Get started with an equipment quote

The success of your automation project starts with complete and accurate information. Complete and accurate information allows Dakota Automation to quote, and then design, a system that satisfies your needs.

It is ideal to draft a full specification that describes your project. This specification should include a written description of the process at hand, a full print package for all related components and assemblies, as well as all the details of the project. The process of creating a specification is useful not only in terms of gathering information, but it also provides an opportunity to fully think through the project requirements. This may uncover some information that could otherwise be missed. It also ensures that you fully define your expectations, which is critical to project success.

A thorough specification should, at minimum, include the following checklist:

equipment quote checklist

Summary

Material Specifications

Summary

This section might give a little background on your company and also describes what you produce. It could also give an overview of what you want to accomplish.

Process

Material Specifications

Summary

This will give a detailed description of the specific process you’d like to automate and should cover details that may not be obvious to an outside party. A good reference might be training materials given to an operator that is being trained to perform the process manually.

Material Specifications

List the tolerances of incoming materials (including allowed defects such as bow, twist and camber) and the desired tolerances of the final product.

Tolerances

Print Package

Material Specifications

List the tolerances of incoming materials (including allowed defects such as bow, twist and camber) and the desired tolerances of the final product.

Quality

Print Package

If there are other quality considerations for the finished product that are important, be sure to include these details.

Print Package

A complete and current print set for all related components and assemblies should be provided to Dakota Automation.

Rate requirements

Quantify the desired throughput in units per hour, feet per minute, or other relevant terms.

Process sequence

If you have a clear idea of how you’d like the process to work, including operator interaction with the machine, describe it here. If you are unsure, Dakota Automation will be happy to make recommendations and help you define the process sequence.

Extras

Describe other desired features or functions such as:

Specific brands of mechanical components that you stock
Dust collection requirements
Machine enclosure requirements

PLC/Controls

If there is a brand or family of PLC or other control device that you prefer or require, please indicate this here. Also indicate if you require UL or CE approval of your control enclosures. Dakota Automation is a UL508 shop.

Utilities

Indicate what is available for power, air, dust collection, etc.

Safety

If you have specific internal safety standards, please describe them here. If you are unsure, Dakota Automation will work with you to define this. Dakota Automation’s quotations will describe planned safety features.

Documentation

Dakota Automation typically supplies an operator manual, electrical schematics, and drawings for wear parts. If you have other requirements, please indicate them here.

Installation requirements

Normally, installation is included as part of the package for anything more than a very simple machine. If you have specific requirements, let Dakota Automation know. Please note how many of your team members (technicians, engineers, etc.) will be assigned to assist with the installation. Also note if there will there be a forklift available for use.Please note that any wiring, plumbing, or modification to your facility is your responsibility. Dakota Automation requires that utility drops are ready before their technicians arrive on-site.

Training requirements

Dakota Automation will offer training as part of the installation. The amount of training will depend on the complexity of the project. If you have specific needs or a defined duration of training in mind, let Dakota Automation know.