Spend a few minutes with a salesman, and you’ll be convinced that it’s time for a new motion control system. It’s his job to convince you, after all. But maybe you’ve thought about replacing your system for a while now. Let’s say you’ve been running the same Indramat system for over 20 years, and you think it’s time to update. Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things are around the corner, and you don’t want to get left behind. The thought of a shiny new industrial motion control system is certainly exiting, but your current system might not need replacing just yet. Here are five reasons why you should stick with your legacy motion control system for a few more years.
Legacy does not mean obsolete.
When people hear “legacy parts” or “legacy motion control system”, they typically think outdated and obsolete. A legacy component is simply one that is no longer manufactured. In some cases these parts can be obsolete, but that’s not always true. Indramat legacy parts are no longer made, but many are still fully functional and keep manufacturers in the game today.
Can you still keep up with the competition?
You don’t want your system to hold you back. If your current system doesn’t meet your demands, then you might want to upgrade. If your system does all you need it to do, and it does it well, then it’s safe to stick with your current system for a little while longer. Keep in mind that a new system may come with a plethora of bells and whistles, but you might not need to use those features.
Don’t replace your system prematurely.
There will come a day when you have to replace your motion control system. Technology is improving and the laws of physics don’t allow your machinery to be permanent. However, you don’t want to replace your motion control system before it’s necessary. Upgrading your system is a costly endeavor. Just make sure you get the most out of your current system before looking to buy a new one.
Maintenance is more economical than replacement.
If your system is an antiquated money pit, it’s time to upgrade, but sometimes a little maintenance is all your system needs to stay running smoothly. Buying an entirely new system costs time, downtime, and a substantial chunk of change. If you can keep up with the competition by performing regular maintenance and the occasional repair, you should consider stretching the life of your system for as long as possible. The longer you run your system, the more of a return you get on the investment. Give us a call to ensure that your Indramat motion control systems stays up and running.