Issue 18 | 22.05.2024

In Mobile Robot projects, numerous risks can jeopardize the success of the initiative. Identifying and mitigating these risks early on is crucial to ensure a smooth project execution and the achievement of desired outcomes. In this article, we are sharing the top risks commonly encountered in Mobile Robot projects, along with explanations to help you navigate and address these challenges effectively.

1. Unclear Requirements and Expectations:
   • Many projects fail because the stakeholders do not have a clear understanding of their requirements and what they aim to achieve with automation. This can lead to mismatched solutions that do not address the actual needs of the operation, resulting in wasted resources and failed projects.
     
      
2. Lack of Proper Knowhow and Expertise:
   • Initiating a project without the necessary expertise can lead to poor decision-making and implementation errors. It’s crucial to involve experienced personnel or consultants from the outset to guide the project and avoid costly mistakes.
     
      
3. Automating Immature Physical Processes:
   • Introducing automation without first optimizing the existing physical processes can result in automating inefficiencies. This leads to complex and over-engineered systems that do not deliver the expected benefits, emphasizing the need for thorough process analysis and improvement before automation.
     
      
4. Underestimating Costs:
   • Often, projects are planned with a simplified cost estimation that overlooks various hidden expenses like infrastructure modifications, training, and support. Underestimating the total cost can ruin the project budget and lead to incomplete or abandoned initiatives.
     
      
5. Choosing the Wrong Supplier or Partner:
   • The jungle of suppliers with promising solutions can make it challenging to select the right partner. Choosing an unreliable or incompetent supplier can result in unsatisfactory solutions and project failures, highlighting the importance of diligent supplier selection.
     
      
6. Poor Project Management and Setup:
   • Effective project management is critical, involving the right stakeholders and maintaining clear responsibilities and communication. A poorly managed project can suffer from coordination issues and unclear goals, jeopardizing its success.
     
      
7. Lack of Clear Scope and Specifications:
   • Projects without a well-defined scope and detailed specification book can lead to misunderstandings and unmet expectations. Clear documentation is essential to guide the implementation and ensure that all requirements are met.
     
      
8. Insufficient Change Management:
   • Failing to manage change properly can lead to resistance from employees and other stakeholders. Effective change management involves engaging all affected parties, particularly employees who might fear job loss, to ensure smooth adoption and operation.
     
      
9. Improper Stabilization Phase:
   • Not planning a proper stabilization phase can result in unresolved issues going unnoticed until after the project is considered complete. It's vital to have a period for thorough testing and observation to address any problems before final approval.
     
      
10. Poor Handover to Daily Operations:
    • Ensuring that the project transitions smoothly into daily operations is crucial. This includes setting up first, second and third-level support and defining clear responsibilities for maintaining and troubleshooting the system after implementation.

Conclusion: 

Executing Mobile Robot projects requires careful attention to a variety of potential risks. From ensuring clear requirements and adequate expertise to managing change and controlling costs, each risk must be addressed to prevent project failure. By understanding these common pitfalls, you can better prepare for a successful implementation. In case you need further support, feel free to reach out to us from Automation Awakenings!