Factory automation is the way to go if you're looking for quick, easy solutions to assembling, packaging and distributing your products to certain markets. Conveyors, computerized machinery and other devices such as integrated and robotic systems are some examples of factory automation.

Computerized factory automation and robotic machinery cut costs and boost productivity by handling the repetitive tasks of product handling, assembling and packaging. Because of the ability to perform repetitive tasks, factory automation reduces the need for employees to do the job manually. Factory automation service can be done through equipment such as 6-axis arm robots, which handle materials in a wide range of motion. These specialized robots are popular in painting, extrusion and welding applications. Motion controls, another aspect of factory automation, operate with DC and AC drive systems, and are used to work with motors, gear systems and human interface technologies. Integrated manufacturing is another popular factory automation service for database systems, inventory control, production monitoring and more. Before you search for factory automation:

1. Consider consulting or factory automation services that can help you get started.

2. Find factory automation equipment that you will need to set up your business.

3. Focus on integrating factory automation systems.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consult factory automation services for advice

Seek help from consultants on planning, designing, developing and integrating factory automation into the workplace.

I recommend: Consulting services from Operations Concepts consist of automation solutions, developing materials handling systems and productivity engineering services. Find factory automation information at Automated Solutions, which does mechanical and electrical control designing, engineering, testing and turnkey services.

Buy the right factory automation equipment and supplies

Some examples of factory automation equipment include industrial sliding doors, inspection systems and robotic parts handlers.

I recommend: Factory automation provider Buckeye Machine Fabricators handles testing equipment, conveyors and robotic integration for the automotive, appliance, fiberglass insulating and commercial baking industries. Beacon Industries includes carts, product lifts, drum handling equipment and cranes among their inventory of factory automation products.

Integrate the appropriate factory automation systems

Get the tools you'll need to smoothly integrate factory automation into your facilities.

I recommend: Factory automation service provider Han-Tek offers mechanical and electrical engineering, installation, computer simulation, training and more. Maxsys Technologies integrates factory automation tools such as radio-frequency switching systems and test systems. Electronic system manufacturing and integration is also available. Products and services come with a one-year warranty. Avanceon specializes in control systems integration and delivery of end-to-end factory automation systems or solutions. The company also provides engineering services, and field and technical support for its products.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Other forms of factory automation include programmable logic controls and manufacturing execution systems. Programmable logic controls work with batching, bottling and machine controls. Manufacturing execution systems aid in data collection, operations scheduling, product tracking and more.