When it comes to machine vision, companies often face a critical decision: should they develop a vision system in-house, or is it more advantageous to work with an experienced system integrator? While developing an in-house solution offers advantages such as knowledge acquisition and complete control over the system, there are also significant challenges that can arise without the right expertise and resources.

To make an informed choice, companies should evaluate key factors such as:

• Expertise: Do they have the necessary experience and technical know-how to develop a robust and efficient vision system?
• Time: How much time is available for development, testing, and implementation?
• Budget: What financial resources are available for software, hardware, and ongoing maintenance?
• Complexity: How complex is the application, and does it require specialized components or advanced algorithms?

Benefits of partnering with a system integrator

A system integrator brings significant expertise and hands-on experience to ensure that machine vision solutions are tailored to specific operational needs. These professionals not only help select the right hardware and software components but also design systems that integrate seamlessly into existing production workflows.

The most important value is to examine the possible risks and reduce them BEFORE you start with the actual design. A skilled system integrator can do this because they have the experience to understand where problems can occur long before you actually encounter them.

One of the greatest benefits of working with a system integrator is their ability to optimize and scale solutions. A well-designed vision system must function flawlessly, be compatible with current infrastructure and security requirements, and remain adaptable to future technological advances. In addition, a system integrator provides a one-stop solution that includes system design, implementation, and maintenance - helping companies avoid costly trial-and-error development cycles.

Although hiring an integrator requires an initial investment, it often results in significant time and cost savings by streamlining development and preventing unforeseen problems that could lead to costly rework.

Choosing the right system integrator

Given the wide range of machine vision applications, choosing the right system integrator is critical. Companies should consider the following criteria:

• Industry experience: An integrator with diverse industry experience can offer insights and best practices tailored to different applications.
• Technology independence: A provider that is not tied to specific brands or manufacturers can offer the best combination of hardware and software.
• Proven track record: Reviewing case studies and references can help verify the integrator’s expertise in delivering successful projects.
• Technical competence: The ability to work with cutting-edge technology ensures future-proof and scalable solutions.
• Transparent pricing: A clear cost structure that includes hardware, software, and maintenance eliminates unexpected expenses.
• Effective communication: A collaborative approach with regular project updates and open discussions ensures that the final system meets expectations.

Another important consideration is the level of dependency a company wants to maintain. While some companies prefer a fully managed service with ongoing support, others may want an interface that allows them to manage and grow their system independently. A flexible integrator should also offer solutions ranging from complete, end-to-end services to prototype development based on open-source code with optional training for in-house teams.

Machine vision implementation challenges

At first glance, machine vision systems may seem simple. Many manufacturers offer demo tests that suggest a quick and easy implementation. However, real-world applications often present unforeseen challenges. Transitioning from a laboratory setting to a production environment can reveal significant discrepancies, resulting in increased rejection rates or undetected defects.

In addition, the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in machine vision is often marketed as a universal solution. However, AI-based vision systems require extensive data labelling and training, and companies may discover late in the process that their cameras lack the resolution or clarity needed to distinguish critical details. These unforeseen complications can lead to project delays and additional costs.

Why choose an integrator?

Integrators combine years of experience in image processing with expertise in the latest machine vision technologies to provide customized and effective solutions. With a deep understanding of what is feasible, the team quickly determines if a simple, cost-effective smart camera solution is sufficient or if a more complex, customized system is required.

Our approach emphasizes thorough problem analysis, precise task definition, and the careful selection of the most appropriate components and technologies. This ensures that users receive state-of-the-art imaging systems that operate reliably in demanding environments.

Beyond implementation, integrators remain committed to ongoing customer support, knowledge transfer, and continuous system improvement. We offer a full range of service models, from complete service packages with guaranteed functionality to modular systems that allow for in-house customization. In addition, we provide graphical software solutions and comprehensive training programs that enable customers to manage their vision systems independently while still having access to expert support when needed.

Conclusion

Choosing the right approach for a machine vision application is critical to ensuring long-term success. While in-house development may make sense for some companies, partnering with a system integrator can significantly reduce complexity, save time, and improve overall efficiency.

By choosing the right integrator, companies can ensure that their machine vision systems are future-proof, scalable, and fully optimized for their unique production environments.