When it comes to building cost-effective 3D vision systems, is it better to use a component-based (i.e., camera, laser, lens, brackets, calibration targets) or all-in-one (i.e., smart) approach? At first glance it might appear that purchasing individual components at lower cost and building a custom vision solution is the more economical path. However, as you dig deeper into how these systems actually work you realize that hidden costs and time start to quickly add up.
The problem with comparisons between the component-based and smart vision approaches is they are often based solely on component price. In reality, component price is just one of several costs to consider when calculating the most important metric of all: total cost of ownership (TCO). TCO takes into account both the direct and indirect costs inherent in a given system and is therefore a more accurate reflection of that system’s true cost over time.