Not All Automation Is Built the Same: Choosing the Right Path for Your Business

In today's competitive landscape, automation is no longer just for the biggest factories or tech giants. Whether you’re running a CNC shop, a lab, or a small manufacturing line, automation can unlock major gains in productivity, quality, and profitability.

But here’s a critical truth that doesn’t get enough attention:

Not all automation is built the same.

Depending on your size, growth stage, budget, and internal expertise, how you adopt automation can be the difference between a huge win, or a frustrating, expensive failure.

Let’s break down the three typical paths you can take:

1. Full Custom Automation

This is the traditional route: you work with an integrator to design, build, and install a solution tailored to your specific workflow.

Pros:

• Total customisation

• Optimised for your exact processes

• Long-term investment if your operation is stable

Cons:

• High upfront costs (often £100K+)

• Long lead times (months to a year)

• Risk if your process changes (new SKUs, new products, etc.)

Best for:

Large operations with very stable, high-volume production where processes don’t change frequently.

2. Modular Solutions (Plug & Play Automation)

Think of this as the Lego blocks approach: ready-made robotic cells, palletisers, or inspection modules that can be deployed quickly.

Pros:

• Lower cost than full custom

• Quick installation (weeks, not months)

• Easier to scale or modify as your needs evolve

Cons:

• Less customization (you adapt to the tool, not vice versa)

• Limited to specific tasks (e.g., pick-and-place, loading/unloading)

Best for:

Growing SMEs looking for fast wins, without committing to large investments or complex integrations.

3. Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS)

RaaS flips the traditional model: instead of buying automation, you subscribe to it—paying a monthly fee for a working system and ongoing support.

Pros:

• Minimal upfront costs

• Ongoing maintenance and upgrades included

• Flexibility to scale up or cancel if the business needs to change

Cons:

• Long-term, it may cost more than outright ownership

• Requires trust in the service provider’s support quality

Best for:

Small to mid-sized businesses, who want the benefits of automation without the risk, complexity, or staffing burden of managing robotics internally.

Which Model Is Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

 It depends on:

• Your budget

• Your internal technical capabilities

• How stable or dynamic your production is

• How quickly you need ROI

• Your appetite for risk vs. flexibility

  
  

If you’re uncertain, starting with modular automation or RaaS can be a smart, low-risk way to build experience and internal buy-in before scaling up.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to automation, the robot itself is just part of the story.

The delivery model you choose can be the real make-or-break decision.

If you’re exploring automation options—or wondering if you chose the right path—I'd be happy to have a conversation.

Feel free to DM me or drop a comment below!