3 Ways the Manufacturing Industry Should Use Business Automation

In the past few years, one of the big conversations in the U.S. has related to the impact of business automation. With technology continually evolving and changing, some people have suggested that automation will replace much of the workforce in some industries.

While there is a fear it will take jobs from real people; the truth is automation has led to the higher quality and quantity of products.

There are more than a few ways that business automation can impact and improve operations when it comes to the manufacturing industry. Keep reading to learn more.

What Is Manufacturing Automation?

In manufacturing, automation is when equipment is used to automated production processes and automated systems. The ultimate goal is to improve efficiency by reducing costs, increasing production capacity, or both.

Today, automation is more than just using machines to minimize the work people must do. It is not associated with electromechanical systems programmed to perform several different processes.

Even though automation isn’t right for all manufacturing companies, most can find benefits in one of the three main types of automation available.

Types of Business Automation in the Manufacturing Industry

Automation takes on many forms in the manufacturing industry, from scanners and robotic grabber arms to metal fabrication software and more. Because of this, automation interacts with products in many ways.

The three types of automation systems manufacturers rely on include:

1. Fixed Automation

This is characterized by larger volume production and a high barrier to entry. Most cases of fixed automation have a fixed task.

Also referred to as hard automation, most of the programming is housed in the equipment or machine being used. The production line or equipment sets the sequence of processes and speed.

One example of fixed automation is found in automation panels. For example, major vehicle suppliers may produce a million or more parts before changing the design.

Also, processes such as casting and stamping are used. These don’t always require the use of control systems that are as sophisticated as robotic welding or automated milling.

In some situations, the production volume related to fixed automation doesn’t have time for changeovers. While this is true, if changes are made to fixed automation, it will probably require the line to be completely shut down and for a technician to swap the tooling.

The cost and time associated with the downtime for this change are high. If you have low volume or products with a shorter life cycle should consider using programmable automation.

2. Programmable Automation

Programmable automation is characterized by making a few dozen to thousands of units. It is associated most closely with batch production.

With programmable automation, you can produce more different types of products and parts. While this is true, like fixed automation, downtime is required for changeovers.

The downtime is something expected and considered for lead times and batch sizes. While this is true, downtime is still expensive and has evolved into a new option, which is flexible automation.

3. Flexible Automation

With flexible automation, changeovers occur automatically. Sometimes, this limits the equipment to run parts that require similar tools.

Also, since the programs must be changed, flexible automation is usually connected to a network. This increases the value because you also receive remote control or monitoring with this option.

The programs are created on a computer or offline. Based on the connection method for the device, designers may upload and run new programs, or they could work them into an existing program from any location in the world.

Benefits of Implementing Automation Methods in Modern Manufacturing Processes

Now that you understand the different automation options for manufacturers, it is good to learn about the benefits of integrating these solutions. These benefits include:

Make Processes More Efficient and Faster

On a macroeconomic scale, it was found that automation may increase the manufacturing GDP by 0.8% to 1.4% annually. Even if the numbers seem small, the impact of this economic growth is significant.

When paired with increased productivity, automation also offers:

• Overall efficiency
• Labor cost savings
• Enhanced quality
• Improved safety

Usually, any substantial losses in production energy and time occur because of clunky procedures and human error. With an automated system in place, efficiency will be used to fight common energy drains, such as friction.

This results in an increase of millions of dollars for manufacturers who have adopted this type of automation technology.

Use of Robotics Helps Increase Safety

With COVID-19, the way businesses manage workspaces has changed significantly. This has also been seen on factor floors where workers must utilize social distancing and sanitation practices.

With robotics, it is possible to implement these policies while reducing human risk safely.

Improved Processes Thanks to Better Logistics

The use of AI (artificial intelligence) in manufacturing enhances logistics in virtually all processes and working to reshape the industry completely.

With AI, manufacturing data is gathered and organized, which streamlines the logistics workflow.

The Use of Business Automation for the Manufacturing Industry

There is no question that it is changing and benefiting the manufacturing industry in many ways when it comes to business automation. As you can see from the information above, these changes will continue as technology continues to evolve and improve.

Did you find the information here insightful and helpful? If so, take some time to check out some of our other blogs on topics like technology. Our team posts new articles often to help keep you informed.