Choosing the Right-Priced Automation Solutions Provider for Your Facility

Every buying decision, whether you realize it or not, comes with a silent question: Do I pay more now, or do I pay more later?

We’ve all seen how “cheap” can turn into costly. That bargain bookshelf that wobbles after a year. Those discount sneakers that start peeling before the season’s over. Even a meal deal that leaves you feeling worse than when you started.

But sometimes, going low-cost is perfectly fine. I’ll happily buy the store-brand acetaminophen over Tylenol. A seasonal beach towel from the discount bin? Sure, its lifespan matches my expectations.

The trick is knowing when the low-cost option works and when it sets you up for frustration and expense down the road.

If you’re preparing to modernize your manufacturing facility, cost is almost certainly at the top of your decision list. The challenge is figuring out where to invest in premium quality and where a budget-friendly choice will serve you just as well.

At HESCO, we’ve spent more than 85 years helping manufacturers in New England navigate this exact decision. Over time, we’ve developed what we call a Hierarchy of Industrial Automation, a framework for understanding what you’re paying for and what you’re really getting with every purchase.

Why Industrial Automation Matters

Industrial automation is, at its core, the process of replacing certain manual tasks with automated systems. That doesn’t mean replacing people; it means equipping them with tools that eliminate the variability, fatigue, and inconsistency that can creep into repetitive work.

When implemented well, automation:

• Increases production capacity (hundreds of units per shift can become thousands)
• Improves consistency and quality
• Reduces downtime caused by human error
• Keeps production flowing in the face of labor shortages or skill gaps

In today’s market, consistent productivity isn’t just a competitive advantage; it’s survival. Meeting demand, maintaining quality, and scaling profitably are all easier when your automation infrastructure is strong.

Not All Automation Brands Are Created Equal

If automation is essential, the next question is: Are all industrial automation brands the same?

The short answer: not even close.

While most brands can deliver the core functions you need–say, running a motor or executing a control sequence–the difference lies in:

• Build quality (how well the components are made)
• Lifespan (how long before replacement or repair)
• Features and flexibility (how much they can do and how easily they adapt)
• Support (how quickly and effectively you get help when you need it)

Quality vs. Price: Finding the Balance

Higher-end products generally offer:

• Easier integration into complex systems
• More robust hardware and software
• Longer lifespans and fewer breakdowns
• Strong, localized technical support
• Scalability for future expansion

Lower-cost products may meet your immediate needs but can come with trade-offs:

• Limited feature sets
• Shorter lifespan
• Less flexible integration
• Remote-only support (or none at all)

The upfront savings on lower-end equipment can evaporate quickly if you’re replacing parts more often, dealing with downtime, or paying extra for emergency service calls.

The Hierarchy of Industrial Automation

Here’s how the tiers break down in terms of market position, capabilities, and ideal use cases:

Top-Tier Solutions

Allen-Bradley by Rockwell Automation and Siemens

• Market Leadership: Rockwell dominates in North America; Siemens leads in Europe. Both have been trusted names for over a century.
• Advanced Technology: Deep integration, powerful software, and hardware designed for high performance.
• Reliability: Built to run for years in demanding environments.
• Support: Large, established support networks with local distributor expertise (HESCO is Rockwell’s sole authorized distributor in Connecticut).
• Scalability: Easy to expand your system over time without starting from scratch.

If you want the peace of mind that comes with proven reliability, strong local service, and room to grow, this is where you invest.

Mid-/Lower-Tier Solutions

Automation Direct

• Cost-Effective: Lower upfront investment, ideal for basic, straightforward applications.
• Limitations: Less scalable, fewer advanced features, and no local distributor support. Service is handled remotely, which can slow resolution in urgent situations.
• Best For: Smaller facilities or standalone applications where complexity is minimal and downtime impact is low.

Omron Industrial Automation

• User-Friendly: Interfaces and software are intuitive, making them easier for less-experienced teams to use.
• Global Reach: Widely available but, like Automation Direct, lacks localized distributor support. Most help comes via a hotline.
• Best For: Facilities looking for ease of use over deep system integration, where remote support is sufficient.

A Practical Analogy

Think of it like buying a vehicle.

A parent of three with weekend soccer tournaments isn’t buying a Corvette. They need a minivan or SUV with space, safety features, and reliability. The Corvette may be faster, but it’s the wrong tool for the job.

Automation works the same way. Buying beyond your needs is an expensive way to check a box. If you only require a basic PLC for a machine today, start there. When your production demands grow, you can add components that integrate seamlessly, especially if you’ve invested in a scalable platform.

When to Pay More and When to Save

The “pay more now or later” decision comes down to three questions:

1. How critical is the application?
   If downtime in this area means tens of thousands of dollars in lost production, invest in the most reliable, best-supported option you can.
2. Will your needs grow?
   If you expect to expand your lines, add machines, or integrate more data, choose a system that scales.
3. What’s the cost of failure?
   Cheaper gear might work perfectly—until it doesn’t. Weigh the savings against potential losses from repairs, replacements, and downtime.

Moving Forward with Confidence

In industrial automation, “you get what you pay for” isn’t just a cliché; it’s a business reality.

For basic needs, mid-tier brands like Automation Direct or Omron can absolutely get the job done at a lower cost. But for mission-critical operations where reliability, integration, and local support matter most, top-tier solutions from Rockwell Automation or Siemens offer unmatched long-term value.

At HESCO, we don’t just sell equipment. We help you select the right solution for your specific application, budget, and growth plans. As Rockwell’s exclusive Connecticut distributor, we can provide on-site evaluations, integration guidance, and ongoing local support that ensures your investment delivers maximum return.

Bottom line:

• Don’t overbuy–match your solution to your actual needs.
• Don’t underbuy–consider the total cost of ownership, not just the purchase price.
• Whenever possible, work with a local distributor who knows your industry and can stand beside you when challenges arise.

Your facility’s profitability tomorrow depends on the automation choices you make today. Choose wisely, and you’ll not only meet today’s goals, but you’ll be ready for whatever the future demands.

If you’re weighing your automation options and want a clear, confident path forward, our team is here to guide you. At HESCO, we believe that the best decisions come from having all your questions answered openly and honestly. Reach out to us today; ask us anything about your automation needs, and we’ll help you compare solutions, understand the trade-offs, and choose the right equipment to keep your facility running at its best.