Automation Momentum: Quoting is Up, What’s Next for Machine Builders?

If you’re in the automation world, you’ve probably noticed the same thing we have: quoting activity is up. Machine builders and integrators are seeing a steady uptick in requests for proposals and RFQs. That’s encouraging news after a stretch where projects felt stuck on hold.

But there’s also a reality check:  higher quoting volume hasn’t yet translated into a surge of new orders. Customers are clearly exploring projects, and many are dusting off plans they had paused. Still, the actual production work hasn’t fully recovered.

So what does this mean for teams on the ground?

Quoting Is a Leading Indicator

In most industries, quoting volume tends to move before orders. It’s a leading indicator;  companies invest time in scoping projects before they cut a purchase order. A backlog of quotes today often signals a wave of project work tomorrow.

For automation companies, that wave can be both exciting and challenging. Quoting feels manageable, engineering teams can carve out time to spec out solutions. But when several of those projects convert all at once, the workload can become overwhelming.

The Capacity Crunch Ahead

Automation projects are rarely “small.” They often involve complex assemblies, custom controls, integration with existing lines, and validation. Even the most well-prepared teams can struggle if three or four large projects land in quick succession.

The biggest risks we hear from machine builders are:

• Lead time slippage → schedules stretch when teams are maxed out.

• Quality tradeoffs → corners get cut when capacity is strained.

• Burnout → engineers working nights and weekends just to keep up.

The question isn’t whether the work will come. It’s whether your team will be ready when it does.

Flexible Capacity as a Safety Valve

That’s where a partner like Perception Engineering comes in. We’ve built our services around acting as an extension of your team:

• Backfill engineering support → we can take on portions of a project (CAD, design, documentation) so your core team can focus on critical-path tasks.

• Integration expertise → our experience in automation, product design, and manufacturing support means we can step in without slowing the project down.

• Communication and visibility → daily/weekly updates and integrated tracking keep you in control, even when your bandwidth is stretched thin.

Think of it as a safety valve. When quoting turns into project surges, PE gives you the breathing room to deliver on schedule without sacrificing quality.

Signs to Watch For

If you’re seeing any of the following, now’s the time to plan for added capacity:

• A backlog of quotes is stacking up faster than usual.

• Customers are asking for tighter timelines or parallel proposals.

• Sales teams hint that “several projects look like they’ll hit soon.”

In other words, if the quoting engine is running hot, it’s only a matter of time before the project pipeline heats up too.

Looking Ahead

The renewed interest in automation is a positive sign for the manufacturing economy. Companies are once again exploring how to automate complex tasks, from leak testing to inspection robotics to custom EOAT integrations. The question is no longer “if,” but “when” projects will move forward.

When that moment comes, the shops that planned ahead will have a clear advantage. They’ll deliver on promises, keep customers happy, and avoid the internal chaos that so often comes with sudden growth.

At Perception Engineering, we’re here to help make that transition smoother. Whether you need extra bandwidth for a single project or ongoing support to stabilize lead times, our team is ready to plug in where you need us most.

Bottom line: Quoting is up. Orders will follow. The time to prepare for the capacity crunch is now.