This year, a record number of CPG companies will invest in production automation. The reasons for these investments have continued for years and continue in 2025: challenges with labor shortage, a priority of employee safety, a tight meditation on production efficiency, and the cost of the factory need to be reduced.
In fact, Doloite Digital Maturity Index It was found that 98% of the 800 surveyed manufacturers started their digital transformation trip in 2023, compared to 78% in 2019. Technology like automation is no longer an option, it needs to remain efficient and competitive. This is one NowNo Later,
Mi Rancho, a Tortilla and Salsa manufacturer, depends on the end-of-line automation, but it is not a single mission. Joe SantanaThe senior director of the operation of MI Rancho, told us that an industry-wide strategy for automation efficiency is forming.
He said, “We run 24 hours a day, we have three shifts, and 70% lines will be on three shifts this year.” “We have to be competitive. Labor costs keep increasing and therefore we have to look at it. Robotics are going to be strategic, not only for MI Rancho, but I think the industry is wide. ,
However, all companies do not have enough (or any) CAPEX spending to keep robot production automation, which is traditionally seen as expensive and time taking time. Business leaders have enough to focus on the fact that when the consumer comes to maintain demand and to ensure that employees are satisfied to maintain their skilled talent.
But this is 2025-now cost-effective and flexible options are available, which do not require upfront investment, internal expertise, or risk that are allowing CPG leaders to automate the budget.
We are talking about full service robot automation rental, which can be the key to making automation really accessible and easy.
Can robot production automation be suited and flexible to the budget?
Historically, automation is seen as some of the unavailable for small and medium businesses, which are mainly spent to hiring or train the cost and internal expertise. This often happens often when it comes to traditional automation tool shopping, which requires a large upfront investment (as well as very patience to see any ROI) and an internal resource to ensure that the equipment can be ensured Are moving up and moving.
But there are more flexible options that provide robots on time-based agreement rather than purchasing the devices outright: robot rent, often known as robot-e-sarvis or RAAS. To keep an automated solution in the terms of the common man: Instead of owning the equipment, maintenance, equipment swapping, and replacement parts are to provide any extra cost on the solution company. This is especially an end-to-end solution designed for each customer.
I know that it seems that there is a grip, but not there. Many robotics companies want American manufacturers have access to accessible and easy automation as the US remains at the top of innovation.
For example, like companies Ant Offer membership-based robot automation models that do not stop customers in long-term commitments, reduce ROI time, and allow customers to grow with their systems. With formic, customers are guaranteed better production performance results as it is literally created in the contract. Raes is an accessible option Because it eliminates obstacles like upfront cost, hardware and software maintenance teams and programs, and hiring external consultation on the deployment of industrial robots. In addition, it can serve as an option in place of incredible temporary labor.
At the point of temporary workers, many manufacturers rely on them, which may be an issue for businesses over the long term. They say temporary workers For a reason: they are brought in Temporarily Close labor intervals, not as a permanent solution.
Robotic production automation = investment in employees
This is a challenge to fill the required production gaps on the factory floor because many roles are unsafe, ergonomically unstable, and may feel monotonous and unattainable to employees.
A search In 2024, operated by the Deloite and Manufacturing Institute, found that roles requiring high-level skills may grow fastest between 2022 and 2032 and prefer a combination of technical manufacturing, digital and soft skills.
Santana told us about the journey of Mi Rancho’s automation due to the company’s struggle to fill open roles. “We are going to grow about 20 million pounds and produce about 70 million pounds, so this is a tremendous growth for us,” he said. “It is not easy to find labor and we have not been able to fill all the positions we want. It has been a big factor for us to go towards automation. ,
The biggest misunderstanding about automation is that it replaces human jobs, but this idea comes from fear of change. Automation does not work, This changes chronic processes and creates new opportunities for human workers. Rolls such as robot programmers/technicians, as well as software developers/engineers are present due to progress in technology.
Automation to ensure that the company leads to job enrichment without working on the company, they are not experts on themselves to train employees, can partner with business robot companies that provide team training. For example, Formic is one Full service palatizer The program that includes team training-in some days it becomes easier for True robot operators to infection end-of-line workers.
A complete breakdown of robot rental process
So, instead of being committed to the ownership of one, what does a robot do “rent”? few steps.
Before integration, automation company will assess factory needs and procedures to design a technical solution. From there, the tenant will get a membership-based rate, with a longer commitment to the lowest quotes. After signing a contract for that rate, the building and development begin. It usually takes between 4–10 weeks and varies depending on the complexity of the company and the system.
After the construction of the system and adding to the company’s production floor, the test takes place to ensure that it is properly integrated into the current operation without any disruption. This is where a company that provides team training, such as formic, beneficial, as they will spend in a few days, ensuring that employees feel comfortable in operating the new robotic system.
Once the robot goes up and running better, when the tenant starts paying for the solution (and not before each other). From there, most robot rental companies will offer things such as monitoring, technical assistance, a dedicated success team and options to swap equipment as required.
Finally, once your rental duration is finished (the contract ends), companies have the option to renew, upgrade or return the system.
This process varies from one automation company to another, but it is a good general observation of what the process looks.
With robot rent, no wires are connected after a contract ends, so there is no fear of finishing with a robot in the corner of the floor production under the dusty tarp as it did not go enough on the production line just according to the plan. Was. it How CPGS are automated on a budget in which no capex or risk is attached.
When? We talked Cameron Coffee Plant Technical Director Adam Brag emphasized the value of the end-to-end solution robot fare brought on the production floor of Cameron. “We prefer that they provide a complete solution, including committed uptime and service.”
Are robot fare the only option? No, but it’s best
Between 2024 and 2034, the RAAS will increase from the market’s annual compound growth rate 17%, According to preceding research, more and more companies realize the need for flexible solutions that can change with business.
Shoestring innovation is about adaptation of all available resources. Is there any major adaptation than relying on another company to increase production efficiency and only paying only on payment? If there is there, I have not heard about it.
If you want to know more about Formic robot fare process or talk to our customers, then reach Here,
