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When you're running a production facility, it can be hard to know when the right time is to add robotic welding to your assembly line. How do you know when it's time to make the switch? How can you justify the cost to other departments or company executives? Here's some information to help get you started in the process.
How to know when it's time to buy
There can be any number of reasons to buy a robotic welding system, but how do you know when you should take the plunge? Here are a few areas to consider. Has there been a decrease in available skilled welders in your area due to higher employment rates or migration? Are hourly rates going up because of increased costs of living? Are you starting to produce items that would be too difficult for an average welder to reach or weld effectively or safely? All these are good reasons to buy a robot.
But what about the reasons that are holding you back? Though many people worry that adding robots to the assembly line means you need to learn how to run a complicated piece of machinery, decades of development have provided robots that are relatively simple to control. If the cost seems high, remember that you'll see significantly higher production by adding a robot. If you're worried about the decision because you don't want to lose experienced personnel, remember that you'll need experienced welders to operate the machinery and troubleshoot any potential problems that arise.
How to justify the purchase
Once you've decided it's time to buy, how can you justify purchasing a robot? As the digital economy continues to roll forward, most businesses are digitizing and realize they need to keep their company agile and flexible. Adding robotics is a great way to accomplish this, as it's fairly simple to change the robot's settings to do what you need it to do. If you're dealing with an executive or accounting personnel who are trying to argue you into a smaller model, remember that you want to overestimate your needs to allow for future expansion and changes in production. With the push for young adults to attend college rather than get a welding certificate, the industry has an aging population that can remain in the workforce longer by using robotics. Smaller shops are also getting robots to take care of a variety of tasks. There are many ways to justify the purchase and far fewer reasons today to avoid buying a robot.
Knowing when to buy a welding robot for your assembly line is important to keeping your business operating successfully and economically while keeping your cash flow in the black. Justifying the purchase to other departments or executives is just as important. By using the information provided here, you can make a good decision and back it up with the facts. If you're ready to explore your robotic welding options, please feel free to contact our experienced associates today. At OTC Daihen, we've been serving the industry since 1979 and are ready to help you improve your production facility with the right tools at the right time.