Getting the best return on your investment starts with picking the right approach. Should you go with a turnkey solution, or will you need process assistance?
A new machine is a significant investment, so it’s natural to look for ways to save money. Maybe by handling specific tasks in-house or going with a turnkey solution. But here’s the key point: if a turnkey solution exceeds your actual needs, targeted process assistance may still be required to address the remaining skill gaps.
What’s a Turnkey Solution?
A turnkey solution means one company handles your entire project from start to finish. They take care of everything from timeline, fixture design, tool assemblies, building necessary components, programing, setup, and process optimizing and fully preparing the machine for production, ensuring the system is fully configured and ready for operation.
With a turnkey solution you don’t have to juggle multiple contractors or worry about who’s responsible when something goes wrong. A turnkey can provide a faster and more predictable results.
What does turnkey project management include?
Your provider handles the project assessment, researches what’s feasible, sets clear goals and timelines, manages resources, tracks budgets and deadlines, tests everything thoroughly, installs and integrates the system, trains your team, and hands over complete process documentation.
What’s Process Assistance?
For projects that are less complex or require more targeted support, Process Assistance offers a flexible alternative. You stay in charge and coordinate your own vendors, while an expert steps in to help with certain tasks like programing, process optimization, operator training or custom training programs. You get targeted support exactly where you need it and keep the project in your control from start to end.
The provider delivers specific services you agree on upfront. This might mean figuring out the best way to manufacture something, choosing the right tools and machines, or getting new equipment up and running quickly by filling a skill gap within your company.
What does process assistance typically cover?
Advanced programming for difficult operations, focused improvements to your processes to reduce cycle time or improve tool life, better workholding solutions, and custom training for your team.
It’s a hands-on partnership that gives you expert help on specific challenges without taking the project out of your hands.
Turnkey vs. Process Assistance Comparison
The choice between a Turnkey Solution and Process Assistance hinges on several factors, including project scope and your desired level of involvement.
Turnkey Solution
- Responsibility: Single provider owns full project responsibility.
- Client Involvement: Minimal client involvement, allowing a hands-off approach.
- Timeline: Often faster due to streamlined execution by a single entity.
- Cost Structure: Typically, a fixed upfront cost, offering predictable expenditure.
- Best For: Complex, end-to-end projects where comprehensive system ownership reduces risk and ensures maximum uptime.
Process Assistance
- Responsibility: Client has primary coordination; provider offers targeted support.
- Client Involvement: High, active client oversight permits greater customization.
- Timeline: Potentially longer due to multi-vendor coordination and client involvement.
- Cost Structure: Usually variable, with phased payments tied to specific services rendered.
- Best For: Phased expansions or custom needs requiring specific expert input without relinquishing overall project control.
Still weighing your options? Visit our Application Engineering page to learn more or reach out to our team for a tailored recommendation.
