As we stride towards Industry 4.0, an increasing number of businesses are not only interested in but are actively investing in automation within manufacturing. From harnessing artificial intelligence to leveraging machine learning, comprehending the advantages of automated manufacturing, such as heightened precision and minimised waste, empowers companies to make strategic decisions that help generate growth and efficiency.
What is automation in manufacturing?
Automation in manufacturing refers to the use of software and robotic tools to enhance product development in areas such as processing, assembly, and inventory management. With 37% of time spent on industrial operations having the potential to be automated, the goal of automated manufacturing is to save employee time while increasing precision by allowing repetitive and patterned tasks to be completed automatically.
This advancement is crucial for manufacturing companies looking to progress towards Industry 4.0, by engaging in digital transformation and creating a more agile production process, which allows them to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market, adapt to changing customer demands, and maintain high standards of quality and consistency in their products.
How can automated manufacturing benefit my business?
With a reported 88% of UK companies looking to invest or planning to invest in artificial intelligence and machine learning over the next 12 months (2024), businesses may be wondering how such an investment could benefit them.
Enhanced precision
Automated manufacturing significantly reduces the odds of human error, through the use of precise control systems. For instance, many production tools utilise real-time monitoring to automatically correct positioning and values to ensure the produced products are consistent. This consistency and precision in production enhances product quality and ensures efficiency in manufacturing.
Reduced waste and production costs
By ensuring precision in production through the implementation of automated systems, material wastage can be minimised by reducing the volume of inaccurately created and inconsistent parts. This, in turn, helps to lower production costs by limiting material waste and reducing the labour costs associated with reworking defective items.
Reduction in idle times
Automated manufacturing reduces the need for human involvement in manually adjusting machinery for specific products. Instead, automated machines are programmed to make these adjustments automatically, which helps to reduce machine idle times. This allows employees to focus on other areas of the production process, thereby enhancing overall efficiency and productivity.
Labour shortages
While automated manufacturing doesn’t always mean replacing entire teams with robots, it can help alleviate some of the pressure associated with labour shortages and reduced staffing levels. Instead of having employees focused on adjusting machinery, they can be utilised in other areas of the business, thereby addressing skills shortages and compensating for a lack of trained staff in manual machinery operations.
Introducing FormControlX
FormControl X is a user-friendly measurement and automation software, specifically designed for machining centres and CNC machines to enable automated quality control of work-pieces in individual or series production.
Intuitive, transparent and efficient, it enables maximum productivity by monitoring precise measurements between and after machining. Find out more here.
If you’re interested in hearing more about automated manufacturing and how we could support your business in driving operational efficiency, reach out to our UK office here. Or call +44 (0) 1283 569691.
Sign up to our mailers where you will be able to stay up to date with the latest news in UK manufacturing and engineering, as well as useful guides on improving efficiency, and productivity in your business operations.