Vertical startup integration is a turnkey project where a new end-of-line, or multi-machine system, is integrated and Factory Acceptance Tested (FAT) offsite before being disassembled, transported and reassembled at the end-user location. On average, a vertical startup integration will speed up projects — the time between purchase order to full production — by one-third to one-half the normal development time. Additional benefits of vertical startup integration include less inventory to carry while the line is in transition, faster return on investment (ROI), better training and documentation, and an end-of-line system able to recover quickly from production interruptions.
How does vertical integration reduce the usual time to production for a new end-of-line system? The short answer is that in-the-field operations — installation, integration and testing that are located offsite from the manufacturer or integrator — require more time and investment than if the line was built and tested on the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or integrator’s shop floor.