ANN ARBOR, Mich., Sept 17 — The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) has expanded its Introduction to Industrial Robotics course with a new module focused on the business case for automation, helping learners go beyond understanding how robotics works to evaluating where automation can create value and ROI.
Designed for beginners with no technical background, A3’s self-paced Introduction to Industrial Robotics course provides a practical foundation for people entering the field as well as professionals involved in operations and business decisions.
The new module takes learners through the financial and strategic considerations behind an automation project. Topics include project costs, ROI and payback, potential productivity and quality improvements, and workforce impacts. Learners are also introduced to early project planning, from developing an RFP to selecting a system integrator.
“The strongest automation investments start with understanding the challenge you’re trying to solve,” said Christelle Keefer, director of training and certification at A3. “Learning about the technology is an important first step, but people also need to know how to evaluate where automation makes sense. Adding the business case gives learners practical tools to help make those decisions and determine ROI.”
The module incorporates A3’s Robot System Value Calculator, allowing learners to apply the concepts to a potential robot system and estimate ROI and payback.
