Adding automation to your end-of-line shouldn’t feel like launching a rocket. But for many manufacturers, choosing between custom-engineered and pre-engineered palletizing solutions can stall momentum.
So here’s the breakdown.
Custom-engineered systems: total flexibility, total effort
These systems are built from scratch to fit your exact layout, product specs, and workflow. If your line is highly specialized, it might be the only way forward.
Pros
- Fully tailored for unique challenges
- Handles heavy payloads and complex patterns
- Built with long-term scaling in mind
Cons
- Expensive, slow to install, and high maintenance
- Locked into a single vendor for updates
- ROI takes time (sometimes a lot of time)
Pre-engineered systems: fast track to results
Robotiq Palletizing Solution falls in this category—and for good reason. It’s standardized, proven, and ready to go. But don’t confuse “pre-engineered” with “one-size-fits-all.”
Pros
- Quick deployment (installed in 3 days)
- Lower upfront cost and fast ROI
- Easy to adapt and use—no robotics background needed
Cons
- Less tailored than custom setups
- Might require some workarounds for complex applications
What to consider before you choose
- Complexity: If your layout is tight or your SKUs are all over the map, you may need customization. Otherwise, pre-engineered fits the bill.
- Budget: Custom means more upfront investment—pre-engineered gets you up and running faster with predictable ROI.
- Timeline: Need to act now? Go pre-engineered. Custom builds can stretch for months.
- Team: Got automation experts in-house? Great. If not, pre-engineered keeps it simple.
- Growth plans: Pre-engineered doesn’t mean boxed in. With Robotiq, you can scale when you’re ready—new recipes, new lines, no problem.
The smartest path? Sometimes it’s a blend
Start simple. Scale smart.
Many factories begin with a pre-engineered system to solve immediate pain points—then layer on custom tools, grippers, or software later. That’s exactly how Lean Robotics works: deploy fast, then improve.
Avoid these common pitfalls
- Over-engineering: Don’t build a custom spaceship when a compact truck gets the job done.
- Short-term thinking: Plan for change. Flexibility matters.
- Vendor lock-in: Choose solutions with open architecture and modular design (like ours).
Bottom line
The pre-engineered Robotiq Palletizing Solution gives you the speed, simplicity, and scalability to move fast and adapt faster. And if you need something extra? We’ve got Expert Partners who know how to make it work.
- Install in days
- Payback in 1–2 years
- Built for today, ready for tomorrow
Need more details? Download our
Automated palletizing buyer’s guide
Want help deciding? Let’s make palletizing the easiest part of your line. Contact an expert today.
The post “Custom vs. pre-engineered solutions: what’s the smarter move for palletizing?” by [email protected] (Samuel Bouchard) was published on 04/08/2025 by blog.robotiq.com