When you’re looking to purchase a product, you usually have many options in front of you. Some are expensive, some are inexpensive, some are high quality, and some are low quality. Regardless of the product you choose, you want it to perform the functionality you’re seeking.
Purchasing industrial automation solutions for your facility is similar. You can’t go to a store and physically see everything, so you browse options online. You can distinguish high, mid, and low-tier solutions that can update your facility to maximize productivity.
Who is Allen-Bradley and Why Are They Well-Known in Industrial Automation
Okay, time for a full disclosure: At HESCO, we advise customers on which products can be the best fit for them. We work directly with Rockwell Automation as their only authorized distributor in Connecticut. Their brand of automation products, Allen-Bradley is well-known in the automation world. But we know they are not the best fit for everyone. So, let’s explore if their products are the right fit for your facility.
Allen-Bradley, part of Rockwell Automation, has been a top industrial automation solutions provider for over 100 years. They started with the carbon disc compression-type motor controller and have since expanded their product line to include thousands of products, such as:
- PLCs
- Human-machine interfaces
- Sensors
- Safety components and systems software
- Drives and drive systems
- Contactors
- Motor control centers
The reliability, innovative designs, and performance of these products throughout their operation have proven, repeatedly, that they are a valuable resource in industrial automation.
However, we know that budgets get squeezed. As your supply chain costs go up, you’re looking to cut expenses somewhere. While some customers have always purchased Allen-Bradley products and will continue to do so, the cost can sometimes cause sticker shock. So why would you pay more if you could find a cheaper option?
Below, are the features of Allen-Bradley products and how they create that sense of reliability. Keep in mind that every facility is different and has different needs.
Features of Allen-Bradley Industrial Automation Products
Every trustworthy brand has features that set it apart from its competition.
Allen-Bradley’s reputation is built on word-of-mouth trust and consistent performance. Here are the features that make them a trusted, well-known brand in the industry.
Quality
Allen-Bradley products are built to last, given their proven process. When you look at options in the market for industrial automation products, prices can vary widely due to the physical engineering and build of the product.
According to HESCO’s Product Manager, Andy Rastallis, “A lot of business can be lost to other companies because their products are cheaper. With the cheaper price, a lot of times the product is not built the same.”
If you are looking for a product to get a job done at a low cost because of budget restrictions, Allen-Bradley may not be the right fit. But if you want a product to last for years and be consistently reliable, Allen-Bradley might be worth the investment.
Lifecycle
The lifecycle of a product is closely tied to its quality. On Rockwell Automation’s website, there is a tool called the Product Lifecycle Search. Using this tool, you can see if the product is active, active mature, end of life, or if it is going to be discontinued and at what date that is expected to happen.
- Active: The most current offering is within the product category.
- Active Mature: The product is fully supported, but a newer version of the product or family exists. If you migrate, you can gain value.
- End of Life: Discontinued date is announced and think about actively executing migrations and last-time buys. These products are orderable until the discontinuation date.
- Discontinued: The product is no longer available or manufactured. Repair/exchange services may still be available.
By researching the longevity of the products you are looking to buy, you can make an informed decision with Allen-Bradley, as they provide full transparency of their product life.
Tip: Research each product before you purchase. The life expectancy of an Allen-Bradley product might be shorter than that of a competitor. Ensure you are fully informed before making a decision, especially if it is for an essential part of your facility.
Diagnosing Malfunctions
Sometimes you don’t know a part isn’t working properly until it’s too late, which slows down production in your facility. Allen-Bradley installs sensors on its products that can detect malfunctions and alert you even before the failure occurs.
AB products, like PLCs and drives, have LED lights. With the help of the code sheet provided at purchase, you can diagnose issues based on the number of red or yellow flashes the product displays.
Tip: Make sure the ability to diagnose in-house is simple – it can save you a lot of time.
Obsolete Products
Just as TVs get old and the product line is discontinued, industrial automation products can become obsolete. When this happens with Allen-Bradley products, the team develops a plan for customers with soon-to-be-obsolete products.
When one product series becomes obsolete, a new series has already been created. Allen-Bradley can replace those obsolete parts with the new series, ensuring compatibility with the system.
Additionally, if products are discontinued and not considered consumable, Rockwell provides a remanufacturing service with full support.
Tip: Having the reassurance of obsolete product replacements is important. If you have a whole system that goes obsolete with no replacement products available, don’t begin searching on Grey Market sites for security and safety purposes. Instead, research on trusted sites and look to see what you can do with obsolete products.
Support
Rockwell Automation has a Partner Network with distributors who are local to the area they are servicing.
This provides customers with quick response times and support if an on-site visit is necessary. Having this support can make getting products that are the right fit for you easier.
Allen-Bradley products have many features that help them stand out against the competition. But, they may not be the right fit for you.
It is crucial to explore your options when looking for industrial automation products to automate your facility. Without proper research, you may miss a product that could be better suited to your needs.
Do Your Research on Industrial Automation
The best piece of advice we can give you at HESCO is to do your research. As a distributor of Allen-Bradley products in Connecticut, we encourage purchasing higher-end brands. However, it is not always the correct decision for everyone.
If you are unsure where to start or have questions about the process of choosing a product for your facility, contact us today. Regardless of the brand you choose, we can help guide you through the first steps in automating your facility.