Why is it more cost-effective for OEMs to rely on an external supplier of industrial automation software?

Industrial automation has become an essential element in the race for efficiency, productivity and competitiveness in the global marketplace.

The automation industry is constantly evolving, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are always looking to improve their production processes and reduce costs. One of the crucial decisions facing OEMs is whether to develop their industrial automation solutions in-house or rely on an external automation software provider. In this article, we explore why choosing an external supplier may be more cost-effective for OEMs.

Avoid the costs and risks of internal recruitment

Recruiting in-house staff to develop industrial automation software can be a costly and risky task for OEMs. Firstly, there are the costs associated with the recruitment process itself, such as advertising, interviews and any training costs. What’s more, once the resource has been recruited, it must be given time to learn and adapt to the company’s specific needs, which can take up valuable time.

By using an external industrial automation software supplier, OEMs can avoid these costs and risks. These suppliers usually have an experienced team who know the steps required to implement the most suitable solution directly. There are no HR processes to manage, and no lengthy and costly learning phase.

A customisable solution

Another important reason for OEMs to choose an external supplier is customisation. Industrial automation needs can vary considerably from one company to another, and it is essential to have a solution that can be perfectly adapted to each OEM’s specifications.

External suppliers generally offer solutions with fully customisable source code. This means that OEMs can adapt the software to their specific needs, without being limited by preconceived solutions. What’s more, this software is often universal, which means it can be adapted to any system, guaranteeing greater long-term flexibility. What’s more, OEMs can keep the same application, regardless of the hardware used, without having to recompile it, which greatly simplifies systems management.

Guaranteed cost control 

The costs associated with developing and maintaining industrial automation software can quickly mount up. By opting for an external supplier, OEMs can better control these costs. The price of the software licence is generally included in the supplier’s overall offer, making it easier to forecast expenditure.

What’s more, external suppliers generally offer dedicated, responsive and competent support. If assistance is needed, OEMs can rely on a team of professionals to find solutions quickly and reliably. This minimises downtime and ensures continuous, efficient production.

In conclusion, for OEMs, relying on an external industrial automation software supplier offers a number of economic advantages. It avoids the costs and risks associated with in-house recruitment, provides customisable and flexible solutions, and guarantees cost control through dedicated support. In an industry that is constantly evolving, this approach can be essential to remain competitive in the industrial automation market.