Automation is a key part of digital transformation. The use of automation in industries such as manufacturing, transportation and logistics, health care, home improvement, and retail enables companies to improve productivity, reduce costs, and increase revenue and customer satisfaction.
Automation encompasses advanced robotics systems to software applications that help businesses save time, money, and resources. Here are some useful tips for implementing industrial automation (IA).
Avoid Costly Mistakes in Automation
Before you make any changes to your IA system, it is essential to consider what the factory is trying to achieve. Are they looking for increased efficiency? Improved quality? Increased throughput? Consider how automation will help them achieve their goals and only make changes if it aligns with them.
It’s also good practice for an industrial manufacturer or user of automated manufacturing systems (AMS) to perform a SWOT analysis before implementing new equipment or processes—this will help ensure that the investment made in AMS technologies will be worthwhile in achieving business objectives and market success.
Coordinate Technologies From Different Wendors
Interoperability is important for IA systems to work together. There are many ways to achieve interoperability, but the most common way is through standards. Standards allow manufacturers and vendors of components to ensure that their products will work with each other, even if they use different technologies or protocols.
For example, some systems may use Ethernet as their network protocol while others use Modbus RTU (Remote Terminal Unit). Suppose you want your system to work with those using Ethernet. In that case, you will have to rely on either the manufacturer providing support for their own proprietary software or using third-party software like PC-3000 from Schneider Electric which supports both protocols without any additional cost!
Ensure Proper Training for the Manufacturing Employees
The employees must be trained on how to operate the new technologies. The training should be ongoing, specific to their jobs, and available for all employees.
Failure to Integrate Existing Technology into the New Systems may Lead to Losses in Productivity
One of the most important aspects of integrating existing technology into a new system is ensuring it’s compatible with the new system. In other words, it should be able to communicate with other devices and systems in your infrastructure without any problems. If you find yourself having trouble achieving this goal, there are some things you can do:
● Make sure that all existing equipment is compatible with your new technology. This includes both hardware (devices) and software (operating systems). For example, suppose you have an old computer running Windows XP but want to use Linux on it instead. In that case, you need either an operating system update or a hardware upgrade before installing another OS onto its hard drive!
● Integrate existing equipment into your new automation system by connecting them via Ethernet cables or USB ports so they are easily accessible from within any programmable section of code.
Assign a Responsible Person to Manage Operations
It is important to ensure that someone is responsible for managing operations and monitoring the performance of the information systems. This role should be granted to an individual or group of individuals, such as an outsourced managed IT service provider who is knowledgeable about industrial automation, IT management, and business processes. They should also have experience in implementing new technologies into existing environments.
The person(s) designated as such will need to do three things:
● Monitor the overall health of your company’s IT infrastructure, including its hardware and software components;
● Identify any problems that may arise based on their observations;
● Create strategies for overcoming those problems (e.g., by replacing faulty equipment or upgrading software).
Conclusion
Implementing industrial automation is a complex process requiring careful planning and execution. However, with the right approach and passion for your industry, it is possible to implement new technologies into your production line today!
