Wisdom Series · Automation
Brewery Automation Cost: What Drives the Price
Brewery automation cost is driven heavily by the scope of your control system, ranging from simple manual setups with basic instruments to fully automated brewhouses running precise recipe control. The final number comes down to hardware counts, software licensing, and the engineering required to make it run.
Defining the scope
Before you can price automation, you have to decide where the system stops and the operator takes over. A manual setup relies on instruments only to give you readings on temperature, level, flow, and pressure. A semi-automatic system adds automated valves and temperature control. A fully automated brewhouse and cellar takes over recipe control.
The cost drivers
Every component and hour of labor adds to the total. The main drivers are the number of instruments and the count of automated valves. Behind the hardware, you’re paying for the control panel and PLC, the HMI or SCADA software and licensing, and the networking to connect it all. Services make up the rest of the bill. You pay for programming hours, integration with the controls that come with the brewhouse, commissioning, operator training, and ongoing support.
How to request a comparable quote
To get a price you can compare, you need to give vendors a precise list to bid against. Count the IO points and automated valves. List the specific batch steps to be automated, and say which pieces of equipment already have controls. When you request the quote, ask each bidder to price the panel, programming, commissioning, and training as separate lines.
Calculating the return
Automation pays for itself through labor hours saved, better batch consistency, and lower energy and water use. You can figure out the timeline on that return using our equipment ROI calculator or by reading our automation ROI guide.
Send us the details
Send the equipment you have, the steps you want automated and a rough count of instruments and valves. A Solon engineer reads every inquiry and replies by email, usually within one business day. Solon builds and programs control panels and supplies equipment packages; your installing contractor does the installation.