4 Signs Your Manufacturing Facility is Ready for Automation

Automation in manufacturing is not a new concept. However, the next revolution in technological advancements is already here and many companies are falling behind as they wait for a right time to finally make the move.

With improved robotics capabilities, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) maturing, now’s a great time to reevaluate. Here are 4 signs your manufacturing facility is ready for automation.

1. Demands are Increasing

An uptick in the market, while terrific for the bottom line, can put a strain on operations. Without automation in place, it can become difficult to keep up with increased orders especially with a constrained labor pool - all while trying to also meet quality and production numbers. The best way to respond to an influx of orders or a seasonal change in your business would be by using automation to complement your operations. The addition of a conveyor, for example, can speed up the time it takes for products to pass through the assembly line from inspection to packaging. Take it step a further and you can even use intelligent systems to handle what was once only possible through manual labor.

2. Dangers are Present

The risk of injury is high in many factory settings. To provide employees with the necessary safety you can add machine guarding and other solutions or you can leave those operations that pose the greatest risks to an automated system to complete. Even still, new dangers arise. As an answer to this, robotics in manufacturing is being adapted today to improve operations efficiency and safety. Cobots are one way to keep human and robot working together best. By sharing the workplace, both operators can learn from and assist the other with completing tasks.

3. You Lack Efficiency

One of the biggest benefits of automation in the manufacturing industry is the ability to increase efficiency. The rate of speed that an automated system can perform tasks with extreme accuracy make an investment in automation worth the leap.

4. Cost Cutting is Necessary

Employing a workforce includes more than hourly pay. There are also taxes, insurance, and other benefits to factor in. Working within budgetary restraints can make it difficult to ramp up staff when needed. If your operation has been struggling to find ways to cut costs, automation can provide the answer. Using automation for those tasks that can be completed through technology versus having to employ a human worker for the job.

Ready to automate? Contact mk North America for more information. 

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