Machine
vision has low barriers to entry, which means almost anyone can set
up as an integrator. Unfortunately, that means there are folks out
there with limited skills. Limited skills means poor quality work,
and that gets our technology and industry a bad name.
That’s
why I’m interested in the AIA’s rollout of its “Certified
System Integrator” program. Not that it will help engineers in
selecting companies to work with, (although it may do so,) but it
will help engineers explain to Purchasing why the lowest bid may not
be the one to go for. As I see it, the AIA’s seal of approval
should mean reduced project risk.
Will
that allow Certified integrators to increase prices? Probably, yes,
although I think the premium will be small. And, speaking as a buyer
of integration services, if that lowers total costs – like the cost
of scrapping a failed system – then it’s a price worth paying.
For
more information, take a look at the press release, “First
Group of AIA Certified System Integrators Announced”
on the AIA website.
Posts
2 comments:
I believe National Instruments is now requiring the vision integrators inside their Alliance Program to carry the AIA certification. Separating the wheat from the chaff!
i4 Solutions is happy to be on the list of certified integrators! Frankly, I was surprised to see how short the list is.
I think the program is a great idea, and we wanted to support it. Not all end users have experience selecting an integrator, and I think the AIA has a role to play in helping them determine basic qualifications.
And no, we won't be increasing our prices any time soon.
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