Fremont Automation

Visual thinkers have a unique way of processing information. They often think in pictures rather than words, which allows them to understand how different components fit together. This ability is particularly valuable in engineering, where the design and optimization of complex systems are crucial. Dr. Temple Grandin emphasizes this in her book, stating, “Visual thinkers…see images in their mind’s eye that allow them to make rapid-fire associations. Generally, visual thinkers like maps, art, and mazes, and often don’t need directions at all.” Temple Grandin’s book Visual Thinking explores how individuals who process information visually can offer groundbreaking solutions in fields that traditionally rely on linear, verbal reasoning. These visual thinkers often struggle in conventional educational environments that prioritize abstract theory over practical application. We highly recommend the book if you’d like to learn more about the visual thinkers on your team.

Before diving into a substantial investment for your business, take a step back. Building a solid case and carefully assessing your decision-making process is crucial. But what does that process look like? ? Identify the problem you’re trying to solve ?Evaluate the benefits of each potential solution ? Assess the risks ?Calculate the ROI (and be honest) ?Consider the holistic view. Look big picture to see how this potential solution fits into your business strategy. Navigating these steps ensures your investment is justified and aligns strategically with your long-term business goals.

Automation is a hot topic in the industry, but have you considered the benefits of semi-automation? Semi-automation combines the strengths of machine assistance with human oversight to enhance productivity. Consider the repetitive tasks that often lead to injuries and errors. Semi-automation can handle these tasks more efficiently and quickly than human operators, reducing risk and increasing output.

The best innovations don’t happen in isolation—they result from strong partnerships where ideas flow freely and feedback drives improvement. When you work with the right partner, you create a “feedback loop” that continuously fuels innovation and helps both businesses grow stronger. Here’s how to build a feedback loop with your trusted partners: 1?? Start with Shared Goals: Make sure you and your partner align on what success looks like. Whether improving efficiency, cutting costs, or developing new technology, a shared vision ensures every effort moves in the same direction. 2?? Communicate Openly and Often: Set up regular check-ins to share updates, challenges, and wins. Honest communication builds trust and ensures both sides feel heard and valued. 3?? Gather Real-World Insights: Test solutions in real-world conditions and share feedback. The data and insights you gather will help refine designs and processes, delivering even better results. 4?? Welcome Continuous Improvement: Don’t stop once you’ve found something that works. Keep refining, adjusting, and asking, “How can we make this even better?” Partnerships thrive when both sides are committed to ongoing growth. 5?? Celebrate Success Together: When a solution works, take the time to acknowledge it! Celebrating milestones reinforces the partnership's value and motivates everyone to strive for more. Creating a feedback loop with your partner unlocks the potential to repeatedly innovate. When both sides bring their best to the table, the results can transform industries. #StrategicPartnerships #BusinessGrowth

Growth like that doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of strong leaders at strong companies investing in their people, products, and processes. We applaud those who work every day to make the stuff we all use every day. Manufacturing is the heart of our economy. If you’d like your plant to keep up with industry growth, now might be a good time to consider automation options that could boost your production. We’re always happy to visit your site and see where we could make your life a little easier. #IndustrialAutomation #NebraskaManufacturing #EfficiencyInnovation

Automation and industrial engineering are fields that require not just technical knowledge, but the ability to see how machines, processes, and systems will interact. Visual thinkers have a natural aptitude for this, and their contributions will be essential as we develop the automation solutions that will power the world. The future of industrial engineering isn’t just about machines—it’s about the people who design them. We need to cultivate and empower those who see the world differently and can visualize solutions that others might overlook. Fremont Automation is committed to fostering this kind of innovation, recognizing that the next great leap in industrial automation will come from those who think outside the box. By embracing the talents of visual thinkers, we can create a more inclusive and innovative field of industrial engineering. At Fremont Automation, we are committed to fostering this kind of innovation and empowering visual thinkers to shape the world of automation. If you’re a visual thinker who is looking for a chance to build the future, please apply to join our team. We’re always on the lookout.

You don’t always have to go right to full-blown automation. When thinking about the easiest-to-implement updates, look to your tools and processes first. These changes are generally lower-investment ways to improve your plant. New tools could be a new labeling system or a packaging machine. Process changes could just be recognizing how you use existing resources. While small, these modifications help improve your plant - without needlessly investing.

Our team designed and built the innovative Saddlepack Taper to solve one of the biggest bottlenecks in food production. We knew the equipment had to be efficient, reliable, and easy to operate. Our first unit was just that. But we couldn’t just sit on success and pat each other on the back. To help refine our design, we turned to LinMot USA linear motors and @4xxtreme to help us make the next generation of Saddlepack Tapers even more efficient.

Jake Hall and our CEO, Amanda Benes, talk about automation in chicken processing, rotisserie chicken, and Costco Wholesale quality in this great video! Check it out.

?? Is automation worth the investment? At IPPE, many plant managers and engineers asked the same question: How do we justify the cost of automation? It’s a fair concern. New machines require capital, and downtime for installation can feel risky. But the reality? The right automation system pays for itself faster than you might think. ? The reality: Labor costs are rising, and manual processes slow down production. ? The opportunity: Smart automation increases output, reduces injuries, and lowers operational costs. ? The impact: Many companies see a full return on investment in 12-18 months—sometimes even sooner. Take Lincoln Premium Poultry (LPP), for example. Their saddlepack process was labor-intensive, requiring multiple workers per line. Fremont Automation developed a custom automation solution that increased throughput from 16 to 20 packages per minute and allowed LPP to reallocate 18 workers to more critical roles. The system paid for itself in under a year. Automation isn’t just about reducing costs—it’s about unlocking new levels of productivity and reliability. If you’re weighing the cost of automation, it’s time to look beyond the price tag. ?? What’s holding your plant back from automation? Let’s talk. #FoodProcessing #Automation