The Real Cost of Ownership: Protecting the Longevity of End-of-Line Systems in 2025
As UK food manufacturers navigate economic uncertainties and shifting market dynamics, Endoline Robotics underscores the critical need to maximise the returns from existing automation investments through a robust Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) strategy. With capital expenditure under scrutiny, manufacturers must look beyond the initial purchase price and consider the long-term value of their automation assets.
Driving Productivity in a Demanding Market
While many OEMs promote their systems’ ability to enhance performance, boost efficiency, and increase output, the discussion must also focus on minimising TCO to unlock hidden savings and prevent costly downtime. The fast-paced FMCG sector demands that manufacturers do more with less—driving down costs, eliminating waste, and enhancing productivity while meeting market demands with precision.
A key advantage of robotics is the significant productivity boost they provide. Robots can deliver up to 30% more output than human labour, operating consistently and without fatigue. This increased output allows manufacturers to meet higher production demands with fewer resources. Importantly, this shift also enables human workers to focus on higher-value, strategic roles within the business—areas where creativity, decision-making, and flexibility are essential.
Maximising Long-Term Value Through Maintenance
Ensuring that automation equipment operates at peak performance is essential for maintaining production efficiency, worker safety, and product quality. Equipment failures often stem from neglected service intervals or the use of non-OEM-approved replacement parts. Maintenance should not be viewed as a routine expense but as a strategic initiative integral to a company’s overall business plan.
Manufacturers should seek automation solutions that not only improve efficiency and output but also reduce the long-term TCO of their robotic systems. The key to maximising this lies in proactive maintenance, strategic servicing, and leveraging the expertise of the OEM who designed and installed the system.
Unscheduled downtime can be costly, and attempting to cut corners by employing non-specialist engineers may result in improper servicing, voiding warranties and causing further operational disruptions. Implementing a scheduled OEM-approved service plan ensures that equipment continues to run smoothly, with minimal risk of unexpected failures. OEM engineers bring in-depth knowledge of their systems, allowing them to identify potential issues before they escalate. Whether it is detecting early signs of bearing wear or adjusting air pressure for optimal performance, their expertise can extend the lifespan of robotic systems while improving efficiency. Moreover, as robotic technology evolves, OEM engineers can recommend retrofits and upgrades that enhance flexibility, increase speed, and improve overall system performance.
Building In-House Expertise
Another critical factor in reducing TCO is investing in training for in-house engineering teams. Many large food manufacturers assume their engineers lack the expertise to maintain and operate sophisticated robotic systems. However, partnering with OEMs for hands-on training enables these teams to develop the necessary skills to handle regular servicing confidently.
When engineers understand the intricacies of their machinery, they can proactively prevent issues, reducing the reliance on external support and lowering maintenance costs in the long term.
Spare Parts and Smart Investments
Stocking essential spare parts is another crucial aspect of minimising downtime. Critical components, such as tape heads, must be readily available to ensure seamless operations. Unexpected breakdowns can disrupt entire production lines, leading to financial losses and missed deadlines. By maintaining an inventory of high-wear components, manufacturers can swiftly address minor issues before they escalate into major operational setbacks.
Investing in high-quality robotics from the outset is also a decisive factor in optimising long-term costs. While cheaper alternatives may seem attractive in the short term, the cumulative expense of frequent replacements and repairs often exceeds the cost of investing in a superior, well-built system. A long-term perspective ensures that quality automation solutions deliver sustained efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness over the machine’s lifecycle.
Future-Proofing Through TCO Strategy
As the UK continues to invest in automation, ensuring that existing capital equipment is maintained effectively during periods of economic uncertainty is more important than ever. With careful planning, Total Cost of Ownership can be kept to a minimum and, if strategically implemented, enable businesses to increase both productivity and efficiency.
With automation continuing to reshape the UK’s manufacturing landscape, ensuring the longevity and efficiency of robotic systems has never been more critical. The Total Cost of Ownership for robotics extends beyond the purchase price, encompassing maintenance, energy consumption, and spare parts. By carefully planning and implementing a strategic TCO approach, manufacturers can maintain operational efficiency, increase productivity, and future-proof their investment in robotics. In a competitive market, those who prioritise the longevity of their automation assets will be best positioned to thrive in 2025 and beyond.
By Suraj Patel, Sales Manager, Endoline Robotics
End