Automation Solutions vs Application Kits

Automation solutions and application kits are two approaches to solving the problem of creating automation equipment efficiently and effectively. While they share some similarities, they differ in their goals and the ways in which they are used. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between these two approaches and the benefits they offer.

Automation Solutions

Automation solutions are a product that is fully turnkey meaning the customer is not responsible for any assembly, wiring and initial set up. Solutions providers build a full piece of equipment that will be fully tested and deployed on a manufacturing floor.  

One of the main benefits of automation solutions is that they can significantly reduce the time and effort required by manufacturing plants to develop and deploy. This is because the software development, build and testing are done prior to the deployment and installation of the equipment.  

Another advantage of automation solutions is that they can help ensure consistency and reliability in the product offering. Typical solutions have warranties and engineering firms to support and guarantee the product. By providing a set of predefined criteria, safety considerations and engineering expertise, they ensure that solutions are built using best practices and that the resulting reliable, maintainable, and scalable products.

Application Kits

Application kits, on the other hand, are pre-built components that manufacturers can use to quickly assemble. They do, however, require additional integration that is left to the manufacture to complete. Application kits typically require a manufacturing plant to assemble, wire and incorporate additional equipment to get the equipment fully functional.  

The primary benefit of application kits is that they can significantly reduce the time and effort required to develop a solution from scratch. To give you an idea of how much time they are saving, an application kit will typically get a manufacture 75% the way there.  

Another advantage of application kits is that they can help ensure consistency and standardization. By providing pre-built components, they ensure that all applications built using the kit are built using the same standards and best practices, giving the plant personnel a head start in building a reliable solution.  

Conclusion

In conclusion, automation solutions and application kits are two approaches to solving the problem of creating automation equipment efficiently and effectively. While both approaches can help reduce the time and effort required to develop automation applications, they differ in their goals and the ways in which they are used.

Automation solutions are designed to quickly deploy a ready to use plug and play pre-engineered product while application kits are designed to provide pre-built components that manufacturers can use to assemble and independently engineer and integrate.  

Ultimately, the choice between automation solutions and application kits will depend on the specific needs of the project, the skills of the development team, and the available resources. If you are looking for a trusted partner for integrated automation solutions for the end of your manufacturing line, IRIS Factory Automation is a great choice.

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