Greater process control, lower setup costs and simple equipment programming make it easier than ever for manufacturers to build their automation in-house rather than hire a machine builder.
Some questions that manufacturers must address have a simple yes or no answer. Others are not so clear cut. A good example of the latter type is ‘Should we build automation in-house?’
“There are so many variables to consider when deciding whether to build or buy your automation,” says Robert Huschka, vice president of education strategies at the Association for Advancing Automation (A3). “For example, how much experience have you had with automation, and have you successfully implemented projects before? Do you have a good understanding of how you will address the challenges you are attempting to solve, and how complex are those solutions?”