New ABB automation appraisal shows UK manufacturers how they could prosper with robots

ABB creates a free, no-obligation automation appraisal to help encourage greater take-up of robotic automation by UK manufacturers.
A new automation appraisal has been launched by ABB to help companies find out whether they could benefit from introducing robotic automation. The free-of-charge service is part of ABB’s ongoing drive to convince UK manufacturers about the proven business benefits that robots can deliver in a wide variety of industrial applications.

The service has been designed to require minimal up-front effort from participants, and is comprised of four simple steps.

Step 1 – complete the five minute self-assessment form
Interested parties are first invited to complete a quick self-assessment form, containing 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 appraisal 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 their 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.

“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” says Nigel Platt, UK Sales and Marketing Manager for ABB’s UK robotics business. “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 skeptical 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 today 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] ref. ‘Automation Appraisal’.