Automate Now

The right automation partner can transform your operation. The wrong one can leave you with a corner full of idle machines and a team that's lost faith in the whole idea. In this episode, the Formic team breaks down how to evaluate your options — whether you're going the self-managed route with a traditional systems integrator or choosing a Full Service Automation provider — and what to look for (and watch out for) in either case.

The episode covers the practical differences between the two models: self-managed gives you full control but also full responsibility for deployment, programming, maintenance, and all the costs that come with it; Full Service Automation hands those responsibilities to a partner in exchange for a predictable monthly fee and guaranteed performance. From there, the team outlines where to start your search — industry referrals, trade shows like PACK EXPO, case studies, and online research — and walks through a clear list of green flags and red flags to use when evaluating any provider. Strong post-install support, realistic ROI modeling, and transparency about technology are the signs of a partner worth trusting. Overpromising, proprietary lock-in, and vague roadmaps are the signs to walk away.

Key Takeaways:
  • The first major decision in any automation journey is whether to self-manage the system or work with a Full Service provider — each model has distinct tradeoffs in control, cost, and complexity
  • Self-managed automation gives you ownership and flexibility, but puts all deployment, programming, and maintenance responsibility on your team — a significant burden for most small and mid-sized manufacturers
  • Full Service Automation reduces operational burden and often shows immediate return, but requires careful evaluation of service terms, uptime guarantees, and provider financial stability
  • Green flags to look for: proven industry experience, realistic ROI modeling, strong references, robust post-install support, flexible scaling, and open communication
  • Red flags to avoid: overpromising results, no clear roadmap, proprietary lock-in, limited post-install support, and rigid requirements that ignore your business goals
  • Your automation partner should bring more than technology — they should bring clarity, accountability, and a genuine commitment to your long-term success
Automate Now is written by the Formic team — Saman Farid, Danijel Lolic, Molly Garrison, Brooklyn Kiosow, and Shawn Fitzgerald — and edited by Brooklyn Kiosow. Formic helps U.S. manufacturers automate for the first time through Full Service Automation: no large upfront investment, no in-house robotics expertise required. If this episode made you think about where automation could work in your facility, start the conversation at formic.co.

0:00 Intro — Avoid the Robot Graveyard 
0:52 Self-Managed vs. Full Service 
2:12 Where to Start: Industry Referrals 
3:00 Green Flags to Look For 
3:36 Red Flags to Avoid 
4:08 Full Service Considerations 
4:56 Key Takeaways

What is Automate Now?

American manufacturing is at an inflection point. Labor shortages are accelerating, global competition is intensifying, and the pressure to produce more with less has never been greater. The answer — for manufacturers of every size — is automation. But knowing you need to automate and knowing how to do it are two very different things.

Automate Now is the practical playbook for CPG manufacturers ready to take action. Written by the Formic team — the people who have helped hundreds of U.S. factories automate for the first time — this audiobook cuts through the complexity and gives you a clear, honest roadmap: where to start, how to build internal buy-in, how to choose the right partner, and how to scale from your first win into a future-proof operation.

Automate Now — Episode 11
Choosing the Right Automation Partner

We know firsthand how automation can transform a production facility — but only if you partner with the right people. Think back to the customer with the robot graveyard. His company's automation systems ended up tucked away, serving as a daily reminder of what can go wrong when you choose the wrong partner.

So, how do you avoid spending unnecessary time and money when evaluating automation options?

Self-Managed vs. Full Service Automation

When starting your automation journey, your first major decision is whether to buy and manage the system yourself, or work with a Full Service Automation provider — sometimes called Robots-as-a-Service.

If you choose to buy and manage the system yourself, your team is responsible for selecting a systems integrator. This integrator will specify the equipment, build and test functionality, program your SKUs, and deploy the system at your facility. After that, the operation, maintenance, and long-term management fall to your team. This approach gives you total control — but also greater complexity and risk.

On the other hand, working with a Full Service Automation provider gives you a partner who delivers a complete solution. They handle scoping, installation, ongoing support, lifetime performance monitoring, maintenance, and team training — often for a monthly or annual fee. The benefit is less operational burden and immediate process success. The tradeoff is that you don't own the equipment outright.

If you're leaning toward a self-managed approach, start with industry referrals. Ask peers, suppliers, and trade associations for trusted integrators or vendors. Attend trade shows and expos, like PMMI's annual PACK EXPO, to meet providers and see systems in action. Look for case studies and references from companies that have implemented similar systems. And don't forget online research — reputable vendors often showcase testimonials, technical resources, and detailed case studies on their websites.

Green Flags to Look For

The best way to identify the right partner is by watching for green flags: proven industry experience, understanding of your processes and compliance needs, realistic ROI modeling, strong references, flexible scaling, transparency about technology, robust post-install support, and open communication.

Red Flags to Avoid

Red flags to avoid include poor fit for your industry, overpromising results, no clear roadmap, proprietary lock-in, lack of transparency, limited post-install support, and rigid requirements that ignore your business goals.

Special Considerations for Full Service Automation Providers

Even when you work with a Full Service provider, choose carefully. Understand the service terms — what's included, minimum commitments, and how performance issues are handled. Evaluate uptime and performance guarantees. Check the provider's technology for reliability and support. Look at monitoring capabilities — can they track performance and optimize for future success? And consider financial stability, because a provider's viability matters when you're counting on them for the long haul.

The right automation partner does more than deliver technology. They bring peace of mind, predictable outcomes, and a shared commitment to your success. Take your time, ask hard questions, and remember to weigh total cost of ownership over ROI. Choosing wisely now will set the tone for your entire automation journey.

Key Takeaways

Automation only works if you work with the right partner. A strong solution can transform your operations, but the wrong one can lead to wasted time, money, and a corner full of idle machines. Whether you're going the self-managed route or choosing Full Service Automation, the key is knowing what to look for: proven experience, transparent service terms, and a long-term commitment to your success. Your automation partner should bring more than just technology — they should bring clarity, support, and peace of mind. Choose carefully to ensure success.