The rapid explosion of the electronic
age has left many companies behind in their
quest to streamline other processes to play
catch with the dominance of information
technology.
Like many buzzwords, the meaning of the
term "automation" has become blurred
with its increasingly popular use, or, more
accurately, its misuse!
"Automation" is really just the
computerization of processes previously
being done manually, with the bulk of the
work still being done by people. This drastically
reduces, and in some cases eliminates, the
amount of work that is required to be done
by hand.
There are many types of automation:
- Fixed Automation
- Flexible Automation
- Programmable Automation
Fixed automation is a system in which
the sequence of processing or assembly is
fixed by physical equipment configurations.
Programmable automation is the process where
production equipment is designed with capability
to change the sequence of operations to
accommodate different product configurations.
Flexible automation is the extension of
programmable automation. Flexible automation
is the system capable of producing a variety
of products with virtually no time lost
due to the changeover from one product to
the next.
Reasons for automating
There are a number of reasons
for automating:
- Increased productivity
- Lower cost of labor
- Labor shortages
- Trend towards service sector
- Safety
- High cost of raw materials
- Improved product quality
- Reduced manufacturing lean time
- Reduced inventory
There are also a number of arguments for
not automating too that are enumerated below:
- Unemployment
- Reduced purchasing power for buyer
- Unimportance of human factor (skills)
Processes & Automation consulting
- Automation Technology including sensors
- CNC Machines Tools
- Automated Assembly Machines
- Industrial Robots
- Automated Guided Vehicle Systems
- Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems
- Coordinate Measuring Machines
- Feedback Control
- Computer Systems for Planning, Designing,
and Data Collection
Suvira will be more than willing to talk
to you on the approach that is best suited
for your industry and practice.
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