EXECUTIVE ADVISORY FOR DIGITAL MODERNIZATION GOVERNANCE
Helping utilities, asset-intensive industries, and research organizations navigate digital modernization, cybersecurity integration, lifecycle investment decisions, and operational transformation.
qi Automation LLC is an executive advisory and industry research organization focused on helping critical infrastructure operators successfully navigate digital modernization. Through independent expertise in modernization strategy, operational technology, cybersecurity integration, and benchmarking-informed decision support, we help organizations evaluate opportunities, strengthen governance frameworks, and make informed modernization decisions with confidence.
Our approach combines practical implementation experience, executive-level advisory services, and applied industry research to support modernization initiatives from strategic planning through implementation readiness.
OUR FOCUS
DIGITAL MODERNIZATION GOVERNANCE
Modernization is not simply a technology challenge. It is a governance challenge involving executive decision-making, investment prioritization, risk management, organizational alignment, and long-term operational strategy.
qi Automation helps organizations evaluate modernization opportunities through structured decision frameworks that support sustainable, defensible business outcomes.
SECURE DIGITAL ARCHITECTURES
Modernization increasingly requires integration of operational technology, cybersecurity, virtualization, cloud-adjacent technologies, and evolving digital platforms.
qi Automation provides strategic guidance supporting cyber-resilient modernization approaches designed to balance operational performance, security, reliability, maintainability, and lifecycle value.
INDUSTRY RESEARCH & BENCHMARKING
Industry leaders often face similar modernization challenges but have limited opportunities to compare governance approaches, investment strategies, and modernization pathways.
qi Automation supports independent benchmarking initiatives, applied research studies, executive interviews, survey development, and industry learning programs designed to generate actionable insights while preserving confidentiality and analytical rigor.
WHY ORGANIZATIONS ENGAGE QI AUTOMATION
- Independent subject matter expertise
- Executive-level modernization perspective
- Cross-functional understanding of technology, operations, and business strategy
- Experience supporting complex regulated environments
- Research-informed decision frameworks
- Practical understanding of modernization execution challenges
LEADERSHIP
Charles (Kip) Smith, MBA, PE (CEO and Principal Modernization Advisor)
- Kip brings more than 35 years of experience supporting digital modernization initiatives across critical infrastructure environments. His experience spans digital instrumentation and control systems, operational technology integration, cybersecurity-informed modernization, plant computer systems, lifecycle asset management, and executive modernization strategy.
- As a licensed Professional Engineer and MBA graduate of the University of Pittsburgh Katz Graduate School of Business, Charles combines engineering expertise with business strategy and executive decision support.