TR Cutler Writes for AutomationMedia.com about the Automation Solution Selection

June 30, 2011 - PRLog -- The automation solution selection process is flawed; most organizations lack the necessary resources. There is a time and staff limitation to comprehensively assessing the current situation; few can detach sufficiently to observe how it influences other systems and strategies in the organization. Because jobs are on the line, few internal staffers possess the courage, objective expertise, and systems solutions experience needed. Vendors have an agenda; they want to sell their solutions.
In the current issue of AutomationMedia.com, leading manufacturing journalist Thomas R. Cutler authored a feature article regarding the challenge of Automation Solution Selection Objectivity: The Reason for Hiring a Project Manager.    According to Cutler, “The cost of the wrong automation solution in material handling is often upwards of ten million dollars. Material handling professionals are selecting capital equipment with the intent of improving margins and customer satisfaction. Sales of automation and material handling equipment, is dramatically improving.”

MHIA  (Material Handling Industry of America, the leading trade association for the material handling and logistics industry) reports a 22.4% growth in material handling equipment sales in 2010 with forecasted growth in 2011/12 sales increasing another 12%. With this type of increase in automation and material handling equipment capital spending, decision-makers purchasing this equipment, particularly purchasers of AGVs (automated guided vehicles), are overwhelmed how to best research, purchase, and implement these costly purchases.

According to Hesham Mahmoud, Founder of Strategic Project Management Solutions (www.strategicpms.com) noted, “Eighty (80%) percent of the new implementations of automation projects are “not as sold.” “Industry is riddled with stories of troubled installations or lengthy implementation times. Money and resources are wasted.” Material handling professionals want cost-effective solutions that integrate with current systems.

Mahmoud urges that automation material handling consulting firms, like his, offer experienced and independent advice that saves a company significant time, money, and human resources. He does not blame the automation selection personnel, yet suggests that, “Companies may be deficient in the automation, application, project execution areas, which would make them prime candidates for a project management firm. Companies frequently lack the ability to identify the need for automation; or how they can apply automation to their challenges or needs.  So busy meeting the production demands of a distribution center or manufacturing plant, they may miss the ingenuity and innovation needed when using automation can solve challenges.   Perhaps most importantly many firms lack the knowledge of automation including what type of equipment and services could help solve their challenges.”

Mahmoud said, “While a given vendor, such as an AGV vendor may have knowledge of implementation, there must be a pair of eyes that has the ability to control the holistic outcome in the long term. There must be training for employees as well as the ability to maintain the system and equipment.”

Strategic PM Solutions, Inc., (www.StrategicPMs.com) based in Sellersville, PA, is the leader in setting strategic plans to overcome today's automation, material handling, and project management challenges.   The company examines facilities, analyzes situations and develops tailored lean and cost-effective solutions in project management, industrial automation solutions, and operations with other companies.  Solutions frequently involve Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) and system integration selection from an objective and unbiased perspective.  Industry sectors served often include food and beverage, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, hospitals, chemicals, and paper.

Strategic PM Solutions, Inc. is an independent industrial automation consulting company committed to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.  Expertise includes Automation Solutions and Material Handling Systems, System Integration, Strategic Business and Operations Management, and Strategic Project Management.


Strategic PM Solutions, Inc.
www.strategicpms.com
Victoria Mahmoud
PR@strategicpms.com
267 371 0467