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Defining the automation equipment acquisition process – from a system supplier’s perspective

Authors:

Niklas Friedler, Anna Granlund

Research group:

Product and Production Development

Publication Type:

Conference/Workshop Paper

Venue:

The 22nd International Conference on Flexible Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing

Abstract

The use of automation can increase manufacturing companies’ competitiveness. However, many companies are not well acquainted with automation technology and specifically the process of acquiring it. The overall aim of this paper is therefore to support inexperienced automation users in the acquisition process by mapping out the process from a system supplier’s perspective. Interviews with five system suppliers have been conducted with the objective to map out the automation equipment acquisition process. During the analysis the described processes were compared to each other, evaluated and compared to literature. As a result of the study, a generic acquisition process for automated equipment is suggested. Several problem areas and critical steps in the process are identified and improvements in the current way of working are suggested. It is concluded that one of the major factors that increases the chances of a successful outcome is the customer’s ability to develop the specification of requirements. A correct and detailed specification also facilitates the acquisition process for both the system suppliers and the customers. Further, a potential problem in the current way of working is the involvement of several functions at the system supplier and incorrect hand over during the late phases of the process.

Bibtex

@inproceedings{Friedler2602,
author = {Niklas Friedler and Anna Granlund},
title = {Defining the automation equipment acquisition process – from a system supplier’s perspective},
month = {June},
year = {2012},
booktitle = {The 22nd International Conference on Flexible Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing},
url = {http://www.ipr.mdu.se/publications/2602-}
}