Interstates and Inductive Automation: A Partnership for Value, Innovation, and Efficiency

Interstates has a long history of prioritizing strategic partnerships to provide clients with cutting-edge industrial automation solutions. Our collaboration with Inductive Automation exemplifies this commitment. As a Gold Certified integrator of Ignition – Inductive Automation's flagship industrial software platform – Interstates leverages our partnership with Inductive Automation to deliver innovative, scalable, and cost-effective solutions tailored to meet our clients' diverse needs. With over a decade of collaboration, this partnership has enabled us to stay at the forefront of industrial automation technology. 

“Many of our clients request Ignition specifically due to its reputation for modern functionality and scalability,” says Jonathon Weaver, Automation Manager at Interstates. “For those without a system preference, we recommend Ignition as a flexible, cost-effective option. Its user-friendly design and open architecture make it an excellent choice for diverse industrial applications.” 

A History of Collaboration 

Interstates’ relationship with Inductive Automation dates back to 2009, when we first joined their integrator program. Over the years, this partnership has grown as Ignition gained popularity for its flexibility and advanced capabilities. “We’ve been working with Ignition for about 15 years, progressing from small support roles to full plant implementations,” says Loren Schmidt, Lead Control Systems Analyst at Interstates. This evolution reflects Interstates’ deepening expertise and ability to tackle increasingly complex projects. 

D.J. Parsons, Technical Sales Representative at Inductive Automation, highlights the mutual growth of this collaboration, saying, “Initially, we worked closely with Interstates to demonstrate the value of Ignition to their clients. Today, they are a trusted integrator who independently delivers outstanding solutions while leveraging our resources for advanced topics.” 

Strategic Benefits of Gold Certification 

Achieving Gold Certification with Inductive Automation underscores Interstates’ commitment to excellence. This certification, requiring advanced training and demonstrated project experience, highlights our ability to deliver reliable and innovative solutions for clients across different markets. 

“Gold Certification validates our expertise,” explains Schmidt. “It assures clients that we have the skills and experience needed to design, implement, and support Ignition projects at the highest level.” This designation also provides access to enhanced support and resources from Inductive Automation, enabling us to address complex challenges efficiently. 

For our clients, this certification translates into confidence. “Clients know they’re working with a team that not only understands Ignition inside and out but also has access to the latest tools and updates,” adds Parsons. “They can trust Interstates to deliver solutions that meet their goals and drive long-term success.” 

How Interstates and Inductive Automation Collaborate 

Interstates and Inductive Automation have worked together on a variety of different projects to deliver successful outcomes. While Interstates handles most of its automation projects independently, the partnership gives us access to Inductive Automation’s sales engineers and support team for advanced technical guidance when needed.  

One notable example of this collaboration involved standardizing Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems for a client transitioning from a legacy platform. “Using Ignition, we streamlined their operations, providing a consistent user experience across facilities while reducing maintenance complexity,” explains Weaver. “The platform’s powerful integration capabilities unified disparate data sets, enhancing operational visibility and decision-making.” 

Why Ignition Stands Out 

Ignition’s unique features make it a cornerstone for industrial automation. As a modular platform, it offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing clients to select functionalities tailored to their needs. From supervisory control and data acquisition and HMI to IIoT and cloud integration, Ignition provides a comprehensive solution for modern industrial challenges. 

“One of Ignition’s key advantages is its unlimited licensing model,” says Parsons. “Clients can connect as many devices as they need without incurring additional costs. This scalability ensures that systems can grow alongside their operations.” 

Schmidt adds, “Ignition’s configurability and affordability make it accessible to businesses of all sizes. It excels at transferring data from the plant level to the operations level, enabling seamless communication and improving efficiency.” 

A Vision for the Future 

Both Interstates and Inductive Automation are committed to driving innovation in industrial automation. “The adoption of Ignition continues to grow as clients recognize its potential to transform operations,” says Daren Dieleman, Vice President of Operations at Interstates. “We’re leaning further into this partnership, investing in training, and exploring new ways to leverage Ignition for our clients.” 

Looking ahead, Inductive Automation’s upcoming release of Ignition 8.3 promises new features like advanced form creation, event processing, and enhanced communication tools. “These updates align perfectly with the industry trend of digital transformation,” says Parsons. “We’re focused on helping clients harness these innovations to improve processes, visualize data, and drive efficiency.” 

Delivering Client-Centric Solutions 

At its core, the Interstates-Inductive Automation partnership is about understanding client needs and delivering tailored services. “Our shared goal is to empower clients with reliable, forward-thinking technology that supports their success,” says Dieleman. “This partnership exemplifies our commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.” 

Through collaboration, certification, and a shared vision, Interstates and Inductive Automation are poised to continue delivering exceptional value to clients, driving value and efficiency in industrial automation for years to come.