When troubleshooting a pneumatic system, what should be checked first?

When troubleshooting a pneumatic system, the air supply should be checked first because it is the fundamental component that powers the entire system. If the air supply is inadequate or interrupted, the entire pneumatic operation will fail, rendering any checks on components like solenoid valves, blown fuses, or leaking cylinders ineffective. Ensuring that there is a proper air supply allows for accurate assessments of other components, as their functionality relies on a consistent and sufficient airflow. By starting with the air supply, you can rule out the most critical factor affecting the performance of the pneumatic system before investigating other potential issues.