Despite a return to normalcy, forecasters predict the $6 Trillion manufacturing industry will decline slightly in 2022. This is largely due to a shortage of skills and the high price of raw materials at present.

So, if you belong to this industry and want to get things back on track, you need to maximize your industrial efficiency as much as possible to stay ahead of the curve. One way to do this is by harnessing the power of automation to the best effect in your factory.

Here’s your guide to choosing industrial equipment that works best for your manufacturing concern.

Determine Your Needs

Your products and industry dictate your needs when it comes to choosing the types of equipment suited to your business.

For instance, if you need to create complex designs from metal or plastic, you’ll need a sophisticated CNC machine to fabricate your products. Click here for more about what’s involved in this process.

Remember to keep your future needs in mind, too. If you want to customize your products in the future, you should bear this in mind when choosing equipment.

New vs Used

A used machine is a good option if you’re shopping for machinery on a budget. You don’t need to stick to one kind of machinery, a mix of used and new equipment works well, too.

As long as you do your research and get the equipment inspected before you hand over any cash, you can save a lot of money when buying used equipment.

If you’re shopping for new equipment, don’t assume it’s ideal for you. You should still research online customer reviews to see if the machine is a good fit for your business.

These opinions will help you determine whether customers have experienced any issues with the equipment or the industrial equipment provider.

If you’re buying equipment at an auction, it’s vital to know the terms and conditions associated with the sale. Are you buying the machinery as-is, or can you return defective equipment?

Machinery Space Requirements

Factory owners often overlook how much space they need for their new equipment. The machine manufacturer can provide some insights into how much space their machine requires to operate efficiently.

Make sure you measure the available space and compare it to the size of the machine before you buy it and remember to consider how much space it needs to operate, too.

Installation and Training

Most factory equipment requires professional installation, and you might have to pay extra for this service. So, find out about these costs beforehand and include them in your budget.

Some manufacturers include installation costs in the price of their machines. Others offer on-site training for an extra fee as well.

It’s worth investing in this to ensure your employees can make the most of the new machinery.

Don’t neglect safety training when you buy new machinery. Make sure you know the regulations and personal protective equipment required to operate it.

Remember, some machines, like forklifts, require a license. If you don’t have an operator with the necessary license, you’ll need to hire a new operator or pay for the necessary licensing.

Running Costs

When you buy a new machine, that’s not the end of the money you’ll spend on it. You should also take the energy requirement of the machinery into account.

Consider whether the equipment can run off your existing power source, or does it need a commercial electricity supply?

Make sure you can absorb these running costs into the price of your product.

Ongoing maintenance is another important consideration when choosing industrial machinery. Regular maintenance can prevent expensive breakdowns, but you must know the cost and frequency of this aspect before you commit to an expensive machine.

One way to get around maintenance costs is by hiring machinery. When you hire a machine from an equipment supplier, you’ll pay more in the long run.

On the plus side, the owner of the machine will take care of all the maintenance and repair costs associated with it. It’s also easy for them to provide you with a replacement while they repair your machine, so you don’t experience production delays.

Some equipment suppliers might also upgrade your machines as new versions become available.

Lead Time and Delivery

Manufacturing concerns operate on a tight time budget, so it matters how long it takes for your equipment to arrive. If you’re importing a machine, you could wait weeks for it to arrive.

Another cost-heavy consideration is the delivery of the equipment. Will the supplier take care of this, or it is an extra cost?

Choosing Industrial Equipment According to Price

If you’re lucky, you’ll end up with a list of choices that all meet your above criteria, which brings your choice down to price.

Many factors affect the value-for-money when it comes to industrial equipment. These include:

• Quality of the machinery
• Expected ROI
• Warranties supplied

Remember to keep these factors in mind when comparing prices on equivalent machinery. More expensive, high-end machinery will last longer and perform better than substandard, cheaper versions of the same thing.

Always keep in mind that faster, more efficient machines will make you money faster, so it’s worth considering their output compared to the purchase price.

A longer warranty usually comes with a higher price tag, and you should also inquire about any after-sales service that comes with the machine. It’s worth paying more if you’re going to receive ongoing maintenance and repairs on the equipment.

Make the Best Business Decisions

Thanks to this guide, you can cut down on the confusion associated with choosing industrial equipment and make a logical decision based on the facts alone.

Some manufacturers might offer you a trial period when you buy machinery from them, which is a good option if you’re on the fence between two models.

If you’d like some more commonsense information regarding business and home, browse our website for all the best tips, hacks, and facts.