If you’re considering automating your manufacturing facility, technology is crucial. But there’s one factor plant managers often don’t take into consideration: timing. We’ll describe the optimal times to integrate automation, highlight signs to look for that indicate it’s time to upgrade to custom automation, and suggest determining questions to ask before getting started.

Ideal Times To Integrate Custom Manufacturing Automation

There are several key optimal moments to implement custom automation into your facility. First, automation can easily slide into a facility expansion plan or new build. Greenfield projects are not constrained by existing infrastructure or systems. They allow you to install a streamlined automation system from scratch – one that’s purpose-built for your needs. For expansions, automation designs can seamlessly be slotted into a new layout and process plan.

Integrating automation is also a good idea when installing a new product line, particularly if it has unique handling requirements. A new product introduction presents a great opportunity to upgrade your existing machinery to automated solutions that are custom-designed to handle new and complex handling requirements; custom solutions can handle product much more quickly and precisely than your current production line or any off-the-shelf automation equipment.

Acquisition and mergers may seem like a logistic headache with incompatible systems – but this actually presents a strategic opportunity. With customized software automation, you can bridge these systems and introduce emerging technologies like AI and robotics.

If you’re experiencing a labor shortage or high turnover, manufacturing automation frees you up to move workers from the factory floor and into value adding positions, all while removing human error from your production line. Strategically implemented technologies like pick-and-place robots and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) drastically reduce your dependence on labor and increase the throughput and quality of your operations. 

Finally, automation is often the best choice to swiftly comply with new regulations. For example, to comply with Global Data Privacy Regulations like the California Consumer Privacy Act, manufacturers can install manual data audits with automated data mapping tools and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) bots. These tools can centralize data governance, manage consent, and provide audit-ready reporting in real time. 

Signs Your Facility Has Grown Beyond Standard Industrial Automation Solutions

Even if none of these instances apply to your business, it’s always a good idea to upgrade from standard to custom manufacturing technologies. Here’s how we tackle a few of the standard automation headaches we see most often:

• Your processes have become too specialized for one-size-fits-all solutions. Custom industrial manufacturing solutions are engineered to match your exact needs, no matter how niche or complex.
• You’re dealing with repeated workarounds and manual overrides that slow down production. Isthmus engineers can identify error-prone and inefficient manual processes, and we utilize that information to design a custom system which facilitates a consistent, high-speed, and accurate production line.
• You’re hitting throughput ceilings that standard equipment can't break through. Custom automation solutions target and eliminate bottlenecks with a system that delivers maximum speed and scalability.

You’re dealing with repeated workarounds and manual overrides that slow down production. Isthmus engineers can identify error-prone and inefficient manual processes, and we utilize that information to design a custom system which facilitates a consistent, high-speed, and accurate production line.

You’re hitting throughput ceilings that standard equipment can't break through. Custom automation solutions target and eliminate bottlenecks with a system that delivers maximum speed and scalability.

Questions To Ask Before Installing Automated Manufacturing Technology

If you’re all set to get started on your custom automation process, we’re ready to help. We recommend asking yourself a few key questions beforehand to make sure your facility is ready for automation and facilitate a smooth design and installation process.

Q: Is my production process stable and repeatable enough to automate?

A: Automation amplifies your existing processes. Any minor issues now will become major issues post-automation if they aren’t properly addressed. We highly recommend auditing your current processes to identify any existing snags or inconsistencies that you may not know about now, so our engineers can design solutions. 

Q: Who on my team will own the automation process?

A: Isthmus excels at client communications, but that can only go so far if your team is not clear on who is taking the lead on your end. Make a clear decision on who will handle automation decisions and communications on behalf of your business prior to the project onset.

Q: How much downtime can we tolerate during installation and integration?

A: Knowing the maximum amount of acceptable downtime early on in the project ensures that we can best cater to your needs. We always design for as little downtime as possible; knowing your set number will guarantee we meet it.

Q: Am I planning for today's volume or tomorrow's?

A: We recommend investigating whether you may want to upscale over the foreseeable future – and if so, how much. This will equip our engineers to design a plan with optimal flexibility for your operation.