Industrial automation systems are used in modern manufacturing to increase productivity and efficiency, as well as optimize operations. They are capable of automating a wide range of tasks and processes, from simple to complex, such as process control, motion control, and machine vision. This article will discuss the main features, the benefits and the applicability of an industrial automation system in modern manufacturing.

The benefits

It's important to understand that industrial automation systems are not limited to one particular type of industry or process. Also, Industrial automation systems are used in a wide variety of industries, all with the goal of improving customer service, increasing productivity and process efficiency, as well as reducing costs. But there are even more benefits:

• Optimization of human resources. Using industrial automation systems ensures the optimization of the tasks assigned to workers. For example, instead of several people haveing to perform repetitive tasks on product assembly lines, these same people are now available to carry out tasks of high added value for the business.
• Reduced costs. Automation reduces your manufacturing costs by reducing labor costs and increasing efficiency. This includes direct input costs (materials) and indirect input costs(utilities and maintenance).
• Improved efficiency. Automation solutions improve efficiency because they can help eliminate obstacles in your production process, allowing you to make more products per unit time than ever before.
• Improved quality. Industrial automation systems allow for better quality control during each production stage so that your company's final product is consistently high quality with no defects or errors in its design or construction.
• Improved safety. By eliminating manual tasks from the production process, industrial automation systems improve workplace safety for both employees and customers.

The applications

Industrial automation systems can control several different processes and are often related to other pieces of technology, such as computers or sensors, that enable them to respond quickly and efficiently to changes in their environment.

The systems concerned are not limited to a single type of industry or to a particular proccess and are frequently used to help manufacturers produce their products efficiently, while providing safe conditions for operators on the factory floor. Selmatron has projected and built automation systems for companies in multiple industries - with the main objective of automating manufacturing lines - of which the following are examples:

• Cork industry;
• Automotive industry;
• Mold industry;
• Electronics industry;
• Energy industry.

The modern industry

Industrial automation systems can be used to improve the manufacturing process, allowing for increased productivity, higher-quality products, reduced costs and fewer errors. Automated systems also provide a more consistent manufacturing environment by eliminating human error through repetitive tasks that are completed at rapid speeds.

The ideal use of an industrial automation system stems from the collaboration between human intelligence and state-of-the-art technology, benefitting from a software-based operation.

Using software can help developing and debugging code even before building a system. By connecting a programable controller to a digital 2D simulation model, it’s possible to reduce the risks of investment and improve time to market. The most recent advances even allow this type of simulation to happen in an immersive way, through virtual reality and augmented reality.

However, the industrial automation systems may also bring challenges. We must try to overcome these challenges, particularly when we adopt a new technology for a specific application.

To remove barriers and scale automated industrial systems worldwide, it is crucial to stay informed about the potential of this technology and the benefits it can offer to businesses.

Find out how you can be a part of the modern industry.

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References:

Machine Design (2022). Rapid Automation Deployment Requires Cooperation. https://www.machinedesign.com/community/guest-commentary/article/21253490/keytronic-rapid-automation-deployment-requires-cooperation
Automation Insights (2022). Add Automation to Gain Safety and Control in Manufacturing. https://automation-insights.blog/2022/02/09/add-automation-to-gain-safety-control-in-manufacturing/
Control Engineering (2022). Systems integrators support end user self-service. https://www.controleng.com/articles/systems-integrators-support-end-user-self-service/
Control Engineering (2022). 15 pieces of automation advice from ROKLive 2022. https://www.controleng.com/articles/15-pieces-of-automation-advice-from-roklive-2022/