4 Ways Manufacturers Avoid Startup Delays when Automating New Facilities
Facility startup delays for manufacturers defer revenue, increase operating costs, and put customer commitments at risk. These delays usually stem from integrator lead-time overruns, scope creep, incoming part variability, post-installation integration friction, or building unreadiness. Plant leaders can reduce the risk of startup delays by bringing automation partners into development 12 to 15 months before Start of Production (SOP), establishing strict requirement management, incorporating a 10% to 15% risk-based schedule buffer, and conducting high-level facility flow planning early.