1. Budget realistically. Paying less for something that doesn't work is not saving money. Know what you’re getting from start to finish. Today’s budgetary concerns are the highest priority in any project. Be specific of your needs. It’s easier to complete a new project using the least amount of builders to complete your project. If multiple pieces of equipment are needed to complete a new work cell, consider hiring a builder to job manage your project for you. This will allow you to use your builder’s expertise on projects and can keep your budget in line.

2. Concept to Manufacturing. Provide as much information and documentation as possible for quoting. Review concepts designs thoroughly to establish a sufficient and realistic machine design. Have as many design reviews as necessary to make sure there is a full understanding of what is expected. Many builders will charge for changes after design review is completed.

3. Project Scheduling. As we all know, products change. Sometimes even during the middle of construction. Make sure to allow for sufficient time and flexibility for any changes in the build process. Customers expect products right and on time.

4. Plan for the future. The most important step in new equipment purchases is proper planning. Look toward the future now for expanding your project to include communications and compatibility with other systems. For example, spending more for an Ethernet capable processor is often less than adding a communications package later. Allow for additional components on your equipment. Having room for expansion is a time and headache saver for those "bells and whistles" someone will surely want to add later.

5. Commonality. Look at the way other programs in your plant are structured. If you don't have machine specifications, write them, or have your integrator write them for you. Downtime is broken down into a Search vs. Repair ratio. In most cases the time it takes to troubleshoot a problem is greater than the time it takes to repair the problem. Having your new system made to common components kept in your maintenance inventory, greatly reduces the possibility of lost production. Following the same structure from one machine to the next means less search time for your technicians when problems do arise, and less training time on new equipment.

6. Reporting / Indication. Report as much of the status of your process as feasible to your interface. Tank levels, temperatures, switch status, etc. is well worth the money and time invested. An indication on the screen gives the operator and machine repair technician direction as to where and why a problem is occurring and leads to faster repair times.

7. Documentation. Insist on complete and logical documentation. Specify to your builder what you want specifically in regards to documentation. When possible have all documentation, on one master CD ROM. This will be invaluable when the paper copies are lost or no longer legible.