Before diving headfirst into factory automation, first address mistaken perceptions about the technology.
The advantages of factory automation are well documented: You can do more with less, minimize errors, and improve quality. But journeying into the land of automation for the first time requires small steps to set the stage for success.
This A3 article from TECH B2B Marketing contributor John Lewis compiles advice on getting started in factory automation from industry giants.
Before diving into an increasingly digital world, first address mistaken perceptions about automation. A primary misconception is that robots are here to steal jobs from humans. On the contrary, published data indicates that adding robots to plant floors results in stable or increased employee numbers.
Some manufacturing leaders worry that automation is too complicated, costly, or time-consuming. Although expensive and complex projects exist, many companies new to the technology can take advantage of simple, less expensive projects that can be implemented in days. Implement smaller pilot projects that detail the benefits of automation before scaling up.
Part of developing a factory automation strategy is to identify the areas best suited to automation. These could be error-prone jobs like inspection, processes that cause bottlenecks, or tasks deemed dull or dangerous. Manufacturers also are seeing a rise in edge computing, a cutting-edge industrial automation technology that offers data collection, storage, and analytics in real-time from the shop floor.
Whatever path you choose, factory automation should start with a thorough evaluation of all available solutions and choosing a qualified supplier. As one industry expert explained, “a cohesive automation architecture allows companies to begin working on small, manageable tasks, while still allowing them to make improvements that are consistent with an overall automation strategy.”
Read the full A3 article to learn more about the misconceptions and benefits of automating factories.
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“A cohesive automation architecture allows companies to begin working on small, manageable tasks, while still allowing them to make improvements that are consistent with an overall automation strategy.”
