Symbiosis for OEMs and Manufacturers

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Strong relationships can enable both to prosper as OEMs and suppliers broaden their scope and educate manufacturers about fast-moving and complex automation advancements. It means they may not have the time or resources to stay informed about.

Automation technology advancements have increased so quickly in the last decade. Thus, the speed and quantity of new information can be overwhelming to manufacturers. A lack of internal knowledge and expertise about new advancements can hamper automation expansion. And while some larger enterprises may have dedicated teams of experts whose sole responsibility is to stay abreast of new developments and applications, many small or medium sized manufacturers do not.

Opportunity for OEMs and Suppliers

A new report by PMMI Business Intelligence states that this lack of internal resources provides an opportunity for OEMs and suppliers to partner with their customers. And it assists manufacturers who are struggling to identify automation projects. Providing ongoing, regular education to their customers to help them stay aware of new automation technology developments. And applications for components can build stronger relationships. Educational workshops (particularly in a virtual setting during the COVID-19 pandemic), allow OEMs and suppliers to engage with engineers. And it can be beneficial not only to the manufacturer, but also to the OEMs and suppliers who are then able to showcase their own advancements and suggest solutions that the manufacturer may not be aware of.

There is also an opportunity to outsource line integration and monitoring by taking some of the responsibility for automation projects out of the hands of the manufacturer. Manufacturers who are strapped for resources can benefit from condition-based monitoring of their equipment. OEMs and suppliers can demonstrate their value to manufacturers by expanding their offerings into data monitoring along with integration services. Since installing, troubleshooting, and monitoring new automation technology, especially when added to existing operations, is both time consuming and challenging for many manufacturers.

Full Integration Services

Larger OEM enterprises should consider offering full integration services – connecting disparate lines, upgrading legacy technology, and integrating standalone machines. Smaller OEMs and suppliers with fewer resources at their disposal can offer ease-of-use additions to machines, such as adaptable software and flexible physical configurations. And they still greatly assist manufacturers in integrating new automation technologies into their existing operations.

The report states that the biggest priority in these roles, should be to “position themselves as full-service automation partners at their clients’ disposal by understanding their ins and outs on the plant floor. OEMs and suppliers take a leading role on automation and proactively keeping their customers informed and educated. They can increase their value to their customers and build stronger working relationships. Some may even consider taking services a step further and offering integration expertise along the entire line. They strengthen trust by identifying and installing new automation technology in partnership with manufacturers.”

Source: PMMI Business Intelligence, “Automation Timeline: The Drive Toward 4.0 Connectivity in Packaging and Processing”

 

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