End-to-End Quality

Beginner's Guide to Selecting an Automation Firm

Many automation suppliers are known for having specific robotic expertise for example, brand name expertise, such as Fanuc, ABB or others. We suggest you look at the equipment that the integrator suggests you use and make sure it is of high quality and readily available in your area in case you need a replacement. Trade publications via the internet can be a great tool for finding out what experts and users think about specific product lines.

The integrator’s software development and product selections become more important as the application grows in complexity. If two separate software systems are being utilized in the same application, software updates for one system can cause interface problems with the other, leading to a nightmare. The same is true when integrating PLC’s and Robots. The integrator must have an excellent understanding of each and how they affect one another.

Many integrators do not want to take responsibility for the PLC, or machine control systems that interface with robots for example because they feel the liability is too high. You need to choose an integrator with vast experience interfacing control systems. An integrator who will take ownership of the project as a whole is your best and most robust solution.

Finally, don’t overlook training and support. Smart integrators will include error flags that technicians can understand, and provide easy to understand documentation for troubleshooting. This is not always the case with most integrators. Ask to see what their documentation look like. Are they complete and comprehensive and reflect the unique nature of the application, or are they just the equipment vendor's manuals? Below, we have provided a list of proper documentation, please note the content.

Quality training and support are benefits for both smart integrators as well as the customer. Here at CNC Solutions, we train the engineering department during installation so they understand thoroughly how the system works and how it is configured. Then we train the operators after the system is installed so there is no mistake determining between normal operations and error.

Providing proper documentation including: wire diagrams, maintenance tasks, and spare parts packages gives you all the tools you need to convey a problem to the integrator, should it arise. It also gives you a better understanding of how your system works.

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End-to-End Quality

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