In manufacturing, automation systems are used in a wide range of applications, including quality control, material handling, picking, painting, welding, and – of course – assembly. In most cases, these systems operate independently, without the need for human interaction.
When considering automation, it’s essential to weigh the benefits of automation against the cost of automating. After all, what’s the purpose of automating an operation if it ends up costing more and doesn’t result in a better product?
Automation can be an expensive endeavor. Beyond the initial cost of the machine, there’s often a period of downtime when the machine is installed, configured, and debugged. So when you’re searching for an automation company in Michigan, you’ll want to ensure they’re up to the task.
When considering automation solutions, it’s important to work with a Michigan-based team that’s able to adapt their designs to the needs of your business. After all, every company faces unique manufacturing challenges. A knowledgeable automation company will have experience learning from their mistakes, the mistakes of others, and from the challenges you’ve communicated.
But, experience, ability, and knowledge don’t matter if communication breaks down. You should be able to communicate what’s worked for you, things that haven’t worked, and where you think there’s room for improvement.
Luckily, communication tends to be easy to gauge before you invest in a company’s automation products. Most of the time, you can schedule a consultation, sit down with the company, and get a feel for how they communicate.
If you believe that your automation will require cutting-edge technology, you’ll want to work with a machine builder that can accurately – and honestly – assess your needs. For example, it may be more cost-effective to implement technologies that are already known to your staff, as newer technology could lead to unplanned downtime for training, maintenance, or troubleshooting.
Naturally, there are a lot of other factors to consider before investing in custom automation. Are you looking to standardize? Do you hope to limit human errors and improve repeatability? Is the aim to cut down on waste or increase productivity?
As we’ve said, every business is unique and every application has its own challenges. So, to be 100% certain, you’ll need to consult with a specialist who has the experience necessary to tailor a custom solution to your needs.
At Tri-Mation Industries, we’ve been building precision machinery since 1995. In that time, we’ve worked with a range of industries, including:
If you’re considering automating your manufacturing operation, don’t sign with the first company that calls. Do yourself a favor and shop around. And, while you’re here, give us a ring and let us walk you through our process.
