Automation projects can transform how manufacturers operate, delivering gains in efficiency, safety, and scalability. But they also require significant investment, and the success of your project often comes down to the partner you choose. Asking the right questions before you begin can help you identify the right vendor, avoid costly missteps, and ensure you get the long-term results you expect.
Keep reading for the top five questions every decision-maker should ask before launching an automation project.
1. What Experience Do You Have in My Industry?
Not all vendors understand the specific challenges of different industries. The needs of an automotive supplier differ from those of a food and beverage manufacturer or a plastics processor. Look for a partner who can point to proven experience in your sector. Axis Engineering has worked across industries including automotive, food and beverage, chemical, oil and gas, and manufacturing, agriculture; tailoring automation solutions to each environment.
2. How Do You Handle System Integration?
At Axis, we know automation only delivers value when everything works together; new equipment, robotics, and controls must integrate seamlessly with your existing systems. That’s why system integration is never an afterthought. It’s built into every stage of our process.
We take a structured, staged approach guided by our proven 7-step methodology. The first step is understanding your operation, current production outputs, volumes, and staff schedules. From there, we design and implement automation around your requirements, not the other way around.
Integration also means planning for minimal disruption. New systems are introduced with your production schedule in mind, ensuring uptime and reliability throughout the transition. And because technology never stands still, we make sure your legacy systems, current equipment, and future upgrades are designed to work together from day one.
With decades of experience as a trusted system integrator, Axis delivers not just automation, but automation that fits seamlessly, reliably, and with the flexibility to grow with you.
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3. Can You Provide Examples of ROI from Past Projects?
Demonstrating ROI is critical. Automation is an investment, and leadership teams need confidence that it will deliver value. While NDAs often prevent us from sharing customer-specific financial data, Axis captures real-world results through detailed case studies. These highlight the challenges our clients faced, the solutions we engineered, and the measurable improvements achieved, such as increased throughput, reduced downtime, improved safety, or better data visibility.
By showcasing both the technical approach and the operational outcomes, our case studies give decision-makers a clear picture of how Axis solutions translate into long-term ROI.
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4. How Will You Support My Team After Installation?
Too often, automation vendors disappear once the system is installed. Post-installation support is critical for training operators, maintaining equipment, and resolving unforeseen issues. Axis provides ongoing support and service options, including 24/7 emergency support and weekly scheduled support, so clients have Manufacturing Peace of Mind long after the project ends.
5. What Safety and Compliance Standards Do You Follow?
Automation must be safe and compliant with industry standards. Ask whether your vendor designs UL 508A certified control panels, follows NFPA 79 electrical standards for industrial machinery, and provides ANSI B11 standards that build in fail-safes to protect workers and equipment. Axis Engineering prioritizes safety and compliance across all projects, helping clients reduce risk and avoid regulatory issues.
Common Questions about Automation Projects
Q. How do I know if my plant can benefit from further automation?
A. The answer is most likely yes! If you’re facing recurring downtime, rising labor costs, or scalability challenges, automation may be the right next step. Many processes can be improved through some type of automation. A system integrator can assess your readiness.
Q. What is the typical timeline for an automation project?
A. Timelines in automation vary. Some projects take weeks, others several months. But the real differentiator isn’t just the clock; it’s the experience behind the work.
Think of the classic story of the ship’s engineer: fixing the problem only took a tap of the hammer, but knowing where to tap came from decades of expertise. Automation projects work the same way. The value lies in knowing how to plan, stage, and implement each step so the system integrates smoothly, and disruption is minimized.
At Axis, we bring that level of expertise to every project. Our proven process ensures your system isn’t just delivered on schedule, it’s delivered right, with the foresight to avoid costly delays and the confidence that it will perform from day one.
Q. How much does an automation project cost?
A. Project costs vary with scope and complexity. Axis takes a holistic view. Some improvements can be made quickly and with minimal investment, but often the greatest ROI comes from tackling larger, more strategic upgrades.
Q. Can automation improve safety as well as productivity?
A. Yes. Modern systems include fail-safes, real-time monitoring, and better ergonomics, reducing risk for employees while improving efficiency.
Build Confidence before You Begin
Choosing the right automation partner can make the difference between a project that adds value and one that creates frustration. By asking the right questions, you’ll be better equipped to identify a partner who understands your industry, prioritizes safety, and provides lasting support.
Axis Engineering has been helping manufacturers integrate, optimize, and scale their systems since 1998. Contact us today to discuss your next project and discover how automation can deliver true manufacturing peace of mind.