# The New ROI of Automation w/ Scot Lindemann

- Show: [The Manufacturing Executive](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive)
- Published: 2022-02-08
- Length: 28m
- Episode: 87
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2022-02-08-the-new-roi-of-automation-w-scot-lindemann
- Listen: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-manufacturing-executive#episode-d51cddce-7041-4207-8909-823d4238fa53

## Summary

Scot Lindemann, CEO of Mission Design & Automation, explains that the ROI of automation must extend beyond simple labor replacement to include quality, consistency, and labor availability. He argues that automation should be treated as a continuous improvement journey rather than an all-or-nothing investment, citing examples like a football manufacturer who found value in smaller, targeted automations instead of a full line overhaul. Lindemann highlights how automating expensive capital equipment, such as in injection molding, can unlock hidden capacity without necessarily replacing the human operator. He advises manufacturers to start small, partner with integrators for long-term support, and focus on reducing process fragility caused by labor shortages.

## Chapters

- [3:17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2022-02-08-the-new-roi-of-automation-w-scot-lindemann#t=197) Redefining Automation ROI
- [8:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2022-02-08-the-new-roi-of-automation-w-scot-lindemann#t=528) Automation as Continuous Improvement
- [12:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2022-02-08-the-new-roi-of-automation-w-scot-lindemann#t=724) Case Study: Football Manufacturer
- [15:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2022-02-08-the-new-roi-of-automation-w-scot-lindemann#t=913) Hidden Value in Injection Molding
- [17:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2022-02-08-the-new-roi-of-automation-w-scot-lindemann#t=1057) Labor Shortages and Process Fragility
- [20:10](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2022-02-08-the-new-roi-of-automation-w-scot-lindemann#t=1210) Advice for Manufacturing Leaders

## Topics

- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Mission Design & Automation (company)
- JR Automation (company)
- Baka Systems (company)
- Fanuc Robotics (company)
- +one Robotics (company)
- Gorilla 76 (company)
- Robotic Industries Association (company)
- Lake Superior State University (company)
- Lakeshore Advantage (company)
- 1st Robotics (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [A History Lesson in Robotics with Scot Lindemann, CEO of Mission Design and Automation](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2022-05-31-a-history-lesson-in-robotics-with-scot-lindemann-ceo-of-mission-design-and-autom) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Dimming the Lights: How to Build a Shop Ready for Automation, Ep #17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-06-06-dimming-the-lights-how-to-build-a-shop-ready-for-automation-ep-17) (Lights Out)
- [The 20-Hour Machine: Automation, Throughput & Smarter Capacity Planning, Ep #42](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-06-05-the-20-hour-machine-automation-throughput-smarter-capacity-planning-ep-42) (Lights Out)
- [From Fixed to Mixed: Mindset Shifts That Power Lights-Out Manufacturing, Ep #24](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-09-12-from-fixed-to-mixed-mindset-shifts-that-power-lights-out-manufacturing-ep-24) (Lights Out)
- [Automation 101 with Chris Luecke Manufacturing Happy Hour, Ep #2](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2024-11-20-automation-101-with-chris-luecke-manufacturing-happy-hour-ep-2) (Lights Out)

## Citing this page

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