Three main mistakes made by beginning automation engineers

We all know that automating a restaurant, store, or any other retail establishment is not an easy task, and there are always some nuances that cannot be foreseen.

Experienced automation specialists know what problems can arise in the way of optimizing the work of a restaurateur or retailer, but beginners mainly make three mistakes that will not bring them profit in the future, but only headaches and dissatisfied customers.

Mistake No. 1 - You should not take on several objects at once.

Those who make this mistake face a number of difficulties.
Firstly, all clients always have a lot of questions during automation and additional installation and launch requirements.
Secondly, you encounter new problems during setup that you don't expect at all.

Result
Total chaos ensues. There's not enough time to get everything done and please everyone, a shortage of human resources is immediately felt, and you're inundated with phone calls from all sides with complaints and accusations that the system optimization and setup won't be completed on time, which will cause the client to lose money and, by the way, will demand it from you, since in this situation you are the guarantor of their timely and successful launch.

Conclusion
Beginners want everything at once, but it doesn't work that way. You should first tackle one project wisely and see it through to completion, so you know all the intricacies and nuances of setting up the equipment, as well as its connections with the software.

Error № 2 - Pre-installation configuration and testing of hardware and software is not performed.

This is a rather serious error. Despite all the assurances from suppliers and developers about the compatibility and operability of hardware and software, you can never predict what "bugs" will appear during installation and setup. This point is especially relevant for those installing software with which they have not worked before. Integrators know full well that it's best to familiarize yourself with new software from A to Z and from Z to A in your own service center, so as to avoid future pitfalls that inevitably lead to problems and lost clients.

Result
You waste time solving unexpected problems. The client is dissatisfied. Deadlines are looming. The demand is accordingly from you and your technical specialists, who, by the way, bear the brunt of the discontent.

Conclusion
It is imperative to check the compatibility of software and hardware, and also try to carry out a trial run so that all issues are resolved BEFORE you no longer have time to fix and adjust anything.

Error № 3 - Incorrectly planned time for commissioning.

Probably the most common mistake among automation engineers and integrators, even those who have been doing this for more than one year. If you miscalculate the time for delivery, installation, and configuration of equipment and software, you can get into trouble. And as you know, mistakes have to be paid for, and often this ends with the client simply refusing your goods and services.

Result
Loss of a client, negative reviews about your company (after all, a satisfied consumer will tell two friends about the organization, and a dissatisfied one - ten), return of delivered equipment and software, but most importantly, you will lose a lot of precious time.

Conclusion
You should always set automation deadlines taking into account unforeseen circumstances that arise in most cases. Even if you are an experienced automation specialist, you should not count on everything going smoothly. Be sure to play it safe and calculate the time so that at least a few days are left in reserve, this is especially true for beginners, for whom the reserve should be at least a week, unless, of course, you want to work around the clock.