There’s something to be said for a company’s ability to meticulously replicate the same high-quality product each and every day it operates. But while this is the goal of manufacturing, constant repetition typically does not align with human being’s pursuit of happiness. Who can forget these “life on repeat” scenes from the movie Groundhog Day?
While that may have been painful for Phil to experience, it’s a necessary evil in the world of manufacturing. All manufacturers understand the critical need to create and “re-create” the exact same product, with the exact same measurements and quality levels every single time. The typical person doesn’t think about all the steps and quality control measures required to consistently replicate a batch of recipes.
For example…
Content per The Fandango MOVIECLIPS TRAILERS YouTube channel.
When’s the last time you took a moment to think of all the steps the brewmaster took to create your favorite beer?
Very critical steps are controlled and repeated to ensure it’s the same great tasting beer each time you buy it.
Or, what about the instance you needed some glue to repair that handle on the vase you broke before your spouse noticed?
Those different ingredients and chemicals must be consistently mixed ensuring the proper bond on a valued porcelain possession in a way they won’t notice, keeping you out of the doghouse.
Maybe you just built a new home and a concrete foundation was poured?
The mix had to be just right to ensure proper settling. You don’t want any faults in the foundation before the contractors begin building.
Fortunately, there are ways (ranging from simple to complex) to automate processes which need to be repeated. Most human beings typically do not enjoy being stuck in an endless loop of performing the same task over and over again. And, studies have shown diminishing returns where an individual is burdened with the same mindless task to be repeated infinitely. Productivity and quality levels become much more difficult to maintain. Now, with a depleted workforce and the high cost of wages – it’s become increasingly more challenging to meet production goals within budget.
Through conversations with our key partners, we’ve found there to be seven critical pressures placed upon manufacturing and operations teams. These reasons to automate the process (or to mechanically track performance data) are capable of being addressed and improved through automation.
Regardless of industry and/or product, these 7 reasons were consistently mentioned by our customers:
- Prevent the risk of (or actual) failure to current machines prior to occurrence.
- Need to increase efficiency due to outdated processes, human error, methods, or controls.
- Inability to satisfy required throughput while maintaining quality levels (increased demand).
- Updated regulations & increased safety requirements put human beings at risk.
- Ability to monitor, track & report performance data in real time.
- Desire to reduce costs per unit.
- Workforce related – cost, physical limitations, availability, ability, repetitive nature.
Don’t just take it from us when it comes to showcasing Automation’s positive impact on output.
The January 2022 edition of Concrete Products features an article on how our innovative control system is helping to revolutionize concrete production facilities of all sizes. We offer scalable systems to support suppliers and manufacturers of all sizes.
While this is just one example of our work in a very specific industry; there are so many commonalities in terms of production issues across all types of manufacturing. We have multiple case studies and would love to further discuss examples of how we’ve positively impacted production for customers ranging from food and beverage to consumer packaged goods, machinery, packaging, and so much more.
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