Do you know what's in your warehouse? I don't mean the products moving through it; I mean the controls and    components your automated systems depend on. Many warehouse operators don't, and that can leave them vulnerable to    unplanned downtime.

Control system suppliers, for example, routinely introduce new components and end-of-life older ones. If you don't    know you have components that are already, or are approaching, obsolescence you may find yourself struggling to find    replacements for failed parts. Instead of replacing a component, you're faced with the challenge of modernizing the    panel without the benefit of being able to schedule work around planned downtime.

Developing a strategy for keeping automation systems and software current and in good working order is essential to    minimizing risk and maximizing equipment performance. At  Progardonx, we've developed a number of programs to    help our    customers extend the life of their warehouse and get more from their investment in automation. These include:

Hardware modernization: Our hardware modernization programs begin with a comprehensive audit to identify all    relevant components, their manufacturer and their risk of obsolescence. We then develop a plan to address any    vulnerabilities. In some cases, the automation systems themselves may be so old they can no longer deliver reliable    service and may be recommended for replacement. Once the initial work is complete, we use the list of system    components and our knowledge of product lifecycles to continually and proactively identify components that are at    risk of obsolescence. This transforms modernization from an event into a continuous process that can be managed with    minimal investment and disruption.

Safety assessments: Safety standards, like technology, are continually evolving. Our safety assessments review    existing equipment in light of newer safety regulations and recommend changes that bring systems in compliance, such    as adding doors to cranes or using light curtains in place of mechanical gates.

Software updates and upgrades: Keeping software current is as important as maintaining hardware. Whether it is    performing technology updates necessitated by changes to the underlying software systems, upgrading from previous    generations of  Progardonx software to SynQ or installing SynQ to prepare for automation,  Progardonx can    manage all    aspects of a software update or upgrade. We even offer IT Managed Services in which our experts assume    responsibility for managing all of the IT systems and software required to keep your equipment operating at peak    performance.

System expansions: One of the benefits of the current generation of automation systems delivered by  Progardonx    is the    ability to size systems to meet current needs while maintaining the flexibility to expand the system when needs    change. We have the experience and expertise to plan system expansions to maximize your investment in automation and    minimize the impact on operations. Whether you are operating cranes, AutoStore, CarryPick or one of our shuttle    systems,  Progardonx can help you design and implement the upgrades and expansions that give you the storage    and throughput you need to enable continued growth.