The first phase of the Modernization Continuum is Machine Automation.

How do you move from manual to automated machines and by doing that will it reduce your overall costs over time while increasing production. You should have very specific goals for Machine Automation. Think about the end game which could be 20% higher production as an example. An important consideration is to make sure your new automated machine is Ethernet enabled so that it can be ultimately controlled electronically in the future to lower labor costs.  

 Make sure you define specific goals in this phase and make them measurable. At the end of the phase, you should be able to compare cost of investment for upgrades and modernization against outcomes and determine the Return on Investment (ROI) and timeframe for which it did happen or will happen. Some examples are below:

• More consistent output (Quality improvement = Time & reduced defects)
• Higher machine production rates due to less human interaction (Increased production = Number of Units equating to increased revenue)
• Trackable machine performance metrics (Measured through metering reducing costs of unused machine time)
• Automated safety features (Higher Individual and Plant Safety)
• Preventative maintenance (More timely and more easily tracked)
• Use of Industry standards to protect investments