Significant considerations for the successful implementation of your paint automation plan.

The today’s industrial automation technology has made a lot more efficiency possible than in the past. As with any significant production change and the growing size of the industries, the benefits and risks should be evaluated carefully prior to implementation.

Automation considerations

Although nowadays technology allows automation for more possibilities, it should not be seen as a good fit for every process considering the cost. Before we talk about investing in paint automation, there are several things to consider.

1. Return on investment (ROI)

Automation equipment is usually costly and it’s a long-term investment. However, in small processes with low production quantities, the considerable purchasing cost of an automated paint spray system might not always be profitable. Before you make your decision, you should take into account the total purchasing cost and the duration of earning back to make sure you avoid a negative return on investment (ROI). 

2. Manufacturing flexibility

Automations are usually designed to perform and repeat a specific series of actions over and over again. In a production environment where the tasks are done by several machines or quick production changes are demanded, automated solutions are less flexible and stubborn than a human.

3. Machine emissions

Many automated machines come with an engine, which may cause gaseous or chemical emissions. This posts a threat to employee’s health, leading to a potential increase in work injury. 

4. Additional costs

Take into account the possibility of unpredictable costs that may exceed the  expected savings. These costs might include R&D costs of automating a process, costs of maintenance and the cost of training.

Tips to successful paint spraying systems implementation

1. Do your research

Before deciding to purchase a finishing automation solution, it’s critical to lay the groundwork. You should do your research and talk to multiple vendors to look into every detail in your specific application. Make sure you understand the whole process accurately. 

2. Compare all current and expected production strengths.

It is really important to make detailed cost comparisons to your current production. We should identify the short- and long-term benefits and risks. All the benefits need to be carefully evaluated in terms of cost, quality, change, labor and safety. Meantime, the risks of not being automation need to be considered, such as competitors, excess production capacity, liability and government policy.

3. Develop a long-term automation plan

Automation should be approached as a long-term strategic decision and a great possibility to expand the market and find your better business partner. For this, a comprehensive automation strategy is crucial. Knowing when to start an automation transforming and finding the best supplier is significant for successful implementation. 

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