5 Manufacturing Problems Solved By Automation

Any chance to alleviate the burdens of manufacturing and supply chain workers should happen, and many of these modern opportunities happen with automation. Delegating tools to automate processes would improve workers' quality of life while solving some of the industry’s longest-standing problems by embracing a few pieces of technology.

So, what technologies provide the cure-all for manufacturing and supply chains, and what problems can they eliminate to usher in a new industrial age?

1. Delay in Procurement Reporting

It’s time to remove pen-and-paper inventories and antiquated communication methods in procurement teams. There shouldn’t be a time when a manufacturer should stop production because they don’t have the products they need to move forward with orders. The industry expects procurement technology to have a modern resurgence, automating supplier communications and order contracts. 

Having software connected to the cloud will automate countless aspects of procurement. Stops in manufacturing caused by waits in procurement should become a nonissue as automated technologies gather analytics, report compliance and improve B2B responsiveness all in one software hub. 

With automation, every order will have the supplies necessary to take care of it as the programs automatically prepare for upcoming assignments. Continuous maintenance on inventory prevents overstocking and warehouse burdens

2. Shortage of Labor

The demands of manufacturing and supply chain jobs leave the industry numerous job openings. Intense hours or working in environments that aren’t temperature-controlled are only a few reasons turnover is so high. Workers must work overtime or cover missing employees, but robots can alleviate some stress by shouldering some burdens. 

Incorporating robots to accommodate labor shortages won’t jeopardize job security, as every year proves the industry is in need. Plus, they could cover some skill gaps while the workforce receives training.

A related labor shortage issue is unavailable workers due to illness or injury. Though these numbers aren’t that high, automation can allow production to continue more efficiently if workers have to be out. A benefit like this will enable workers to feel more encouraged to take care of their health without feeling guilty the line will suffer without their participation. 

3. Lack of Customization and Versatility

Product lines halt constantly from machine faults to changeovers to different types of products. The inability of manufacturing lines to handle slight variations to a product without causing production stops shouldn’t happen in 2023. Machinery powered by robotic process automation should solve these issues by allowing lines to run continuously while cranking out more product variants within a single process order.

Employing robots, like SCARA, will incorporate the mobility needed for rapid movement and adaptability, and programming these gadgets with the help of factory staff automates the rest. Operators can assign automated orders on and offline, reducing downtime from unnecessary setups from changing one aspect of the line. While the line runs smoothly, operators can use software to automate visualizations of other changes to the line, experimenting with more customization options to their product to measure efficiency without having to test physical products. 

Automation like this saves time and increases employee morale as manufacturing outfits operate more confidently. Software associated with these robots can report product failures, maintenance and setup rules for what each variant of the order needs with every piece remembered because of outdated manual processes. 

4. Environmental Oversight

Manufacturing is still a wasteful industry that’s environmentally destructive. Exorbitant energy usage and excess pollutants are a few of the adverse environmental influences production and supply chains have, but automation can regulate and provide insight for greener improvements. As Internet of Things (IoT) devices use sensors to collect data from machines, eco-friendly process improvements become apparent. 

Automated environmental oversight could reveal improvements in indoor air quality, ways to minimize water waste, and the amount of waste generated by production faults. Automated technology could reduce manufacturing’s reliance on resources and habitat destruction for materials, because analytics can maximize the value of their materials while realizing where they can cut waste for improved profits and efficiency. 

5. Slow Maintenance and Inspection Processes

Factories waste countless hours on inefficient maintenance, inspections and repairs. Automation could employ some of these changes without human hands and regulate inspections automatically without stopping the line. Instead, programs and robots could notify operators when shutdowns are necessary and utilize predictive maintenance. 

Compliance is critical for safety and adhering to government regulations, and IoT devices connected to robots and smart software could manage a lot of that surface area.

Constant observation and smart maintenance lead to even more detailed — and improved — analytics demonstrating ever-increasing line performance and efficiency. Easier inspections, automatic compliance notifications and streamlined maintenance checklists improve bottom lines and impress shareholders.

Streamlining Manufacturing With Automation Tools

Manufacturing must keep up with the growing population and product demand. Trends change in a blink and communications have to be prompt to keep lines running and supply chains consistent. 

The sector must incorporate automation to solve issues, and it will update processes deemed efficient that could become more resilient with technology’s aid. Order processing, project planners and factory floor workers could enjoy seamless workflow by adopting automation into their daily operations.