As UK manufacturers increasingly look to realise the benefits of automation, the need for trust, quality, and safety in system integration becomes more important. Working in partnership with the British Automation and Robot Association (BARA) and UK Industrial Vision Association (UKIVA), Automate UK has developed the Integrator Scheme to meet this need. Benchmarking and evaluating the abilities of robot and vision systems integrators, this scheme has been introduced with the commitment to consistency, reliability, and excellence.

We’ll explore the value of the scheme and the steps that must be taken for certification under the BARA and UKIVA standards here.

Integrator Scheme Essentials

Developed alongside BARA and UKIVA, the robot and vision integrator standards raise the quality and consistency of integration projects, solutions, and services delivered to the UK’s manufacturers. Certified robot and vision systems integrators are recognised as leading the way in the design, specification, build, and installation of manufacturing technologies based on end-user needs. They are committed to long-term partnerships, ensuring the best choice and efficient operation of transformative systems.

Certification requires the fulfilment of standards across such areas as:

• Identification and mitigation of project risks
• Protection of staff health, safety, and well-being
• Compliance with relevant legislation and standards
• Maintenance and storage of system documentation
• Competency of staff and investment in training
• Provision of structured support specific to the needs of each consumer
• Suitable collection, tracking, and implementation of customer feedback

The standards can be seen as a benchmark for performance and safety, ensuring that vision and robot integrators demonstrate competence, reliability, and operational excellence. New and smaller integrators may also view the standards as a framework for the structuring of processes and improvement of service delivery.

The Certification Process: Step-by-Step

The vision and robot integrator standards are available to all companies registered in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland. For successful certification, an application must first be submitted through Automate UK. An independent audit may then be arranged, with an initial remote meeting to review the criteria and confirm the integrator’s readiness. To pass this stage, the integrator must ensure that documents are current, revision-controlled, and date-stamped, with site requirements also being confirmed. There will then be a site visit to confirm that the processes described in the integrator’s documentation are in use and effective. Certification depends on operation at the highest level of the industry, with the delivery of systems that are safe, reliable, and of the highest quality.

This process must be repeated for recertification every 2 years, with a surveillance audit being carried out during the intervening year. Details of the previous audit will be taken into account, with any other relevant certifications having to be shown as evidence. It’s a process designed for continuous improvement, ensuring that integrators keep pace with technological changes, safety requirements, and best-practice integration methods.

Benefits for Certified Integrators

Certified robot and vision systems integrators are authorised to display the official Automate UK logo on any marketing materials for a boost of recognition and credibility. Certification also inspires consumer confidence, with the assurance that all projects will be carried out according to high-level safety and performance expectations. It can be a commercial advantage, particularly in the presentation of tenders and client selection processes. Plus, there’s the benefit of access to support and resources, with Automate UK offering ongoing guidance, technical updates, and networking for the certified community.

Benefits for End Users and the Wider Industry

Assurance can be taken in the selection of certified integrators, with the knowledge that automation systems will be installed safely and perform as intended. There’s less need for concern over project risks, as such integrators are independently audited according to the highest standards. Certified integrators are also listed on the Automate UK website for enhanced credibility. As more integrators show an ongoing commitment to certification, quality standards and confidence in UK automation capabilities will also increase.

Committing to Industry Excellence

Ongoing commitment to the integrator scheme can be viewed as part of Automate UK’s mission to support members, strengthen standards, and promote safe, effective automation. The implementation of such high-standard schemes will serve to future-proof the UK’s manufacturing sector through collaboration and shared benchmarks. Going beyond compliance, certification is a pathway to sustained quality, trust, and professional growth.

Get in touch to find out more and become a certified robot or vision system integrator.

Robot integrator schemes

Vision integrator schemes