Do what makes sense when installing automation in your facility, considering your budget and business goals. Understanding your application can help you fine-tune your equipment purchase.
While the trend for large manufacturers is to automate a new plant in its entirety, small and medium-sized food and beverage processors rarely have the funds to automate their plants, turning them into lights-out facilities. Even some tier-one processors may find areas in certain operations where it may not make sense to over-automate. But learning to spot the areas where automation can be the most effective and bring the best return on investment is a step in the right direction.