Automation in industry: when digital blends with management

While the health crisis has revealed the limits of the traditional supply chain model, it has also encouraged the acceleration of digital transformation and process automation in many sectors. Here we take a look at the challenges and benefits of industrial automation, at the heart of tomorrow's industry.  

What is industrial automation?

Industrial automation refers to the use of new technologies without human intervention in the production chain. In other words, it is the use of machines, technology and digital tools to optimise industrial processes. Here are a number of examples of methods and tools used in industrial automation:

• AI (artificial intelligence)
• RPA (robotic process automation)
• 2D or 3D vision
• Automatic data analysis
• Production robotisation
• Automatons
• Measurement sensors
• Communication buses.

Although industrial automation has been booming for several years, the phenomenon is far from new, and dates back to the 1950s. The concept stems from the aspiration of industry actors to increase the productivity of factories and the efficiency of manufacturing. Increasingly sophisticated technical advancements today enable us to facilitate industrial automation. For many, this is a cornerstone of the industry of the future, or industry 4.0.  

What are the challenges of automation in industry?

Industrial automation responds to multiple economic, social, health and environmental challenges. The following tangible benefits can be linked to automation in industry:

• Acceleration and optimisation of the manufacturing cycle
• Increase in production rates
• Enhanced productivity, autonomy and performance
• Greater precision and guaranteed end quality
• Reduced costs and rapid return on investment
• Increased flexibility
• Adaptability and resilience to external hazards and crisis management
• Increased competitiveness
• Strict compliance with quality standards and norms
• Reduced risk of errors
• Improved waste management and reduced waste
• Optimisation of inventories
• Decreased occupational risks
• Improved working conditions
• Savings in human and energy resources
• Reduction in production times.

Industrial automation makes it possible to entrust repetitive, arduous and even dangerous tasks to machines, thus reserving human expertise for high value added missions.  

How can you successfully automate your industrial activity?

To successfully implement automation in your industrial activity, you must first understand that the objective is not to completely replace human resources, but to merge the expertise and judgment of employees with the performance of robotics and digital technology. As such, solid management remains the keystone of effective automation. Indeed, it is necessary to be able to reconcile several different fields of intervention and expertise (electronics, mechanics, information technology, digital, etc.). Moreover, automation means facing a certain resistance to change (fear of job losses, dehumanisation of communication, etc.). It is also crucial to surround yourself with trusted partners such as engineering firms specialised in automated systems, reliable suppliers, or an interim manager specialised in supply chains. This will ensure that the change is properly implemented, teams are trained, and any possible resistance is overcome.