What Are The Benefits Of Industrial Automation Systems?

When we think of industrial automation systems, we usually picture huge control center rooms overseeing a vast field of robots hulking over a massive network of conveyor belts. While that would be a dream come true for many engineers out there, the truth is that most industrial automation systems are small but clever ways to give workers and companies the ability to do more in less time.

Before we dive into the benefits of industrial automation systems, we first need to define the term.

What Are Industrial Automation Systems?

Industrial automation means using tools to help workers perform tasks that were previously done manually. When more of these tools work under the same roof performing various interconnected tasks, it becomes necessary to systematize them so they can work in tandem. An industrial automation system helps operate all of the implied industrial equipment via computer software, reducing the level of manual involvement and oversight.

What Are The Types Of Industrial Automation?

Since every industry has unique problems and goals, they all use a combination of automated systems to address the specific needs of an organization. However, they can be classified into three main categories.

Fixed Automation

This is what we call rigid or hard automation, and is mainly found in environments where tasks are repetitive. Their goal is to reduce the man-hours needed to perform a single task. Engineers always devise clever pieces of equipment that can reliably and uniformly perform these tasks while drastically increasing throughput rates. However, once an efficient solution has been found, later reconfiguration efforts can be challenging. Acquiring critical components becomes imperative for repair, maintenance, and tweaking purposes. That's why here at Products For Automation we provide engineers with the best components with reliable descriptions so they can always locate and purchase exactly what they need.

Programmable Automation

When a production floor involves a series of processes set up as an assembly line, it usually needs a programmable industrial automation system, especially if instructions change over time depending on product specs. These systems rely heavily on network management tools, sensors, ethernet switches, and so on. Engineers must guarantee that the system is not only reliable but also easily reprogrammed and reconfigured from batch to batch to make sense in economic terms.

Flexible Automation

Flexible industrial automation systems also allow for product changeovers, but the process of reconfiguration is done through a control system. This category is also called soft automation and eliminates the need for manual programming.

What are the Benefits of Industrial Automation Systems?

Automating industrial processes has immense benefits and is the cornerstone of today´s expanding market economy. But let's take a look at the most tangible advantages of automation.

Increases Cost Efficiency

Manufacturing costs involve many factors. Each of them will impact how much a product costs to produce. Industrial automation systems reduce the need for human oversight and greatly enhance the reach of every employee dramatically boosting their production pace and accuracy. Moreover, they can operate 24/7 without rest, and drastically reduce downtime if the system allows for offline reprogramming.

Improved Quality

This not only multiplies the product-per-hour count but also yields a more reliable product quality and reduces waste. Once a system is correctly set, they are less prone to errors and yield higher consistency and reproducibility rates. This also allows for tighter quality control and traceability.

Higher Safety Levels

Industrial automated systems allow operators to safely stay away from labor hazards. Machines and robots are able to perform tasks that involve dangerous materials or repetitive tasks that could typically cause injuries. Operators no longer have to work under poor conditions so they can focus on solving problems or increasing their performance.

Seamless Speed To Market Processes

By removing factors that negatively impact efficiency and quality, industrial automation systems drastically reduce product lead times. Products hit the shelves more quickly and with higher levels of customer satisfaction.

Predictive Maintenance

Automated systems usually have sensors installed that collect different types of data. They can track temperature, component vibration, fluid levels, and much more, and relay all that information to the operator in real-time. This allows for both reactive and predictive maintenance strategies as engineers and technicians can identify changes in parameters and possible problems, but also establish a reliable maintenance schedule.

Those are only a few of the benefits of industrial automation systems. But they are only possible when engineers and organizations have reliable access to the right components and high-quality part replacements. At Products For Automation, we strive to offer the best components for engineers and technicians at the best prices so they can build smart, tailored automated solutions that give them a measurable edge in their industry. Browse through our industrial automation components or give us a call at (800) 966-2345 if you need something specific.