| The
key to a successful robot application (checklist)
The
following steps are worth considering when the opportunity to automate
arrives.
Establish
the problems which brought about the need for automation. There
are normally a variety of reasons. Internal meetings with all relevant
departments should help to establish different perspectives regarding
the obvious question. Why do we need to automate? Get everyone to
'buy in'' to the project from the start.
Establish
production requirements in terms of volume and product mix. Consider
these in relation to order book projections. Will quantities increase?
Is potential for further expansion possible or necessary?
Look
at the staffing implications. The shop floor will embrace new technology
if it helps to develop a strong business for the future. Adopt a
no casualty/low casualty approach to any staff reductions. Redeployment
rather than redundancy. Use natural wastage to normalise the staff
levels.
Produce
a preliminary project specification and make sure that you have
layouts available. The system footprint is often a major factor
in the way that a solution can be derived.
To
source the right suppliers can be difficult. If your application
has generic process qualities, then a systems house or intergrator
will offer the best solution. They will often be application or
industry specific with in depth knowledge and experience in the
process that you wish to automate. Typical examples would be Welding,
Investment Casting, Grinding and Polishing. Often the robot suppliers
will have cultured a relationship with a systems house to ensure
that their robots provide the preferred solution.
You
must establish and areas of technical risk during this phase of
the process. Cycle times and operating efficiency must be established.
Volume requirements must allow for downtime and planned maintenance.
The
final specification must incorporate any areas of technical risk
that have been identified. Any concerns should be reflected in the
spec to ensure that a solution is provided. It may be necessary
to phase the project to eliminate the risk during the process. In
short, minimise spend to eliminate risk.
Issue
Final Project Specification. Good Luck!
CHECKLIST
- Why
do we need to automate?
- Produce
CAD Layout showing available space, workflow, access, storage
- Produce
Project Specification; Production requirements, shift patterns
etc. for internal approval. Need any help? Contact: Robotsystems
- Establish
positive level of intent and finance availability
- Select
potential vendors - 3 max
- Out
to tender/proposals and quotations. Budgetary first to match to
potential funding (Don't go firm without funds approved)
- Establish
any areas of technical risk
- Compare
submissions and determine preferences
- Prepare
financial justification and apply for CapEx
- If
approval of funds, prepare final specification. Request 3 firm
quotes against final spec. If budget response poor, change supplier.
Pick up areas of technical concern
- Shortlist
preferred vendor. Establish year business established, No. of
installed systems, No. of similar systems installed. Staff levels
- Any
cycle time concerns? Potential supplier to simulate
- Request
customer references, visit
- IMPORTANT!
Establish Warranty situation. Parts only? Who is responsible for
return of goods to supplier? Length of warranty?
- Establish
suppliers stock spares holding for critical parts and recommended
spares list/cost
- Establish
Delivery. Determine what other work is taking place during your
build cycle. Ask to see project schedules
- Is
Delivery cost included in price? Determine risk in transit.
- Check
availability of service contracts and call out time
- Negotiate
on Price, Payment Terms and Warranty
- Appoint
Project Manager and Place order
|