7 Common Mistakes When Purchasing Industrial Automation Parts – and How to Avoid Them
Published:
In the rapidly evolving industrial automation sector, an efficient procurement process is crucial for effective maintenance operations and ensuring operational continuity. Poor decision-making when selecting components can lead not only to unnecessary costs but also to production downtime and disruptions. Below, we outline seven common mistakes in purchasing automation parts online, along with practical tips on how to avoid them using available market tools.
1️⃣ Relying on a Single Supplier
Mistake:
Depending on a single industrial automation distributor often results in higher prices and extended lead times. Lack of supplier comparison limits negotiation potential and the ability to secure better deals.
Solution:
Diversify your supplier base to enhance competition and ensure a steady supply chain. Utilize industrial parts search engines like Automa.Net, Aserto, EU Automation, or Radwell, which provide access to multiple offers from different suppliers. These platforms enable thorough analysis and comparison of terms and pricing.
2️⃣ Inadequate Supplier Verification
Mistake:
Purchasing components from unverified suppliers increases the risk of receiving counterfeit or low-quality automation parts, which can compromise maintenance operations and system stability.
Solution:
Before finalizing any order, conduct a thorough credibility check by reviewing certifications, customer feedback, and transaction history. Requesting a photo of the product before purchasing can help verify stock availability and authenticity. Cybercriminals frequently target the automation parts online market, making it essential to use secure platforms like Automa.Net, which pre-verifies suppliers and promptly addresses non-compliant practices. The platform also provides reviews of suppliers’ reliability, fulfillment speed, and service quality. Check sources like TrustPilot and Google Reviews for additional insights.
🔗 Verified Suppliers on Automa.Net – Look for the Automa.Net Badge
3️⃣ Overlooking Alternative Solutions
Mistake:
Assuming that only new parts guarantee quality often leads to ignoring refurbished or compatible replacements. This mindset restricts cost-saving opportunities and flexibility in component selection.
Solution:
Compare new, refurbished, and used parts to identify the most cost-effective solutions. Many specialized companies operate advanced industrial automation repair labs, where parts are cleaned, reconditioned, tested, and certified with warranties. Refurbished components can be up to 70% cheaper than new ones while maintaining full functionality. This aligns with the Circular Economy principle—reuse instead of discard. Some suppliers even provide carbon footprint reduction reports to support ESG compliance.
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4️⃣ Rushing Purchases Without Price Negotiation
Mistake:
Accepting the first available offer without negotiation can lead to inflated costs. Every dollar counts in the fast-paced industrial automation environment.
Solution:
Leverage online tools that automatically send RFQs (Requests for Quotation) to multiple suppliers—like Automa.Net. Instead of manually contacting suppliers, the platform consolidates offers in one place, simplifying negotiations and helping secure better deals.
5️⃣ Ignoring Logistics Costs & Lead Times
Mistake:
Focusing solely on the product price without considering logistics costs and delivery times can cause delays, disrupting operations.
Solution:
When comparing automation parts online, evaluate total procurement costs—including shipping fees and lead times. Many platforms display estimated delivery times, helping buyers make more informed decisions. Also, check Incoterms to understand the full scope of shipping responsibilities.
6️⃣ Failing to Update the List of Critical Components
Mistake:
An outdated inventory of critical spare parts can delay response times during system failures, leading to production stoppages.
Solution:
Regularly update your critical components list to ensure quick access to essential parts. Platforms like Automa.Net allow real-time availability checks across multiple suppliers, providing insights into average market prices and stock levels worldwide. Additionally, monitoring discontinued parts helps in maintaining necessary reserves before they become unavailable.
7️⃣ Not Adapting to Digital Procurement Tools
Mistake:
Relying on outdated purchasing methods limits procurement efficiency and slows down responses to market changes.
Solution:
Invest in modern IT solutions and industrial parts search engines like Automa.Net. With advanced search algorithms and data analytics, these platforms facilitate rapid automation parts online comparisons, ensuring smarter purchasing decisions.
Innovative procurement strategies directly enhance competitiveness and long-term success in industrial automation.
🔗 Automa.Net Solutions for Suppliers
🔗 Automa.Net Solutions for Buyers
Conclusion
In the industrial automation sector, a precise procurement strategy is key to efficient maintenance operations and ensuring operational continuity. Avoiding mistakes such as supplier dependency, poor verification, and overlooking refurbished options helps optimize costs and reduce operational risks.
Using platforms like Automa.Net, Aserto, EU Automation, and Radwell, businesses can access a broad spectrum of offers, enabling them to make informed purchasing decisions. Some platforms focus on price comparisons, allowing users to quickly identify the best deals and minimize downtime.
To stay competitive, companies must embrace smart purchasing strategies, maintain supplier flexibility, and leverage advanced digital tools for industrial automation parts procurement.
🔗 Read more: Improving Maintenance Operations & Reducing Downtime