Automation is transforming industries worldwide, enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and streamlining operations. However, despite its numerous benefits, many businesses still face significant challenges when deciding to switch to automation technologies. At NOVA Automation, we understand these challenges and work closely with our customers to address them. From high initial costs to concerns over downtime, here are the top challenges we hear in switching to automation, and how we can help you overcome them.
Initial Cost and Total Cost of Ownership
One of the most significant hurdles businesses face when considering automation is the initial cost of equipment. Packaging machinery, robots, and other automation tools aren’t cheap, and it’s tempting to choose the lowest-priced option. However, as we’ve seen at NOVA Automation, it’s crucial to evaluate the total cost of ownership (TCO), not just the upfront price.
Many vendors emphasize “nuts and bolts”—the quality of the parts—but fail to provide a comprehensive breakdown of the long-term costs. The TCO includes not only the initial investment but also maintenance, operating costs, downtime, and product lifespan. In fact, the price of equipment is just one piece of the puzzle. Other factors such as routine maintenance, spare parts availability, operating expenses (like utilities and labor), and downtime can significantly impact your bottom line.
At NOVA Automation, we go beyond the equipment itself. We offer clear and transparent TCO calculators, so businesses can make informed decisions. This ensures you’re not only choosing the right machinery but also selecting a partner that supports you throughout the lifecycle of the equipment.
Labor Concerns
The ongoing labor shortage is another key reason many businesses are turning to automation. However, there’s often a concern that automation will completely replace human workers.
At NOVA Automation, we advocate for a balanced approach. Automation doesn’t have to mean a reduction in employees, but rather a shift in the type of work required. Automation can reduce the reliance on low-skill, high-turnover positions, and instead enable the hiring of skilled integrators who are responsible for maintaining the system.
We help businesses optimize their workforce by aligning automation with their labor needs, thereby improving efficiency without sacrificing employee satisfaction.
Downtime and Maintenance Challenges
In any manufacturing environment, downtime is costly. Unplanned stoppages disrupt production, impact delivery schedules, and lead to lost revenue. One of the major concerns when adopting automation is how to handle the inevitable maintenance needs of automated systems, especially if something goes wrong during production.
To solve this problem, NOVA Automation introduced NOVAsite, a cutting-edge tool that allows us to troubleshoot remotely. With NOVAsite, you can solve many issues in real-time using augmented reality (AR) goggles that connect you directly to one of our field service representatives. What would typically take days for a technician to arrive on-site can now be addressed in just minutes, drastically reducing downtime.
Routine maintenance is another area where NOVA Automation excels. We don’t just sell you machinery; we provide a comprehensive maintenance schedule and offer ongoing support, ensuring your systems are always running at optimal performance. Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your machinery and prevent unexpected failures.
Space and Integration Issues
As automation equipment becomes more sophisticated, it often requires more space and specialized infrastructure. Companies are often hesitant to invest in automation because they fear their current layout or infrastructure won’t accommodate the new equipment.
At NOVA Automation, we work closely with clients to ensure the machinery we provide fits their unique space and operational needs. Our team evaluates your floor plan and makes recommendations on where and how to implement automation without disrupting ongoing operations.
Businesses can confidently embrace automation without the worry of space constraints or complex integration challenges.
Understanding the ROI of Automation
Determining the ROI of automation can be tricky. How long will it take to see a return on your investment, and how do you calculate the hidden costs?
At NOVA Automation, we provide our customers with a ROI calculator that considers everything from personnel costs and production rates to utilities and machine lifespan. We take the guesswork out of the equation, giving you a precise estimate of how long it will take to recoup your investment based on your unique operating environment. By using real-world data specific to your plant, you can confidently forecast the financial benefits of automation.
Beyond just the ROI calculation, we also provide ongoing support to ensure that your system continues to perform optimally, maximizing your return over its entire lifespan.
Overcoming These Challenges
At NOVA Automation, we are committed to being more than just a supplier of packaging machinery. We understand that automation is an investment—one that requires thoughtful consideration and careful planning. That’s why we help our customers evaluate the total cost of ownership, ensure a smooth integration process, and provide ongoing support to keep systems running efficiently.
While automation is not without its challenges, partnering with the right solution provider makes all the difference.
