The demands of industrial processes can reduce the long-term profits for your business. Therefore, if you are looking to enhance the overall efficiency of your manufacturing or production setup, consider embracing automation. Industrial automation aims to limit reliance on manual work by incorporating software into industrial equipment.
The desired outcome is production without direct human interaction. The benefits of industrial automation include lower production costs, increased quality control, better workplace safety and improved data traceability. However, keep in mind the transition from manual to automated setups can be difficult. Here are crucial guidelines for planning and preparing for the change.
Audit the Processes
A proper evaluation of your existing industrial processes will help you determine the best approach to automation. In general, the change should begin with the procedures in the business that cause the highest losses due to the demand for time and labour. Therefore, if you can identify the sectors with lower efficiency, you can begin automation with a high return on investment.
Where possible, begin the change with the processes involved in the preliminary stages of production and work the way up. Also, audit the workflow chart and find the tasks with the highest time demands. Focus on these elements for automation efforts before moving on to less labour-intensive and time-consuming work. Remember, the objective is efficiency by reducing input and maximising output.
Develop a Growth Plan
The idea of industrial automation is daunting because the costs of a complete overhaul are exponential for most businesses. However, if you are meticulous in transition plans, you can manage the total expenses and ensure long-term earnings. In simple terms, an ideal automation plan should be gradual and steady, not sudden.
A slow transition will keep the cash flow in the business stable by staggering the expenses linked to new equipment. Moreover, you will not need extended downtime for the overhaul of the setup. When beginning the automation, consider retrofitting the machinery and adding software control. Later, you can replace obsolete equipment with robotic machinery.
Educate the Employees
Changes in an industrial manufacturing or production business can be overwhelming to employees. Keep in mind that the operation, maintenance and management of the automated setup will fall to your staff. Therefore, ensure the key workers are involved in preparing for the transition. Provide appropriate training on the function of the automated equipment and the staff's role in the changing workplace. The understanding will improve cooperation during the transition and minimise obstacles when launching the new system.
To learn more about industrial automation, reach out to a service provider near you.
Share27 February 2023
Heya. I’m Jim. I am an electrical assistant in an open cut mine. I help keep generators maintained and operating, and ensure that electrical installations are safe. I work with extremely high voltages, so safety is a priority. I was an assistant for a household electrical contractor. Whilst it is more exciting to work with industrial electricians, being a general electrical assistant had its moments. Once, when working in a roof cavity, I was bitten by a rat! Friends and family often ask me to do electrical jobs and I worry about their ignorance when it comes to electrical installation and the importance of hiring a qualified professional. There are some jobs I simply won’t touch because I lack the expertise. I hope this blog makes people aware of the types of electrical work and general care which must be taken when working around electricity. Please read and stay safe!