Dimming the Lights: How to Build a Shop Ready for Automation, Ep #17

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What if going “lights out” wasn’t about giant robots or million-dollar cells—but about one simple mindset shift?

In this kickoff to our new Automation Academy series, we break down the truth behind successful automation. Spoiler: it’s not just about buying a robot. It’s about building a stable process, defining standards, and rethinking what’s possible in your shop. Whether you’re already dabbling in automation or still think it’s “not the right fit,” this episode is your wake-up call.

We get real about the labor gap, international competition, and why automation is no longer optional—it’s a matter of survival for shops in North America. Then we get practical. We talk through what automation readiness actually looks like, how to run no-risk simulations, and what most shops get wrong when they rush into technology.

If you’ve ever said, “We’re not the kind of shop that can automate,” this one’s for you. Because the first step to lights-out isn’t a machine—it’s a decision. 

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…

• (0:23) Why investing in ProShop ERP is investing in your business
• (2:51) Launching the Automation Academy and why it matters
• (5:58) Breaking the myth: “We’re not the right shop for automation”
• (9:30) Labor cost comparisons and reshoring pressure
• (12:00) Automation as a path to upskilling, not layoffs
• (15:17) Mapping your process before automating anything
• (17:59) Why standardization is the real foundation for automation
• (19:58) How to simulate lights-out before buying equipment
• (21:51) How to grow your top and bottom line with CLA
• (23:01) Monitoring, readiness, and proving ROI from the start
• (28:59) Managing cultural resistance and getting team buy-in
• (31:43) Infrastructure checklist: air, power, network, layout
• (37:34) Why cobots aren’t a magic bullet (and what to ask first)
• (41:00) Wrapping up with key takeaways and what’s next in the series
• (43:10) Why you need to listen to Machine Shop Mastery

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