After the equipment enters production there will still be issues to resolve and opportunities for optimization. Common issues include unplanned downtime, low yield, and slow cycle time.
This is Step 1 in an 11 part series that shares insights about how manufacturers can successfully implement custom automated systems.
Step 9 discusses how to train operator and maintenance personnel to ensure they succeed with the automation equipment.
Step 8 examines the process for a Factory Acceptance Test, including how the timing of the test plays a critical role in equipment success.
Step 7 examines project execution and its typical project tasks, project management, and factors that are critical to success during debug.
Step 6 discusses how the team analyzes the design of the product, required quality and production levels, acceptance criteria, and other requirements.
Step 5 discusses how a contract helps set expectations clearly up front and reduces potential conflict as the machine enters production.
Purchasing automation equipment is challenging. Step 4 describes how Automation NTH helps manufacturers reduce risk in supplier selection.
Step 3 discusses how to create the right team to plan, implement, and operate automation. Learn about key roles and when to engage them.
Step 2 describes the role of an automation architect and the initial steps to take after hiring an automation architect.
This is Step 1 in an 11 part series that shares insights about how manufacturers can successfully implement custom automated systems.
We frequently get asked how Automation NTH‘s unique business model can possibly be cost competitive with vertically integrated machine builders.
We are excited to announce that Automation NTH has been recognized as one of America’s fastest growing privately held companies by Inc. Magazine. The Inc. 5000 list is a widely known annual publication that ranks companies by revenue growth. Automation
Our team has a wealth of diverse experience working on extremely complex automation projects with leading machine builders. This allows us to see the complete automation picture and work effectively with mechanical partners through our CAP program.
Automation NTH developed a unique program to help manufacturers reduce supplier risk. With its Certified Automation Partner (CAP) program, Automation NTH qualifies companies through a rigorous assessment process, then works with manufacturers to recommend specific CAPs for a project.
Automation NTH became Great Place to Work-Certified™ on February 1, 2020. 96% of our employees agree that it is a great place to work and 100% agreed that “our customers would rate the service we deliver as excellent.”
Challenges with Quality Vision Inspection Systems Quality vision inspection systems play a vital role in the production of automotive engines where cast and machined frames are matched and assembled with various vendor-supplied components. Slight defects in materials or incorrectly installed
Automation NTH will be exhibiting at the ATX West trade show at booth 4388 from Feb. 11-13, 2020, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.
All custom automation projects carry some amount risk. Unexpected issues inevitably emerge over the course of a project and increase with the complexity of an application. An automation company that uses a rigorous methodology to assess and manage risk will
In order to compete globally, manufacturers need to constantly improve performance and efficiency in their plants. One potential source of competitive advantage that manufacturers often overlook is their relationship with system integrators. We believe that manufacturers who build deep, strategic
Good, experienced controls engineers are hard to find. Both manufacturers and system integrators struggle to hire enough controls engineers to keep up with demand. Hiring engineers straight out of school presents its own challenges, too. It typically takes years of
Some manufacturers spend millions of dollars on automation equipment but don’t have the information they need to maximize their return on this investment. These manufacturers suffer from a lack of insight into their production and supply chain that could be
Automation Architects An industry leading Life Science company had been trying to automate a key element of its product assembly for 7 years without success. Their product, a Class II medical device, requires a process to insert a component with
Automation NTH is proud to have been named 2020 System Integrator of the Year by CFE Media, the publisher of Control Engineering and Plant Engineering magazines. The award is
Automationnth recently celebrated its 20th anniversary since Automation NTH President Brent Thomas co-founded the company on November 1st, 1999. Brent was destined to become an entrepreneur. Growing up he started a landscaping business in high school and a computer repair
A customer in the software industry started with an ambitious goal: to make its first ever game controller and fully automate the production process. Starting with just an initial product concept and no idea how to make it, the customer engaged our machine builder partner and Automationnth to develop a manufacturing line.
We send out a monthly recap of what we’ve seen in manufacturing and automation news and thought was interesting. This post contains links to prior month’s newsletters.
Automationnth recently expanded its presence as a leading automation engineering company in Southern California by leasing a new 10,000 sq. ft. facility located at 12525 Kirkham Court in Poway, California. Located 20 miles from downtown San Diego and 90 miles
Note: this public case study has removed sensitive details about our customer and their product line. If you are interested in seeing the full machine vision case study with all the details including photos and videos, please contact us here.
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
The U.S. recently imposed a 25% tariff on steel imports and a 10% tariff on aluminum imports. Roughly one-third of the 100 million tons of steel used each year by American business is imported, while imports account for more than 90% of
We are pleased to announce that Automationnth has successfully achieved Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) certification through an external audit. The comprehensive CSIA Certification audit assessed Automationnth’s compliance with 76 criteria in the areas of project management, quality assurance, business
Automation NTH attended the ATX West and MD&M trade shows in Anaheim, California on February 8th to see the latest advances in automation technologies. This was a huge show with a lot to take in, but a consistent highlight for
The recent tax reform legislation provides many benefits for manufacturers in the U.S., who are just coming off the best year of factory activity since 2004. The elements of the legislation that have the most impact on manufacturers’ taxes include: Corporate
Situation A Fortune 50 company needed to create a custom automated production system for consumer vapor products. Action Our team of engineers programmed a complex assembly system which included 18 robots, 9 Cognex vision inspections, RFID reading, vacuum pick and
Unplanned downtime can be a killer for manufacturing costs. Predictive maintenance helps eliminate unplanned downtime by allowing manufacturers to be proactive and use data to guide their work. This article in IndustryWeek provides a good overview of predictive maintenance and
In this thought-provoking article in IndustryWeek, Larry Fast discusses the potential impact of new capabilities like Big Data Analytics, AI, and IIOT in manufacturing. There are several points he made that I found interesting. He highlights how IIOT in manufacturing
Allen-Bradley Ultra3000 Servo Drives were discontinued by Rockwell at the end of 2016. The Ultra3000 has been a valuable work horse for Rockwell Automation customers. These drives were able to do standalone indexing as well as ride on both DeviceNet and
There is one refrain we hear more often from our peers and customers than any other: there is a shortage of people with the skills required to work at manufacturers and control system integrators. There are many causes for this
Ransomware and cyber attacks at manufacturers is becoming increasingly common, disrupting operations and causing millions of dollars worth of damages. Consumer Products company Reckitt Bensicker was recently the victim of one such attack that impacted the company’s 60 factories. What
Situation A Mark Cuban backed startup company with an innovative concept to automate cocktail mixing approached Automation NTH with a desire to scale up its production, but didn’t know where to start. Action We interviewed the customer to understand their
Download our comprehensive guide to learn more about how to create a successful automated manufacturing system for your organization.
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282 Mason Rd
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615.793.7704
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12525 Kirkham Ct.
Poway, CA 92064
619.780.7864
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