A Realistic Look at Automation Struggles in Manufacturing Industry

Quixy Editorial Team

February 23, 2024

The use of technology and machinery to carry out operations, procedures, or jobs previously completed by human labor is referred to as automation in the manufacturing sector. With this technology, productivity will be increased overall, efficiency will rise, and human error will decrease. 

Automation is essential in order to increase production and efficiency in the manufacturing sector. Higher production rates and shorter lead times are the results of automated system’s ability to work more quickly than human labor. Automation can assist in upholding constant quality standards, lowering the possibility of errors, and guaranteeing that the goods fulfill consumer requirements.

Through this blog, you will get an idea about the automation struggles in manufacturing industry and the steps that need to be followed in order to simplify the entire process. 

Common Automation Struggles in Manufacturing Industry

Elevated Material Waste

During the production process, waste is frequently unavoidable. It can take many forms, including scrap from faulty products, cutting fluid loss, excessive cutting tool use, downtime, and much more.

Increasing Labour Expenses

One of the biggest line items on any manufacturer’s budget is labor, and as the skills gap and talent competitiveness widen, labor prices will only rise. Because of labor scarcity, wages are becoming more competitive, yet turnover upsets businesses and makes manufacturers spend more on training.

An Improved Clientele

One of the largest manufacturing hurdles in the unstable industry is offering good customer service. With the supply chain so congested, it might be challenging to prevent delayed orders, yet customers are impatient for outcomes and are always searching for new, more dependable providers.

Low-quality Component

Inadequate manufacturing procedures can lead to a large percentage of scrap, which raises waste, lowers finish quality, necessitates rework, and significantly raises production costs, which impact profitability.

Also Read: Procurement Process Automation with Quixy

Complexity and Technical Expertise

Automation systems can be very technical, requiring sophisticated programming and cutting-edge technology like machine learning and artificial intelligence. A highly qualified technical team with experience in robotics, software development, and data analytics is needed to implement and manage these systems.

Interoperability and Standardization

In a production setting, equipment, and automation technologies from different manufacturers may need to operate together flawlessly. Incompatibilities and challenges in the manufacturing industry for establishing a cohesive and effective automation ecosystem might result from a lack of standards.

Security and Cyberthreats

Manufacturing facilities are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats as a result of automation and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Strong cybersecurity measures are necessary to protect sensitive data and intellectual property and stop unwanted access.

Change Management and Organizational Culture

Automating tasks can cause havoc with current workflows and incite resistance from staff members who are afraid of losing their jobs or are not accustomed to using new technologies. Overcoming these obstacles requires a well-thought-out change management approach in addition to an innovative and adaptable company culture.

Maintenance and Downtime Issues

To guarantee optimal operation, automated systems face regular maintenance challenges and updates. Effective maintenance practices are essential because technical problems or unexpected breakdowns can have a significant negative influence on output.

Regulatory Compliance

Adherence to particular standards and compliance with safety laws may be necessary when deploying automation in regulated industries. It might be difficult to make sure automated operations adhere to all safety and legal standards.

Flexibility and Scalability

In order to adapt to shifting production needs and technological breakthroughs, manufacturers need to take into account how scalable their automation systems will be in the future. One of the ongoing challenges is making sure the automated arrangement is still adaptable enough to change, as the company needs to do.

Overcoming Automation Struggles

To address these challenges, a well-coordinated approach, collaboration across various organizational units, and a willingness to embrace new technologies while prioritizing the welfare of the workforce are essential. When implemented thoughtfully, industrial automation holds tremendous potential to enhance manufacturing processes and competitiveness.

Also Read: Complete guide to Workflow Automation Software

Comprehensive Assessment and Planning

• Evaluate current infrastructure, labor capabilities, and industrial processes.
• Identify areas with the highest potential for automation.
• Establish measurable goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) for automation implementation.
• Develop a detailed automation integration roadmap outlining resources, budget, and timelines.

Strong Reskilling and Workforce Training

• Identify skills and knowledge gaps related to automation technology in the current workforce.
• Implement training programs to equip employees with the necessary skills to work alongside automated systems.
• Communicate the benefits of automation to employees and involve them in the implementation process to reduce resistance and increase engagement.

Collaborative Vendor Integration and Selection

• Choose automation providers with a proven track record, standardized technology, and a commitment to collaboration and support.
• Ensure selected automation solutions are compatible with existing infrastructure and each other.
• Establish robust communication channels between the organization and vendors to address compatibility issues proactively.

Prioritize Cybersecurity Measures

• Develop a comprehensive cybersecurity plan encompassing access controls, firewalls, encryption, and regular security audits.
• Provide employees with training on identifying and addressing potential cyber threats, focusing on data security and confidentiality.
• Implement regular patches and upgrades to hardware and software systems to address security vulnerabilities.

Proactive Maintenance and Downtime Planning

• Implement a proactive maintenance schedule for automated systems to minimize unscheduled downtime and ensure peak performance.
• Utilize predictive maintenance and condition monitoring techniques to identify and address potential issues before they escalate.
• Develop contingency plans to manage unplanned outages or technical malfunctions and minimize production disruptions.

Scalability and Continuous Improvement

• Foster an innovative and continuously improving culture within the organization.
• Regularly review and update automated processes to adapt to evolving technology and business needs.
• Assess the effectiveness of automation implementation using predefined KPIs and apply learnings to enhance future scalability.

Offset Rising Costs

• Utilize robots and cobots to offset increasing labor expenses by automating assembly, material handling, and quality control processes.
• Increase productivity and profit margins while reducing reliance on human labor.
• Enhance workplace appeal by eliminating the need for manual labor and enabling scalability during peak seasons without additional hiring.

Also Read: What is Digital Process Automation?

Even manufacturers can benefit from improved consumer relations and communication thanks to new technology. Customers will never be in the dark regarding the whereabouts of their products or the reasons for any delays because automation offers unprecedented visibility into the status of orders. Even though issues can’t always be prevented, automation can help by lowering uncertainty and improving end-user experience. Increased trust and the preservation of accounts that could have otherwise been transferred to competitors can result from this transparency.

Automation can assist in reducing the possibility of human mistakes, inconsistent procedures, or inappropriate material handling by lowering the possibility of human mistakes. In addition to offering real-time data and analytics, automated sensors can assist shop managers and machine operators in identifying quality concerns early in the production cycle, enabling them to take immediate action.

Why choose No-code Automation over a Traditional? 

Software used in production is usually complicated and inflexible. While this isn’t always a bad thing, it also makes it more expensive and complicated to operate and alter, which is causing it to lag behind more modern technical advancements. Where traditional software falls short, no-code software fills the gap. Put simply, no code software provides numerous advantages in production and thrives on conventional weaknesses, including:

No-code software means that people without technical skills can establish non-developer teams and take on automation duties because it requires minimal development expertise. This increases productivity and avoids system overload by giving technical teams more time to concentrate on more pressing, high-skill activities. 

Also Read: What is Workflow Automation And How It Can Revolutionize Operations?

Quixy for Manufacturing Automation Challenges

Quixy is your ultimate solution for tackling manufacturing automation challenges. From simplifying complex workflows to empowering non-technical users, it revolutionizes the way you optimize processes and drive efficiency in the manufacturing industry.

1. Streamlined Automation Development: Unleash the power of simplicity! Quixy’s platform offers an intuitive interface that transforms complex workflows into streamlined automation solutions with just a few clicks. Say goodbye to cumbersome development processes and hello to efficiency!
2. Empowering Non-Technical Users: No coding? No problem! With Quixy, everyone from the shop floor to the boardroom can become an automation champion. Our user-friendly platform empowers individuals of all skill levels to create innovative solutions tailored to their unique needs.
3. Accelerated Development, Reduced Costs: Time is money, and Quixy helps you save both! By automating repetitive tasks and optimizing processes, Quixy accelerates development timelines while driving down costs, giving you the competitive edge you need to thrive in today’s market.
4. Agility at Its Finest: In a world of constant change, agility is key to success. Quixy enables you to embrace change with confidence by providing agile development methodologies that allow you to pivot quickly and adapt to evolving market trends, keeping you ahead of the curve.
5. Seamless Integration: Don’t let technology silos slow you down! Quixy seamlessly integrates with your existing systems and equipment, ensuring a smooth transition to automation without disrupting your operations. It’s like adding a turbo boost to your manufacturing processes!
6. Scalability Made Simple: Ready to grow? Quixy has your back! Our platform is designed to scale with your business, allowing you to expand your automation initiatives effortlessly as your needs evolve. Whether you’re a small-scale operation or a global enterprise, Quixy has the flexibility to support you every step of the way.
7. Fueling Innovation: Innovation is the lifeblood of any successful business, and Quixy is here to help you thrive. Our platform empowers your teams to think outside the box, experiment with new ideas, and implement innovative solutions that drive your manufacturing operations forward.
8. Minimized Errors: Say goodbye to costly mistakes! Quixy’s advanced error-checking mechanisms and visual interfaces ensure accuracy and reliability in every process, reducing the risk of errors and improving overall quality. With Quixy, precision is the name of the game.
9. Simplified Maintenance: Keep things running smoothly with Quixy’s hassle-free maintenance solutions. Our low-code approach simplifies ongoing maintenance tasks, freeing up your team to focus on strategic initiatives and driving continuous improvement throughout your organization.
10. Democratizing Automation: The platform empowers employees at all levels to contribute to process improvement and drive efficiency, creating a culture of innovation that propels your manufacturing operations to new heights.

Also Read: Why Choose Quixy as your Workflow Automation Tool?

Conclusion

​​For companies trying to maintain their competitiveness in a constantly changing global environment, automation in the manufacturing industry offers both enormous obstacles and exciting potential. In this blog, we’ve examined the major challenges that the manufacturing industry could face when introducing automation and have come up with a plan to get beyond them.

Businesses may create the conditions for a smooth and seamless automation transfer by doing a comprehensive assessment and planning phase. Making the reskilling and training of the current workforce a top priority guarantees a more empowered and engaged workforce that can fully utilize the possibilities of technology. The automation ecosystem is protected from potential vulnerabilities by a strong cybersecurity policy, cooperative vendor selection, and integration.

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