Industrial Robotic Integration: The 6 Steps for a Successful Integration
To help you in this process, here are 6 general steps an integrator should take for a successful integration in your facility.

• Define success quantitatively. Unless you define success with quantitative throughput, ROI or productivity values, you’ll never know if the integration was a success. Your integrator should help you set ambitious but realistic goals.
• Analysis of documentation. A good integrator will ask, early on in the relationship, for 3D part models, material specifications and notes, machine manuals and more. This is a vital part of developing a robotic automation system and the integrator should collaborate at this step.
• Virtual proof of concept. Once the parts have been analyzed and the automation system conceived, the integrator should present proof of concept with virtual demonstrations. Ideally, these virtual demonstrations will also serve as offline programming for all systems.
• After the concept has been proven and approved, the integrator should build, install and test all automation systems. They should demonstrate proper functioning before the installation is complete.
• Integration doesn’t stop after the robot installation. In many cases, personnel have to be trained on how to safely operate the robot and how to optimize for productivity. A good integrator will provide this training.
• Beyond training and well after the system was installed, a good robot integrator will provide 24/7 support over the phone for any maintenance or technical issues, along with reintegration or system documentation needs.

The 6 steps outlined above will lead to a successful robot integration that will provide ROI and productivity benefits long after the robots are actually installed. A good robot integrator will generally follow these steps and help you achieve your business goals.