Twinality
4 min read
By Michael Thompson, Solutions Architect

Reducing Automation Costs by Factor of 10: A Case Study Approach

Cost ReductionCase StudyROIAutomationDigital Twin
Reducing Automation Costs by Factor of 10: A Case Study Approach

Proving the Promise: Real-World Cost Reductions in Automation

When we claim our digital twin automation toolkit can reduce planning, equipment, integration, and consultation costs by a factor of 10, we’re not just making bold statements—we’re sharing proven results from real implementations. Here’s how three different manufacturers achieved transformational cost savings.

Case Study 1: Mid-Size Electronics Manufacturer

The Challenge

A electronics manufacturer in the Midlands needed to automate their quality inspection process but faced quotes from traditional integrators ranging from £250,000 to £400,000, with 18-month implementation timelines.

The Twinality Approach

Using our Application Design Package and virtual commissioning capabilities:

  • Planning Phase: Digital twin modeling identified optimal robot placement and workflow integration
  • Testing: Virtual commissioning eliminated costly physical prototyping
  • Integration: Platform-agnostic design worked with their existing equipment
  • Training: Internal team developed automation expertise

Results Achieved

  • Total Cost: £38,000 (including platform, training, and implementation)
  • Timeline: 6 weeks from design to deployment
  • Cost Reduction: 85% savings compared to traditional approach
  • Added Value: Internal team now capable of future automation projects

Case Study 2: Automotive Parts Supplier

The Challenge

A Tier 2 automotive supplier needed collaborative robots for assembly operations but struggled with safety compliance requirements and integration complexity.

The Twinality Solution

Our Application Risk Assessment Package provided:

  • Virtual Safety Analysis: Comprehensive hazard identification before physical installation
  • Compliance Framework: Automated documentation for ISO 10218 certification
  • Risk Mitigation: Digital twin testing of human-robot interaction scenarios
  • Training Center: Custom safety modules for operators

Measurable Outcomes

  • Safety Incidents: Zero incidents after 18 months of operation
  • Compliance Cost: 90% reduction in certification expenses
  • Implementation Speed: 3x faster than industry standard
  • Operator Confidence: 95% satisfaction in safety training assessments

Case Study 3: Small Manufacturing Firm

The Challenge

A 45-employee precision manufacturing company wanted to explore automation but couldn’t justify the traditional consultation costs and long-term vendor dependencies.

The Transformation

Through our on-premise platform approach:

  • Internal Capability: Built automation expertise within existing engineering team
  • Phased Implementation: Started with single workstation, expanded systematically
  • Vendor Independence: Reduced dependency on external consultants
  • Scalable Solution: Platform grows with business needs

Business Impact

  • Consultation Savings: £120,000 saved in first year alone
  • Productivity Increase: 40% improvement in target operations
  • Team Development: 3 engineers now certified in robotic application design
  • Future Ready: Prepared for continued automation expansion

The Technology Behind the Savings

These cost reductions aren’t achieved through compromise—they’re the result of fundamental technological advantages:

Virtual Commissioning

  • Eliminate Physical Prototyping: Test and refine before building
  • Reduce Iteration Costs: Fix problems in digital environment
  • Accelerate Deployment: Arrive at optimal solution faster

Platform Agnostic Design

  • Leverage Existing Equipment: Work with current robotic systems
  • Avoid Vendor Lock-in: Choose best solutions for each application
  • Reduce Integration Complexity: Standardized interface across platforms

Internal Capability Building

  • Knowledge Transfer: Build expertise within your team
  • Reduced Dependencies: Less reliance on external consultants
  • Sustainable Growth: Capabilities that scale with business

Beyond Cost: The Complete Value Proposition

While cost reduction is compelling, our customers consistently report additional benefits:

  • Faster Time-to-Market: Accelerated automation deployment
  • Enhanced Safety: Comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation
  • Improved Quality: Virtual testing reduces real-world errors
  • Strategic Flexibility: Internal capabilities enable rapid response to market changes

Implementation Framework

Achieving these results requires a systematic approach:

  1. Assessment Phase: Understand current state and automation goals
  2. Virtual Design: Model and test solutions digitally
  3. Risk Analysis: Comprehensive safety evaluation
  4. Phased Deployment: Systematic implementation with validation
  5. Capability Transfer: Training and knowledge development

The Future of Accessible Automation

These case studies represent more than individual successes—they demonstrate a fundamental shift in how automation can be approached. By providing the tools and guidance that were previously only available to large corporations, we’re democratizing access to advanced robotics.

The factor of 10 cost reduction isn’t just about money—it’s about making automation accessible to every manufacturer ready to build a safer, more efficient future.