1. Identify the prime target areas

Looking closely at the entire production process at the producer's plant, our automation specialist identifies optimal areas for automation. These identified target areas are discussed on the spot with the producer. A list of prospective targets is modified accordingly. This is a reversed approach from standard practice, where only the producer identifies the area and method of automation and then makes a request on a specific piece of equipment from an automation supplier. The Applied Automation Approach makes the best use of the combined knowledge of the producer and the automation specialist to select the optimal targets, those that will be the most effective, for the smallest investment.

2. Analysis of costs and benefits

The costs and benefits associated with each solution are carefully analyzed. Alternate production technologies are considered to lower the costs or facilitate automation. A set of budgetary quotes is presented for various solutions with the indication of the operating costs and benefits

3. Quotation

The producer selects the solutions that are considered to be most suitable. A detailed quotation and in-depth analysis of the economical and technical aspects of each application is presented.

4. Order placement

The order is placed, and all specifications are reviewed once again.

5. Design and fabrication

With modern advances in 3D technology it is much easier and faster to design and develop a specialized piece of machinery. We custom design and individually build our automation equipment to fit all project specifications with the greatest precision and efficiency.

6. Installation, startup and implementation

The change from a manual process to an automated process requires certain efforts. The input material has to meet specific criteria, the equipment may need to be improved or tuned to meet the final expectations. Having a supplier who stands behind the product will make this transition much smoother than dealing with a third party, selling somebody else's product.

7. Support

Make sure that your supplier is able to give you proper support. If they know the product, they can do a lot even just over the phone. Most automation suppliers would say that this is the last step, but there are a couple more in the Applied Automation Approach.

8. New product development

When the producer designs a new product, it is the right step to consult with the automation supplier about the feasibility of the automated manufacturing process. For example, a small change in the shape of an object may dramatically change the cost of future production.

9. Stay informed and on top of the game

Technology is constantly changing and improving. It is necessary to keep the customer informed and up to date with new or alternate production technologies in order to stay ahead of the competition. (Did you know that the opening tab on a pop can is connected by a clinch - not a rivet. The clinch technology does not pierce the metal, does not damage the galvanic coating, is stronger then a rivet and much more energy efficient than resistance welding. Did we mention that you can join pieces of metal as thick as 3mm and the joints are so reliable that they are used in construction?)