How can smaller manufacturers chart effective automation strategies with their limited resources? That’s the topic of this Automation World article. In it, Tech-Clarity’s Julie Fraser and three other industry professionals offer suggestions for small manufacturers’ automation approach to plan for and execute successful and cost-effective automation programs.
Automation World spoke with four industry experts: Jeff Payne, director of business development at AutomationDirect; Steve Bieszczat, CMO at DelmiaWorks; Caleb Funk, engagement engineer with ImaginIt Technologies; and Julie Fraser, vice president of research for operations and manufacturing at Tech-Clarity.
AW: How can smaller manufacturers identify specific challenges in their manufacturing processes to set achievable objectives for automation technology adoption?
Fraser: Most manufacturers have process experts who can identify the issues that are creating waste if you ask them the right questions. Asking the right questions often means challenging how things work. Typically, your most experienced people have created workarounds that enable the product to go through processes relatively smoothly and reliably, and they may no longer recognize the original issue. Once the issues to improve are identified, setting achievable objectives for automation may be obvious or may require an experienced automation engineer or system integrator to determine achievable objectives.
The article also covers how to:
- align technology goals and business strategies
- evaluate vendors
- estimate project costs
- create a timeline with realistic milestones
- prepare for challenges and setbacks
In short, smaller manufacturers can succeed with new automation projects, and keep it in their limited budgets. This article explains some ideas to avoid the pitfalls and leverage best practices for success.
We hope this pragmatic look at small manufacturers’ automation approach will support greater success with automation projects and prevent unpleasant surprises.
Read the full article to learn more.