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Custom machine builder
The decision-making process for selecting a custom machine builder depends on a lot of factors, but I would say the most important is expertise in applications similar to that being quoted. No custom machine builder has equal expertise in every area. Most of the machine builders I have worked with specialize in certain genres, i.e. packaging, automotive, robotics, test and measurement, pharmaceutical/medical devices, process, etc.
Even some of the largest (ATS, Doerfer, etc) are not the best for every application. Not to mention that the bigger ones don't take jobs under a certain size.
Location becomes more important as the machine size is reduced. If it is important to visit the machinery physically several times during the building process, the cost of airplane tickets and lodging becomes a higher percentage of the total price for smaller jobs. This is rarely accounted for during the quoting process and is hard to justify for a $40,000 machine.
I put very little weight on how many years of experience a particular CEO or owner has successfully building machinery. In my opinion the owner/CEO is more involved in sales than in the technology, design or even management. Of course there are exceptions.
Larger projects often involve multiple vendors. It is important to qualify all parties involved, and equally important to determine how these vendors will work together. For a description of the process I use in defining custom machinery or production lines.
Even some of the largest (ATS, Doerfer, etc) are not the best for every application. Not to mention that the bigger ones don't take jobs under a certain size.
Location becomes more important as the machine size is reduced. If it is important to visit the machinery physically several times during the building process, the cost of airplane tickets and lodging becomes a higher percentage of the total price for smaller jobs. This is rarely accounted for during the quoting process and is hard to justify for a $40,000 machine.
I put very little weight on how many years of experience a particular CEO or owner has successfully building machinery. In my opinion the owner/CEO is more involved in sales than in the technology, design or even management. Of course there are exceptions.
Larger projects often involve multiple vendors. It is important to qualify all parties involved, and equally important to determine how these vendors will work together. For a description of the process I use in defining custom machinery or production lines.
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