4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Getting Started.
For Unista, a Vendée-based specialist in industrial robotics since 2007, a successful automation project does not begin with the selection of a machine, but with a phase of inquiry. The company, which designs packaging lines for the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and hygiene sectors, has formalized the four key steps involved.
The first question concerns the objective: increasing production output, improving workstation ergonomics, ensuring consistent production, or reducing repetitive tasks for teams. Each objective points toward a different technical solution.
Next comes an analysis of the constraints specific to each site:
available space, required production rate, safety requirements, variety of product formats, or compatibility with existing equipment. No two production environments are alike, Unista notes.
The third question concerns the appropriate level of automation.
Automating everything is not always the best option: the challenge is to find the solution best suited to each stage of the process, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach to the entire line.
Finally, the last question concerns the future: new formats, new products, and increased volumes. A relevant automation solution must be able to evolve with the company’s business rather than become obsolete at the first sign of change.
Contact UNISTA for a customized assessment.
