To ensure the customer gets the very best out of their automation solution , it is imperative that the SI understands the full capabilities of any robot , machine or ancillary equipment that they are specifying . FANUC treats its SI partners as extensions of its inhouse sales teams and provides training for up to 30 employees from their company throughout the year . As well as ensuring they are comprehensively trained on FANUC ’ s entire product portfolio , it also offers specialist courses in ever-evolving areas such as vision , safety ( e . g ., Dual Check Safety software ), and simulation ( e . g ., FANUC ROBOGUIDE ) to keep them up to date with the very latest in automation technology .
Leading robot manufacturer FANUC has worked with Hi-Tech Automation as its plastics SI partner for over 15 years , during which time the skills required to be a successful integrator have evolved .
motors , drives , everything . It reflects badly on us if a system breaks down so knowing the base robot is rock solid is a real advantage .”
Gary adds : “ In addition , as 90 % of the systems we sell have something extra on them – for example , integrated vision or auxiliary axes – it helps that we are able to get it all from FANUC . There ’ s no need for us to go to another supplier , which keeps things simple and reduces the risk to the client .”
Specialist sector knowledge
As Gary mentions , for the customer , working with a system integrator is a sure-fire way to derisk an automation installation project . Responsibility lies with one SI , rather a number of external suppliers – and SIs also bring with them sector-specific knowledge and expertise which individual robot suppliers may not possess .
This view is echoed by FANUC ’ s Dan Fisher , who states : “ For the customer , working with an SI partner that only operates within your chosen sector – in Hi-Tech ’ s case , plastics – is a real bonus . They
Factory managers now expect instant information on a product ’ s position in the manufacturing lifecycle .
will understand the challenges you ’ re looking to overcome , the pitfalls you want to avoid , and the advantages you expect to make from your automation installation . From FANUC ’ s perspective , while we ’ re the expert in our own range of products , we may not know everything about each sector in which our robots are employed . To ensure the customer gets the right solution , at the right price , and that it works as intended for their particular application , dealing with an SI like Hi-Tech , who have specialist sector knowledge , is a fasttrack to success .”
Ongoing support This works both ways , however .
Immediate response
FANUC ’ s support extends beyond training to offer a complete wraparound service . “ We have dedicated engineering support and software support teams , and a specialist integrator hotline which puts our SI partners through to FANUC technical experts within seconds ,” says Dan Fisher . “ While the reliability of our products is obviously important , the real difference to an SI is knowing that technical knowledge and support is there , whenever and wherever they need it . When we work with a system integrator , we ’ re building a long-term relationship . And just as our partnership with Hi-Tech Automation demonstrates , we want to remain connected in 10 or 20 years ’ time .”
Live automation demonstration
FANUC UK and Hi-Tech Automation are showcasing the benefits of their combined technological know-how on stand D60 at Interplas 2023 , 26- 28 Sept , NEC , Birmingham . Their live on-stand automated manufacturing cell comprises a FANUC all-electric ROBOSHOT injection moulding machine , a FANUC LR-10iA 6-axis robot arm and ancillary equipment provided by Hi-Tech Automation , highlighting the duo ’ s end-to-end sustainability credentials from raw material handling to final packaging .
For further information , please visit www . fanuc . eu / uk / en
Issue 65 PECM 19