We all know that BIG millwork and cabinet manufacturers use a lot of automation - but what about smaller shops? We suggest you ask yourself a few questions:

1. Do I wish I could reduce labor costs without sacrificing quality?
2. If I could, would I increase my production capacity if I didn't have to hire more labor or expand the footprint of my shop?
3. Should I refresh my product line, so that it aligns more with current design trends and customer preferences?

If you’re a small shop, and you answered YES to any of the above, you might want to consider a few of these fairly simple, highly-efficient, easy-to-integrate solutions that will pay for themselves a lot faster than you might think:

*CNC Machines: Invest in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines for precise cutting, shaping of materials, and production of repetitive parts.
*Robotics: Consider robotic arms for tasks like assembly, painting, or packing, which can improve consistency and speed.
*General Machines: Edgebanders, the Castle 1.5D Pocket Cutter/Screw Inserter, and other value-added machines that automate the manual processes and increase productivity.
*Automated Sanding and Finishing Equipment: Look for machines that automate sanding, like thickness sanders, and finishing processes to reduce manual labor and increase uniformity.
*Panel processing/Material Handling: Automatic panel saws and material handling lines reduce labor and increase efficiency.
*Software Automation: Implement software for job scheduling, inventory management, and order tracking to streamline operations. Utilize Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software to design cabinets, which can directly communicate with CNC machines for precise manufacturing.