Industrial automation involves the use of technology to transform manual processes into automated ones. It provides an edge in manufacturing industries by reducing costs, speeding up production and enabling companies to compete globally.
Whether it’s used in a factory or on the assembly line, automation allows businesses to produce consistent products of the same quality. It also increases operational efficiency by freeing employees from mundane tasks so they can focus on more valuable work, resulting in higher productivity.
It can make jobs safer and more pleasant for workers by removing repetitive or physically demanding tasks. This reduces the risk of injuries or even fatalities, while increasing job satisfaction and freeing up time to focus on more creative strategies. In addition, it makes it possible to operate around the clock.
Automated data collection reduces the cost of collecting key production information and improves its accuracy. By doing so, it enables companies to better manage their inventory and optimise their processes. Furthermore, it can enable them to anticipate peaks in demand, stock outs or breakdowns before they affect the bottom line.
Companies can also reduce the environmental impact of their manufacturing operations. Using digital automation tools to oversee operational indicators and efficiency levers, they can monitor energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions across multiple sites and value chains, and identify areas for improvement. This is particularly important for carbon-intensive industries and companies in hard-to-abate sectors.
Industrial automation can create a more sustainable world by reducing the need to transport goods and materials, while also lowering energy costs and cutting waste. It can help to minimise our impact on the planet by eliminating wasteful practices, reducing the amount of raw materials needed for production, and by utilising renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind.
A final benefit of industrial automation is that it can improve quality by allowing for more precise and accurate monitoring of all aspects of the production process. This ensures that the end product meets all customer expectations, while helping companies to build brand reputation and loyalty.
Ultimately, industrial automation is becoming an essential tool for 21st-century business. As technology continues to evolve, the ability of automation systems to perform more complex and sophisticated tasks will become even greater. However, it’s critical that companies remain cautious when implementing these new technologies and consider the implications for their human workforce. With the right skillsets, workers can be repurposed to support the growing needs of the digital economy. In the future, this could mean a more diverse range of higher-skilled jobs that didn’t exist just a few years ago. However, it’s important that governments and education systems prepare the next generation of workforces for these new roles. By preparing the next generation, we can help to create an inclusive and sustainable world of industrial automation. To learn more about how to leverage the power of automation, download our eBook: The Future of Industrial Automation: A Guide for Businesses.