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What is automation and what are the benefits
Automation is the use of electronic devices, machines or software applications to perform tasks typically performed by humans. Automation can improve productivity, accuracy and efficiency. Automated solutions can help to eliminate repetitive tasks and free up time for more important activities. Automation can also reduce errors in routine tasks, as well as risks of injury from hazardous conditions.
Advantages of automation:
1. Automation can improve efficiency and accuracy.
2. Automation can reduce or eliminate hazardous conditions or repetitive tasks.
3. Automation can help to free up time for people to work on more important tasks or jobs that machines cannot perform.
4. Automation can reduce waste and scrap, as well as shrinkage.
5. Automation can help improve security and compliance by reducing the number of people with physical access to sensitive areas or documents.
6. Automation can reduce costs related to human errors, damages and product losses, while increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Benefits of automation:
1. Automation can improve efficiency and accuracy.
2. Automation can reduce or eliminate hazardous conditions or repetitive tasks.
3. Automation can help to free up time for people to work on more important tasks or jobs that machines cannot perform.
4. Automation can reduce waste and scrap, as well as shrinkage.
The different types of automation and when to use them
Process automation is the use of equipment, procedures and software to complete a process or task. Process automation is generally used for physical processes, such as laundry, or for counting and sorting tasks. Many automated processes can be set up and running in a short period of time with less risk of human error than manual processes. Automation can also be used in computer and information processes.
One type of automation is Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), which uses computers to control machines and other devices that perform manufacturing tasks. The main purpose of CAM is to eliminate labor in a repetitive process to improve efficiency, increase accuracy and reduce production costs. CAM allows manufacturers to modify equipment without having to redesign the equipment itself. Instead, CAM systems transfer the design changes into the manufacturing equipment by writing new software or modifying existing software for parts programs that control the machinery.
How to get started with automation
Automation can also reduce the need for people to handle high-risk tasks or repetitive assembly line tasks. By automating these processes, you can increase the quality of your products and save money.
Bringing automation to your factory requires planning for production. First, you need to determine what needs to be automated so that the related tasks—assembling parts or putting together an entire product—are assigned to the appropriate equipment. You must also evaluate how much of the labor process can be automated and how much can’t.
To make sure you’re using the right tool for the job, devise a plan for automating each step in a manufacturing plant’s work flow. To determine which steps are most ripe for automation, ask yourself, “If this were done by a robot, what would that robot do?” For example, in a factory setting, robots could load boxes with product, but they wouldn’t be able to stack the boxes. That’s a job for human workers or an automated box-stacking machine. Make sure your employees know this when they’re told to not touch something because it’s automated.
Tips for creating an effective automation strategy
Automation requires careful planning and attention to detail. First, you must determine the processes that need automation. Then select an appropriate automation solution and get approval to use it. Next, you must make sure the automation system is properly integrated into your processes and that employees are trained in its use. Finally, make sure the automation system is up and running before you begin using it.
Here are some strategies to help you create an effective automation strategy.
Use automation in processes or steps that take a long time: The average person spends between 4 and 10 hours per day at work, so if you can reduce the amount of time required to use a particular process, you can spend more time on the activities that generate income .
The average person spends between 4 and 10 hours per day at work, so if you can reduce the amount of time required to use a particular process, . Automate frequently used processes: If your business receives a large volume of orders, use an automated solution to handle order processing. This will reduce the amount of time you spend processing individual orders.
Common challenges with automation and how to overcome them
One of the biggest challenges with automation is finding the funds for it. Be sure to consider all possible funding sources. Look into grants, sponsorships, discounts and rebates. When using grants or sponsorships, make sure you meet all requirements so that you can receive funding. Determine the level of equipment needed to implement the automation system and how much money you need to cover this cost. Also, determine what your expected return on investment will be.
Some other things to consider include the following: Will you have enough staff to operate and maintain the equipment? In many cases, if a system is in place it will reduce the demand for staff. So long as the overall operational costs are reduced this should help reduce start-up and ongoing financing costs.
Does your company have a history of supporting automation? If so, you may be able to get funding through tax credits and incentives. You may need to determine the exact amount for which you can apply. Also, if any patents or software have been developed and you want to retain it, be sure you are clear with your allowance for this.
Find out what is involved in the installation of the automation and what type of staff assistance will be necessary. In some cases, there will be no assistance needed when installing a system. However, in other cases there may be some assistance required from an experienced troubleshooter.
