LJ Welding Automation

I've designed and commissioned a lot of machines in my career: most turned out well, but one or two, while they did do the job, had room for improvement. So - as someone who specializes in designing customized machinery, I thought I'd make a few tips regarding what to do when buying a custom machine.

1. Write a scope of work or specification. Put it in writing and don't leave it to chance. The specification doesn't have to be incredibly detailed - but should convey what you need the machine to do in a clear and precise manner. The amount of detail in a scope can be a tricky thing: you may miss out on an innovative solution by trying to 'over-specify' the machine. You can even ask your vendor or a third party to help you write a scope.
2.  Involve the operator(s) who will be using the machine in the machine specification process and involve them in initial discussions with your vendor if possible. This does two things: it creates operator buy-in; it helps to ensure the operators needs are met - because the successful operation of a machine depends in a large part on the operator. If you are unable to involve the operator directly in the discussions - at the very least seek his or her input and feedback on what you are about to purchase.
3.  Use one vendor for the whole job whenever possible. Once you have selected a vendor to design and build your machine, let your vendor do the whole job and don't split it between more than one vendor if possible. If you must use more than one vendor on a job, identify one as the prime contractor for the entire job to make your life easier: you will likely pay an additional project management fee, but you will save yourself a world of headache by being able to hold one vendor to account for everything. You also create a much stronger business relationship using one vendor consistently: your vendor will hope for repeat business - and they will get repeat business if they can consistently make you so productive that you need more of their machines to keep up with your own production.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but I can vividly recall projects where one or more of these tips were disregarded - and while the projects were ultimately successful, a lot of hassles could have been avoided.