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Last Updated on January 2, 2021 by Editor Futurescope
Automation is changing the landscape of many different industries. The manufacturing sector is among those that are being impacted the most.
The manufacturing industry is expected to grow to $117 billion by the end of 2025. As the industry continues to grow, new challenges are likely to surface. Manufacturers around the world are likely to be under growing pressure to reduce costs and improve safety.
Top level managers in manufacturing companies already appreciate the substantial changes that automation has brought to the table. Mid-level managers have also seen some of these changes, which have compelled them to investigate new forms of automation technology in the manufacturing sector.
It is important to understand the countless benefits that automation has created. Some of the biggest advantages of using automation such as automated guided vehicles in the manufacturing industry are listed below.
Improving worker safety
OSHA was a landmark workplace safety legislation that was passed back in 1970. Over the last 50 years, companies have been looking for new ways to improve their workplace safety standards to accommodate these expectations.
The manufacturing sector, in particular, has been scrutinized for workplace safety concerns. Over 600 people die from forklift accidents alone every year. The total number of deaths and accidents in manufacturing plants is even higher when you take into consideration the number of people that slip and fall, have a large object fall on them or get injured on another type of equipment.
Fortunately, automation is helping reduce the risk of death and injury in factories around the world. Factories are able to use robots to handle some of the most dangerous tasks, which helps keep workers safer. This in turn reduces employer liability and improves worker morale.
Reducing labor costs
Manufacturing centers have been under growing pressure to cut operating costs considerably. Over the last half century, they have been offshoring many of their operations in order to maintain higher operating margins. Of course, they have received a lot of negative criticism for relocating their operations. They have been accused of using sweatshop labor, turning their backs on the needs of American citizens seeking good paying jobs and creating security concerns by making the United States dependent on foreign countries and introducing the risk of supply chain disruptions in the event of a geopolitical crisis.
Many of these concerns could be addressed by using automation instead of moving operations out of the country. New research has shown that automation can reduce costs in the United States by 22%. This figure is the reduction of costs across all industries. The savings in the manufacturing sector are expected to be at least twice as high.
Raising quality control standards
Human error is a major cause of product defects during the manufacturing process. Many experts have emphasized the importance of using new technology to minimize dependence on human labor and reduce the risks associated with it.
Automation has been shown to reduce product defects by streamlining the manufacturing process. Manufacturers should recognize the benefits of being less reliant on human labor.
Readily adapting to new standards
New regulations and industry standards are changing all the time. Savvy manufacturers appreciate the importance of adaptability. They will be more resilient if they have new technology that can help them conform to new expectations as quickly as possible.
Integration with new analytics
There are a lot of benefits of artificial intelligence in the field of automation. As this site pointed out in the past, machine learning is invaluable in the design process.
Analytics technology can be very beneficial for manufacturers. They can use data insights to improve their operating models across numerous metrics. They will be able to cut costs, improve production, minimize employee related issues and prevent problems that can cause disruptions in the production process.
Although manufacturing analytics can be handled in the absence of a heavily automated workspace, it is a lot more difficult. Automated technological systems can be easily integrated with most of the latest analytics solutions, which makes it easier for manufacturers to optimize their models.
Automation is critical to the evolving nature of the manufacturing sector
Manufacturers around the world are constantly looking for new technology to modernize and improve their operations. Automation has been shown to have many benefits. They will continue to invest in it in the coming years.
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