Reviewing Your Automation Supplier Before Renewal: Key Questions to Ask
Supplier renewals often happen quietly. Contracts roll over, frameworks are extended, and another year passes without meaningful review.
Yet renewal periods are one of the few moments when procurement, engineering, and operations teams can realistically pause and ask:
Is our current automation supplier still the right choice?
For organisations using industrial control and automation components, renewal time presents a valuable opportunity to reduce risk, strengthen supply chains, and future-proof projects — without disrupting existing installations.
Are You Reliant on a Single Manufacturer or Supplier?
Single-source dependency remains one of the most common — and least visible — risks in industrial supply chains.
Specifications often reference a single brand by default. Over time, this can lead to:
- Extended lead times with limited alternatives
- Reduced commercial leverage
- Greater exposure to global supply disruption
- Increased pressure on maintenance and spare parts
A structured renewal review is the right time to evaluate whether introducing a second source or complementary supplier could improve resilience without forcing change.
Do You Know Who Actually Manufactures Your Components?
Many organisations assume that the brand printed on a component is the original manufacturer.
In reality, badge engineering is widespread across industrial automation. Many globally recognised brands source products from specialist manufacturers who:
- Design the products
- Manufacture them in their own facilities
- Supply them under multiple brand names
This means that teams are often already using products from the same original manufacturers — simply under different labels.
Understanding this manufacturing reality can open up credible alternatives at renewal time, often with improved transparency, availability, and technical access.
Are Your Specifications Brand-Led or Performance-Led?
Brand-led specifications can unintentionally lock organisations into long-term dependency.
A healthier approach is to review whether specifications are based on:
- Performance and application requirements
- Compliance and certification standards
- Operational longevity and maintainability
Renewal periods provide a natural opportunity to introduce specification-led alternatives that maintain compliance while increasing flexibility.
What Does a Second-Source Review Actually Involve?
Exploring alternatives does not mean replacing existing systems or redesigning projects.
In most cases, a second-source review involves:
- Identifying like-for-like or technically equivalent products
- Matching electrical, mechanical, and regulatory requirements
- Trialling alternatives in low-risk applications
- Introducing options for future projects and spares
This approach allows teams to improve resilience gradually, without disruption.
Are You Reviewing Suppliers — or Simply Renewing Them?
The most common missed opportunity at renewal time is treating it as an administrative exercise rather than a strategic review.
Asking the right questions before renewing can help organisations:
- Reduce long-term supply risk
- Improve access to technical support
- Strengthen negotiating position
- Future-proof upcoming projects
Before You Renew, Consider Your Options
If your organisation is approaching a supplier renewal or framework review, now is the right moment to understand what alternatives exist — even if you ultimately decide to stay with your current supplier.
Charter Controls works directly with original manufacturers whose products are already deployed across UK industry, often behind globally recognised brand names.
This makes Charter Controls a low-risk, technically credible option to consider during renewal discussions.
Before You Renew, Consider Charter Controls
Frequently Asked Questions
Does reviewing suppliers mean changing existing systems?
No. A supplier review focuses on future resilience and optional alternatives, not replacing installed equipment.
Are alternative products compliant with industry standards?
Yes. Like-for-like alternatives are assessed against the same electrical, mechanical, and regulatory requirements.
When is the best time to explore second-source options?
Before renewal — when teams have time to evaluate options without commercial or operational pressure.