Bespoke machinery is designed and built according to customers specific needs. Most manufacturers purchase bespoke machinery once their production line is established and the generic machinery is no longer efficient. Custom made machinery does cost more to buy due to its uniqueness but the increase in efficiency and reduced running costs make it more cost-effective in the long run.
Generic or secondhand machinery is cheaper to purchase because it is either mass-produced or has been built to someone else’s specifications. This type of machinery is particularly good for business startups or companies wanting to expand without incurring too many costs. Generic machinery requires more staff to operate it because allowances need to be made for the shortfall between what the machine can do and what the manufacturer wants to achieve.
The decision as to whether you purchase generic or bespoke machinery is determined by financial restraints and whether your business is established or just starting out. Manufacturers with established production lines will be looking to streamline their business. Startups, on the other hand, will just want to establish themselves.
Bespoke machinery increases productivity by making production more accurate which increases the rate at which products are manufactured or processed.
Custom made machinery also requires fewer people to operate it because it has been built to do a specific job. Generic machinery tends to need more human intervention to cover the shortcomings of the system.
Bespoke machinery is not as expensive as we think it is because it is more economical in the long run. This takes into account accuracy, efficiency, lower-wage builds and maintenance costs.
Generally, there are very few negatives to choosing bespoke machinery over generic machinery. However, it is important that you take into account changing production methods and diversity into account before making such a decision.
Reducing the workforce may have a negative effect on the company as staff can be trained to use the machinery and reduce the overall workload. Maintaining staff morale and looking after their wellbeing has a very positive effect on production which converts into increased profits.
The high initial cost requires in-depth analysis to ensure the bespoke machinery will increase production and profit margins. Also, manufacturers must be certain about the purpose of the machinery otherwise they may end up with machinery that is not fit for purpose and financial liability.
Challenger has been designing and building a wide variety of bespoke machinery for over two decades and is very adept at ensuring the machinery is exactly what the customer requires.
If you would like to find out more about bespoke machinery contact us and we would be happy to arrange a consultation and advice.
