· 10 Steps to take when Purchasing Automation

The following steps will lead you through specifying, purchasing and implementing your Automation project.

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1. Specify Equipment Correctly

Failure to define your company's expectations with regards to performance, aesthetics and hardware preferences will eventually lead to confusion and misunderstanding. A detailed equipment specification will force the project engineer to examine all aspects of the project. The following is an outline for a simple equipment specification:

· Project Objective Performance Expectations (cycle, time, yield, machine up-time, etc)
· Preferred Hardware List (PLC, valves, etc)
· Design Requirements (guarding, wiring, plumbing, etc)
· Product Information (prints, current process information, etc)
· Acceptance Criteria

2. Supply the Vendor with Up-To-Date Drawings and Parts within Specification

Maintaining proper and up-to-date documentation is an ongoing challenge for most companies. Failure to supply the vendor with sufficient up-to-date drawings of the project will cause expensive delays. Even the best suppliers will not always detect non-conformance from the parts to the prints until it is too late, making rework inevitable. Supplying parts which are within specification is also very important.

3. Apply the Correct Technology

Failure of a project engineer to do his/her homework may result in the least efficient use of equipment. Is there an "off-the-shelf" piece of equipment available for your application? Should you employ flexible or hard automation? These are the types of questions which should be answered before building a machine.

4. Design for an Automated Process

Some products are not designed to be manufactured or assembled automatically. Some process components cannot be fed automatically. When the automated process is difficult, perhaps a semi-automatic solution would be more feasible.

5. Visit Prospective Suppliers before the Quoting Process Begins

Often requests for quotation are sent out to vendors with very little prior knowledge about the company. A visit to the appropriate supplier early on in the process will help assure that you are looking at viable solutions and capable suppliers. This visit should also help you interpret the quotation much more clearly as a result of having seen the equipment. The price quoted for the equipment will also have more meaning and allow for a better comparison.

6. Estimate the Cost of a Project

Most of us know of a manager who has presented his supervisor a proposal for a project, sold the idea, and grossly underestimated the cost of the project. Now, to save face, the manager and his/her subordinates spend their time looking for the right price rather than the right solution. Most suppliers would be willing to supply a rough budgetary quotation for your consideration. A simple request for quotation from a couple of suppliers will provide a more accurate cost estimate and may prevent a non-viable project from failing.

7. Consider In-House Technical Capability required to Support the Machine

Many times, companies purchase a system without considering the technical expertise required to maintain the equipment on a daily basis. Be sure to consider all the costs associated with new and unfamiliar technology.

8. Involve "Production" in the Process

The people responsible for ultimately operating a system can make the machine look good or bad. Allow the production people to be involved with the project early on. Give them an active role and a chance to take ownership. Be sure to consider all the costs associated with new and unfamiliar technology

9. Communicate with the Vendor

Even after a detailed equipment specification has been submitted to the vendor, constant constructive communication must be maintained. Notice how the word "constructive" was used. Simply documenting all conversations and responding to written correspondence for the sake of maintaining good records is not nearly enough. Your company and your chosen vendor must form a team. Review the progress of the project in detail with the vendor at certain points in the project and notify then of any perceived problems as soon as possible.

10. Carry out Factory Acceptance Testing

Do not allow the vendor to ship the machine before it is ready. Allowing this to happen usually prolongs the equipment from performing according to plan and damages the vendor/company relationship which will cost money in the long and short run.

Contact us if you would like a company brochure or wish to join our mailing list. Telephone us on +44 (0)1403 249 888 to discuss your application.

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