How to choose automation supplier? (5)
Damian Zabicki / Bartlomiej Juszczyk, 2021.09.08, Automation
At the stage of selecting an automation system supplier, it is worth checking its capabilities in the field of integration of drive technology, control and communication devices from various manufacturers.
The necessity to use devices of a specific manufacturer may result, for example, from corporate requirements or other standards adopted in factories. The automation system supplier should be able to meet these requirements. It is about broadly understood integration in the field of power, control and communication, as well as software. Possibilities in this area are confirmed by appropriate certificates.
Components quality and availability
The stable and failure-free machine is determined, among others, by the highest level of quality of the components used. This ensures continuity of production and safe operation, with minimized risk of unplanned downtime. In addition, it is worth paying attention to whether the supplier has a well-equipped warehouse, supported by IT tools, and whether it is possible for the customer to verify the functioning of such a warehouse in real working conditions. The supplier should prove that its supply chain is well organized and guarantees the availability of components, regardless of the market situation.
Service and remote access
At the selection stage, it is worth focusing on a supplier who, thanks to the fact that he designs and manufactures machines with his own resources, guarantees their quick service.
However, a competent supplier, already at the stage of designing the initial concept, should foresee solutions that will minimize the possibility of faults. In addition, it is worth considering the use of remote diagnostics tools that provide service support for the machine.
Company ELPLC S.A. is a certified partner of Siemens, the only one in Poland in the field of Advanced Motion drive technology. – This is the highest level of certification, providing much greater technical possibilities with regard to this manufacturer's drive technology. As a result, solutions can be created that are optimally adapted to the needs of the process. In turn, in the field of cooperation with suppliers of robots, the company ELPLC S.A. can boast the distinction of SI Elite, which is the highest status among Mitsubishi Electric integrators in Poland, and the status of KUKA Official System Partner. In addition, we are able to provide and integrate robots from other manufacturers, and we also have our own prototype of a universal six-axis robot with a patented movable segment made of carbon fiber (Unirobot).
ELPLC S.A., in order to ensure the highest level of machine safety, selects top components at the design stage. This allows to produce applications that are trouble-free and safe. In addition, the company ELPLC S.A. has a large warehouse located directly at the production hall. Continuity of supplies is ensured by contracts signed with suppliers.
Company ELPLC S.A. designs and manufactures machines on its own. Hence, it provides quick diagnostics and troubleshooting. It is worth noting that ELPLC S.A. as a global supplier, it successfully uses tools for remote diagnostics and machine upgrade. It is worth mentioning the constantly developed by ELPLC S.A. diagnostics based on intelligent augmented reality glasses. As a result, it is possible to quickly diagnose and detect irregularities in the operation of machines. In addition, the use of such a solution, especially during covid restrictions, allows to shorten the time of retooling, service and inspection, as well as reducing the likelihood of machine failure and unplanned downtime. With the help of glasses, you can remotely collect data from the process for the purposes of automation or indicate faults and places of machine failure to maintenance services.