Technology is constantly improving and changing the way business is done and processes are established. If you are in the manufacturing or production line of business, you know this better than most. And you also know why it is crucial to keep up-to-date with your technologies, and with your processes as a whole. For this reason, among others, you should be making use of custom automation solutions.
With manufacturing custom automation services, you have the ability to integrate efficiencies into your processes and your assets, and make the best use out of your existing resources. Whether you are looking to reduce overhead by relying on additional robotics, wanting to improve the safety of your operations, or perhaps you simply desire a more efficient operating plant to boost production, custom automation is the way to go.
Here are just some of the benefits of automation in manufacturing.
Efficient and Cost-Effective
There is no question that software can process a significantly more amount of data than humans can, and in much more rapid time. Everything from task management to scheduling can now be done through custom automation solutions. This will save you time and effort, allowing you to focus on other aspects of the production.
Additionally, this efficiency is not limited to scheduling or data-based software alone. Custom automation machinery can also play a physical role in your operation. For instance, one type of custom automation is known as programmable automation, which gives you the ability to program your machines for an additional purpose. This means you can get more use out of a single machine.
Fixed automation is another type of custom automation, and it deals primarily with enhancing the abilities of a machine’s single purpose. You might think that a particular machine—even one that plays a crucial role in your operation—operates just fine with scheduled maintenance, and getting more work out of it is out of the question. However, this is not the case, as fixed automation enables additional capabilities of machines that are dedicated to a single production step.
And finally, the third type of custom automation comes in the form of flexible automation, which gives you the power to update your processes in real time. This integration puts your entire network and machinery on the same line of communication, making adjustments simple and, more importantly, cost effective.
Improved Quality Control
There are many manufacturers or producers who might feel that the old ways are the best when it comes to inspections and maintaining an oversight into quality control practices. And it is no secret that the manufacturing industry still relies on human based quality control measures for a variety of reasons. Mostly, it is because the industry is still partial to a human eye and touch giving the final signoff.
However, it is important to think of custom automation not merely in terms of “replacing the old ways,” rather, “integrating with the new ways.” As technology improves and custom automation systems better identify with and reach unique needs, there is no question that automated quality control solutions far outpace manual inspections facilitated by humans.
Not only are these custom automation systems faster and more consistent in their efforts, they are also not prone to human error or fatigue. Plus, the advancements that modern technologies have enabled are unrivaled in their approach. For instance, 2D and 3D vision systems have allowed for superior insight into details from size to shape to color, but also the details of product or label codes. These capabilities make sure products are safe and reliable, while at the same time eliminating the need for manual data entry, which can now be done in real time thanks to these systems.
This means that by integrating custom automation solutions, you can have real-time data and insight into your inspections, inventory, and overall quality benchmarks. No more needing to rustle through files or search the folders and manuals on your computer. You can be up to date during the process.
Lowered Risk and Better Safety
Risk and safety are words that go hand in hand with the manufacturing or production industry. And, for good reason. By implementing custom automation systems into your network and processes, you can be better equipped to mitigate risk and improve the standards of safety across the board. And while replacing human workers with machines to perform hazardous tasks is what you might first think of, there are many examples of how custom automated solutions can enhance safety.
For instance, custom automation machinery can let you know when it requires maintenance. And this information can be specific as well, as opposed to a general tune up. Which parts of your machines are functioning at their most efficient, and which aspects of the machines are in need of repair, either right now or down the road. Knowing this information (again, in real time) can make sure your equipment is performing at its best, reducing the room for error or malfunction.
After all, in many instances you likely have human beings working alongside these machines, and just because they are automated doesn’t mean there is no room for error. But through the integration of custom automation solutions, you can reduce this margin greatly. For example, these modern technologies and machines make use of sensors, smart devices, and even machine learning technologies. If a human is involved in the production line, the software integrated into this custom automated machinery will be aware of it.
From reducing downtime to increasing efficiency and safety, the benefits of automation in manufacturing are limitless. Be in better control of your production line, and find out how else custom automation solutions can improve your business. Contact us today.