Articles
What is Factory Automation & Its Benefits?
by Mitsubishi Electric India Manufacturer and Supplier of electrical and electrIn the simplest words, factory automation can be defined as the automation of end-to-end manufacturing processes. It can help facilitate maximum profitability and better performance at reduced costs, which is something that is extremely important in today’s rapidly changing and competitive landscape. The main aim of implementing automation in manufacturing industries is to replace the repetitive and mechanical tasks which are generally performed by human beings. In every industry, automation systems are used to control and monitor processes, machines, or devices in order to reduce the human effort involved. At times, these automated systems can even exceed the capabilities of real human beings.
Types of Factory Automation
Factory automation can broadly be divided into 4 different types:
- Hard Automation: This type of automation includes a robot or machine that is designed to carry out a specific, highly repetitive task. This is the most economical option and is suitable for industries where a very high production volume is required.
- Soft Automation: In soft automation, industry processes are controlled by a computer that is programmed to adjust its operation according to different product requirements. This type of automation is useful in industries where multiple items are manufactured requiring different configurations. As compared to hard automation, this one involves higher operational costs.
- Programmable Automation: This type of automation is used when there is a need to control specific processes. These processes are controlled by a set of coded instructions for the system to interpret. Programmable automation can be used in industries with low production, since the machine needs to be reprogrammed to make it adaptable for new products.
- Flexible Automation: You can quickly configure a machine to suit a particular product. This factory automation is generally used in medium level productions where you cannot waste time in changing configuration from one item to another.
Benefits of Factory Automation
- Productivity: With automation systems, it becomes easy to improve the overall productivity and reduce assembly times. Automation allows continuous mass production which means 24 hours a day and seven days a week spent on manufacturing.
- Quality: With better control and constant monitoring in different stages of the manufacturing processes, automation helps in eliminating human error. However, there is no negative impact on the performance even after hours of continuous work and this results in better quality and homogeneity of the products.
- Consistency: Automated systems work at a constant and continuous pace, so the manufacturing processes are more likely to run for longer durations, with stability and efficiency.
- Flexibility: Whenever something new is implemented, it requires hours or days of user training. But with the modern factory automation, it is easier to reprogram the automation system to provide greater flexibility.
- Cost-efficiency: Although industrial automation requires higher investment in the initial stages, once everything is in place, you can save a significantly higher amount of money in the overall manufacturing process.
- Value Addition: In the traditional product chain, employees have to spend hours to perform tedious and routine functions. But with the help of automation, these repetitive functions can be performed with ease with robots.
Factory automation products and systems are very diverse and can cater to the needs of different industries. You can save a huge amount of money, effort, and time by automating the manufacturing process, no matter which industry you are in!
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About Mitsubishi Electric India 
Manufacturer and Supplier of electrical and electr
4 connections, 0 recommendations, 33 honor points.Joined APSense since, June 6th, 2019, From Gurugram, India.
Created on Feb 23rd 2022 03:59. Viewed 225 times.
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