Last month, we discussed what sorts of things you should consider when selecting an Industrial Automation Systems Integrator – with a primary focus on product and application knowledge. This month, we’ll discuss three more qualities we think you should take into account when selecting an appropriate systems integrator.

Let’s jump right in!

Quality of the product and the relationship with its manufacturer

In manufacturing, quality is everything. Not only should the integrator be able to seamlessly scale across your platform, but also it’s also important that whomever is making that application is growing and in good financial standing. There’s an old saying in baseball that a coach’s evaluation of a player is mostly meaningless – and that all you need to know is where that player hits in a given lineup day to day and that it will tell you everything you need to know about how a coach really feels about said player.

The same goes for manufacturing, really. Any integrator should have a 5-10 year relationship with every proposed manufacturer and the length and magnitude of that relationship will give you all the basic information you’ll need to know so that you won’t get left at the proverbial alter without a specific product you need.

On-time delivery

Manufacturing is about doing things as cost-effectively as possible, while maintaining the highest quality possible but also doing these things as quickly as possible. If someone can’t deliver on time – the other two things simply don’t matter.

This is essential when it comes to industrial automation systems, because sometimes timelines can break down because of implementation or because someone chooses poorly. That’s why it’s important that you make sure that when you’re looking to bring in your own system – that you make sure everything is included in the Functional Design Document (FDD). That means development, implementation, debugging, support – and it’s important that you selection stands by all of that. It the ability is there for them to deliver, there’s no reason why it shouldn’t occur.

Keeping an eye on the budget

Make sure that the budget for integration is in place and accurate. Overages and going over budget are most often the cause for projects not being signed off in or causing delay in implementation. Whenever you’re budgeting for these sorts of things, it’s also important to keep in mind the scope creep, potential technical roadblocks, etc.- as you factor in the numbers.

We hope these two blogs have helped you recognize some key qualities you need to consider in your search. We wish you luck in your search!