Industrial Automation Equipment

Find the best sources for industrial automation equipment
By Linda C. Ray Industrial automation equipment is a huge investment for any company, but vital to the working of every manufacturing facility. Automation supplies and industrial automation parts add to the costs as well. With all the technological improvements in factory automation equipment, it can be difficult to keep up. On the other hand, if you don’t continually invest in industrial factory automation systems, you will not remain competitive for long.

While you may have a long-standing relationship with your industrial automation supplier, in today’s economy you must consider other sources to both save resources and stay abreast of improvements. Your industrial automation distributor typically is not as motivated as outside automation suppliers in finding you deals and presenting innovative new automation equipment.

1. Put out a request for proposals (RFP) next time you need to upgrade your manufacturing automation

2. Consider used automation equipment

3. Explore lease options for newer industrial automation equipment

Keep automation suppliers on their toes

By putting out an RFP for your next round of factory automation equipment upgrades, your current industrial automation supplier will get the message that you are not completely satisfied with your current options. You may receive the best bid from your current industrial automation distributor or you may get turned on to emerging technology that you might have missed.
Try:  Join the RFP Depot for exposure to a sealed bids platform that you can participate in through the Web. The RFP Database offers free online access to put out RFPs worldwide.

Buy good used industrial factory automation

To save on precious resources, especially when you are starting out, you may wan to consider used and refurbished automation equipment. With the ever-changing arena of manufacturing automation, comes a bigger glut of used automation equipment that is still viable and may best serve your purposes.
Try:  Equipnet is a global online auction for industrial automation equipment and automation supplies. Find industrial automation parts entire facilities that are going out of business. Equipmatching is a member-driven marketplace for buying, selling and trading industrial automation parts and used factory automation equipment.

Retain your resources and your credit with leased plant automation systems

Leasing is almost always a good option for large industrial automation system purchases. Credit is easier to get from leasing companies and the lease does not affect you bottom line with the monthly payments. At the end of the lease, you can upgrade or purchase the automation equipment and leasing companies are usually willing to work with you to establish favorable terms.
Try:  Vitality Finance Group works out plans for start-ups and existing clients who need industrial automation equipment. Their expertise is focused on small to medium-sized businesses. Direct Capital offers an online application for quick approval from a number of leasing companies for industrial automation equipment.

• Tell your industrial automation supplier that you want to know about emerging technology if you don't want to go through the process of finding a new distributor. Make sure they understand that you are willing to look elsewhere if they don't deliver some good deals too.