Your Guide to Buying Automation Parts Online (Without the Headaches)

Buying automation parts online should make your job easier — not harder. But if you’ve ever ended up with the wrong drive, a three-week backorder you didn’t expect, or a supplier who ghosts you after checkout, you know just how quickly things can go off track.

We recently helped a maintenance tech at a food packaging plant whose VFD had failed. He tried ordering online, but the site didn’t actually stock the part — and three days later, his order was canceled. His line was down for nearly 72 hours, costing his team tens of thousands in lost output. When he came to us, we found a compatible replacement, confirmed availability, and shipped it out the same day.

That’s the difference the right supplier makes.

This guide will walk you through how to buy automation parts online without headaches, guesswork, or delays — so you get the right part, on time, with zero surprises.

1. Know Exactly What You Need (And Double-Check the Details)

Before you hit “Buy Now,” make sure you're ordering the exact part your system requires.

Ask yourself:

• Is the full part number correct — including voltage, power rating, firmware version, or suffix?
• Is it a 1:1 replacement or part of an upgrade?
• Are there form factor or mounting considerations?
• Do I need specific network compatibility (EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, Modbus, etc.)?
• Will I need to restore parameters, firmware, or logic?

💡 Still unsure? A quality supplier will walk through the specs with you before you place the order.

2. Don’t Just Compare Prices — Compare Credibility

When a drive fails and production stops, you need more than a cheap price — you need someone who’ll actually deliver.

Here’s what sets a reliable supplier apart:

• Clear contact info and responsive communication
• Detailed listings with specs and compatibility notes
• Verified warranty and return policy
• Real customer reviews, not just star ratings
• Technical support, before and after the sale

At Industrial Automation Co., we offer all of that — backed by a 2-year warranty and a team that understands your equipment.

3. Be Smart About Lead Times: Stock vs. Sourced

Some suppliers list parts as “in stock” when they’re not, leading to delays, cancellations, or rush fees.

At Industrial Automation Co., we keep things transparent:

• If a part is in our warehouse, it’s marked as in stock and often ships the same day.
• If it’s available through our sourcing network, you’ll see a  "Request a Quote" or a clear lead time like “Ships in 1–2 weeks” based on actual supplier timelines.

We stock thousands of automation parts — and we also maintain trusted sourcing relationships for hard-to-find, legacy, and OEM-specific models.

⏱ Need something fast? Filter for in-stock parts or give us a call — we’ll help you choose the best option for your schedule and budget.

4. Understand What “Refurbished” Really Means

Not all refurbished parts are created equal. Some sellers just wipe down the housing. Others, like us, take it further.

IAC Certified Refurbished parts undergo:

• Full inspection for damage or wear
• Cleaning and component testing
• Load testing under simulated conditions
• Firmware resets and parameter checks (if needed)
• Final quality control before shipping

And every refurbished item is backed by our 2-year warranty — just like our new inventory.

🛠 Buying refurbished shouldn’t feel like a risk. With IAC, it isn’t.

5. Confirm Compatibility with Your System

Even the right part number might not integrate properly if you're not careful. Look beyond the label:

• Will the firmware version work with your PLC or HMI?
• Does the protocol match your plant network?
• Will it mount correctly in your panel?
• Are there setup steps that need to be prepared before installation?

A reputable supplier can walk you through integration, or at least flag compatibility issues before they happen.

6. Plan Ahead: Build a Spare Parts Strategy

Even the best equipment fails. When it does, having a critical spare on hand can be the difference between an hour of downtime and a full day of lost production.

Here’s how to build your emergency spares list:

• Identify the 5–10 components most likely to fail
• Rank by lead time and impact on uptime
• Consider stocking a mix of new and refurbished spares
• Store them in a dry, labeled, easy-access location
• Keep installation tools or backups nearby (cables, software, documentation)

🧰 Bonus: We also offer repair services for legacy parts when replacements are unavailable or cost-prohibitive.

7. Work With a Supplier Who Stays With You After the Sale

A true partner doesn’t vanish after checkout. They support you through the full lifecycle of that part.

At Industrial Automation Co., we:

• Help customers troubleshoot installations
• Handle returns or warranty claims with no runaround
• Offer recommendations for upgrades, backups, or alternate options
• Pick up the phone when you call

We know you're not just buying a part — you're buying reliability, uptime, and peace of mind.

Bonus: Shop Smarter with These Popular Categories

Ready to start your search? Browse our most requested automation parts:

• Drives – PowerFlex, Mitsubishi, Siemens, and more
• PLCs – from legacy Yaskawa to modern Siemens models
• HMIs – text displays, touchscreen panels, and beyond
• Servo Drives & Motors – including MR-J2S, SGDH, and A06B
• Certified Refurbished Parts – fully tested, warrantied, and budget-friendly

Final Thoughts: The Right Supplier Makes All the Difference

You don’t have time for delays, mismatched parts, or sketchy sellers. Whether you’re responding to an emergency or planning your next maintenance cycle, Industrial Automation Co. is here to make the process easy.

With transparent lead times, in-stock inventory, hard-to-find sourcing, and expert support, we help you buy automation parts online — without the headaches.

🔧 Need help? Contact us today.

Let’s keep your plant running.