Some factors to consider when thinking about automating a process are:

• Do you need a fully automated or semi-automated solution?

• Many times a semi-automated solution is the most appropriate. Automating a piece of the production flow can increase quality, throughput, and yield without the added cost and complexity of automating the steps around a process.

• Is a task feasible to be produced using manual labor?

• For example: Laser cutting and welding is a process that requires precision motion in conjunction with shuttering of a focused laser beam. It is simply not possible to be replicated by hand. High quality parts such as stents and implantable medical devices are produced using laser machining systems. 

• Can a machine produce higher quality and improve reliability? 

• For example: An electropolishing system requires agitation as well as a precise time at a certain voltage. An operator could potentially agitate a part in an electrified bath but the part would be subject to human variation from part to part and shift to shift. A machine doesn’t care if it’s lunch time; it follows a script and performs the same task for every part.  

• Is there a hazard that operators need to be shielded from?

• If there are harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures, then a machine may be appropriate to protect operators from hazards

• Is there repetitive motion or heavy objects?

• There are many applications where repetitive or heavy objects can be moved mechanically rather than by an operator. By producing a mechanical system to manage ergonomic issues workman comp claims can be reduced and kept to a minimum.

• Are volumes sufficient to justify the costs of building a machine rather than adding headcount?