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The Agility Advantage: Mastering Changeover in Industrial Automated Deployment

  • Writer: Rob Seymour
    Rob Seymour
  • Jan 24
  • 3 min read

In the competitive landscape of modern manufacturing, the difference between a high-performing facility and one that struggles with overhead isn't always found in the speed of the robots. Instead, it’s found in the gaps between production runs. At SEYMOUR Advanced Technologies, we’ve spent years observing how the "hidden" time lost during machine reconfiguration can make or break a project's ROI.


Eye-level view of a modular robotic arm assembling components on a factory line
Inductive Automations Ignition HMI with Machine Performance Data History

The true goal of a sophisticated factory deployment isn't just to automate a single process; it’s to build a system that is as dynamic as the market it serves. Whether you are working in Life Science, Medical Devices, or Aerospace, the ability to pivot quickly is your greatest competitive advantage. This is why we developed the FlexSEY Modular Automation Cells.


The Changeover Challenge

When a manufacturing line is rigid, every new product iteration or batch change becomes a bottleneck. Traditional automation often requires:

  • Extensive manual mechanical adjustments.

  • Software recalibrations that demand specialized engineering support.

  • Hours, or even days, of downtime where no value is being created.

By prioritizing changeover at the start of your deployment, you "Do More, when you SEYMOUR." You move from static automation to a flexible environment where the cost of variety is significantly reduced.


Two Paths to Performance: FlexSEY R&D vs. FlexSEY Pro

Every stage of the product lifecycle has different needs. We’ve designed two distinct solutions within our FlexSEY  lineup to ensure you have the right tool for the task:


1. FlexSEY R&D: The Lab-to-Line Bridge

Innovation requires experimentation. The FlexSEY R&D  cell is built for environments where the only constant is change.

  • Target Use: Prototyping, process validation, and low-volume clinical trials.

  • Design Focus: Open architecture that allows for rapid manual swaps of tooling and sensors.

  • The Benefit: It allows your engineering team to fail fast and learn faster, perfecting the "How" of your process before scaling up.

Close-up view of a modular conveyor system transporting parts in a manufacturing plant
Modular system cells transporting parts

2. FlexSEY Pro: The Production Powerhouse

When it’s time to go to market, you need a system that minimizes human error and maximizes uptime. The FlexSEY Pro  is our robust, floor-ready solution.

  • Target Use: High-volume assembly and 24/7 manufacturing environments.

  • Design Focus: Precision-engineered, repeatable changeover points that require minimal tools and zero guesswork.

  • The Benefit: It streamlines the deployment of automated factory processes, ensuring that transitioning from one SKU to the next is a matter of minutes, not shifts.

High angle view of modular automation cells arranged in a production facility
Modular automation cells in a production facility

Technical Specifications: FlexSEY Series Comparison

Which FlexSEY is Right for You?


Choose FlexSEY R&D if:

  • You are in the Clinical Trial or Proof of Concept phase for a new medical device.

  • You need to test multiple assembly variables (force, torque, speed) before locking in a design.

  • Your floor space is at a premium and you need a mobile, adaptable platform.

  • The Goal: Minimize the risk of a failed production launch.


Choose FlexSEY Pro if:

  • You have a validated process and need to hit aggressive throughput targets.

  • You operate in Aerospace, Defense, or Life Sciences where repeatability is non-negotiable.

  • You run multiple shifts and need operators to perform changeovers without engineering support.

  • The Goal: Maximize yield and eliminate unplanned downtime.


Automation without data is just a black box. That’s why we integrate Inductive Automation’s Ignition into our FlexSEY cells. Whether you’re running an R&D trial or a Pro-level shift, you have total visibility into your machine’s performance history. No more guessing—just data-backed results.


The SAT Migration Path

The SEYMOUR Advantage: One of the biggest mistakes in automation is starting over when you move from R&D to production. Our architecture allows you to take the tooling and logic developed on the FlexSEY R&D and port it directly into the FlexSEY Pro environment.

Do More by shortening your time-to-market. SEYMOUR possibilities by choosing a platform that grows with your product lifecycle.Building for the Future

Automation is an investment in the future of your company. By choosing a partner that understands the nuanced balance between precision and flexibility, you ensure that your equipment remains an asset rather than a limitation. At SEYMOUR Advanced Technologies, our deep green and vibrant orange branding represents our commitment to stable, expert engineering fused with high-energy innovation.


Don't let your next deployment be slowed down by yesterday's rigid designs. Embrace the agility of FlexSEY Modular Automation Cells  and see the difference that a changeover-first mindset can make. In today’s fast-paced industrial landscape, efficiency and flexibility are key to staying competitive. Businesses are constantly seeking innovative solutions to optimize production processes, reduce downtime, and adapt quickly to changing demands. One such solution gaining significant traction is modular automation. This approach offers a transformative way to design and implement automated systems that can evolve with your business needs.

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