Further Automating Medical Device Manufacturing

With continuing supply chain and labor headwinds, medical device manufacturers crave automation solutions that provide both flexibility and scalability.

Frank Richardi, who holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering, is business development manager at JR Automation, with global headquarters in Holland, Michigan, and additional locations throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.

At the upcoming MD&M West show in Anaheim, California, Richardi will share his company’s innovative approach to automating medical device manufacturing. Before the show, MD+DI caught up with Richardi to pick his brain on automation and how JR Automation’s end-to end approach sets them apart.

How does JR Automation provide medical device manufacturers flexibility?

Richardi: With over 40 years of omni-industry experience and expertise, we are uniquely positioned to help life sciences customers automate key manufacturing processes for optimal performance. One of our key differentiators is our end-to-end approach. We look at a manufacturer’s entire process, from receiving through shipping, as well as limitations, including floor space, to present options that meet current needs, while still planning for future needs and system enhancements. We also have experts to assist with FDA and audit support, as well as platform products that support a faster path-to-market.

How does your company provide manufacturers scalability?

Richardi: Early in the design process, we partner to identify throughput requirements, and then design systems with the flexibility to optimize demand-based throughput. We also plan for manufacturing needs, including single and multi-shift demand to ensure we help customers maximize efficiencies, regardless of demand.

What are you excited about with JR Automation’s turnkey solution FlexChassis?

Richardi: For our customers, FlexChassis offers an exceptional platform to get products to market faster. Bottom line: with FlexChassis as the central chassis of their overall automated system, we can help reduce design and build time to get to market faster with adaptability and scalability to meet future needs.

Does your company offer other products that allow customers to deliver quality products to market quicker, while reducing costs?

Richardi: JR Automation primarily designs and builds custom automated system solutions. Everyone’s business needs are different, and every solution is custom to solve for their unique challenges. With that, we offer several turnkey solutions that support a range of industries, from aerospace to life sciences, and different manufacturing and distribution needs, from assembly to processing and material movement. These turnkey solutions are often designed and integrated into the completed customer solution. You can learn more about the different turnkey solutions we offer on our website: Robotic Automation Turnkey Products & Solutions (jrautomation.com).

What is the future of automating medical device manufacturing?

Richardi: We see the future of automating medical device manufacturing as an intelligent one. A major challenge to machine builders and automation component suppliers will be meeting customer requirements for delivery. Scalable solutions from trusted partners will be key for medical device manufacturers. Acquiring process data with near-real-time artificial intelligence (AI) analysis will yield optimum system efficiency and become a requirement in new and existing systems.