Robert Cummer
Midland,MI
Websites
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Summary
Distinguished Engineering Leader with over 30 years of experience in factory automation, process control, and automated testing. Renowned for pioneering the development and implementation of advanced control systems, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and productivity in diverse industrial applications. Expert in driving technological innovation, mastering automated testing practices, and promoting sustainable manufacturing processes. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in achieving complex project goals, leveraging deep industry knowledge to support manufacturing and R&D efforts effectively.
Skills
- PLC Programming: Siemens S7, PCS7, tailored for SCADA integration
- SCADA Systems: Deep expertise in SCADA applications and integration, familiar with IEC 61158 and IEC 61784 standards
- Industrial Networking: Proficient in Profinet, Profibus, and EtherNet/IP
- Communication Protocols: Expertise in Serial (RS-232, RS-485) and OPC UA (IEC 62541)
- Systems Integration: Advanced skills in NI LabVIEW for seamless system interfacing
- Standards Compliance: ISA 88 (Batch Control), ISA 95 (Enterprise-Control Integration)
- Process Improvement: Practiced in Lean Six Sigma for continuous process optimization
- Data Analytics: Competent in utilizing data for insightful analysis and decision-making
- Management & Leadership: Strategic planning, global team management, and adept at navigating change
- Specialized Knowledge: Knowledge in Manufacturing 40 (IIoT) and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)
Notable Accomplishments
Dow Chemical
- M&A Technology 'Lift and Transfer Focal Point' for Dow Chemical / DuPont spin (2017-2019)
- Project Leader for site migration of 28 process control systems (2017-2019)
- Led new Process Control team project cost recovery model
- Created Project Pipeline tool for aligning team resources with future projects and ensuring coverage
- Co-Led engineering of distributed (multi-site) Solar Shingle Measurement System; cutting-edge project was recognized at Siemens Global Summit with Siemens Excellence Award Winner
- Led engineering of in situ Shrink-Wrap Force Measurement device for capturing real-time Dow film shrink characteristics. CA 2977792 (pending) & EP3262402: Methods and Systems for the Forces of a Shrink Film
- Presenter at 2017 NI Week Conference seminar “Process Control using Actor Framework”
Patents
- US 10753919B2 · Issued Aug 24, 2020 | Methods and Systems for the Forces of a Shrink Film
- US20090078239A1 · Issued Mar 26, 2009 | Method for recovering vapor during an onboard refueling operation
IP
- Architected and developed "REAP" (Recipe-Based Ecosystem for Agricultural Process), designed to enhance indoor farming operations.
External Presentations
- 2018 NI Week Conference: "Process Control Using Actor Framework."
Awards
- 2021 CMURC SmartZone Business of the Year
- 2021 Michigan Celebrates Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year.
Work History
Founder | President | Lead Engineer
Iris Automation LLC
09.2019 - Current
- Founded Iris Automation, leading company as President and driving its technical vision as Lead Engineer, with hands-on involvement in software development, system start-ups, and troubleshooting.
- Directly coded and engineered state-of-the-art automation solutions, significantly enhancing project deliverables and operational efficiencies.
- Spearheaded day-to-day operations, balancing strategic business development tasks with technical project management, including overseeing contractors and executing critical engineering work.
- Leveraged expertise in PLC programming and SCADA system integration to advance automation capabilities and refine process control systems.
- Focused on expanding market presence and cultivating strategic partnerships, driving business growth through innovative solutions and proactive leadership.
Process Control Technical Leader
The Dow Chemical Company
12.2018 - 09.2019
Technical Leader for Dow Chemical R&D Process Control Team
- Responsible for technical global roadmap, hardware & software strategy, leading technical stage-gate reviews, identification of Intellectual Property (IP), technology vendor management, project pipeline acquisition, and leading stage-gate reviews.
- Additional technical responsibilities include technical coaching and mentoring, driving technical documentation, and technical collaboration across internal Dow R&D group.
Process Control Group Leader
The Dow Chemical Company
07.2017 - 12.2018
Group Leader for a Dow Chemical R&D global cross-functional team consisting of 14 engineers and technicians
- Lead management and delivery of safe, advanced process automation systems for $4MM project portfolio, across three global sites
- Responsible for employee performance management, mentoring, and recruiting
- Conducted regular performance evaluations and provided constructive feedback to team members, contributing to professional growth and development.
- Mentored team members to enhance their skill-sets, resulting in higher-quality work and improved job satisfaction.
- Managed corporate process automation vendor enterprise agreements.
- Established clear goals and expectations for automation team, promoting accountability and fostering high-performance culture.
Senior Process Control Engineer
The Dow Chemical Company
02.2008 - 03.2017
- Spearheaded design, development, and implementation of advanced process control systems (across five U.S. sites), enhancing operational efficiency and production reliability across various manufacturing units.
- Led cross-functional teams in execution of complex automation projects, ensuring seamless integration of process control solutions with existing systems and operations.
- Pioneered adoption of innovative automation technologies and methodologies, resulting in significant improvements in process efficiency, safety, and cost savings.
- Served as key technical advisor, providing expert guidance on process optimization and control strategies, contributing to continuous improvement of manufacturing processes and systems.
- Collaborated closely with project managers, engineers, and external vendors to align project objectives with business goals, ensuring timely and on-budget project delivery.
- Conducted rigorous system testing and validation procedures, guaranteeing reliability and accuracy of process control systems in compliance with industry standards and regulations.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Electronic Engineering
University of Michigan
Timeline
Founder | President | Lead Engineer
Iris Automation LLC
09.2019 - Current
Process Control Technical Leader
The Dow Chemical Company
12.2018 - 09.2019
Process Control Group Leader
The Dow Chemical Company
07.2017 - 12.2018
Senior Process Control Engineer
The Dow Chemical Company
02.2008 - 03.2017
Bachelor of Science - Electronic Engineering
University of Michigan
Work Preference
Work Location
RemoteHybridEntrepreneurial Ventures
Agrolytics Corp
Co-Founder | Jul 2020 – Aug 2022
- Innovated in the Agri-Tech sector by co-founding Agrolytics, focusing on REAP technology for precision agriculture. My efforts were instrumental in advancing sustainable farming practices within Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), leading to a significant impact on resource efficiency and crop yields.
Molly's Grape & Citrus Company
Co-Founder | Aug 2022 – Jan 2024
- Pioneered brand and technology strategies for Molly Pop and Molly's Sun Select, positioning the brands as leaders in the grape and citrus industry through digital transformation initiatives. My role was crucial in optimizing operations, sales, and marketing efforts through technology, significantly expanding market reach and improving customer engagement.
Core Competencies
- Factory Automation & Process Control: Expertise in designing and implementing automation solutions to optimize manufacturing processes.
- Automated Testing: Proficient in developing and deploying automated testing systems, ensuring product quality and compliance.
- Project Leadership: Demonstrated success in leading multidisciplinary teams on complex engineering projects from conception to completion.
- Continuous Improvement: Committed to leveraging Lean Six Sigma methodologies to drive process improvements and operational excellence.
- Technical Proficiency: Deep knowledge of control systems engineering, including PLCs, SCADA, and HMI, with extensive experience in programming and integration using NI LabVIEW.
- Standards Compliance: Proficient in ISA 88 and ISA 95 standards for batch control and enterprise-control system integration.
Notable Accomplishments
Dow Chemical
- M&A Technology 'Lift and Transfer Focal Point' for Dow Chemical / DuPont spin (2017-2019)
- Project Leader for site migration of 28 process control systems (2017-2019)
- Led new Process Control team project cost recovery model
- Created Project Pipeline tool for aligning team resources with future projects and ensuring coverage
- Co-Led engineering of distributed (multi-site) Solar Shingle Measurement System; cutting-edge project was recognized at Siemens Global Summit with Siemens Excellence Award Winner
- Led engineering of in situ Shrink-Wrap Force Measurement device for capturing real-time Dow film shrink characteristics. CA 2977792 (pending) & EP3262402: Methods and Systems for the Forces of a Shrink Film
- Presenter at 2017 NI Week Conference seminar “Process Control using Actor Framework”
Patents
- US 10753919B2 · Issued Aug 24, 2020 | Methods and Systems for the Forces of a Shrink Film
- US20090078239A1 · Issued Mar 26, 2009 | Method for recovering vapor during an onboard refueling operation
IP
- Architected and developed "REAP" (Recipe-Based Ecosystem for Agricultural Process), designed to enhance indoor farming operations.
External Presentations
- 2018 NI Week Conference: "Process Control Using Actor Framework."
Awards
- 2021 CMURC SmartZone Business of the Year
- 2021 Michigan Celebrates Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Agrolytics Corp
Co-Founder | Jul 2020 – Aug 2022
- Innovated in the Agri-Tech sector by co-founding Agrolytics, focusing on REAP technology for precision agriculture. My efforts were instrumental in advancing sustainable farming practices within Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), leading to a significant impact on resource efficiency and crop yields.
Molly's Grape & Citrus Company
Co-Founder | Aug 2022 – Jan 2024
- Pioneered brand and technology strategies for Molly Pop and Molly's Sun Select, positioning the brands as leaders in the grape and citrus industry through digital transformation initiatives. My role was crucial in optimizing operations, sales, and marketing efforts through technology, significantly expanding market reach and improving customer engagement.
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