Industrial Automation

While many believe that automation will result in job losses, it’s important to remember that this technology can create jobs. In addition, it can improve worker safety by eliminating dangerous tasks.

The first level of the automation hierarchy consists of sensors and actuators that convert real-time parameters into electrical signals for further monitoring and control through a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). This data is transferred through an Industrial Ethernet connection like Gigabit LAN or WLAN.

Cost Savings

With no requirement for healthcare, holidays, sick leave, or staff wages, automation is typically far cheaper than employing people. This allows companies to save money that can be reinvested into their operations or bottom line.

Moreover, unlike human staff, industrial automation equipment doesn’t get tired or make mistakes, resulting in consistent quality across the board. This ensures a high level of productivity throughout the day, without the need for handovers or holidays, further improving the overall efficiency of a plant.

Soft Automation is a flexible system capable of adapting to different product configurations. Automated equipment can change its operation with a simple reprogramming process. This is ideal for manufacturing industries with different and variable configurations.

Industrial Automation can reduce the number of unscheduled downtimes by monitoring equipment health, sending information to a maintenance department, and automatically sending alerts when it’s time for repairs. This helps companies improve their resilience in the face of disruptions caused by natural disasters, supply chain failures, cyber-attacks, or even pandemics.

Increased Productivity

Industrial Automation increases productivity by reducing the amount of labor required to complete tasks. Processes that once took armies of workers can now be completed by a fraction of the workforce, saving businesses money and increasing their bottom line.

This increased productivity also reduces waste and provides higher product quality, which is particularly important in industries such as healthcare and construction. Accurately configured automation systems ensure consistent production and results, ensuring that every item produced meets industry standards and customer expectations.

Finally, industrial automation frees up human workers to focus on more critical jobs that require the skills and creativity that humans excel at. This makes it possible for businesses to offer a more attractive range of job opportunities, which can be an excellent way to attract top talent and maintain employee satisfaction.

Despite these benefits, some organizations hesitate to implement industrial automation due to the cost and fear of job loss. To address these concerns, it’s essential to highlight the positive return on investment (ROI) that industrial automation can provide. By calculating the ROI, you can make a solid case for leadership that industrial automation is worth investment.

Enhanced Product Quality

Industrial Automation allows businesses to produce products more consistently. This is because robots can perform automated tasks to precise specifications every time. This can help companies save time and money by reducing waste and rework. Additionally, it can ensure that products meet customer requirements and standards before they leave the factory.

This is especially beneficial for companies that have to deal with high production volumes. Automation systems can also free human workers to focus on more value-added functions.

Another benefit of Industrial Automation is that it enables companies to reduce energy costs using machines that consume less power than humans. This is important because it helps to protect the environment and reduces CO2 emissions.

In addition, Industrial Automation systems can be configured to use different operating frequencies. This means they can run around the clock, enabling manufacturing operations to operate 24/7. This can increase revenue and improve customer service. Additionally, programmable Industrial Automation can be upgraded quickly and easily. This can reduce maintenance expenses and help to prevent system failures.

Reduced Maintenance Costs

Industrial Automation provides a significant return on investment for organizations that implement it. When presenting the case to leadership, it’s essential to demonstrate this ROI by calculating the costs of automation equipment and software and comparing them to the savings realized from increased productivity, reduced labor costs, improved product quality, and other benefits. Sharing success stories of other organizations implementing industrial automation to achieve a positive ROI can also be very persuasive.

In addition, industrial automation reduces maintenance costs by eliminating the need for human operators. Robots and machines work steadily and do not require rest periods like humans, which can cause fatigue and lead to mistakes.

Moreover, industrial automation can eliminate dangerous tasks that could otherwise put human employees at risk of injury or illness. This includes handling hazardous materials, operating in elevated temperatures, and performing repetitive tasks beyond a human’s ability. These work tasks can be carried out by robotic or computer-controlled systems designed to withstand challenging conditions. This reduces the need for regular human maintenance, which is expensive and time-consuming.

Enhanced Safety

Industrial automation is especially useful in oil and gas drilling. By removing the need for humans to get close to dangerous equipment, these systems make it safer for workers.

In addition, industrial automation can be used to monitor production processes and devices for potential problems. This helps reduce downtime and ensures that productivity stays on track. This is done through the use of data that is collected and transferred to the next level in the automation hierarchy. This real-time information can find and resolve issues before they slow down production.

While some leaders may be hesitant to invest in industrial automation due to costs, fears of job loss, and complexity, it is essential to remember that the benefits of these systems are significant. By identifying pain points, demonstrating ROI, highlighting safety benefits, and emphasizing competitive advantage, it is possible to convince leadership to implement these technologies.