As we learn and engage with new ways to automate systems and workflows, we are also looking at specialised fields of automation and how we can implement innovative processes with high quality control systems. Focusing on industrial automation, we assess how and why we would integrate with it to improve various points of production.
What is industrial automation?
This sector of automation is the use and effective installation and execution of control systems, such as computers, machines and robotics to assist and improve processes where raw materials are turned into a final product, reducing the need for human assistance and human variables to reach the final output.
Why do we Implement Industrial Automation?
- Increased Productivity – unlike human counter parts, industrial automation can and does remain operating for longer periods of time, while improving the production rate. Tedious physical work can easily be replaced without interruptions, fatigue and unplanned time off.
- Consistent Quality – automated systems alleviate the errors that can occur from human beings. Machinery has a greater ability towards consistent uniformity and end result controls. Quality checks can also be implemented at various stages of production.
- Lower Operating Costs – reducing the need for manual labour and checks, automated systems also reduce costs associated with a full labour force (salaries, injuries, sick leave etc), while saving you money in product creation and decreasing losses to mistakes and waste.
- Information Tracking – this is very important when monitoring your output, maintenance and quality control.
- Safety and Decrease of Risks – by substituting human teams with technology in harmful and dangerous working conditions, human operators can avoid working in these hazardous environments.
Bearing in mind how beneficial industrial automation can be, it is also important to factor in and remember that there are some disadvantages to it too. While streamlining and improving processes, automation and mechanisation also comes at the expense of loss of jobs as larger scale manual labour is now not as required and the initial implementations costs can be higher. This is why we are an independent market specialist, designing and implementing scalable automation systems. Find out more today about how we can assist you with industrial automation – www.pulsecontrol.co.za
