together, with the assistance of a coworker, we managed to revert the changes while also making slight modifications and adjustments to improve the pre-existing logic.

Our primary goal is to integrate control systems carefully into industrial operations. As engineers, our responsibilities include creating, designing, and maintaining control systems using diverse programs, equipment, and devices. As such, It is essential for us to understand the operational mechanisms of industrial equipment and processes, recognize their significance in the workplace, and understand their role within larger systems to ensure efficient automation processes.

Aerial view of the Sawmill debarker infeed and outfeed lines in the Winter. Maintenance of this system is one of the many tasks that the automation and controls engineers have to do.

Collaboration remains a cornerstone of our approach, not only within our engineering team but also with other departments such as production, quality assurance, and maintenance. This cross-functional collaboration ensures that our control systems not only meet technical specifications but also align with operational needs and strategic objectives. Effective communication skills are crucial in our roles. We regularly engage in discussions with each other and attend meetings to gather requirements, provide updates on project statuses, and gather feedback to continually refine and improve our systems.

For more information contact:
Kerry Patterson-Baker
Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs
kpatterson-baker@fpac.ca
(613) 563-1441 x 314
Follow FPAC on X (Twitter): @FPAC_APFC
August 5, 2025
FPAC Welcomes Prime Minister Carney’s Support for Forest Sector Employees and Businesses
FPAC Welcomes Prime Minister Carney’s Support for Forest Sector Employees and Businesses
Read This
July 10, 2025
Five Canadians awarded national 2025 Green Dream Internship
Interns share the innovation, sustainability, and community impact of Canada’s forest products sector.
Read This
June 18, 2025
Canada’s Forest Sector Welcomes G7 Wildfire Commitment
Canada’s forest sector welcomes the G7’s commitment to address the environmental, economic, health, and social challenges that come with the increase in catastrophic wildfires globally
Read This
May 28, 2025
Canada’s Forest Products Sector Recognizes Top Talent and Innovation
PhD candidates Assira Keralta from Université Laval and Shayan Narani of the University of British Columbia are the 2025 winners of the Chisholm Awards for Innovation in Forestry
Read This
September 21, 2020
Lisa Raitt Honoured As Community Champion By Canada's Forest Products Sector
Forest Products Association of Canada recognizes former minister Lisa Raitt's leadership in the forestry sector with Forestry Community Champion award
Read This
November 13, 2019
The Search for Canada's Greenest Workforce
Canada's forest industry is a top employer and global leader in sustainability, forest management, clean technology and innovation
Read This
February 20, 2019
Opinion | Workforce Diversity - Canada's Forest Sector Branches Out
Forest Products Association of Canada embraces diversity and encourages women and indigenous to join the forestry workforce
Read This
August 13, 2025
Finding Your Place as a Woman in Forestry | Green Dream Internship 2025 | Blog
Finding Your Place as a Woman in Forestry | Green Dream Internship 2025 | Blog
Read This
August 11, 2025
Beyond the Cutblock: What Cabin Owners Taught Me About Forestry | Green Dream Internship | Blog
Beyond the Cutblock: What Cabin Owners Taught Me About Forestry
Read This
August 8, 2025
Career Pathways and Development: How West Fraser Builds Careers from Within | Green Dream Internship 2025 | Blog
Career Pathways and Development: How West Fraser Builds Careers from Within | Green Dream Internship 2025 | Blog
Read This
August 7, 2025
What’s in My Cruise Vest | Green Dream Internship 2025 | Blog
The contents of your cruise vest are of the utmost importance when it comes to spending a long day in the bush.
Read This
August 13, 2025
Finding Your Place as a Woman in Forestry | Green Dream Internship 2025 | Blog
Finding Your Place as a Woman in Forestry | Green Dream Internship 2025 | Blog
Read This
August 11, 2025
Beyond the Cutblock: What Cabin Owners Taught Me About Forestry | Green Dream Internship | Blog
Beyond the Cutblock: What Cabin Owners Taught Me About Forestry
Read This
August 8, 2025
Career Pathways and Development: How West Fraser Builds Careers from Within | Green Dream Internship 2025 | Blog
Career Pathways and Development: How West Fraser Builds Careers from Within | Green Dream Internship 2025 | Blog
Read This
August 7, 2025
What’s in My Cruise Vest | Green Dream Internship 2025 | Blog
The contents of your cruise vest are of the utmost importance when it comes to spending a long day in the bush.
Read This