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The benefits of automation in manufacturing

The benefits of automation in manufacturing

Manufacturing is one of the most widespread and important sectors for the use of automation technology. Industry4.0 opens a new era in manufacturing automation – an era in which people and machines will work together more and more.

The digital revolution we are living right now brings constant changes and an ever-increasing need to adapt. Production companies must anticipate social trends and new consumer desires, and for that they need to be as efficient as possible. Automation technology can be the key answer to making the manufacturing sector more efficient.

The benefits of manufacturing automation are usually tangible. In all units where automation technologies have been implemented we see increased productivity, higher sales, employee efficiency, better products and a simplified structure. The automation industry has been predicted to grow at a CAGR(Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 9.2% during the period 2021-2028 and is expected to grow from USD 191.74 billion in 2021 to USD 355.44 billion in 2028 .

Here are some of the benefits of automating production units:

  • Lower operational costs

Technology can do the work of three to five people, depending on the task. In addition to labor cost savings, energy savings can also be significant due to lower heating requirements in automatic operations. The technology streamlines processes and increases part accuracy, which means minimal material waste for your operations.

  • Optimized production time

Automation's ability to increase production speed helps manufacturing companies be more competitive. Machines can produce more in less time with fewer errors, and robotics paired with advanced sensors can work alongside human operators to complete validation and inspection processes to ensure quality control and increase production rates.

  • Reducing the number of human errors and avoiding work accidents

Reducing human error not only leads to a better product, but also to greater safety. This lowers repair costs and, above all, work accidents. It also enables more efficient use of resources by introducing the ability to allocate human capital to research and development instead of repetitive tasks.

  • Filling the labor shortage

Technology is less likely to be in short supply than employees. Automation technology alleviates both skill shortages and labor shortages, which can drastically affect a manufacturing company's bottom line and even its livelihood.

  • Improved analytics and production tracking

Using sensors, robotics, and advanced equipment can track inventory, system maintenance, and finished products, and easily disperse data throughout the supply chain. This allows for more optimized planning and scheduling, better decision making and improved ROI.

  • Fast amortization of the investment

Automation solutions are strictly based on your business needs and goals and pay for themselves quickly due to lower operating costs, reduced lead times, increased production and all the other benefits mentioned above.

  • Competitive advantage in the market

Automation technology allows you to reduce the duration of the production cycle and the cost of production per piece, while improving quality; so that you can position yourself ahead of your competitors in the market.

Industries that have implemented production automation:

 Automated manufacturing has become widespread in most industries, but we are seeing faster growth in the following industries:

  • Automotive – Automation of manufacturing processes has increased both productivity and safety in the automotive industry, with robots working alongside humans to produce more in less time with high quality control. This technology can reduce human error in processes that require accurate manufacturing, automated reporting and documentation, and contain built-in safety features that can be programmed to stop machinery whenever a person gets too close.
  • Medical Devices and Pharmaceuticals – Automated technology in the medical industry can perform tasks with greater accuracy and lower error rates than humans, and because of this, automation has become essential in the documentation, reporting and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
  • Food and Beverage – Automation ensures a consistent product for every customer and can limit human interaction to improve food safety and reduce risk. Automated inventory tracking, as well as automated reporting and analytics, can help improve decision-making to adjust workflow scheduling to reduce food loss and waste.
  • Electronics & Technology Hardware – As the demand for electronics and technology products increases, automated manufacturing robotics can dramatically increase production speed, test and eliminate defective products, and help maintain optimal manufacturing conditions to create superior quality products with lower production costs.
  • Packaging – Automation in the packaging industry helps manufacturers remain competitive and consistent in their products, keeps employees safer and improves packaging flexibility to accommodate larger and more diverse product varieties.

There is a misconception that automation technology steal people’s jobs. Automation has already begun to transform the labor market in ways we probably didn't anticipate. Rather than eliminating jobs, these technologies are creating new opportunities, giving people the ability to collaborate with machines to accomplish tasks that were once very difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish on their own. Automation is not about replacing humans with machines or robots, but rather complementing each other. Instead of people performing tasks that can present ergonomic and safety hazards, their potential can now be used much more effectively in roles that are safer, less physically demanding and more about problem solving, creativity, management and innovation.

The adaptation of the entire cycle from production to the digital age of industrial technology will make, without a doubt, the demarcation between businesses that want to remain relevant in the current economic context and companies that make major efforts just to survive.

Total Technologies can offer you the ideal solutions for automating your business, from raw material management to delivery of the finished product to the end customer. For more details, feel free to call our consultants on +40 372 317 714 or by e-mail at info@bsys.totaltech.ro

Article published by Daniela Popa