Automation contracting services can make any business run more smoothly, but getting there is sometimes difficult if you don’t have an experienced automation staff. Whether it’s an installation of new automation systems, integrating existing automation, or troubleshooting, automation’s challenges can often stretch beyond your in-house team’s expertise.
Tight deadlines, complex processes, and budget concerns only add to the stress. This is where automation contracting services come in, because they can provide the exact automation expertise you need when you need it without long-term hiring commitments.
In this article, I will explore how automation contracting services can help solve your company’s biggest automation pain points, how to find engineering experts for the automation job, and what to expect when hiring temporary engineering staffing services.
What are automation contracting services?
Automation contracting services are engineering consultants who are hired on a temporary basis to handle specific automation tasks for their clients. They have a background in automation systems, which in turn helps companies improve efficiency and their throughput.
Automation contractors focus on tasks like:
- Robot Programming.
- Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Programming.
- Cycle time improvements.
- Supporting automation production equipment.
- Automation integration and installation.
- Program management.
- Design of automation systems.
- Maintenance support.
- Automation training.
Their role is pretty straightforward. They come in for a set period of time to complete specific tasks, that has been requested by the client, and make sure everything is running smoothly before they complete the project.
When do you need automation contracting services?
There are times when hiring automation contracting services can really benefit your business. Below, I describe why companies should use contract automation engineers.
Specialized Automation Experience:
If your team doesn’t have the technical automation skills to set up or manage automation systems, that’s a clear indecator you might need an automation contractor. Instead of hiring a full-time employee or training your current team, you can bring in someone with the exact automation expertise you need.
Short-Term Automation Projects:
You may not need a full-time employee, just someone to handle a specific short-term project. Maybe you need help setting up a new automation system or integrating your current systems with automation equipment. In these cases, hiring a temporary contractor for the project makes perfect sense. They come in, work on your automation project, and leave when it’s done, which allows the company to meet its goals without adding new permanent labor costs to the payroll.
Tight Project Timelines:
If your company is on a tight project timeline, then temporary automation professionals can be a lifesaver. Whether you’re rolling out new automation equipment, upgrading your systems, or automating processes to save time, contractors are used to working with tight schedules. If your in-house team is already busy with other project tasks, having an extra set of hands can help you hit your deadline without sacrificing quality.
Decrease Labor Cost:
Hiring full-time automation experts can be pricey, especially if you only need them for a short-term project. Automation contractors offer a more budget-friendly option. You get access to their specialized automation skills without the long-term financial commitment of an employee. It’s a win-win for most companies, because you only pay for the work you need, when you need it.
Complex Automation Systems:
Some automation projects require highly specialized knowledge that most companies might not have. If the project is more complicated like integrating multiple systems or automating a complex robot cell, hiring temporary labor services with experience in these areas can make a big difference in the project. They will know how to handle the complex details, while making sure everything runs smoothly by reducing the risk of further issues later on.
How to find automation contracting services?
Finding automation contracting services can feel like a major challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. Below, I list some great tips for finding engineering contractors for your automation project.
1. Automation Experience:
Start by looking for automation engineers who have experience with the type of automation you need. Whether it’s setting up a new automation system or integrating current automation with existing equipment, it’s important they’ve done this type of work before.
2. Automation Knowledge:
Automation isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some engineers specialize in certain industries, like manufacturing, automotive, food & beverage, or even healthcare. If they’ve worked in your industry before, they’ll have a better understanding of the challenges you have faced and how to solve them with automation. It’s worth asking if they’ve handled projects in your specific sector.
3. Automation Equipment:
Make sure the engineer is familiar with the automation tools, equipment, and systems you are using or planning to use. If you’ve already invested in certain equipment, the contractor should know how to integrate those systems into your production line. Their technical experience should align with your project’s automation equipment.
4. Communication Skills:
Technical expertise is important, but clear communication can often be more critical. You want someone who can easily explain what they are doing in simple terms and keep you updated along the way. Improper communication can lead to misunderstandings or delays in the system. Look for an engineer who is good at making hard tasks sound easy.
5. Contractors Availability:
Before committing, make sure the engineer’s schedule lines up with your project timeline. If they’re juggling multiple projects or clients, they may not have the time to dedicate 100% of their time to your project. It’s important to find someone who can focus strictly on your project needs and deliver the results on time.
Temporary Contract Engineers vs. Permanent Engineers:
When deciding between using temporary engineering staffing agencies and hiring permanent engineers, it comes down to your business needs. Below, I breakdown what each type can offer a company:
Temporary Contract Engineers:
- Flexibility: Perfect for short-term projects or when you need extra hands for a specific task.
- Cost-Saving: You only pay for the work needed, making them ideal for budget-conscious businesses.
- Specialized Expertise: They often have niche skills that can fill gaps your team might not cover.
Permanent Engineers:
- Long-term Stability: Best for businesses with ongoing automation needs that require constant attention.
- Consistent Availability: Always around to troubleshoot and maintain systems, ensuring long-term success.
- Higher Costs: You’re looking at full-time salaries, benefits, insurance, and long-term investment.
Both options have their perks, so it really depends on your project timeline, budget, and whether you need constant or short-term automation support.
Why choose JOINER Services for automation contracting help?
If you need someone to accomplish your project on time and with the quality you expect, JOINER Services has a huge network of top automation professionals who can support all phases of a project.
Automation Contractors:
JOINER Services connects businesses with hundreds of highly skilled automation engineers who specialize in various industries, such as:
- Industrial automation services
- Welding/Joining Engineering Services
- Robotic Programming Services
- Controls Engineering Services
- Electrical Automation Services
- Project Management
- Design Engineering Services
Flexible Contract Options:
JOINER offers flexibility in how you hire contractors. Whether you need short-term help for a specific project or long-term support, their contract options allow you to bring in the right expertise without committing to full-time hires.
Industrial Automation Knowledge:
JOINER Services specializes in connecting businesses with industrial automation contractors who have a deep understanding of their clients needs. Whether you’re focused on supporting automation in your manufacturing processes or upgrading automation equipment, JOINER Services makes sure the automation experts you hire have relevant experience.
Automation Consulting Services:
The freelance engineers who work with JOINER Service provide consulting services to help you fine-tune or upgrade your automation systems. If you’re looking to increase productivity, improve existing systems, or troubleshoot systems, their consultants offer onsite and hands-on guidance. Whether you’re in the early design stages or need expert insight during implementation, JOINER Services consultants bring valuable expertise to your automation projects.
Automation Support:
JOINER Services’ automation contractors provide automation support of current production lines, giving insights on cycle time reduction, scrap reduction, and maintenance scheduling. This guarantees that any issues or assembly line faults that arise are handled properly.
Transparent Pricing:
JOINER Services makes pricing straightforward, so you know what you’re paying for without worrying about hidden costs. This transparency allows you to budget effectively and avoid surprises!
Join now to find automation contracting help today!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Below, I answer some FAQs about automation contracting services.
