#fieldengineering

Industrial control valves can sometimes oscillate unpredictably—a phenomenon known as valve hunting.

This can cause process instability, inefficient operation, and even potential damage to plant equipment.

In this guide, we explore:

Common causes of control valve hunting

How to diagnose it on-site without advanced tools

Practical tips to stabilize valve performance and maintain smooth system operation

By ATO ASEFOAH DADZIE

If you’ve never been on-site during a telecom cable installation in a remote area, it’s easy to underestimate what’s involved. On paper, it’s a straightforward process: lay cable, connect endpoints, test signal, done. But in the field—especially in Ghana’s more rugged terrains—the real story is anything but simple.

At JOBEX COMPANY LTD, we’ve worked on several projects involving the setup of telecom infrastructure in areas far removed from urban convenience. And every time, we walk away reminded: telecom installations are as much about coordination and improvisation as they are about technical specs.

Let’s start with the basics. The terrain.

You can’t always predict what you’re digging into. What looked like sandy soil on a topographic map might turn out to be rock-hard laterite. Or worse—roots, buried pipes, forgotten concrete slabs. We’ve had crews spend hours hand-digging just a few meters. In one instance, we had to reroute a whole segment around a termite mound that turned out to be larger—and harder—than we expected. Those aren’t things you learn in a telecom manual. They’re things you adapt to on the ground.

Then there’s access.

Reaching the installation sites often takes longer than the installation itself. We’ve had teams trek for miles carrying cable drums because the vehicle couldn’t cross a swollen river. Sometimes it’s the rain, sometimes it’s a bridge that gave out weeks ago and hasn’t been repaired. Whatever the reason, we’ve learned to always build extra days into the schedule—not because the work is slow, but because just getting there is half the job.

Power is another challenge.

Telecom equipment doesn’t run on hope. It needs reliable electricity, which remote areas often don’t have. That’s why we’ve integrated portable solar units into many of our projects—at least to power basic tools and testing equipment. In one project, we even had to install a backup inverter just to keep our signal test kit running long enough to validate the fiber connections. Small workaround. Big payoff.

And let’s talk about tools and parts.

You can't pop down to the store when you’re in the bush. If you forget one tool—one splice tray, one connector—you’re stalled. We’ve developed comprehensive field kits, triple-checked before dispatch. Still, things happen. That’s why our field supervisors are trained in minor improvisations—repurposing fasteners, reseating anchors, shielding open terminations with local materials temporarily (carefully, of course). It’s not textbook perfect, but it keeps progress moving.

One thing people don’t talk about enough is people.

Most installations happen on land that belongs to someone—an individual, a community, a chief. No matter how detailed your permissions are on paper, it always helps to engage in person. We’ve learned to include an hour or two of dialogue before cables touch the ground. A handshake, a short explanation in local dialect, a walk-through of what we’re doing. That small gesture can mean the difference between peaceful work and halted progress.

Testing and troubleshooting deserve a whole article on their own. You think the job is done—until the signal test shows loss. Is it a bend radius issue? A crushed section of cable under a rock? A bad fusion splice? Every problem has five potential causes. Patience and methodical rechecking are key. Rushing at this stage undoes everything you’ve built.

And after all that—the installation, the signal tests, the client sign-off—comes the maintenance question. Who looks after the cable after we leave? That’s why we document our paths carefully, use protective casings where possible, and leave the client with maps and notes that actually make sense. It's not enough to build it—we want it to last.

These realities might sound daunting. But they’re also why we’re proud of what we do. At JOBEX COMPANY LTD, we believe in engineering with eyes wide open. We don’t just quote from a distance. We build, fix, walk the terrain, speak to the people—and yes, sometimes dig the hole ourselves.

It’s this grounded, practical mindset that earned us a nomination for the 2025 Go Global Awards, hosted by the International Trade Council this November in London. This isn’t just about recognition. It’s about joining a global conversation—businesses across borders learning from each other, not just in boardrooms, but in the messy, real-world spaces where operations truly live.

I usually don’t post much about everyday jobs, but this recent project was too textbook-breaking not to share.

Project: Industrial water pump control cabinet Location: Biên Hòa II Industrial Zone, Đồng Nai Challenge level: Medium on paper – Hard in execution

💣 Major issue: Heat buildup despite moderate load → Turns out placing the inverter above the soft starter created a chimney effect – heat couldn’t escape fast enough in a sealed cabinet. Had to rebuild layout, reroute exhaust fans and reassign load grouping.

🧠 Another overlooked mistake: low-voltage I/O wires sharing conduit with high-power motor feeders = noisy analog values in PLC.

💬 Full diagram and thermal images here [link ảnh hoặc tài liệu nếu có]

Sometimes small choices in layout = big consequences in the field.

In semiconductor manufacturing, field engineering teams often operate across different time zones and geographies. Managing these remote resources efficiently is critical to maintaining smooth operations, minimizing downtime, and delivering consistent results. At Orbit & Skyline, we understand the complexity of this challenge and offer Global Field Engineering services that address both people and process management.

With over 15 years of experience, Orbit & Skyline has earned a reputation for excellence by deploying skilled professionals to semiconductor fabs around the world. Our mission is to deliver high-performance engineering support while ensuring optimal workforce productivity and operational continuity.

Key Challenges & Solutions in Managing Remote Engineering Teams

Managing remote teams in a highly technical industry like semiconductors requires a thoughtful approach to communication, accountability, collaboration, and employee well-being. Here’s how Orbit & Skyline navigates these core challenges:

1. Overcoming Communication Barriers

The Challenge: Time zone differences and the lack of in-person interactions can lead to miscommunications and delays, making it harder for distributed teams to stay on the same page.

Our Solution: We implement a robust, multi-channel communication strategy that includes:

Video conferencing for critical discussions to enhance clarity and engagement.

Instant messaging & collaboration tools for real-time updates.

Emails and structured documentation to preserve key decisions and maintain transparency.

Regular check-ins and team syncs to ensure alignment and inclusion.

These practices foster open communication, build trust, and ensure that every team member feels heard and informed.

2. Ensuring Productivity and Accountability

The Challenge: In remote setups, it can be tough to monitor progress and maintain accountability without direct supervision.

Our Solution: We take a results-driven approach to manage performance through:

Defined KPIs and goal-setting to clarify expectations.

One-on-one meetings and team reviews to monitor progress and provide support.

Project dashboards and tracking tools for real-time visibility.

Regular feedback sessions to recognize achievements and correct course where needed.

This structured framework helps keep our engineers focused, aligned, and motivated.

3. Building Team Cohesion and Culture

The Challenge: Without the informal interactions of a traditional office, remote teams can struggle to build rapport and a unified culture.

Our Solution: We nurture team spirit and cohesion through:

Virtual team-building events like games, brainstorming sessions, and coffee chats.

Inclusive Townhall meetings that celebrate regional diversity and foster connection.

Recognition of milestones and accomplishments to strengthen team bonds.

These initiatives create a strong sense of belonging and shared purpose across our global teams.

4. Promoting Work-Life Balance and Well-Being

The Challenge: Frequent travel and the blurred lines between work and home life can lead to stress or burnout for remote engineers.

Our Solution: We prioritize our employees’ health and well-being through:

3:1 Flexibility – Engineers can take one month off after every three months of on-site service.

Wellness programs – Including virtual fitness sessions and mental health resources.

Encouragement to unplug after hours, promoting healthier boundaries.

By supporting work-life balance, we help our team stay energized, focused, and satisfied in their roles.

Conclusion

Managing remote teams in Global Field Engineering isn't just about logistics—it’s about empowering people, building trust, and fostering a culture of collaboration. At Orbit & Skyline, we’ve built a framework that balances performance with well-being, leveraging our global experience to deliver consistent, high-quality engineering support.

We are pleased to announce that Apple has approved our beta release and our testers have been sent a link to download our software.

We do have positions open in our beta program; if you are in the consulting engineering industry and are looking for a great digital alternative to pen and paper field notes and .PDF mark-ups, we would be more than happy to send you a link to download our software to your iPad now.  Tap the JOIN US link at the top of our landing page to submit your name and email address.

Join our conversation at the newly created subreddit below:

Arctuition subreddit 

We would like to thank all of our testers and look forward to some great feedback.

Cheers,