Automation Management

Automation Management - The Key to a Successful Project

Automation management - There are many books available on this subject, and you may be able to write one yourself. In the context of this web-site, We shall limit ourselves to the following topics:

1. Procedure Protocol.
   The sequence of events, that should be followed, for an automation project. (Please see below.)
    
2. The Automation Consultant.
   If you decide to hire a consultant, maybe the most important attribute of any candidate is experience, in the specific area, in which, you are considering investing. May we suggest, you consider the writer? For more information and contact particulars, please click here - automation consultant
    
3. Automation System Integrator.
   The use of a system integrator (especially for the larger projects), is highly recommended. It may also be required, to engage a consultant, as well as a systems integrator. The consultant, can be of use, in the selecting of the ideal integrator, for your project. For more information, on selecting a System Integrator, Please click here- System Integrator
    
4. Automation Costs.
   Establishing an initial budget and keeping track of the costs, as the project proceeds, is essential to its success. For more information, on this area of automation management, Automation Costs. click here.
    

The Procedure Protocol.

Once you have decided, that automation is required, then the following procedure, in project automation management is highly recommended.

1. Prepare the Request For Quotation. (R.F.Q.)
   
   This document, should define, exactly what you expect, from a supplier. The part, or parts, that are to be used, must be accurately defined, by supplying a drawing and sample parts, such that the project credibility can be evaluated. It may very well be, that the part design is not yet "frozen", and/or that changes are possible. Just make sure the potential suppliers are made aware of this.
   
   Define the system productivity, bearing in mind, that no system is 100% efficient. A number, that has proven itself, over the years, is 85%.e.g.let us say, we would like to complete an operation, 6 times per minute (i.e. a 10 second cycle time). Then required cycle time= 10x0.85=8.5seconds.
   
   Give expected delivery time. Please try and be realistic, when defining completion dates. If the job you are automating is unique and/or complex, the longer time that can be given, then, hopefully, the better the job, the vendor can perform. This really means, that you should select the supplier, at an earliest date, as is possible.
   
    
2. Select 3 Potential Vendors.
   
   We think, that 3-quotes are enough, but we have been involved in projects where many more have been requested. Local, after-sales-support and expertise,
   in the field of the project, should determine, your selection.
    
3. Evaluate Quotations.
   
   A presentation, at your facility, and a visit to the potential suppliers plant, is the normal course of events. At least for the larger and more expensive projects. The preparation of a spreadsheet, listing the pros and cons, of the suppliers, will assist you in making this decision. Please note, that it is not as simple as selecting the lowest bid!
    
4. Select Vendor and Place Purchase Order.
   
   Contact the selected vendor, finalize concept, and negotiate final price, delivery and terms of payment. The purchase order can now be prepared, referencing the R.F.Q. and the final quotation. Yet another important document, should form part of the purchase order package-namely a detailed schedule, with milestones.
    
5. The Project Schedule.
   
   For information on this part of Automation Management click here

For less expensive projects (say less than $50,000.00), then a simpler, condensed, version of this protocol, may be used.

 

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To find out more about how your company can benefit from Automation Management, please feel free to contact us.

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