With industrial automation, companies find new ways to optimize their production processes and improve operational flexibility. At Mectalent, we understand the potential of industrial automation, as we also utilize automation in our production. We have also seen how our clients enhance their production with the help of industrial automation.
In this article, we will go through what industrial automation practically means, how it benefits businesses of different sizes, and how we can assist in developing and building automation solutions.
Automation technology encompasses all processes, machines, and equipment that enable systems to operate automatically, so that human intervention is not needed. Industrial automation refers to the use of these technologies and software in production processes.
Modern industrial automation enhances production by utilizing data and machine learning for process optimization and improving predictability. When data collection is automated, operational control can be centralized to a control room, where a single worker can manage multiple processes simultaneously. When collected data is efficiently utilized, potential problems can be identified and predicted, thus improving production quality, and reducing resource waste.
Industrial automation offers many advantages to small and medium-sized enteprises. One of the most significant benefits is, of course, increased production efficiency. Automation allows for faster throughput times, meaning the order-to-delivery process is accelerated.
Automation solutions do not always require large investments. Starting by automating a small part of the manufacturing process is possible. Consider which processes would benefit from automation. Is the goal to enhance production, improve quality, reduce errors, or something else? An automation system pays for itself by increasing productivity, reducing costs, and improving product quality.
Production flexibility is vital in today's rapidly changing operational environment. Automation allows for more precise and efficient production planning, shortening the reaction time to changes. Automation systems can be programmed to perform different tasks, meaning they can quickly switch from manufacturing one product type to another. Additionally, automatic systems can operate around the clock without breaks, which allows for higher production volumes in a short time compared to manual manufacturing.
An important aspect is also the improvement of occupational safety, as boring, repetitive, and dangerous tasks can be automated. Simultaneously, product quality improves as automation eliminates human errors. Workers can focus on more challenging tasks, such as process monitoring or maintenance work.
The key advantage of industrial automation for large companies is the significant increase in production volumes and flexibility. Like smaller companies, automation allows large enterprises to scale their production more efficiently, meeting demand growth without significant additional investments in labor. In larger businesses, everything happens on a larger scale.
Remote control and maintenance of automation equipment offer an excellent opportunity to optimize production processes and better plan and reduce downtime. Thanks to remote connections, maintenance teams can diagnose and repair issues almost in real-time, even from thousands of kilometers away. This not only enhances production but also reduces costs related to unexpected equipment failures and maintenance.
The data and analysis provided by industrial automation technologies open new doors for business decision-making as well. With the collected information, companies can learn about their production processes and their efficiency, identify areas for improvement, and make justified decisions related to production.
A knowledgeable partner helps find the right solutions and can design and build a customized automation solution. Mectalent's team is here to assist you when looking for a partner for system design, application programming, part manufacturing and purchasing, equipment installation, and comprehensive testing. We also handle user training, software updates and supply the necessary spare parts.
Mectalent's strength is that product design and manufacturing experts work under the same roof. This saves the client's time, as they do not need to tender design and manufacturing separately. The project progresses under the guidance of Mectalent's project manager, with design and manufacturing experts collaborating from the project's early stages.
Regardless of the size of the company, we have the expertise and knowledge to help achieve goals with industrial automation solutions.
Not so long age, we implemented a large automation cell for our client, which also includes robotics. The project was extensive, and we did everything from automation design and mechanical design to assembling the automation system.
We designed the automation equipment for the client, purchased and manufactured the necessary parts, and developed the required software. We assembled the cell in our facilities, from where we transported it to the client's site after factory testing (FAT). There, we assembled the production line in its final location and performed the commissioning test before the automation cell began productive work.
We offer our clients training, technical support, and maintenance services after production starts. We want to ensure that the automation cell operates optimally, and that the client gets the best possible benefit from it.