Employee Spotlight – Chris Henry
"Every project is unique, and that's the essence of what we do"
In this month’s employee spotlight, we sit with Chris Henry, an engineering manager with our Systems Technology Group. Chris is a key member of this group, working with his colleagues to design controls solutions to customer specifications and create impactful programming.
What are your primary responsibilities as part of Cisco-Eagle’s Controls Group?
Our group primarily handles programming PLCs and electrical and controls design. We are essentially the brains behind the conveyor systems, sortation systems, and assembly lines that Cisco-Eagle and other conveyor companies build.
As the engineering manager, I focus on teaching, coaching, training, and scheduling. Additionally, I manage specific projects from the electrical design phase through to programming, onsite testing, and system startup.
How does your team approach collaboration with other divisions within Cisco-Eagle to ensure seamless project execution?
Collaboration typically begins during the proposal process. We work closely with the systems integration group to ensure the design we quote aligns with what they envision.
Throughout the project, we maintain regular meetings with project managers to stay aligned and address any issues promptly. Essentially, we function as a subcontractor, operating under the Cisco-Eagle umbrella, ensuring cohesive project execution.
How do you tailor control system solutions to meet the specific needs of different clients?
Every project is unique, and that’s the essence of what we do. While we leverage insights from past projects to kickstart the process, each new project presents specific challenges that require tailored solutions. We apply our experience to navigate these challenges and develop custom solutions that meet each client’s specific needs.
Can you provide an example where your control system significantly enhanced a client’s operation?
In the past year or two, we’ve had instances where we initially lost a project bid, only to be called back a year later to help resolve issues with the installed system. In these cases, we reprogrammed the entire system from scratch, effectively salvaging the project’s sunk costs for the client and significantly enhancing their operation.
What motivates you in your role?
The biggest motivator for me is overcoming challenges and getting things done. Having something that seems hard or impossible… and just getting it done. That’s what feels good. That sense of accomplishment drives me every day.
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Evan Fleishacker is a Marketing Strategist at Cisco-Eagle. You can find him on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/evanf