There are three primary areas where a business may need to invest when it comes to the costs associated with industrial automation: hardware, software, and personnel training. Hardware costs are likely going to be the most substantial cost in the process. Depending on what type of equipment is purchased and how many devices need to be installed, these costs can quickly add up. Software solutions also come with their own associated costs. These solutions allow companies to better manage their operations and automate certain processes, making them well worth investing in; however, they can also be costly upfront as well as over time due to subscription fees or service contracts. Finally, personnel training is another area where businesses may need to invest in order for their employees to understand how best to use any new automated technologies within their organization. Although this cost may not always appear on a spreadsheet, it should still be factored into any budgeting decisions related to industrial automation.