Leading Factory Automation Manufacturers

Automation in the factory can be used at any stage of the production process, from material quantities management to production and assembly to packaging and delivery.

Implementation Of Factory Automation

Thanks to factory automation, the same hardware and software system can control different production processes. For instance, the automation should link input devices to a computer, such as handwheels or inching drives, to enable operators to control them remotely. Some factors should be considered to implement factory automation in a certain industry. These include:

Identify Opportunities for Automation

Some processes are more flexible and amenable to automation than others. Therefore, before adopting certain automation in some factory processes, it’s important to determine whether a certain process can be automated. Most procedures amenable to automation usually have both transactional and decisional components. Since transaction components are made up of repetitive parts, they benefit more from automation.

Select A Design Model

After determining which processes are amenable to automation, the user selects the design model that best satisfies the needs of the operations. The process map gives a broad picture of the tasks being carried out and their results and is used in selecting the design model that best suits the requirements of the process. Four design models can be used or selected according to the requirements.

Fixed Automation

Hard automation, also known as fixed automation manufacturing, is a system in which automated production and assembly processes are programmed to create a single product. This system is typically employed in continuous flow systems for mass production. The arrangement of tooling, equipment and machines earmarked for high-volume requirements determines the order of production and operation. Automated assembly lines, chemical production procedures, material handling conveyor systems, paint and coating automation procedures, and process lines are a few examples of stationary automation systems.

Flexible Automation

Flexibility in automation refers to a manufacturing process that can quickly adjust to shifting production requirements, such as product kind and quantity. Humans use computer code to program and operate computerized systems that control machines (Human Machine Interfaces). The system can be programmed or designed to generate several different product types simultaneously. A centralized computer system manages the production and material handling systems. The system is best suited for batch operations for businesses that conduct low- to medium-volume manufacturing runs of various products. Flexible automation involves robotics, assembly systems, and material handling systems.

Programmable Automation

The configurations and operational procedures of equipment can be changed thanks to programmable automation when commands are written or programmed into the system. This design uses a series of actions, and electronic controls can modify how the machinery is set up. Typically, batch process production uses this architecture.

Integrated Automation

This design model uses a collection of independent machines, data, and processes. All parts operate in unison under the direction of a single control system. Typically, this paradigm is used to operate conveyors, cranes, and robots.

Testing The New System

Before implementing an automation plan, a certain test must be done to ensure that the system is working well. Different functional needs should be isolated and described by a sound testing method. Tests are selected based on their complexity and predicted outcomes. Therefore, it is crucial to keep human and automated testing tasks separate.

Applications of Factory Automation

Industrial automation is used in a wide range of applications by manufacturing businesses. For example, in paper mills, it can be used to control equipment, plant devices, and manage batch production. The use of autopilot controls on commercial aircraft has long been a feature of factory automation in the airline sector. Additionally, drilling for oil and gas uses factory automation.

Benefits of Factory Automation

• A safer working environment and significant risk reduction are achieved by automating risky processes, incorporating built-in shut-down, and reducing human engagement.
• After the initial investment in automating the system, increased productivity, decreased downtime, lower training costs, and the elimination of accidents led to dramatically enhanced profitability.
• Human error is reduced in processes that continually use machines.
• Because an automated process can be repeated, the outcomes are more consistent, and there are fewer differences due to different operators and other human factors.
• Automating the process allows one to determine how much of a resource is needed while avoiding wasting too much.

Choosing the Right Factory Automation Supplier

To make sure you have the most productive outcome when purchasing Factory Automation from a Factory Automation Company, it is important to compare at least 4 Companies using our list of Factory Automation suppliers. Each Factory Automation Supplier has a business profile page that highlights their areas of experience and capabilities and a contact form to directly communicate with the manufacturer for more information or request a quote. Review each Factory Automation business website using our patented website previewer to get an idea of what each company specializes in, and then use our simple RFQ form to contact multiple Factory Automation companies with the same form.