How Automation is Changing the Manufacturing Industry

How Automation is Changing the Manufacturing Industry

Automation in Manufacturing

Whether you’re a manufacturing business or not, it’s time to start thinking about automation.

The reality is if you don’t start using automation in your manufacturing processes, you will get left behind by the competition. And worse yet, you may lose a customer or two who will choose someone else because of your poor customer service.

So, what does this mean for your business? Well, it means that you must ensure everything about your company is automated. From your sales process to the production line itself—everything should be automated so that you can cut down on costs and streamline operations.

In this article, we’ll look at how manufacturing automation is changing the way we think about manufacturing and what that means for your business.

Content:

What are the benefits of automation?
Types of Process Automation Systems
Process Automation in Manufacturing Industry

What are the benefits of automation?

The advantages of robotic process automation in manufacturing can be summed up by saying that it can help you save money and time, especially if you’re a large company.

It’s important to note that there are many different types of robotic process automation (RPA), so it’s best to consult with your engineering team about which type is right for your business. The following are some of the benefits of RPA in manufacturing:

  • It improves quality and reduces errors.
  • It reduces labor costs by as much as 70%, while increasing productivity by as much as 20%.
  • Robotic process automation enables you to scale production more easily than ever before.
  • It helps you become more efficient and effective at what you do so that you can grow your business even faster.

Types of Process Automation Systems

  1. Robotic Automation: This system uses robotics and computers to automate the process. It allows for repeatable, accurate processes that the user can program.
  2. Flexible Automation: This system uses sensors and software to monitor variables in the production environment. By monitoring these variables, you can adjust them to control when certain tasks occur during production.
  3. Intelligent Manufacturing: Intelligent manufacturing systems combine robotic and flexible automation to create an integrated solution that provides all these benefits simultaneously.

Types of Process Automation Systems

  1. Robotic Automation: This system uses robotics and computers to automate the process. It allows for repeatable, accurate processes that the user can program.
  2. Flexible Automation: This system uses sensors and software to monitor variables in the production environment. By monitoring these variables, you can adjust them to control when certain tasks occur during production.
  3. Intelligent Manufacturing: Intelligent manufacturing systems combine robotic and flexible automation to create an integrated solution that provides all these benefits simultaneously.

Want to learn more about RPA, Download our FREE infographic here!

Want to learn more about RPA, Download our FREE infographic here!

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Type of Process Automation in the Manufacturing Industry

  1. Procurement

    Procurement is the process by which your company acquires goods and services. You may do this through direct sales or procurement contracts with suppliers. This type of automation aims to save time and money so that you can focus on growing your business rather than managing operations manually.

  2. Order Processing

    Order processing is when you place orders with suppliers or other vendors for products your customers need. This includes setting up payment terms, confirming delivery dates, paying invoices, etc. Order processing is where many companies begin their journey toward process automation because it’s usually where they spend most of their time working manually on a daily basis.

  3. Supply Chain Management

    Supply chain management refers to all the steps in getting products from raw materials through production until they reach your customer’s doorsteps. It includes everything from purchasing materials at one source and then distributing them throughout different plants.

  4. Customer Service Automation

    The automated process that provides 24/7 support for customers with questions or concerns about your products or services. This can include live chat features on websites or mobile apps, call centers with self-service features like IVR options or ticketing systems for agents (like Zendesk), email responses from customer service reps who are trained to respond with information about products or services instead of telling customers what their needs should.

  5. Production

    These processes used to produce products such as parts and components. The production process includes design, planning, organizing, scheduling, and controlling.

  6. Operations

    These processes that are used to run a manufacturing line or facility. The operations process includes setting up machinery and equipment, running the machinery and equipment, assembling products or components, testing products or components, and cleaning equipment and facilities.

Conclusion

Automation is an essential component of modern manufacturing processes, and it has the potential to improve productivity greatly. However, a good automation strategy requires careful planning that considers all aspects of your business. It’s also important to recognize the importance of hiring skilled workers who understand how automation works in order to ensure success moving forward.

To know more about how a manufacturing automation solution can drastically change the way you do business, feel free to reach us at Contact Us.