Cybertrol Engineering Wins Rockwell Automation PartnerNetwork System Integrator Innovation Award

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Cybertrol Engineering, a Rockwell Automation PartnerNetwork Gold System Integrator and industry-leading provider of plantwide automation systems and information solutions, today announced its recognition as a repeat recipient of a Rockwell Automation PartnerNetwork™ Award, having won the inaugural Sustainability Award in 2023, and this year winning the System Integrator Innovation Award, presented during the 2024 PartnerNetwork Conference, an invitation-only event, held March 18-21 at the Hyatt Regency in Orlando, FL.

The Rockwell Automation PartnerNetwork Innovation Awards celebrate the achievements of organizations that have successfully planned and executed innovative and transformational solutions through the application of Rockwell Automation and other partners’ technologies. This year, Cybertrol Engineering was recognized for its collaborative efforts with Van Meter Inc. in implementing critical infrastructure upgrades to a Midwest university’s boiler system.

Setting a New Standard

"Receiving a Rockwell Automation PartnerNetwork Award for the second consecutive year is both an honor and a testament to our ongoing commitment to excellence for our clients," said Jeff Reust, President of Cybertrol Engineering. "Our collaboration with Van Meter and Rockwell Automation not only addressed the immediate needs of the university, but also set a new standard for future projects concerning cybersecurity and system resilience.”

The first phase of the project included a comprehensive site study aimed at analyzing the existing system to identify potential risks and determine the optimal approach for upgrading with minimal disruption. This involved reviewing current applications, evaluating adherence to best practices, investigating redundant PLC systems, documenting the network architecture, and planning the upgrade process. During the project's second phase, Cybertrol implemented upgrades to the most recent versions of the PlantPAx® distributed control system (DCS), FactoryTalk® View Site Edition (SE) and FactoryTalk® Historian applications. Firmware upgrades were also performed on existing ControlLogix® controllers and the server structure was reconfigured, transitioning from a single server to two standalone servers. These strategic upgrades significantly improved system uptime and risk management.

Collaborating for Success

"The partnership with Van Meter, supported by the Rockwell Automation PartnerNetwork, really enables us to enhance our service capabilities," explains Tim Barthel, Executive Vice President of Cybertrol Engineering. "The collaboration allowed us to combine our expertise and achieve results beyond what either of us could have accomplished alone, highlighting the strength and impact of being part of such a strong network."

As a valued member of the Rockwell Automation PartnerNetwork™, an ecosystem of best-in-class partners, serving up superior support and services, Cybertrol continues to deliver high-performance, reliable solutions that drive digital transformation and operational efficiencies across industries. Visit Cybertrol’s profile on the Rockwell Automation Partner Locator to learn more about their capabilities, or visit the Cybertrol Engineering website.