Proof of Concept

Proof of Concept (POC) for Automation Testing

When investing in industrial automation, committing to full deployment without verification can be a major (and unnecessary) risk. That’s where Cross Company’s Proof of Concept (POC) for automation testing comes in. We can work with you to validate your solution in a controlled environment before scaling it to full production to ensure integration success.

We combine the strengths of our pneumatic, motion control, robotics, precision measurement and systems engineering teams to offer a POC service that provides data, confidence, and clarity. That way you can make the best, most data-driven decision for your operation.

Benefits of Partnering With Cross for Proof of Concept

Seeing system behavior before full investment protects your ROI and lets you make the best decision for your operation. Make data-driven decisions based on proven solutions and get early test data that allows you to further optimize performance, rework weak areas, and adjust any necessary tolerances.

Partnering with Cross for Proof of Concept services provides many benefits to manufacturers. Just a few of these include

Reduced Uncertainty

Informed Decision-Making

Design Insights

Clear Development Path

Controlled implementation

Integrating Solutions from Industry Leading Brands

Our team works with an industry leading number of suppliers when developing solutions for our customers, so we can integrate the right components every time. Our expertise, paired with access to a wider range of materials, means we can build the best solution for your process.

Automation Resources and Success Stories

Custom Pneumatic (X-Z Dual Axis) Pick&Place 1

Cross Proof of Concept Services

Procurement and Requirements Analysis – We begin by assessing your application goals, constraints, and performance metrics. We define which parts of the design are highest risk (e.g., motion dynamics, cycle time, sensor feedback), and then structure the POC to target those uncertainties.

Prototype Build and Testing – We assemble a scaled or full-scale prototype with the critical components (robotic axes, end-of-arm tooling, sensors, actuation, controls) and run it under real (or simulated) conditions. We collect the relevant performance data (cycle time, repeatability, throughput, error rates, stability).

Reporting and Optimization – After testing, we analyze collected data, compare results to expectations, and provide a comprehensive report. We also iterate as needed, refining criteria, adjusting parameters, or trying alternative approaches. The output gives you clarity on viability, ROI, expected performance, and suggested refinements.

Why Proof of Concept Matters

Before moving to purchasing, it’s necessary to test. A POC is a focused, small-scale demonstration of key functionality of your automation system under real (or at least realistic) conditions. POCs also function as a risk-control mechanism, providing a tangible preview of the system before committing to full-scale integration. Proof of concept also allows you to

Early Risk Mitigation

Mitigate your risks early and catch unforeseen issues with integration, performance, or compatibility before they become more costly issues to fix

Technical Assumption Validation

Validate your technical assumptions to confirm that robotics, motors, sensors, tooling, and other controls perform as you expect in your industrial environment

Business Goal Alignment

Align your business goals by quantifying ROI, throughput gains, or defect reduction so you can make informed decisions moving forward

Cross Automation Services Brochure

Our primary focus is to decrease manual labor, increase throughput, improve quality, and/or decrease the consumption of raw materials through automated solutions. Download our automation services brochure to learn more about our core integration services, technical services, training services, support services, and more.

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Test, validate, and move forward with confidence.

Schedule a proof of concept today.

Our Process For Running POCs

We’ve been providing Proof of Concepts to manufacturers for decades. So we have the system down to a science. Our process includes

  • Scoping and Planning – Ensuring that our team and yours align on goals, KPIs, and other success criteria
  • Sourcing and Assembly – Building the prototype with key components sourced from our network of industry-leading suppliers
  • Testing and Data Collection – Running trials under conditions mimicking those found in your facility or application to avoid any environmental surprises
  • Analysis and Feedback – Comparing results, recommending improvements, or validating next steps

A simple way to think about this process is test, learn, adjust. Through leveraging structured feedback loops, we can make sure the prototype keeps moving forward closer to the final iteration of the design.

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Is Automation Right for Your Process?

Answer a few simple questions and find out! We’ll send a copy of your inputs to help build the case for automation, and determine ROI for automating parts of your operation.

cross automation gso whitsett location

Why Cross Proof of Concept?

Whether you’re evaluating a new robotic vision cell, motion sequence, or fully integrated automation solution, a POC gives you the clarity you need before committing. Let Cross help you verify your design, refine performance, and move beyond uncertainty.

Ready to validate your automation idea? Talk with our POC engineering team and bring your concept to life.

See How Our Automation Team Can Help Improve Quality, Increase Efficiency, And Reduce Risk In Your Operation

Contact our Team

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In the meantime, enjoy these fun facts…

Did you know… Cross Company is an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). Our ESOP started in 1979 and as of 2006, we are 100% employee-owned! Learn more about our ESOP and how that benefits both team members and our customers.
Did you know... the precision measurement group at Cross was founded in 1939 by our current CEO's grandfather, Jim King. That's a whole lot of calibration!
Did you know... A fingerprint weighs about 50 micrograms. We know, we weighed it! The residue left from a finger can actually make a difference in weight results which is why we wear gloves when we calibrate weights. For reference, a sheet of paper is about 4.5 grams, that’s 4.5 million micrograms.
Did you know… Cross Company has grown significantly since our start in 1954. Over the years we've acquired 26 companies! Today, our five groups have expertise in everything from industrial automation to precision measurement, and industry knowledge going all the way back to 1939.