Three benefits of automation in manufacturing

There're numerous benefits to automation that greatly outweigh the drawbacks. This is especially true in Germany, whereby automation is redefining the world of work in numerous and exciting ways. There are many positives to focus on that tend to be ignored when all the criticism and scepticism floods in, so it's time to shed light on the good side of things!

Consequently, here're 3 benefits of automation in the manufacturing industry.

 

Level of reliability

Most employees undoubtedly work hard, but many frankly don't. This can be for a variety of reasons, from despising their role and purposefully wasting time to frequently taking time off due to illness. During the hiring process in manufacturing, securing a new worker can be a roll of the dice; they can be a detrimental part of the workforce, or a serious hinderance moving forward.

Obviously, these problems don't arise where automation is concerned. A reliable performance is constantly guaranteed, meaning there's no disruptions, distractions, performance issues, paternity or maternity leaves, sick days, pay and pension disputes and so forth. All that matters is the work where automation is concerned, which is undoubtedly in the interest of the industry where churning out thousands of goods is the goal!

 

Reduced costs

Because automation cancels out much of the aggravation around a human workforce, it also means manufacturing businesses have many freed up resources to enjoy. Costs are dramatically reduced without all the complications that can arise with employees regarding their pay and care, which means manufacturing businesses can instead fund other pursuits. Work is faster and (mostly) hassle free.

There's also the consideration that automation can be used for things other than creating goods. For example, automation is present in sensor equipment, something RS Components readily push the boundaries of. This technology can be used to boost energy efficiency at the workplace by turning lights on and off when no one is in a certain room, or it can boost the efficiency of security on a workplace premises by allowing or disallowing access to certain areas. Also, we've seen automation make great strides in administrative tasks in the hotel sector; it can work to similar ends in manufacturing too.

 

More skilled roles

While automation has admittedly led to a reduction in staffing, the jobs that have been lost generally tend to be the tedious, repetitive and low skilled roles that aren't fulfilling or stimulating to the employee. However, automation has led to creating new jobs that require more skills and expertise to assume, which means people now have more of a chance to learn and grow in their professions.

Supervisor and technical roles have now opened, directly spurred on by automation. Though machines are tackling much of the 'grunt work', workers can now instead focus on higher aspirational roles; repairing, designing and managing all the technology, for example. When it develops further, they have more to learn in maintaining all the specialist equipment, which can keep them active and interested in their roles.

 

Conclusion

Ultimately, automation reinvigorates the manufacturing industries, opening up new jobs and opportunities. It keeps the sector moving forward, unburdened by much of the limitations that human workforces on the ground level can regrettably provide. In an industry that's forever without an end goal and that thrives on constant activity, automation is the lifeblood that can keep it all ticking along in a faster and more cost-effective manner.