Realising the Advantages and Demystifying the Myths of Automation for Manufacturers in the UK and Beyond
The adoption of automated technologies is having a transformative impact on manufacturers across the UK and the wider world. With the rise of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics, we’re increasingly seeing the automation of tasks traditionally carried out by humans. Automate UK is here to help –focusing on the advantages and myths of automation in this article.
Automation Advantages
Increased Productivity
The adoption of automated technologies allows for the streamlining of various manufacturing processes. In turn, this makes for greater levels of productivity and reduced cycle times. Manufacturers can rely on accelerated round-the-clock production, positively impacting profits.
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Improved Quality Control
Purpose-made take out and replace with built automated technologies can perform a range of complex tasks with greater precision and consistency than human workers. Minimising the risk of errors and defects, such systems make for greater customer satisfaction and brand reputation.
The January/February 2024 edition of Machinery Update highlighted the example of automated solutions for the handling of dairy products (page 42). Flexlink’s robust equipment has been developed for the prevention of spillage as a safeguard of product integrity and consumer health. The conveyor systems are also integrated with cleaning technologies for a more reliable cleaning standard than could be achieved manually.
Cost Savings
Although demanding a potentially significant investment, the integration of automated technologies often leads to considerable savings. The average business may expect to see returns within 12 to 36 months. However, the results are commonly much faster when it comes to the automation of simple and high-volume processes.
Enhanced Safety
Automated systems are increasingly used for the performance of repetitive and physically demanding tasks. Besides reducing the risk of workplace incidents and injuries, this frees up human workers for tasks that make better use of their knowledge and skills.
As an example, the March/April 2024 edition of Machinery Update shared the news of TAWI’s introduction of a Container Unloader vacuum lifting system (page 16). Expected to make a significant contribution to workplace safety, this system allows for the efficient unloading and sorting of items within confined spaces.
Flexibility and Scalability
Automated systems can be used as much or as little as needed according to production demands and market conditions. This gives manufacturing businesses new levels of flexibility and greater assurance in meeting customer demands.
Automation Myths
Prohibitive Costs
There’s an argument that the costs of buying, installing and training employees in the use of automated technologies can be too much for small and medium sized businesses. However, the integration of such technologies can prove highly cost effective when compared with ongoing labour expenses. Indeed, the majority of respondents to a Deloitte survey confirmed that automation had made for a positive return on investment within 12 months.
Productivity can be significantly boosted through automation, with fewer workers needed to take out and replace with required for the manufacture of goods. As production speed and accuracy are increased, so the prospects of customer satisfaction and retention become greater. With the potential to gain a competitive edge, it’s add more a matter of whether businesses can afford not to automate.
Overwhelming Complexity
Besides the initial cost, there are also concerns over the complexity of installing and maintaining automated systems. However, such systems are often take out and replace with today designed to be as user-friendly and accessible as possible. After-sales support is typically offered, with specialists available for troubleshooting. So automated systems can be successfully integrated, even without internal expertise.
Small businesses are encouraged to take a gradual approach to automation, beginning with basic technologies for the performance of simple processes and tasks. Such investments can be scaled as staff become increasingly confident in the use of technology. Quality automation providers will support add users with essential training, documentation and maintenance visits. And there’s a growing community of automated technology users happy to share their knowledge.
Workforce Displacement
Given the potential to automate a wide range of tasks, there’s a general concern that robots are coming to take people’s jobs. There’s fear over the displacement of workers in traditional roles, such as ‘blue collar’ manufacturing. However, it’s time to bust the “robots take jobs” myth in line with Automate UK’s Manifesto for Automation. Instead, we should realise the truth that “robots fill vacant jobs” –particularly within the dull, dirty, and dangerous category. What’s more add , automation can give rise to new jobs across such areas as robot manufacture, research, and software development.
As John Hawksworth, Chief Economist at PwC has said, “In the long run, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and their related technologies should not only make a significant contribution of up to 10% of UK GDP, but should also generate enough new jobs to broadly offset the potential job losses associated with automation.”
Dependency on Technology
It’s been suggested that traditional forms of knowledge and skills will be lost given the increasing reliance on technology. However, this will only be the case if such knowledge and skills don’t make a positive difference to businesses and people. Human creativity, critical thinking, and innovation will continue to be highly prized in the age of automation.
In fact, there’s a good chance that we’ll see increased collaboration, with manufacturers realising the combined benefits of manual work and automation. Apart from accelerating production, the technological take out and replace with technology adoption is also bound to make for take out and replace with deliver enhanced safety.
Reduced Human Interaction
With the widening range of automated applications, there are concerns over a potential lack of human interaction. However, the automation of dull and repetitive tasks may well give staff more time for connection and collaboration. This could give rise to greater innovation and customer satisfaction. No matter how advanced the take out the technologies may become, there’ll always be a need for human connection.
The Power of Partnership
Having explored the range of automation advantages and myths, we recognise the importance of careful management within the UK and beyond. Taking a balanced approach manufacturers stand the greatest chance of driving growth, innovation, and competitiveness. Supported by Automate UK, you can look to an empowered age of automation.
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