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Are you really solving the right automation problem?

We started seeing a large uptake in the use of industrial robots, in Morocco, and that’s a good sign.
The introduction of any automation into the manufacturing steps must be encouraged.

But this is need a reflexion: Are we tackling the real problem or just entrenching inefficiencies into the manufucturing processes?
Interesting points raised by Chris Stergiou in his article: ‘Automate the Process Not the Worker’

Before any automatisation implementation, robots introduction, or any other automation, the hole manufacturing process must be reviewed.

• The process is it an efficient?
• By removing an operator or operators that make the process more efficient or increase productivity?
• Improving the product, process or equipment yield higher and faster returns?
• The equipment selection is the right and the better for long-term proposition?

A deep analysis can easily Identify the root cause of the real need is where we can help.
With our large years experience of specialist machine building knowledge behind us, we not only design and manufacture highly successful automated products, we also listen and advise.
Consultancy is at the core of who we are, analysis of the issue and solving your problem is our first priority. Whatever you require we are here to help, so please get in touch, for a no obligation consultation.

4 Reasons to Automate

There are so many reasons for process improvement and automating, not only to save money.
The most common reasons why manufacturers opt for automation:

1. Improve quality and process repeatabilityIn general equipments are repetitive, doing the same motion with incredible accuracy and consistency. This is especially important with hard to handle materials which require high levels of precision. For instance, the insertion of automatic inspection equipment ensures any product that doesn’t meet your standards is rejected and overall product quality can be monitored. The combination of accurate movements and inspection systems means automated solutions significantly improve your products and ensure the customer satisfaction.

2. Make up for skills shortages and cost reductionIn fact, It’s becoming increasingly difficult to employ somebody to complete the complex/tedious tasks required for many production procedures. With less people willing to learn niche skills, or undertake the ‘boring’, there is an ever decreasing pool of people to choose from. Automation can help you fill these skill deficits and allow you to continue to produce your products.in this aim, almost any repeated process can be recreated by a machine and using a machine for these monotonous tasks has been shown to lower your staff turn-over as well as total number of staff required. Automation is therefore great for reducing staff costs whilst maintaining.in some case, manufacturing processes can be dangerous and the repetitive nature of many of the tasks makes humans susceptible to repetitive strain injury. Extensive safety training is therefore required to keep people safe during production. The inert nature of machines also makes them ideal for toxic material handling. The built-in safety features and reduced need for human interaction means automated machines make your factory a far safer place to work. Thus, this is will help in reducing the health and safety concerns.

3. Increase production capacity and cost effectiveMachines are faster, more reliable and can work for much longer than humans, they are therefore not only more productive but far more consistent. The predictable nature of automation also helps when forecasting production. This, in turn, reduces the number of components wasted due to bad procedure and helps you improve the efficiency of your production line.When you factor in the above reasons it’s clear to see that machines provide a fantastic return on investment, by automating now you can save yourself thousands in the future.

4. Industry 4.0The 4th industrial revolution will have a big impact on almost every manufacturing business no matter their size. The data which machines collect can now be transferred anywhere in the world to other machines or databases and vice-versa. That data can then be processed by humans, or ever increasingly AI, to improve the performance of any process that’s industry 4.0 ready. This means fewer defects, less waste and more efficient production line.