5 Signs Your Manufacturing Process Could Benefit from Bespoke Automation
Bespoke automation might seem like an expensive and unnecessary solution, especially if you’re not familiar with the options available. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. With most businesses, bespoke automation can be revolutionary.
The alternative solutions, too often, fall short. They are designed with a “one size fits all” mindset, and that simply isn’t enough for businesses to run at maximum efficiency.
What is bespoke automation?
Bespoke automation is a type of special purpose machinery designed to improve accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency. It could be anything from a fully automated system to take over the manufacturing process to a benchtop fixture to take the most tedious jobs off your plate.
Many companies don’t realise that bespoke automation is an option for them, but expert engineers can build bespoke machinery for any manufacturing need.
It can be daunting to make the jump. At S&T Controls, we understand that stepping away from the familiar and into the unknown can feel like a risk; for many of our customers, however, it’s clear that something needs to change.
Think you might be in the same situation? Here are a few signs that your manufacturing process could benefit from bespoke automation.
1. You’re changing your manufacturing process
One of the biggest benefits of an S&T Controls bespoke automation system is that it adapts to your business needs and processes. In the manufacturing industry, that means you can ask to shape and design the machinery however you need, and the automation engineers will take it on board. The result is automation that integrates seamlessly with your business’s pre-existing processes and workflows.
If you’re finding that you’ve been tweaking and changing your processes to fit the equipment available to you, it’s time to consider speaking to expert engineers about bespoke automation solutions.
2. You want to be seen as an innovative business
Any business that’s been looking to set itself apart from the competition should absolutely invest in bespoke manufacturing automation.
Choosing to automate your manufacturing process is one of the simplest ways to demonstrate your business’s dedication to efficiency and innovation. It also comes with so many more benefits than other quick tricks that might offer to boost your appearance or reputation. By leaning into the future of automation, your business will be seen as forward-thinking.
3. You’re trying to be more cost-effective
Running a business is expensive; everybody knows that. From labour to energy costs to the manufacturing process, every element of the workflow costs. That’s why ensuring your manufacturing process is as cost-effective as possible matters so much. If you think your business could save some money by updating your workflow, it’s time to investigate bespoke automation.
Logistical Cost Saving
By introducing bespoke automation into your manufacturing process, you can save money in a few different ways.
First of all, you can say goodbye to any software license fees. But more importantly, the right automation system can dramatically reduce your energy costs. By only using systems that need to be used and turning the others off, or using machinery in the most efficient order, automation can seriously impact your energy usage.
Staff Cost Saving
Automation can also reduce labour costs and the costs of replacing alternative solutions when they aren’t a good fit or no longer work.
When staff are freed from tedious manufacturing tasks, you’ll also find they become more cost-effective, as suddenly you have more minds to put to work. The bigger problems can be shared among the team, without having to hire anybody new or pay any extra wages. Bespoke automation allows companies to make the most of their teams, increasing productivity and even, in many cases, job satisfaction.
4. Your manufacturing process has a lot of downtime
Plenty of manufacturing businesses lose money and efficiency because their manufacturing processes simply aren’t good enough. Efficiency can be held back by:
human error
Downtime
Faulty off-the-shelf solutions
Whatever the root cause, a lack of efficiency will hold back any business and is a sign that bespoke automation could be a real game-changer for the company.
Based in Sussex, our in-house engineering capabilities can design bespoke automations that are not prone to human error and are precise enough to minimise - if not remove - any precision issues. This wipes out the downtime in your manufacturing process, saving you time and money.
5. You hope to grow your business
When the time comes for your company to expand and grow, it’s time to seriously consider investing in the help of automation engineers. Growth is a turbulent time for a business, especially in the manufacturing industry. Increasing output without having to hire new staff, without losing precision, can be difficult, among other things.
But bespoke automation can be designed with growth in mind and, therefore, built in. As you grow, your manufacturing process will seamlessly grow with you, rather than holding you back. No matter what change and growth you’re striving for, it can be factored into the bespoke design, preventing any hiccups as your business thrives.
Where to start with bespoke automation
When the time comes to venture into bespoke automation, you don’t need to overthink it. That’s what we're here for. If you’re ready to take your business into the future, start by having a conversation with S&T Control about your bespoke automation options.