2020 represented a huge challenge for IDM Automation and not only as a result of the pandemic. The Vigevano-based company specializes in the planning and manufacturing of machinery and machine systems for the cosmetics sector.
Throughout the year that has just come to an end, the company reached many important achievements: their new headquarters was opened and a new commercial area upgraded, fundamental steps in moving towards new markets.
2020, A YEAR OF CHANGE
«In general, it was a year in which almost all companies had to reinvent themselves, some even completely,” explains Ivan Riboni, CEO of IDM. “We dedicated ourselves to new projects, we had to adopt and become comfortable with working remotely and get used to digital technology as the only means for communication. Our way of working changed: thinking about participation in virtual trade shows or meetings via video conference, to the need for carrying out tests and inspections remotely. Even business that is done in person has changed, it’s enough to look at the new safety procedures that have been introduced for this health emergency as an example, procedures that we intend to maintain in the future as well. Basically, we’ve lived through a true revolution. In this complicated context, Idm has grown. Amongst the most important events, one that stands out is surely the move into the new headquarters that was the culmination of a project that started two years ago».
A facility in the heart of Vigevano’s industrial area was restored through a lot of work and a significant investment: «Now we are working with more adequate space and in a more comfortable context not only for our staff but also for our customers and suppliers – underlines Riboni –. The structure allows us to have more ample perspectives, carrying out further development projects”.
Another important slice of the investment was destined for the commercial area. “We concentrated particularly on the network of agents and dealers– continues the CEO – which allows us to be better positioned in different market areas».
NEW CHALLENGES
In 2019, IDM Automation was working on the launch of new products, expanding its range to skincare and personal care.
Were these goals reached? “Only partially – affirms Riboni- There was an inevitable slowing of progress. The pandemic dictated the speed and some choices that had to be made. For example, to meet the PPE requirements, we had to study and create machines for the filling of gel sanitizers and the manufacturing of surgical masks. From the sales point of view, the cancelling of trade shows and the impossibility of meeting with customers contributed to drastic changes in the way we work. Our plans however, haven’t changed: in 2021 we’ll make up for lost time».
GOAL: NEVER SETTLE
On the other side of things, flexibility has always been the characteristic that has set IDM Automation apart in the market.
It’s an added value that’s worth even more with the current state of things being in continual evolution in that companies are looking increasingly more for technology aimed at simplifying procedures while at the same time, are very innovative.
Products have to be easily integrable, flexible, and also result in cost savings.
«Flexibility, versatility, and simplicity in changing formats are indispensable concepts that form the basis of our designs and project planning for machines – confirms Riboni. – Now, we need to go the extra mile. For example: the need to reduce the movement of people for assistance purposes generates the need to implement predictive maintenance. This requires boosting the technology for remote assistance which must be considered from the very beginning of project creation. In other words, machines have to be created from the get go in a way that makes everything else down the line do-able. The final goal: to be able to reset a machine that isn’t working or has stopped for whatever reason».
WHAT COMPANIES WANT
One of the main requests from the market is linked to sustainability. But can this be applied to automation?
“We have to think about this as a common theme, even for companies that make machines and not only products and packaging – affirms the CEO of IDM Automation-. I’m referring to the energy consumption of machines, but also the reduction of waste and in general, all of the aspects that could be considered in the building of a machine that might be of significance”.
The reliability linked to quality of performance and customer service and assistance that is increasingly more efficacious and avant-garde are what companies are looking for the most:
“Companies ask for reliability from machines but also from manufacturers of said machines– explains Riboni-. We are investing in order to strengthen an aspect that has always been one of our “pluses”: customer care. In our vision, it has to be increasingly faster and more punctual. The customer has to receive an immediate answer whether concerning a new product, a simple replacement part, or consultancy regarding a phase of the process. We believe that the quality of a machine is fundamental but today, it’s not enough to satisfy customers that are also asking for quality service».
INNOVATING AND AUTOMATING GO HAND IN HAND
And then there’s the topic of innovation, which is intimately linked to the concept of automation.
“Automation – explains Riboni – means creating technology that uses systems to manage machines and processes with the aim of decreasing the need for human intervention for repetitive, complex operations and doing this with extreme precision and safety. Innovating in automation therefore means continuing to introduce new technology to continually implement this concept into manufacturing facilities but with consequences on the organization of work, mentality of workers, and the company culture. It also means increasing performance, reducing production costs and giving the right amount of importance to ergonomics of the workstations and their effects on health. To accomplish all of this, we think some important investments are necessary but that it’s especially fundamental to instill a strong partnership between technology developers and those that implement it into manufacturing plants and those that use it in production. At IDM Automation, we’ve been focused on this philosophy for years with our partners and customers. I’m convinced that it’s a winning move».