Modern automation systems can save millions of dollars for automotive manufactures by improving quality, efficiency and productivity while reducing labor, product losses, inventory and shipping times.
Automation is critical to the success of any manufacturer involved in the never-ending battle to produce the highest quality products at the lowest cost. Yet, many companies still cling to the old, traditional, hands-on methods of production and then wonder why they fall behind.
Modern automation systems have almost countless benefits. In fact, the list is probably only limited by your imagination. At the same time, the downside to automation has become practically nonexistent–prices have dropped tremendously, and the systems have become much easier to use.
The following list of benefits is certainly not exhaustive, but it will get you started on coming up with a better list of your own.
* An automated system improves quality, efficiency and productivity dramatically, because it can control the operation much more precisely than an operator. Furthermore, the operator can respond better when necessary because he gets more and better information faster.
* Data is available almost instantaneously, and it can be accessed easily by everyone in the loop for analysis. Therefore, decisions can be made much more quickly.
* The operator can perform other activities because he doesn’t have to spend all of his time at a control station. The automation system will sound an alarm if a problem arises.
* An automated system can change from one product to another with the push of a button. This has greater implications than are first apparent: It can change the whole mind-set of a plant from long, extended runs for inventory to short runs that just keep up with orders.
* Finished product inventories and packaging material supplies, can be reduced dramatically because of the shorter production runs. Ultimately, the plant can move to a just-in-time production philosophy.
While the positives of automation seem overwhelming, implementing a new automated system may seem just as monumental. Before starting massive automation efforts, an imperative for success is having well-designed products; capable, robust and reliable processes and equipment; and most importantly, proper personnel management practices, as only people working together can perfect the product, process and equipment.
Case Studies:———-
1.http://www.inteltekindia.com/downloads/free_downloads/pilz_leaflet_automotive_gb.pdf
2.http://www.kmutt.ac.th/gmi/2005/mambo/images/stories/FLEXIBLE_MANUFACTURING_SYSTEMS.pdf
3.http://www.acmainfo.com/docmgr/Status_of_Auto_Industry/Status_Indian_Auto_Industry.pdf
4.http://www.lomag-man.org/logistiqueautomobile/MMH0206automotivesup.pdf
5.http://www.bara.org.uk/KUKA%20Solutions/KUKA%20Mercedes%20Body%20Shop.pdf
