Free, no-obligation robotic automation appraisals

The service has been designed to require minimal up-front effort from participants, and comprises four simple steps:

Step 1 - complete the five minute self-assessment form

Interested parties are first invited to complete a quick self-assessment form that contains eight basic questions about their business. Needing no more than five minutes to complete, this form is available either online or as a printed document.

Step 2 - return the form to ABB

Once the completed form is returned, an ABB engineer will evaluate the suitability of robotic technology for the application(s) described and will get in touch to arrange a free, no-obligation automation appraisal site visit.

Step 3 - FREE, no-obligation automation appraisal

During a half-day site visit, the ABB engineer will assess any specific applications where robots could help deliver productivity and efficiency savings. These applications can include dusty, hot or hazardous environments, or areas with specific requirements, such as clean room applications. The appraisal will also consider existing conditions at the plant, including current wastage levels and the amount of downtime currently incurred through maintenance, delays or cleaning.

Step 4 - take the free steps to transforming your business

Following the site visit, the ABB engineer will present the findings in a report highlighting the main applications where robots could deliver the greatest savings and/or improvements. The report will also include return on investment (ROI) calculations showing both estimated savings over a five-year period and details of the expected payback on investment, which can typically be recovered in just 18 months.

Nigel Platt, the UK Sales and Marketing Manager for ABB's UK robotics business, comments: "The cost pressures on UK manufacturers mean that many are failing to take a wider view on investing for their future, particularly when it comes to automation. The question they need to ask themselves is whether they want to be surviving or thriving in the years ahead. While investing in robots is obviously going to require some short-term expenditure, the proven improvements they can bring mean this investment can be repaid several times over in a time frame that will please even the most sceptical financial director.

"By demonstrating the scale and cost value of these improvements, our automation appraisal is an invaluable tool for any business looking for ways to improve its competitiveness."

As a leading manufacturer and supplier of industrial robots, ABB and its accredited channel partners can take on the work associated with planning and implementing anything from a standalone robot through to a complete robotic system. Key areas where ABB can help include:

• Planning a robot-based production system
• Replacing specific applications on the production line with robot-based automation
• Upgrading entire systems to the latest technology or extending the functionality of existing robot-based automation
• Additional programming and training opportunities
• Life-cycle services and a flexible choice of service agreements

To find out more or to take the next step to enhanced productivity, fill out the self-assessment form online by following the Automation Appraisal link at www.abb.co.uk/robotics. Alternatively, for more information, call +44 (0)1908 350 300 or email [email protected] quoting 'Automation Appraisal' and 'MachineBuilding.net'.