Technology in Manufacturing: Why Innovation Must Never Stop
by James P. Outreach & PR ExecutiveTechnology’s
grip on modern-day life has tightened over the last decade, especially in the
world of manufacturing. Innovation, efficiency, safety and hygiene have been
the order of the day for quite some time, with the latter gaining more
spotlight due to the coronavirus pandemic.
With
production lines in many industries, such as pharmaceutical, food and beverage
to the automotive industry, needing to work around the clock to support the US
economy and beyond, innovation — and the use of technology — in factories and
warehouses must continue well past the point a vaccine is found for the virus.
Today,
we look at how the evolution of technology has benefitted the manufacturing
sector so far and what the future looks like in a post-pandemic world.
Efficient and effective production
Every
business tries to operate in the most efficient and effective ways, but for
manufacturing, it’s paramount that production is carried out promptly. Over the
years, companies across the US — and further afield — have realized that relying
on manual labor tasks carried out by humans can be restrictive for productivity
and profitability. This conundrum has led to the introduction of robots over
the last decade to automate complex processes that previously would have been
difficult to streamline.
The
debate over whether robots should replace humans is one that will probably
never go away, but with the latest manufacturing labor statistics showing that productivity has decreased at a 15.5%
annual rate in the second quarter of 2020 — with output falling 47% and hours
worked dropping 37.3% — the need for automation has never been more important.
With
COVID-19 sticking around for as long as anyone can predict, industry leaders
have been discussing and looking at ways to use automation to maintain high
productivity levels and reduce human contact.
Alan
Duncan, Senior Industry Strategy Director at Blue Yonder, said: “In the case of
a pandemic, or similar catastrophic events, the focus should be on machines
autonomously running mundane, day-to-day tasks with people intervening based on
experience and complementing the machine with strategic actions.
“Ultimately,
it’s machines and people working together that will get us through this crisis,
and those that will inevitably occur again. Automation has evolved into having
a greater focus on flexibility, scalability and process adaptability, becoming
a tool to optimize efficiency through manufacturers’ ability to adapt to
demands,”
The
relationship between humans and robots creates an interesting topic for
discussion far beyond whether robots should replace humans at all. The future
certainly looks like it will involve a happy balance between the two.
An emphasis on safety
Away
from productivity levels and profit margins, a factory or warehouse’s long-term
existence to operate without a hitch, in respect to workplace accidents and
disruptions, relies on safety measures being put in place and followed
religiously by workers. In 2017, 5.1 injuries were recorded per 100 full-time
warehouse workers, according to figures compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Innovation
in the respect of safety has advanced since 2017 and now businesses find
themselves in a position of using more and more technology to keep people safe.
One way in which safety is being taken seriously is through the introduction of
radio frequency identification or RFID sensors. The sensors can be used to
track inventory but also generate proximity warnings if workers stray too close
to an unsafe area.
Robots
are also being used for automation assistance, especially for dangerous or
repetitive processes — and even tasks where humans would normally be in close
contact with each other. In the current situation, this can be lifesaving in
more ways than one.
Aside
from humans keeping clear of heavy machinery or working in a socially distanced
manner, how equipment is contained within the workplace is vital. Switches to
operate machines and cables used to power them need to be well protected and
out of sight to avoid becoming a hazard.
The
use of stainless steel electrical enclosures and cable management systems are both ways of
combatting these problems. The steel is easy to clean for hygiene purposes and
is also corrosion, fire and heat resistant. Whilst the cable containment
provides the perfect solution for keeping things safe and secure.
Innovation, innovation, innovation
Manufacturing
is like so many other industries in the world. It must adapt to new
surroundings when the time comes, and it must strive for progression through
innovation every day. The pandemic has exaggerated this need, but in a way
which will hopefully help boost the economy, at least in the sense that work
can happen smoothly without further interruptions. The virus isn’t going
anywhere, so innovation isn’t something that belongs on a five-year plan, it
needs to happen now.
Sources
https://www.electrixinternational.com/us/stainless-steel-electrical-enclosures/
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Created on Nov 3rd 2020 05:05. Viewed 423 times.