5 common mistakes to avoid when implementing automation projects
If you’re about to deploy an industrial robot on your manufacturing floor for the first time, you’re probably keen to avoid the most common—and costly—mistakes. And rightly so, since this first experience could be decisive for what happens next.
It’s important for your first project to be successful, because failure can make a big dent in your teams’ morale. It will make it difficult to get subsequent projects off the ground, as your staff will be hard to motivate.
Here are the five most common mistakes to avoid when implementing automation and robotics projects.
1. Choosing the first supplier you meet
Robotics is a highly specialized sector, but a number of suppliers can meet your needs.
So take the time to weigh your options. Compare four or five different suppliers, and then solicit bids from at least two.
If you want your project to deliver the best possible results, take the time to explore the market, recommends Vincent Bombardier, Senior Business Advisor, BDC Advisory Services, who specializes in helping companies carry out automation and robotics projects.
“For example, many business owners will visit an industry show and talk to manufacturers. Some will then go ahead with a purchase if some of the bids received afterwards suit them,” he says. “However, there are other considerations beyond price, such as quality, after-sales service, the integrator’s proximity and compatibility with existing systems. They won’t necessarily make a bad choice, but it will rarely be the best one.”
2. Failing to plan
When you fail to plan, you plan to fail. This applies to robotics as much as to business projects in general. To avoid delays and cost overruns, plan your project properly.
This includes developing a clear, realistic timeline for the implementation of your new tools. It also means determining how your new robots will integrate with your existing systems.
Integrating a robot on your manufacturing floor could also transform your processes. Think about this transformation before implementing new technology. In this way, you’ll avoid having to relocate or reprogram your machines shortly after they are deployed. To avoid delays and cost overruns, involve all stakeholders from the outset of the project, and ensure everyone understands their responsibilities and timelines.
Too many companies start a project without defining their needs in a requirements document. If companies did this rigorously, it would solve at least 80% of the most common problems in advance.
Vincent Bombardier
Senior Business Advisor, BDC Advisory Services
3. Failing to clearly define expectations and goals
If your expectations and goals are unclear, the results of your robotics project are likely to be disappointing. To ensure that the deployment of your first robot meets your needs, draw up a set of requirements and make sure your supplier understands your goals.
“Too many companies start a project without defining their needs in a requirements document,” says Bombardier. “If companies did this rigorously, it would solve at least 80% of the most common problems in advance.”
A well-written requirements document also lets you include payment terms linked to the achievement of key milestones in your project. These milestones may include, for example, performance testing, meeting technical requirements or validating results through field trials. This increases your chances of achieving your goals.
Lastly, ask your supplier to provide a schedule detailing the steps required to achieve optimal performance. This includes the phases of testing, employee training and technical adjustments, with a specific time scale for each step.
“There’s always a learning curve,” says Bombardier. “It’s not realistic to expect a system to run at full efficiency from day one. Discuss this with your supplier or integrator.”
4. Failing to get proper training
Your new system generally won’t run itself, and it will also require maintenance.
All too often, companies forget to train their teams. This can lead to a number of problems, including reduced efficiency, delays in order delivery and even safety challenges.
“Often, entrepreneurs who have purchased equipment later realize that the training provided by the supplier doesn’t enable the existing team to operate, maintain or adjust the machine,” explains Bombardier.
So make sure your staff has the skills to operate and maintain your new equipment from the start. If they don’t, provide proper training.
“You should consider this when you draw up your requirements document,” suggests Bombardier. “It’s a key step in the success of your project. Adding a training requirement will enable the various potential suppliers to take it into account in their bids, making it easier to compare and avoid unpleasant surprises.”
5. Failing to comply with current standards
Sometimes companies buy equipment without taking into account current standards and regulations. This can lead not only to safety issues, but also to delays, if, for example, an inspector orders the system to be shut down due to noncompliance.
Rules vary from province to province. But in Ontario, for example, companies must undergo a review when they install a new machine, notes Bombardier.
“The purpose of the review is to ensure the safety of workers and their workplace. Businesses can’t afford to ignore these rules. That would be a very costly mistake.”
Next step
Learn how to successfully plan and execute industrial automation projects in your business by downloading our guide, Harnessing the Power of Industrial Automation and Robotics.