Standard Automation vs Bespoke Automation

August 2020

Standard Automation vs Bespoke Automation

One of the reasons that you are reading this is that your business may be at the stage of considering automation to increase productivity, quality, or, indeed, the safety of your current process. There are many aspects to the automation journey, but the most important part is to define your requirements regardless if you require bespoke or standard automation.

The first stage is to create a clearly defined specification, normally referred to as a User Requirement Specification (URS). This is the bible to ensure any supplier knows exactly what you require. This should not be confused with a design specification (DS). They differ in that a URS will simply define the inputs and outputs of the system, along with process specific information such as testing, etc. This is a guideline for the Supplier to base their offering on. The DS, on the other hand, will detail exactly how the solution will look.

Standard Automation vs Bespoke Automation – What is the difference?

Standard Automation

The best way to start is to use your URS and Google or research to see if something that is available off the shelf has a standard solution. E.g. if your product requires to be laser marked, or a cap to be assembled to it, then there’s a good chance that there is a machine already designed and developed to carry out this. The company supplying these “products” may offer additional equipment, such as conveyors, to give you what you require. Likewise, filling systems and shrink wrappers may be what you require, and there is an abundance of manufacturers out there. Most “off the shelf” manufacturers will shy away from major changes to their standard platforms as this increases risk. They may, however, have partners who work with them to modify their offering

Advantages of Standard Automation

• Low risk with proven technology
• Fast lead times
• Possibly lower costs due to negation of design

Disadvantages of Standard Automation

• The system may be overly complicated for what you require
• The system may not do everything you need it to do.
• The system may be larger than bespoke designed solutions
• Interfacing with other parts of your line may be more complex due to standardising on hardware.

Bespoke Automation

As with standard automation, the best way to start is to use your URS and Google or research to see if something is available at a special purpose machine builder, as they may also have done something similar.

Most bespoke automation companies are bound under confidentiality agreements not to disclose what work they have carried out with regard to the company and the solution they supplied. Therefore, it may not be apparent that they have done something similar to your requirements in the past. Good research and visiting your potential solution provider are crucial to ensure they can meet your expectations.

With bespoke automation, it is possible to design a system to suit your exact needs. No restrictions on product shape, machine size, configuration, or even the area that it is to be installed in. The list is endless.

To de-risk some aspects, good bespoke automation companies will have relationships with key industrial technology partners such as vision companies, air flow tests, drives and motion control organisations for aspects that may relate to your application, which will allow them to use standard approaches within their unique machine design to optimise your machine. However, the concept has to be correct and meet your specifications.

Selecting the correct bespoke automation partner may take a bit more time as there are a number of aspects to consider, such as capabilities, flexibility, resources experience and, as mentioned before, their ability to concept a solution to meet your requirements.

Advantages of Bespoke Automation

• Minimal footprint
• Minimised functionality – you get what you require
• System to do all your requirements
• The system can be changed throughout the duration of the project if required
• Control architecture can be changed to suit

Disadvantages of Bespoke Automation

• As it is bespoke, the cost may be a premium.
• Timescales may be extended due to the design element
• Higher risk due to unknowns

In summary, a standard piece of automation can seem attractive from a cost, risk, and delivery point of view.  However, some compromises may have to be made if the supplier is not flexible to carry out changes and you may not get exactly what you need.

Bespoke automation can seem a high-cost and high-risk option, but this can be negated by carrying out good due diligence on the supplier as early on as possible and ensuring risks are identified and addressed at the outset. Cost can be minimised by careful specification of the equipment.

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