Automation and Production Technology

Course Description

This Postsecondary Adult Vocational (PSAV) certificate course introduces students to the integration of automation technologies within modern production and manufacturing environments. Students develop technical skill proficiency in reasoning, problem solving, and occupation-specific competencies aligned with the needs of Florida's advanced manufacturing workforce. The course is delivered through hands-on, lab-intensive instruction covering industrial safety, mechanical systems, electrical fundamentals, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), fluid power, robotics, and quality systems. The course is offered under the Engineering Technologies > Industrial Systems Technology taxonomy of the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS).

Learning Outcomes

Required Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Apply workplace safety standards and OSHA regulations in an industrial environment, including lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE) use.
• Identify and use hand tools, precision measuring instruments, and basic machine tools common to manufacturing settings.
• Interpret technical drawings, schematics, and blueprints relevant to mechanical and electrical systems.
• Demonstrate understanding of electrical fundamentals including Ohm's Law, AC/DC circuits, wiring practices, and motor control circuits.
• Explain the operation of electric motors, motor starters, drives, and associated control components used in industrial automation.
• Program, wire, and troubleshoot basic Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) using ladder logic.
• Describe and operate basic hydraulic and pneumatic systems, including component identification, circuit reading, and troubleshooting.
• Apply quality control and assurance principles, including statistical process control (SPC) and inspection techniques used in production settings.
• Demonstrate understanding of production processes and manufacturing workflow within an automated facility.
• Identify the components and operational principles of industrial robotic systems and automated material handling equipment.

Optional Learning Outcomes

The following outcomes may be included depending on institutional resources and program emphasis:

• Use Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and/or CAM software (e.g., SolidWorks, Mastercam) to support manufacturing design and CNC programming.
• Demonstrate basic CNC machine operation and part programming for milling and turning operations.
• Apply 3D printing and additive manufacturing concepts in a production context.
• Explain lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., 5S, Kaizen) in the production environment.
• Demonstrate competency with industrial sensors and instrumentation including photoelectric, proximity, and pressure sensors in automated systems.
• Integrate Human-Machine Interface (HMI) panels with PLC systems to monitor and control production processes.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Industrial Safety and OSHA Compliance — Hazard recognition, LOTO/TAGOUT, PPE, electrical safety, and MSSC safety standards.
• Manufacturing Processes and Production Fundamentals — Overview of production workflows, manufacturing systems, and industry terminology.
• Blueprint Reading and Technical Documentation — Interpreting mechanical drawings, wiring diagrams, P&IDs, and schematic symbols.
• Electrical Fundamentals — DC/AC circuits, Ohm's Law, series/parallel circuits, multimeter use, wiring practices, and National Electrical Code (NEC) basics.
• Motor Control Systems — Three-phase motors, motor starters, contactors, overloads, Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), and control wiring.
• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) — PLC architecture, input/output modules, ladder logic programming, simulation, and troubleshooting.
• Fluid Power — Hydraulics and Pneumatics — System components (cylinders, valves, actuators), circuit design, and fault diagnosis.
• Industrial Robotics and Automation Systems — Robot types, end-effectors, coordinate systems, basic programming, and safety in robotic cells.
• Quality Control and Measurement — Precision measuring tools, SPC concepts, inspection methods, and ISO/quality standards awareness.
• Mechanical Systems — Bearings, gears, belts, couplings, fasteners, and basic mechanical maintenance practices.

Optional Topics

• CNC Operations and G-Code Programming — Setup, tooling, part programming, and operation of CNC mills and lathes.
• CAD/CAM Software Applications — Introduction to SolidWorks and/or Mastercam for design and manufacturing support.
• Additive Manufacturing / 3D Printing — Principles, materials, and industrial applications of additive processes.
• Lean Manufacturing and 5S — Workplace organization, waste elimination, Kaizen events, and continuous improvement culture.
• Industrial Sensors and Instrumentation — Types, wiring, calibration, and integration of sensors into automated control systems.
• Human-Machine Interface (HMI) — Design, configuration, and troubleshooting of HMI panels in conjunction with PLCs.
• Supply Chain and Inventory Fundamentals — Basic materials management, just-in-time (JIT) principles, and production scheduling concepts.

Resources & Tools

• Equipment: Industrial PLC trainers (Allen-Bradley / Siemens), pneumatic and hydraulic training panels, motor control workstations, robotic arm simulators or live robots, precision hand tools and measuring instruments, multimeters and oscilloscopes.
• Software: RSLogix 500/5000 (Studio 5000) or equivalent PLC programming software; FluidSIM or Parker-Hannifin simulation for fluid power; SolidWorks (optional); Mastercam (optional).
• Textbooks / References: MSSC Certified Production Technician (CPT) study materials; manufacturer technical manuals (Allen-Bradley, SMC Pneumatics, Parker); OSHA 10/30 reference materials.
• Standards References: OSHA 29 CFR 1910 General Industry Standards; National Electrical Code (NFPA 70); ISO 9001 Quality Management overview materials.

Career Pathways

Completers of this program are prepared for entry-level to semi-skilled positions in Florida's advanced manufacturing and automation sectors. Typical roles include:

• Automation Technician — Install, maintain, and troubleshoot automated production equipment.
• Production Technician / Operator — Monitor and operate manufacturing machinery in a production environment.
• Manufacturing Maintenance Technician — Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on industrial machinery.
• CNC Operator / Programmer — Set up and operate computer-controlled machining equipment.
• Quality Control Inspector — Apply inspection and measurement techniques to ensure product quality.
• Systems Technician / Process Analyst — Support continuous improvement and automation integration in production facilities.

This certificate provides a foundation for advancement into the A.S. in Engineering Technology (e.g., Advanced Manufacturing or Mechatronics specialization) at Florida state colleges, supporting upward mobility in technical careers.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

This course is aligned with the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Certified Production Technician (CPT) industry credential, a nationally recognized certification covering safety, quality, manufacturing processes, and maintenance awareness. Students may also have the opportunity to pursue:

• MSSC Certified Production Technician (CPT) — Aligned with all core modules of this course.
• OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Card — Recognized safety credential for manufacturing environments.
• SolidWorks Certified Associate (CSWA) — Available at institutions offering the optional CAD/CAM module.
• Mastercam Associate Programmer Certification — Available where CNC and CAM software instruction is provided.

This course is classified as a Postsecondary Adult Vocational (PSAV) program under Florida's SCNS. Clock hours (not college credit hours) are used to measure program length. Completion may earn students a Career Certificate issued by the offering institution.