Why start with a project study?
Automation is a significant investment, and most problems with a new line start as planning problems: a machine that cannot keep up with the one before it, an accumulation conveyor that is too short, or a layout that leaves no room for operators and maintenance. A project study finds these issues on paper, when they cost nothing to fix.
Whether you are automating one manual task or planning a complete turnkey line, a study tells you what is possible, what it will achieve, and what it is likely to involve.
What a Centreline project study covers
- Your product and process. We look at your product, packaging, current methods, output targets and any hygiene or cleanroom requirements. Samples help, and we often run trials in our Berwick workshop.
- Automation options. We compare the realistic options, from a single machine to a complete line, and explain the trade-offs between cost, speed, flexibility and labour.
- Line layout. We place machines, conveyors and operators in your actual floor space, with access for cleaning, changeovers and maintenance.
- Line simulation. We model how the line runs to check throughput, find bottlenecks, size buffers and test what happens when one machine stops.
- A clear proposal. You receive a layout, the expected performance, a scope of supply and the next steps.
Simulating your line before it is built
At the proposal stage we lay out and simulate the line in LineLab, a production line layout and simulation tool. Each machine is modelled with its real speed, changeover and reject rate, so the simulation shows:
- the line’s actual output, not just the rated speed of its fastest machine
- where product backs up, and which machine limits the line
- how much accumulation is needed between machines
- the effect of stoppages, rejects and changeovers on output
- the line in 3D, in your own floor space
You can see and discuss the line with your team before a single part is made, and the simulation becomes the basis for the design.
Common questions
What is an automation feasibility study?
A feasibility study checks whether automating a process is technically practical and worthwhile before you commit. It covers the product, the process, automation options, the expected output, labour savings and the likely scope of the project.
How long does a project study take?
It depends on the size of the project. A single machine can often be assessed quickly; a complete line with simulation and trials takes longer. We will give you a timeframe once we understand the scope.
Why simulate a production line?
Every machine in a line affects the others. Simulation shows the real output of the whole line, including stoppages and changeovers, so you can size machines and buffers correctly and avoid paying for capacity you cannot use.
Can you study an existing line?
Yes. We can model your current line to find the bottleneck, and show what an upgrade, an extra machine or a new layout would achieve before you invest.
What do you need from us?
Product details and samples, your output targets, your available floor space and any site requirements. A site visit or a few photos and videos of the current process also help.
Next steps
After the study, our team takes the project into machine design and engineering, and plans the factory layout around it. To start a project study, contact us.