Automation
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Automation
Automation is the automatic transfer and positioning of work by machines, or the automatic operation and control of a work process by machines, without significant human intervention or operation, in order to improve performance. Automation replaces human workers by machines.Automated systems, however need the role of the human to supervise the systems functioning. There are still many jobs which are in no immediate danger of automation. No device has been invented which can match the human eye for accuracy and precision in many tasks; nor the human ear. Even the admittedly handicapped human is able to identify and distinguish among far more scents than any automated device. Human pattern recognition, language recognition, and language production ability is well beyond anything currently envisioned by automation engineers. Computer software and hardware play an important role in automation systems. Computers control and manage the automation of both physical tasks and analytical tasks. For example, your store personnel currently hand count inventory, then enter it into a PC. Give your employees handheld inventory scanners and the inventory information is automatically scanned and entered into a computer system where sophisticated inventory management software provides analysis of factors such as consumer purchase patterns, inventory management metrics and vendor reliability. This automation system yields benefits in time savings and accuracy and helps you to better respond to customer needs–all of which can lead to greater profitability.
Purpose of Automation
Complex automation systems integrate computer hardware and software, robotic equipment, line equipment, shipping processes, inventory control and employee training to increase manufacturing efficiency and product quality. In the manufacturing process, it is easier to switch from manufacturing Product A to manufacturing Product B without having to completely rebuild the production lines. The error rate for manual installment is greatly reduced with automation. Hazardous operations, such as oil refining, the manufacturing of industrial chemicals, and all forms of metal working, are safer with automation. Other benefits of automation includes the following:
Reduces downtime and increases productivity
Faster response and better service to end users.
Lower labor costs and reduced skill requirements
Increased security and reduced risk and exposure.
Increases quality and flexibility in the manufacturing process.