Use Cases > Automotive > Manufacturing System Automation

Manufacturing System Automation

Overview

Manufacturing system automation integrates software and machinery so that manufacturing processes are run autonomously through computer programming. The goal of manufacturing system automation is to minimize the amount of human assistance needed in the manufacturing process. These systems provide constant feedback loops and adjust controlling parameteres in response to feedback from PLCs and Smart Sensors installed on machinery. Sensors are commonly embedded in new equipment or can be installed on legacy equipment. Automation has been achieved by various means including mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, electronic devices and computers, usually in combination. The benefit of automation includes a reduction of costs related to labor, electricity, water, gas, and scrap, as well as improvements to quality, accuracy, and precision. Manufacturing system automation can also reduce changeovertimes, thereby enabling small batch size production and mass customization.

Applicable Industries

Automotive
Equipment & Machinery

Applicable Functions

Discrete Manufacturing
Product Development
Quality Assurance

Market Size

The global Smart Manufacturing Market is set for rapid growth and is expected to reach around USD 479.01 billion by 2023.

Source: Zion Market Research

Business Viewpoint

How do automated manufacturing systems provide business value?

● Safer for Employees
● Increased Productivity (24/7 runtime)
● Improved Product Quality
● Higher Yields
● More Accurate Data Collection

Not only do automated industrial systems increase production capacity, but the quality of that production is improved, along with greater safety for the employees operating the equipment. These systems can also be configured to provide more accurate data to optimize weak points and greatly decrease product defects due to human error.

What are the benefits of MIcrogrids?

Provides power quality, reliability, and security for end users and operators of the grid

Enhances the integration of distributed and renewable energy sources

Cost competitive and efficient

Enables smart grid technology integration

Locally controlled power quality

Minimize carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions by maximizing clean local energy generation

Increased customer (end-user) participation

Technology Viewpoint

What are the latest trends in manufacturing technology?

New manufacturing technologies are continually emerging. Some of the biggest trends in recent years include:

3D printing: enabling the creation of almost any component using metal, plastic and other materials, reducing lead time and streamlining the design-to-production process
Cloud services: enabling virtual sharing of data and services from any location quickly and efficiently
The Internet of Things (IoT): transforming not just the consumer market, but the maintenance and upkeep of electronic devices used in manufacturing processes as well
Nanotechnology: enabling things like faster computer processing, longer product lifecycles and super-precision manufacturing, and pioneering advancements in sectors such as space engineering and biotechnology
Advanced data analytics and predictive technologies: enabling better process control, prevention of defects and quicker response times in manufacturing
Industrial robotics: offering ways to increase productivity, improve quality and reduce cost by automating difficult or monotonous tasks.

Deployment Challenges

What is the biggest challenge face Manufacturing System Automation?

● Cost of Initial Investment

There’s only one real downside to implementing automated manufacturing systems, which is the initial cost. This includes the costs of machinery and implementing automated programming as well as training of employees to manage these new systems. However, ROI on this investment generally pays for itself within a few years.