With the advancement in technology, more and more industries are moving towards automated assembly machines. These devices can eventually save companies money and help things run quicker and more efficiently. From robotics to prefeeders to wireless technology, there are many types of automated machines.

Before you switch to an automated assembly process, make sure it will work for your business. Perform an analysis of your current assembly process to ensure that automation is the right choice for you.

Start off by mapping your current assembly process. It will be difficult to know where automation can take you if you are not sure of where you are starting. With the use of diagramming software, create a flow chart of your company’s manufacturing process. Make sure you include every step.

Assign an investment requirement to each step of a completed chart. Include labor and equipment costs in the investment requirement. Additionally, identify whether each step has an added value or not. An added value is a part of the process that provides enhancements a customer can physically see or use.

After you have included the added values, evaluate all the steps that do not have an added value. Determine if any of these steps can be eliminated from the process. In some cases, certain steps are removed or changed with a technology enhancement.

The last step to analyzing your assembly process is to implement a performance monitoring system. Use an automated tracking system to ensure your process is controlling costs and maintaining a high-quality product.