• While custom panels are tailored solutions to fit your specific load, off-the shelf panels have lower upfront costs but limit flexibility, scalability, and long-term efficiency
• Shops with a UL 508A certification, like Midland, support compliance with safety standards and smoother inspections
• Custom industrial control panels like Midland’s debunk the myth that custom paneling is slower and show that custom panels typically reduce downtime, simplify maintenance, and lower long-term costs
• Partnering with a single-source provider like Midland ensures harmonious design, build, programming, fabrication, and installation

Choosing the right industrial control panel is an important choice that will impact long-term operating costs, safety, downtime, efficiency,  and performance. Many are tempted by the lower initial costs of off-the-shelf panels but often do not understand the risky limitations. For facilities with specific systems and unique equipment, a one-size-fits-all control panel solution can lead to safety compliance gaps and logistical challenges down the road. 

Custom industrial control panels are designed to meet your exact operational needs. Although many believe custom paneling is slower, we’ll show you how it actually leads to improved performance, easier maintenance, and increases long-term dependability. 

In this guide, we’ll break down the key advantages and limitations of both options and help you decide which option is a better investment for your facility.

Off-the-shelf control panels are mass-produced units designed for common equipment setups and low-complexity industrial processes. Since these panels are produced in bulk and remain in warehouses until ordered, they are available for purchase at low costs. 

• Lack of customization for size and materials
• Frequent maintenance leads to higher long-term costs
• May not meet UL 508A requirements which complicates inspections
• Limited flexibility to integrate with exact equipment and load requirements
• Often include proprietary components
• Challenges with expansions and automation upgrades

Custom panels are designed and built to fit your operational needs. A custom solution works best for specialized industries, complex automation tasks, facilities with harsh environments, and when you must meet strict industry and safety standards.

Custom panels are built around your specific operational needs to ensure a tailored solution.

• Designed for exact motor loads
• Accurate component sizing and wiring setup
• Improved system efficiency
• Reduced energy waste
• Boost long-term performance

Choosing custom panels from UL 508A certified shops, like Midland, guarantees your panels are built to meet nationally recognized safety standards. 

• Ensure code compliance
• Simplified inspections
• Better safety in the workplace
• Less of a reliability risk

Using non-proprietary components means replacements are easy to find. 

• Simple maintenance and replacement
• Less downtime during repairs
• Greater scalability for future expansions or upgrades

Common misconceptions about customization in industrial projects are that custom paneling will take much longer and come at a higher cost. Even though off-the-shelf panels have lower initial costs and are mass-produced, they often require on-site modifications, rewiring, and replacement parts that drive up the long-term expenses and cause delays. 

When you choose custom paneling, you get tailored solutions that are engineered for your exact specifications and operational needs. Using panels from experienced panel shops allows for full integration with programming and automation systems, assembly and testing before installation, and specialized engineering to avoid rework. 

• No need for on-site modifications and rewiring
• Tailoring to facility conditions and environment leads to a longer lifespan
• Prevent unexpected compatibility issues down the road
• Minimize costly project delays

Off-the-shelf control panels may offer lower upfront costs, but are not as durable or reliable as custom panels when it comes to long-term solutions. With off-the-shelf panels, you can encounter more energy inefficiencies, higher maintenance and repair costs, and longer project delays with expensive consequences. 

Custom panels are engineered to be durable, efficient, reliable, and compatible with your facility’s operations. 

• Built with the future in mind means less expensive upgrades in the future
• Reduce downtime during installation
• Better return on investment (ROI)

Deciding between off-the-shelf or custom control panels is important, but it is just as important to consider the right industrial partner. Here at Midland Industrial, choosing custom means your panels are coming from a UL 508A certified panel shop with over 15 years of experience. We have the dedicated workforce and professional background to help bring custom solutions tailored to your specific goals and needs.

• UL 508A certified panel shop
• 250+ skilled employees
• 7 million+ man hours of experience
• Single-source solution
• In-house PLC programming
• On-site installation and integration
• Custom fabrication capabilities
• Arkansas-based industrial expertise

Choosing the right control panel comes down to the complexity of your operations and your long-term business goals. An off-the-shelf industrial control panel can be a suitable short-term solution for simple and standardized applications. However, there are other factors you must consider including reliability, limited customization and scalability, difficult integration, and higher long-term expenses.

If your facility has complex or specialized systems, strict industry regulations, extensive safety standards, or precise requirements, then a custom solution is the best choice for you. With custom industrial control panels, your facility will receive a solution that has been engineered to fit seamlessly in your operations. Custom panels result in improved efficiency, easy installation and integration, greater scalability, and a dependable solution that won’t cause spikes in your long-term costs. 

One of the key aspects of custom solutions is that these panels are designed with the ability to grow with your operation.  A custom panel solution by Midland is an investment that considers the years to come rather than a quick fix today.