If you’re thinking about adding intelligent automation to your order fulfillment system, the most important decision you’ll need to make is choosing the right people. In the industrial automation industry, there are two types of companies that provide these solutions: system integrators and manufacturers, both of which play integrative roles.

System integrators combine various subsystems into one larger system, while manufacturers will design and build a customized solution to meet each of your requirements.

Ease of Implementation

Manufacturers are able to make modifications to their tried-and-true modular systems. Using their expertise to design scalable solutions that will satisfy your current and future needs. Modular systems, by definition, allow for seamless integration, eliminating the need for additional programming and fabrication.

System Integrators, on the other hand, source components from multiple manufacturers and combine them on the customer’s production floor. The mechanical and electrical integrations take place in the end-user facility, with no guarantee that they’ll be able to get the system up and running. This approach is both slow and costly; it takes much longer to integrate foreign components, which can lead to prolonged installations and longer downtimes.

Here at CASI, each system goes through a factory acceptance test, where it is assembled on our floor, and tested with your unique requirements and business rules in mind.

Quality Control

When working directly with a manufacturer, you’ll receive the highest quality machines, built and tested in-house. By having one company in charge of procurement, you can rest assured that the quality will be consistent throughout the whole system.

Additionally, manufacturers like CASI factory-test every component before shipment, guaranteeing that any kinks are ironed out before the system reaches your facility. To further put your mind at ease, we won’t ship out a system until it meets your expectations.

Best of all, with manufacturers, there’s no middleman. Simply call or email CASI, tell us what you need, and we’ll get it done—quickly, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to your operations.

After-Installation Support

Choosing a manufacturer over an integrator comes with long-term benefits, too. Troubleshooting your system is much easier with a manufacturer… they’re the ones who built it in the first place! And when it comes to finding replacement parts, you can trust that the manufacturer will be able to identify exactly what you need and get it to you as soon as possible.

When the time comes to expand your operation, a manufacturer will be able to build exactly what you need, keep it running, and make sure you’re achieving and exceeding your production goals.

Final Verdict

At the end of the day, the choice is entirely up to you and your needs. Before making your final decision, be sure that the system you integrate is easy to implement into your existing process. The system goes through proper quality control and standard factory acceptance tests. Finally, ensure that the system you implement has the support necessary after installation to ensure the smoothest of transitions. If you find a company that checks all these boxes, the decision should be quite easy.

For more information on how CASI may be able to help with your automation needs, fill out the quick form or you can email us at info@casiusa.com