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Win with Standardization
The value of standardization for industrial OEMs and SIs
In an increasingly competitive market, there is constant pressure on industrial OEMs and SIs. Customers want, and expect, more value for less money in less time.
While customers demand more value, the labor market provides less.
There is a growing shortage of skills in the engineering market. It is becoming increasingly expensive to find and hire experienced engineers in almost every discipline.
What can you do to retain or grow your competitive edge in such a difficult market?
Standardization might be the answer you’re looking for.
Standardization
Standardization is the process of documenting processes, defining interfaces, and re-using modules in projects.
Standardization can be applied to every aspect of machine building and system integration, including;
Mechanical engineering through modularization of mechanical parts,
Electrical engineering through standardized component selection, wiring, and naming,
PLC engineering through standard software architectures and code blocks,
HMI engineering through standard object libraries and operating concept,
Documentation and testing through standardized templates and content.
The Value of Standardization
A strong automation standard helps OEMs and SIs to increase their competitiveness in several different ways.
The most important benefits of standardization for OEMs and SIs include;
Increased Efficiency
By reusing standard modules, the time and effort required to develop new machines are reduced dramatically.
Since you are reusing proven modules, the quality of projects is increased reducing the amount of time spent debugging and troubleshooting machines.
Increased Transparency
Well-documented modules which have been programmed to a standard are easier to understand by new and experienced engineers. This makes maintenance and debugging of modules easier.
Reduced Errors
Standard modules are applied to projects by using standard processes. The outcome of processes is checked with standardized tests to ensure the highest quality.
Reduced Maintenance Costs
With a standardized hardware selection, you can keep fewer spare parts in stock and reduce your inventory costs.
Detailed work instructions for standard components mean that service operations go quickly and smoothly to get your customers up and running again as quickly as possible.
Increased Competitiveness
All of these benefits combine to increase the competitiveness of your business.
By standardizing your machines, you can decrease costs, decrease time to market and increase your profitability creating a win-win situation for you and your customers.
Standardization Support
KB Controls is your trusted partner for standardization. Our consultants are here to support you through the whole standardization process.
Analysis
Our consultants perform an in-depth decomposition and analysis of your previous machines to uncover existing architectures, functional modules, and hardware components.
Based on this analysis, a detailed recommendation and standardization roadmap is created.
Implementation
Our consultants can support with implementing your automation standard based on the roadmap.
Our automation consultants can develop and deliver software modules created according to your standard as well as detailed documentation and tooling to support your project execution.
Modification and Extension
Standardization is an ongoing process. Changes and improvements are an inevitable part of that process.
Our consultants are always available to support changes or extensions to your automation standard to leverage new technology or meet the requirements of your customers.
Start Today
Are you ready to take your business to the next level?
Are you ready to thrive in an increasingly competitive and difficult market?
Contact KB Controls today to organize a free consultation call to see how we can support you on your journey of developing an automation standard.
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