Making a choice to move from a manual type of production facility to a semi-automated or fully automated system is a big decision for a manufacturer, fabricator or processing facility. Not only is there a significant cost involved, but there can be significant downtime and delays if the right company isn’t selected to complete the automation process.
The company hired to do this critical part of the task will do specifically what the facility needs them to do if they are a top company. This can include developing the plan, designing a network, choosing the right industrial automation controls for the given process as well as overseeing the building and commissioning of the facility once it is completed.
The RFP
The first step in finding the ideal company is typically in writing an RFP or Request for Proposal. This needs to be very specific as to the scope and details required for the bid in order to get the most qualified proposals. It is important to keep in mind that sometimes the companies responding to the RFP will put in bids that include other components for the project or omit some issues you have specified.
Depending on what these are, they may be a disqualifying factor for the bid. It may also be a way to consider different options in industrial automation controls or other features that perhaps the in-house engineering and design team hadn’t considered or been aware of as a possibility.
Check the Company’s Reputation
Don’t assume that a company submitting a bid has a proven track record in staying on budget and on time with large or small automation integration projects. Check to make sure they are a reputable company and have the expertise in industrial automation controls and automation that you consider adequate for working on your facility.
While the bottom line bid price will always be the first factor considered, it is important to go beyond this and really understand what the company may be recommending. This is particularly important if the bid includes ideas that may benefit your automation or add to efficiency and a longer system life cycle.