HOW TO IDENTIFY THE RIGHT SYSTEMS INTEGRATOR AND KEEP YOUR PROJECT ON SCHEDULE 

Custom automation success goes beyond specs and software; it comes down to choosing the right people. The right integrator helps you avoid delays, budget blowouts, and costly mistakes. Here’s how to spot a reliable partner from the start.

They Actually Listen to Your URS 

Before submitting a proposal or a concept, a good integrator will spend time reviewing and understanding your user requirement specification (URS). They set up a meeting with you, prepare a list of questions and assumptions, and diagnose your current situation. If, during this meeting, they are not asking the right questions or they are interrupting you, that should be a red flag.

They Communicate the Moment Something Changes 

It is not uncommon for an automation project to experience some issues during the design and build of the equipment. You need to realize that you are purchasing complex custom equipment. The critical point is how quickly your integrator informs you when an issue arises. The longer there is a delay in communication, the harder it is for you to recover and prepare alternate plans.

They Aren’t the Cheapest Option (That’s a Good Thing) 

The cheapest quote usually means one of two things: corners will be cut, or the real price will emerge later in the form of rework, change orders, and project delays. A reputable integrator will prepare an accurate cost that meets the scope of the project and will not lowball it to win the job. Their transparency sets the tone for the entire project. 

They’re the Right Size for Your Build 

If you’re working with a massive integrator on a mid-tier project, you might become invisible to them. On the other hand, if your supplier is too small for the project's complexity, you’ll feel the gap in lead times and machine quality. You want someone with the ability to give your project full attention and quality, start to finish.

They Quote with the Right Inputs 

Good output depends on accurate inputs. That means supplying your integrator with a complete URS, current drawings, and sample components upfront. Every piece of missing information creates room for error or for change orders that cost you time and money. Do the legwork early. It saves you far more down the line. 

They Bring New Ideas, But Stick to Your Specs 

Fresh thinking can lead to better results, but only if it still meets the requirements. When reviewing concepts, ensure that the integrator has captured all your specifications. Ensure that they are meeting your cycle time requirements. Ask how they will handle bad parts so that you do not ship a bad product. This isn’t nitpicking; it’s how you prevent downstream issues that could impact operators, customers, or compliance.

They Work Through One Point of Contact 

Nothing derails a timeline faster than making decisions by committee. Pick one internal lead and make that person the sole point of contact with the integrator’s project manager. That single line of communication keeps things clear, direct, and moving forward. Decisions happen faster, accountability remains sharp, and confusion is kept to a minimum. 

This isn’t about finding the flashiest presentation or the fastest timeline on paper. It’s about choosing a partner who asks the right questions, plans for the real world, and shows up when it counts.

Contact Intec Automation today to build your custom automation system!