One should not rely on estimated payback when deciding on acquiring what could be a transformative technology that would propel their business forward.
How the 1-2 Year ROI Expectation Stifles Automation & Robotics In manufacturing, automation projects are often evaluated through a single lens: Will this pay for itself within 12-24 months? While this short-term ROI focus ensures financial prudence, it often prevents companies from investing in transformative technologies. Many promising solutions—like robotics, advanced AI, or flexible automation systems—can’t meet these stringent payback demands, especially in industries with complex workflows or lower margins. This narrow window creates a paradox: the technologies that could yield the most value over the long term are rejected in favor of minor process improvements. To break this cycle, we need to rethink how we measure automation success. Instead of looking solely at immediate cost savings, consider broader impacts like: • Improved resilience to labor shortages. • Increased productivity and throughput. • Enhanced quality and reduced defects. • Competitive positioning for future growth. ATI Industrial Automation and Celera Motion, A Novanta Company support the advancement of robotics. #robotics #automation