Insights
Plain-language engineering guides and updates from our projects. Written by our engineers to help you make better decisions about power, energy and automation.
Technical guide
PLC, HMI and VFD programming in Kenya: every major brand, one engineering team
We program, configure and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs and variable frequency drives from Siemens, Allen-Bradley, ABB, Schneider Electric, Mitsubishi Electric, Omron, Delta, Eaton, Honeywell, Phoenix Contact, Lovato, Control Techniques, Danfoss, INVT, Invertek, CHINT and Sinovo.
Technical guide
Siemens PLC, HMI and VFD programming in Kenya: S7-1200, S7-1500, WinCC and SINAMICS
Programming, troubleshooting and upgrading Siemens SIMATIC PLCs, WinCC HMI panels and SINAMICS drives, including migrating ageing S7-300 systems to S7-1500 in TIA Portal.
Technical guide
Allen-Bradley PLC, PanelView and PowerFlex programming in Kenya
ControlLogix, CompactLogix, Micro800 and MicroLogix programming, PanelView HMI screens and PowerFlex drive setup with Studio 5000, RSLogix and Connected Components Workbench.
Technical guide
ABB drive and PLC programming in Kenya: ACS580, ACS880, ACS355 and AC500
Commissioning and configuring ABB ACS drives with Drive Composer, pump and fan control, fieldbus integration, and programming AC500 PLCs and CP600 panels in Automation Builder.
Technical guide
Schneider Electric Modicon PLC, Harmony HMI and Altivar VFD programming in Kenya
Programming Modicon M221, M241, M251, M340 and M580 PLCs, Harmony HMI screens and Altivar drives with EcoStruxure Machine Expert, Control Expert and SoMove.
Technical guide
Mitsubishi Electric PLC, GOT HMI and inverter programming in Kenya: FX5U, FX3U, iQ-R
Programming MELSEC iQ-F, FX, Q and iQ-R PLCs with GX Works, GOT2000 screens with GT Designer3 and FR inverters with FR Configurator2.
Technical guide
Delta PLC, HMI and VFD programming in Kenya: DVP, AS series, DOP and C2000
Programming Delta DVP and AS series PLCs, DOP touch screens and VFD-E, MS300 and C2000 drives with ISPSoft, DOPSoft and VFDSoft.
Technical guide
Omron PLC, HMI and inverter programming in Kenya: CP1E, CP2E, NX1P and Sysmac Studio
Programming Omron CP and CJ PLCs with CX-Programmer, NJ and NX controllers with Sysmac Studio, NB and NA HMIs, and MX2 inverters.
Technical guide
Danfoss VLT and VACON drive programming and commissioning in Kenya
Commissioning and configuring Danfoss VLT AQUA, HVAC, AutomationDrive and Micro Drive, and VACON drives, with MCT 10 and VACON Live, for pumps, fans and industrial loads.
Technical guide
INVT VFD programming and configuration in Kenya: GD20, GD200A, GD350 and solar pump drives
Setting up INVT Goodrive inverters for motors, pumps and fans, including INVT solar pumping inverters, with the keypad and INVT Workshop.
Technical guide
Invertek Optidrive programming and configuration in Kenya: E3, P2 and Eco
Commissioning and configuring Invertek Optidrive E3, P2 and Eco drives for machines, pumps and HVAC, with OptiTools Studio.
Technical guide
CHINT VFD configuration and motor control panels in Kenya: NVF2G, NVF5 and switchgear
Configuring CHINT NVF2G and NVF5 variable frequency drives and building reliable motor control panels with CHINT contactors, overload relays and circuit breakers.
Technical guide
Sinovo VFD programming and configuration in Kenya: SD90, SD100, SD200 and SD300
Configuring Sinovo SD-series frequency inverters for pumps, fans and machines, including constant-pressure water supply and Modbus control.
Technical guide
Eaton automation in Kenya: easyE4 relays, XV panels and PowerXL drives
Programming Eaton easyE4 control relays and XC PLCs, Galileo HMI panels and PowerXL drives, plus panels built with Eaton switchgear.
Technical guide
Honeywell automation in Kenya: ControlEdge PLC, Experion HMI and SmartVFD drives
Programming and integrating Honeywell ControlEdge PLCs and RTUs, Experion displays and SmartVFD HVAC drives for process plants, utilities and buildings.
Technical guide
Phoenix Contact automation in Kenya: PLCnext controllers, web HMI and panel components
Programming Phoenix Contact PLCnext Control in PLCnext Engineer, web-based HMIs on BTP panels, and panels built with Phoenix Contact terminals, power supplies and surge protection.
Technical guide
Lovato Electric in Kenya: drives, changeover controllers, power factor controllers and smart relays
Configuring Lovato VLB and VLG drives, automatic transfer switch controllers, power factor controllers and smart relays in motor control and switchboard panels.
Technical guide
Siemens PLC programming in Kenya: S7-1200, S7-1500, S7-300 and LOGO!
Siemens PLC programming by on-site engineers in Kenya and across Africa: S7-1200, S7-1500, S7-300 and LOGO!. TIA Portal (STEP 7 Basic and Professional), fault finding, upgrades and full documentation.
Technical guide
Siemens HMI programming in Kenya: SIMATIC Basic, Comfort and Unified panels with WinCC
Siemens HMI programming by on-site engineers in Kenya and across Africa: SIMATIC Basic, Comfort and Unified panels with WinCC. WinCC Basic, fault finding, upgrades and full documentation.
Technical guide
Siemens VFD programming and commissioning in Kenya: SINAMICS V20, G120 and S120
Siemens VFD programming and commissioning by on-site engineers in Kenya and across Africa: SINAMICS V20, G120 and S120. Startdrive in TIA Portal, fault finding, upgrades and full documentation.
Technical guide
Allen-Bradley PLC programming in Kenya: ControlLogix, CompactLogix, Micro800 and MicroLogix
Allen-Bradley PLC programming by on-site engineers in Kenya and across Africa: ControlLogix, CompactLogix, Micro800 and MicroLogix. Studio 5000 Logix Designer, fault finding, upgrades and full documentation.
Technical guide
Allen-Bradley HMI programming in Kenya: PanelView Plus 7, PanelView 800 and FactoryTalk View
Allen-Bradley HMI programming by on-site engineers in Kenya and across Africa: PanelView Plus 7, PanelView 800 and FactoryTalk View. FactoryTalk View Machine Edition (ME) and Site Edition (SE), fault finding, upgrades and full documentation.
Technical guide
Allen-Bradley VFD programming and commissioning in Kenya: PowerFlex 523, 525, 753 and 755
Allen-Bradley VFD programming and commissioning by on-site engineers in Kenya and across Africa: PowerFlex 523, 525, 753 and 755. Connected Components Workbench, fault finding, upgrades and full documentation.
Technical guide
Schneider Electric PLC programming in Kenya: Modicon M221, M241, M251, M340, M580 and Zelio
Schneider Electric PLC programming by on-site engineers in Kenya and across Africa: Modicon M221, M241, M251, M340, M580 and Zelio. EcoStruxure Machine Expert Basic (M221), fault finding, upgrades and full documentation.
Technical guide
Schneider Electric HMI programming in Kenya: Harmony GTO, ST6 and STO panels
Schneider Electric HMI programming by on-site engineers in Kenya and across Africa: Harmony GTO, ST6 and STO panels. EcoStruxure Operator Terminal Expert, fault finding, upgrades and full documentation.
Technical guide
Schneider Electric VFD programming and commissioning in Kenya: Altivar ATV12, ATV320, ATV340, ATV600 and ATV900
Schneider Electric VFD programming and commissioning by on-site engineers in Kenya and across Africa: Altivar ATV12, ATV320, ATV340, ATV600 and ATV900. SoMove, fault finding, upgrades and full documentation.
Technical guide
Mitsubishi Electric PLC programming in Kenya: FX5U, FX3U, Q, L and iQ-R
Mitsubishi Electric PLC programming by on-site engineers in Kenya and across Africa: FX5U, FX3U, Q, L and iQ-R. GX Works3 (iQ-F, fault finding, upgrades and full documentation.
Technical guide
Mitsubishi Electric HMI programming in Kenya: GOT2000 and GOT SIMPLE with GT Designer3
Mitsubishi Electric HMI programming by on-site engineers in Kenya and across Africa: GOT2000 and GOT SIMPLE with GT Designer3. GT Designer3, fault finding, upgrades and full documentation.
Technical guide
Mitsubishi Electric VFD programming and commissioning in Kenya: FR-D700, FR-E700, FR-E800, FR-A800 and FR-F800
Mitsubishi Electric VFD programming and commissioning by on-site engineers in Kenya and across Africa: FR-D700, FR-E700, FR-E800, FR-A800 and FR-F800. FR Configurator2, fault finding, upgrades and full documentation.
Technical guide
Omron PLC programming in Kenya: CP1E, CP1H, CP2E, CJ2 and NX1P
Omron PLC programming by on-site engineers in Kenya and across Africa: CP1E, CP1H, CP2E, CJ2 and NX1P. CX-Programmer (CX-One), fault finding, upgrades and full documentation.
Technical guide
Omron HMI programming in Kenya: NB, NA and NS terminals
Omron HMI programming by on-site engineers in Kenya and across Africa: NB, NA and NS terminals. NB-Designer, fault finding, upgrades and full documentation.
Technical guide
Omron VFD programming and commissioning in Kenya: MX2, RX2 and M1 inverters
Omron VFD programming and commissioning by on-site engineers in Kenya and across Africa: MX2, RX2 and M1 inverters. CX-Drive, fault finding, upgrades and full documentation.
Technical guide
Delta PLC programming in Kenya: DVP ES2, SS2, SE, EH3 and AS series
Delta PLC programming by on-site engineers in Kenya and across Africa: DVP ES2, SS2, SE, EH3 and AS series. ISPSoft, fault finding, upgrades and full documentation.
Technical guide
Delta HMI programming in Kenya: DOP-100 series touch screens
Delta HMI programming by on-site engineers in Kenya and across Africa: DOP-100 series touch screens. DOPSoft, fault finding, upgrades and full documentation.
Technical guide
Delta VFD programming and commissioning in Kenya: VFD-E, ME300, MS300, C2000 and CP2000
Delta VFD programming and commissioning by on-site engineers in Kenya and across Africa: VFD-E, ME300, MS300, C2000 and CP2000. VFDSoft, fault finding, upgrades and full documentation.
Technical guide
ABB PLC programming in Kenya: AC500 and AC500-eCo
ABB PLC programming by on-site engineers in Kenya and across Africa: AC500 and AC500-eCo. Automation Builder (CODESYS-based), fault finding, upgrades and full documentation.
Technical guide
ABB HMI programming in Kenya: CP600 control panels
ABB HMI programming by on-site engineers in Kenya and across Africa: CP600 control panels. Panel Builder 600 in Automation Builder, fault finding, upgrades and full documentation.
Technical guide
ABB VFD programming and commissioning in Kenya: ACS150, ACS180, ACS355, ACS380, ACS580 and ACS880
ABB VFD programming and commissioning by on-site engineers in Kenya and across Africa: ACS150, ACS180, ACS355, ACS380, ACS580 and ACS880. Drive Composer (entry and pro), fault finding, upgrades and full documentation.
Technical guide
Eaton PLC programming in Kenya: easyE4 control relays and XC PLCs
Eaton PLC programming by on-site engineers in Kenya and across Africa: easyE4 control relays and XC PLCs. easySoft (easyE4), fault finding, upgrades and full documentation.
Technical guide
Eaton HMI programming in Kenya: XV and XP panels with Galileo
Eaton HMI programming by on-site engineers in Kenya and across Africa: XV and XP panels with Galileo. Galileo, fault finding, upgrades and full documentation.
Technical guide
Eaton VFD programming and commissioning in Kenya: PowerXL DC1, DE1, DG1 and DM1
Eaton VFD programming and commissioning by on-site engineers in Kenya and across Africa: PowerXL DC1, DE1, DG1 and DM1. Eaton drive configuration software (drivesConnect, fault finding, upgrades and full documentation.
Technical guide
Honeywell PLC programming in Kenya: ControlEdge PLC and controllers
Honeywell PLC programming by on-site engineers in Kenya and across Africa: ControlEdge PLC and controllers. ControlEdge Builder, fault finding, upgrades and full documentation.
Technical guide
Honeywell HMI programming in Kenya: Experion HMI and operator stations
Honeywell HMI programming by on-site engineers in Kenya and across Africa: Experion HMI and operator stations. HMIWeb Display Builder, fault finding, upgrades and full documentation.
Technical guide
Honeywell VFD programming and commissioning in Kenya: Honeywell SmartVFD HVAC drives
Honeywell VFD programming and commissioning by on-site engineers in Kenya and across Africa: Honeywell SmartVFD HVAC drives. Drive keypad and start-up wizard, fault finding, upgrades and full documentation.
Technical guide
Phoenix Contact PLC programming in Kenya: PLCnext Control AXC F 1152, 2152 and 3152
Phoenix Contact PLC programming by on-site engineers in Kenya and across Africa: PLCnext Control AXC F 1152, 2152 and 3152. PLCnext Engineer, fault finding, upgrades and full documentation.
Technical guide
Phoenix Contact HMI programming in Kenya: BTP touch panels and web-based HMI
Phoenix Contact HMI programming by on-site engineers in Kenya and across Africa: BTP touch panels and web-based HMI. PLCnext Engineer HMI editor, fault finding, upgrades and full documentation.
Technical guide
Lovato Electric VFD programming and commissioning in Kenya: VLB1, VLB3 and VLG3 drives
Lovato Electric VFD programming and commissioning by on-site engineers in Kenya and across Africa: VLB1, VLB3 and VLG3 drives. Drive keypad, fault finding, upgrades and full documentation.
Technical guide
Lovato Electric PLC programming in Kenya: smart relays, transfer switch and power factor controllers
Lovato Electric PLC programming by on-site engineers in Kenya and across Africa: smart relays, transfer switch and power factor controllers. Lovato configuration software for each device family, fault finding, upgrades and full documentation.
Technical guide
Control Techniques VFD programming and commissioning in Kenya: Unidrive M, Commander C and Unidrive SP
Control Techniques VFD programming and commissioning by on-site engineers in Kenya and across Africa: Unidrive M, Commander C and Unidrive SP. Connect (drive commissioning), fault finding, upgrades and full documentation.
Technical guide
The true cost of running your factory on a diesel generator
Fuel is only part of the bill. Here is how to work out what each kilowatt-hour from your generator really costs, with current Kenyan diesel prices and a worked example.
Technical guide
Can a factory run 100% on solar? What it takes to leave diesel behind
Yes, many factories can run entirely on solar. It takes more than panels: right-sized storage, efficient machines and smart control. Here is how the pieces fit together.
Technical guide
Why your solar system isn't cutting your diesel bill, and how to fix it
You installed solar, but the generator still runs and the fuel bill barely moved. These are the seven most common causes we find on site, and what fixes each one.
Technical guide
Solar power for agro-processing and value addition in rural Africa
Milling, drying, cooling and pumping are ideal loads for solar. How rural processors and cooperatives can add value on site without depending on diesel.
Technical guide
How to reduce the upfront cost of solar for your factory
The upfront investment is the biggest barrier to going solar. Five practical ways to make it smaller and easier to fund, without cutting corners on quality.
Technical guide
Smart energy management: making every solar kilowatt-hour count
Panels and batteries are only half the system. Smart control decides what runs when, so solar energy is never wasted and production never stops.
Technical guide
How to size a solar system for a factory or commercial building
A practical, step-by-step method for estimating solar PV and battery size from your own consumption data, with a worked example.
Technical guide
Eight signs your facility needs an electrical safety audit
Warning signs that an electrical installation may be unsafe or overloaded, and what an independent audit checks.
Technical guide
Power factor explained: why it appears on your electricity bill
What power factor means, why a low value costs commercial and industrial users money, and how capacitor banks are sized.
Tell us what you need to fix
Describe your site and the problem. An engineer reviews every request and replies with next steps, usually starting with a site assessment.