Nowadays, thanks to technological advances, industrial processes have been significantly transformed, allowing new techniques through automation. This evolution has involved improvements in all aspects of production. Today we tell you what industrial automation is and 3 key reasons why you should consider industrial process automation.
What is industrial automation?
Industrial automation is the use of advanced technologies, such as robots, computers or other control systems, to optimize production processes and reduce human intervention. Its implementation allows that certain tasks are performed automatically, streamlining processes and increasing the security of the work environment.
Applications of industrial process automation
Industrial automation has many and varied applications, practically any production process that does not require the added value of human input can be automated, such as:
- Quality tests
- Test Benches
- Assembly lines
- Transfer lines
3 reasons to automate industrial processes
Below, we tell you 3 key reasons to consider industrial automation.
Increased productivity
Moving from a manual or semi-automatic process to a fully automatic process, to a greater or lesser extent, requires a financial effort on the part of the company, but it will be able to see a return on investment in the short to medium term thanks to the advantages in performance.
Por un lado, los sistemas automáticos pueden tener una producción continua, ya que únicamente necesitan pararse de forma programada durante las rutinas de limpieza y mantenimiento.
At the same time, the work rhythms offered by automation enable production lines to have shorter cycle times, increasing the volume of product per shift and shortening delivery times.
On the other hand, in automatic processes, variations inherent to human work are eliminated, mainly in repetitive or precision tasks, thus achieving a reduction in errors. This improvement in quality is reflected in the decrease in the rate of complaints and returns by customers, increasing their satisfaction.
In relation to quality, existing technologies guarantee the traceability of manufactured products, allowing them to identify where non-conformities are located and resolve them in the shortest possible time.
Improving working conditions
In addition to the external customer, automation increases the well-being of the internal customer: the people who make up the company’s team.
By incorporating machines to do the most arduous jobs, such as, for example: tasks that require the greatest effort, repetitive jobs, operations that require speed and attention, tasks that need to be performed in hostile environments and conditions, etc. With the implementation of automated systems, workers are freed from these highly demanding physical tasks and the risks that may cause accidents are reduced and the physical and mental burden that may lead to occupational diseases is eliminated.
Automating industrial processes provides a safer work environment and also improves employee motivation and satisfaction, making them a more productive team while also committed to the company’s objectives.
Efficiency in processes
Thanks to new technologies, work equipment consumes less electricity and pneumatic energy. Automating and renewing production lines guarantees cost reduction, as energy use is optimized.
Además, la recogida y almacenamiento de datos de los equipos ayudan a programar mantenimientos predictivos y preventivos. Leaks and consumption peaks can be monitored, allowing for a quicker reaction.
Finally, another advantage of automation is the reuse of machines thanks to their versatility. When a product becomes obsolete or, due to market requirements, its production is reduced or the design is modified, machines allow the production process to be adapted by making small modifications such as changing tools or programming new recipes. In this way, the same machine can be used for different models of parts.
Conclusion
Automating industrial processes offers a series of benefits that have a positive impact on both company performance and employee well-being, and is now more accessible thanks to technological advances.
At Automach we materialize these advantages in our clients’ processes. Contact us and discover how we can help you with our catalogue of services.