Automation Canada - Automation in 2021 - 13

4. How has the program grown specifically within Canada?
As discussed above, Canada was just slightly behind the US with the
rollout initially because of highly strategic considerations of potential
partners. Another reason for the delay was that the robotics market in
Canada focused heavily on the automotive sector, and that remains true
for Ontario today.
But Dick and Tanya also say that many of the Canadian integrators,
especially within Quebec, are really advancing the envelope and
coming up with new application opportunities for robotics. There may
be some reasons for this, such as the automotive focus in Ontario, or the
provincial funding available to technology development. Either way,
the program has grown, and Canadian integrators have been a big part
of FANUC's growth across Canada.
5. How has the feedback from Authorized System Integrators
helped shape the network and goals?
We touched upon this topic above when discussing the benefits of
FANUC's ASI network, and the fact that integration partners have
played a substantial role in advancing FANUC's offerings and provide
valuable insight for product development.
The ASI network hasn't just expanded markets and product
development though, they are also a valuable contributor of
suggestions to FANUC on how to best provide services and content to
the network as a whole. Input such as this has driven new training
methods for FANUC technology and how to apply it. FANUC sees a
core value in the resources they have developed and provide to the
network and rely on their feedback to ensure they continue to meet the
needs of their partners.
Regional offices have also benefitted from the expertise of the
integrators' work within their locales. Each region can support other
areas with expertise they have developed alongside integrators,
ensuring a strong North American network of robotic integration
support.
6. What is the message for integrators that are considering
becoming a FANUC Authorized System Integrator for Robotics?
In the early stages of consideration, one can look to the strength and
continuity of FANUC to recognize the value of joining their network.
Much of the success is tied to the legacy of the program and the way
FANUC has run the company. Dick points out the consistency by noting
that the head office in Japan has only changed hands three times since
1982. Similarly, FANUC America has also only been run by three
individuals, and the current head of FANUC America previously ran the
Integrator Network. Dick points out the current leadership has a deep
appreciation for the partnerships of the network because of his previous
position. Continuity makes a partner you can trust.
To conclude, FANUC's Authorized System Integrator network is a
time-tested partnership opportunity that has played a role in the growth
of robotics in North America. Currently they show no signs of stopping
the development of new solutions in collaboration with their integration
partners. We can certainly look forward to seeing some of the new and
unique robots and applications that the partnership develops this year
and in those to come.
For more information, visit www.fanucamerica.com.
CANADIAN AUTOMATION
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 4
13
http://www.fanucamerica.com
Automation Canada - Automation in 2021

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