The Automation Cycle

• A company may identify potential for automation whilst undergoing a yearly review of existing plant and projected orders.
• Perhaps a critical process has inherent problems and a solution must be found to eliminate a bottleneck in the production process.
• A new product may be coming on stream which requires a revolutionary approach to the manufacturing process.
• A start up product may be proving so successful that production volumes require a fresh approach to manufacturing methods.

Having identified a specific need to solve any of the above problems (amongst others), the process begins.

The first step and the most important as far as the purchaser is concerned, is to establish a reference point or datum, known as 'The Project Specification'.

When the product Spec has been accurately defined and internally approved, it can be used to investigate automation potential.

This should produce, in conjunction with external suppliers, a variety of possible solutions.

The next stage is to examine the pros and cons of the proposed solutions, and determine the most suitable approach.

Simulations and workflow analysis can be used to test proposals. This should help to establish performance under variable conditions.

Assuming 12 weeks to carry out the preparatory work, and 12 weeks to undergo the budgetary and firm phases of the bidding process, it can be assumed that 24 weeks should take us to the point of order placement. A realistic build schedule for a simple robot cell will be in the order of 24/28 weeks, so the minimum automation cycle will be in the region of 1 year from start to commissioning and sign-off.

A well ordered installation with good project management should enable an automation cell to be installed and commissioned in 2/3 weeks, from start to finish. This assumes a high level of build and minimum dismantling at the suppliers facility, prior to shipping.