Let’s explore the advantages of building industrial electrical control panels in-house versus purchasing a complete unit from a reputable manufacturer.
Building Panels In-House Is A Piece of Cake, Right?
In the first scenario, you opt to manufacture your industrial control panels internally. Assuming you already have a well-defined design and a bill of materials (BOM), the initial step is to begin the quotation process. This entails reviewing your inventory to identify components on hand and issuing requests for quotes (RFQs) for those that are not. Given that industrial control panels can consist of hundreds of parts, you may find yourself sending numerous RFQs. Once the quotes are received, the real challenge begins. You will need to meticulously compare prices, lead times, and specific models, while also assessing alternatives for items that may be out of stock or obsolete. After making your selections, you can then generate purchase orders for an extensive list of parts—enclosures, sub-panels, wiring, covers, din rails, fasteners, cables, terminals, and much more, including PLCs, transformers, motor drives, push buttons, relays, and alarm systems.
Feeling overwhelmed? The process doesn’t end there. You must wait for order confirmations, cross-check them with your original orders, and then patiently await delivery. As components gradually arrive, they must be inspected and kitted for your planned project. If delays, damages, or discrepancies occur, additional manpower will be necessary to engage with suppliers, ensuring you have everything required to complete the manufacturing process. Eventually, once all parts are in stock, you can schedule the build. Your quality department will conduct tests on the unit, and only then can you install it on your machine. But if any issues arise, does your team possess the expertise to address them swiftly and safely?
Why Not Just Buy One Complete Industrial Control Panel?
Now, let’s consider the second scenario. Instead of dealing with the complexities of in-house manufacturing, the customer simply reaches out to McIver Engineering & Controls, an expert among industrial control panel manufacturers, to handle the design and production of their industrial control panel. The manufacturing lead time is promptly confirmed, and a dedicated project manager keeps continuous communication with the organization’s buyer throughout the process. Ultimately, a fully tested, safe industrial control panel is delivered efficiently. When comparing this to the first scenario, the time savings for both the buyer and the production team are significant, providing not only efficiency but also peace of mind.
Price and Value Are Not Identical
Not everything is about the price. If your organization compares only the cost of the components needed to manufacture an industrial control panel to a quotation for delivery of a fully built, safe, high-quality ICP built by a top-tier supplier like McIver Engineering & Controls, then you’re not comparing apples to apples. The value that reputable industrial control panel manufacturers offer OEMs is substantial. By allowing OEMs to continue to serve their customers and focus on growing their business, partners like McIver Engineering & Controls provide a considerable value far and above the industrial control panel price. Sure, you may be able to assign someone in your organization to manufacture the industrial control panel, but what will they choose not to do now? Will the control panel be of the same quality as the one McIver Engineering & Controls manufactured? The answers to these two questions should clearly indicate the value that our team delivers with every control panel.
Contact Our Experts Today
Since 1978, we have built a reputation for being one of the highest-quality industrial control panel manufacturers in the country. With a focus on communication, our team collaborates with customers to ensure that the ICP design and manufacturing process is a smooth experience. For your next industrial control panel requirement, let us deliver value. Let McIver Engineering & Controls design and manufacture your next industrial control panel or automation system. Request A Quote by following the link or call us today at 262.783.9912to discuss your next project.