What do you do to source automation companies?
What do you do to source automation companies?
(OP)
I'm in the process of searching for a company to help automate a weld/fab operation. Searching google is the first step but I was wondering if anyone had any helpful websites that have consolidated a list of companies that would make the search more successful.
I did find this site that is helpful (www.integratorguide.com) but I know a couple good companies that are not on the list so I wonder who is out there that I will be missing by using it.
Also, when selecting companies what are some criteria that you look for in a vendor?
I did find this site that is helpful (www.integratorguide.com) but I know a couple good companies that are not on the list so I wonder who is out there that I will be missing by using it.
Also, when selecting companies what are some criteria that you look for in a vendor?





RE: What do you do to source automation companies?
Where are you?
RE: What do you do to source automation companies?
ThomasNet & GlobalSpec are better, but not by much.
If looking for robotic welder integrators, most of the robot companies will have a small list of "approved integrators" of some sort. Some robot companies will also will do limited integration.
You may try using Google for "fabrication magazines" to view online versions and dig through the lists and advertisements for vendors of the type of equipment you need. Recent trade shows will have lists of exhibitors on their show websites. Professional societies associated with your desired technology sometimes have discussion boards like Eng-Tips where you can ask the same questions there also.
TygerDawg
Blue Technik LLC
Virtuoso Robotics Engineering
www.bluetechnik.com
RE: What do you do to source automation companies?
If anyone has any input, the operations will be cutting to length some 20' pieces of channel, straightening the cut lengthes, cutting out an area for clearance, drilling a few holes and welding a plug into place.
RE: What do you do to source automation companies?
xnuke
"Live and act within the limit of your knowledge and keep expanding it to the limit of your life." Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged.
Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.
RE: What do you do to source automation companies?
Make sure any you find can handle the project. Some will take on a job just to get work and get bogged down in the middle of it. Schedule meetings and ask lots of questions. The harder and more pointed the better. Do not get sucked into an open ended contract. I learned this the hard way early in my career. My little projects I do now are fixed price and fixed delivery. I buy only this way and sell myself this way. The final prove out can take way longer than expected.
Make sure you have a finished product that is truely ready for automation. Automation houses are not developement houses. An unfinished product is asking for equipment that can make thousands of incorrect parts.
You might check the contract employment companies for consultants. A little spent up front may save you lots down the road.
99 Dodge CTD dually.
RE: What do you do to source automation companies?
Brent Short of: http://www.eaglematic.com. They are one of the more remarkable welding automation companies you will ever come across. I've known them for years. All work is guaranteed.
Best wishes.
William Gunnar
http://www.IndustrialCoatingsWorld.com
RE: What do you do to source automation companies?
I'd be delighted to contact the companies you found missing from www.IntegratorGuide.com. After 20 years of turning over rocks, I think I've only managed to find 30% or so of all the contract engineering firms and system integrators that specialize in industrial automation projects. Sigh. Any names you could send my way would be much appreciated.
Vance VanDoren
Editor
The Automation Integrator Guide
vance@control.com
RE: What do you do to source automation companies?
www.afctool.com
David Baird
Sr Controls Designer
EET degree.
Journeyman Electrician.
RE: What do you do to source automation companies?
Charlie
www.facsco.com