Machine vision – the process of inspecting and cataloging products and objects via automated camera – is something of a double-edged sword to modern manufacturers. On the one hand, MV set-ups can provide blinding speed and accuracy – when properly implemented. On the other hand, a poorly-implemented machine vision system can be a real nightmare. It can reduce productivity, let sub-standard materials and products slip by, and drag down the efficiency of an entire operation. That is what makes is so important to make use of companies that provide not just machine vision equipment but fully-fledged machine vision consulting. A proper MV company is one that guides its clients from the first concept down to the final implementation, offering their expert assistance at every step along the way. They should be able to diagnose and fix virtually any MV problem, and tailor machine vision solutions to the particular needs of the client.