Manufacturing Consultant UK
Automate where the process is stable and the return is proven. We build the business case, specify the system and see it delivered.
Manufacturing automation pays back when it is applied to a stable, well-measured process with enough volume or enough quality and safety benefit to justify the cost. Automating an unstable process usually locks in the instability and wastes the investment.
That is why we assess first. Cycle time, quality loss and labour content are measured before any option is priced, so the business case uses your numbers, not a supplier's.
Our consultant has delivered a £3.5M automation capex project on time and in scope, and deployed smart test rigs that achieved 100% in-line testing. The same discipline applies to a single cobot cell.
The simplest option that meets the requirement is usually the right one.
| Option | Best for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Collaborative robot (cobot) | Repetitive handling, light assembly, machine tending | Cycle time, safeguarding and tooling cost |
| Robotic cell | High-volume, higher-speed or heavier tasks | Cost, lead time and floor space |
| Smart test rig | Consistent, recorded in-line testing | Test specification and data integration |
| Conveyors and handling | Reducing movement and waiting | Layout flexibility |
| Software automation | Manual data entry and scheduling | Master data quality |
Four stages, each with a decision gate so you can stop if the numbers do not work.
Measure the current process and test whether automation is technically sensible.
Compare options on measured cycle time, quality and labour cost, with payback.
Write the requirement, shortlist suppliers and compare like for like.
Oversee build, commissioning and a benefit review against the baseline.
We baseline current cycle time, quality loss and labour cost, then model each option's capital, running cost and benefit. Payback is shown with the assumptions stated so you can challenge them.
No. We are independent, so the recommendation is based on fit and total cost, not on a product we supply.
Sometimes. Cobots and targeted test automation can pay back at modest volumes if the process is stable. The business case decides.
In England, Made Smarter support may apply to eligible SMEs. Check current terms in our grants guide.
A short call will tell you whether automation, or something simpler, fits your process.
Manufacturing operations assessment and digitalisation for UK manufacturers. Led by a chartered engineer. Stabilise first, then automate.
UK-based. Serving manufacturers nationwide.
1 Greenlands Road