What is an automation assessment?
Automation assessments give customers an overview of their automation equipment, highlighting the parts and components that are set to become obsolete, or even those that are obsolete already, and covering what can be done to prevent or rectify this. We can also provide information on which upgrades can potentially offer performance benefits, helping customers get even more out of their existing technology.
The assessment process
While each assessment is based on customer needs, we take a consistent approach in our on-site visits:
Follow-up and implementation
The assessment is just the beginning. We provide a report , including urgent action to be taken as well as recommended upgrades.
Depending on the customer, we can also provide an in-depth plan to map out when each upgrade should be installed. This plan will be based on keeping downtime to a minimum, and finding the optimal installation time, whether that’s during scheduled maintenance downtime or a stoppage for cleaning.
Once the technical options and risks are evaluated, it is also important to consider any financial constraints. Tetra Pak can offer a range of solutions, and these can help determine both the best pathway forward and the timeline for implementation.
More than avoiding obsolescence
Included in the report will be the upgrades that can potentially improve performance. We prioritise the one-for-one replacements that will help customers avoid obsolescence while maintaining the same look and feel for automation equipment, but we also want to offer the opportunity to modernise and potentially improve software or hardware efficiency.
Why now?
A proactive approach when it comes to obsolescence is an investment worth making. Some customers are unaware of equipment being phased out, and this can lead to problems and downtime in the event of a failure. If something breaks, and it’s already obsolete, the lead times for replacements can be lengthy, which means significant downtime. Taking early action helps to secure productivity while avoiding potential issues.
Get more out of your equipment, for longer
Obsolescence affects every plant, as technology is constantly evolving with older models being phased out and replaced. An assessment is a great way for any food and beverage producer to proactively avoid obsolescence while potentially improving performance. This means getting more out of any investment in automation, and securing efficiency for the long term.
