Automation

Automation

Automation in an industry refers to the process of changing a manual process into one that is done by machine. This can include computer programs, sensors and control systems. The main reasons for automation are the need for improved quality, improved production and improved delivery. Instead of repeating the same action over and over again manually (e.g. cropping 100 photos in PhotoShop to the same size), the process would only have to be done once to set the computer/machine up. The same action could then be repeated by machine. Doing processes via machine means that tasks get done quicker and more professionally. Mechanisation in an industry means that fewer workers are needed and therefore workers may lose their jobs.

A large number of the production process is done by automation, such as plans, scripts etc. The use of automation has a great effect on the productivity, because jobs are completed much quicker, more efficiently, and are more appealing to new clients or companies. As a result companies receives more business, become more organised and the jobs is done quicker therefore attend to more customers and make more money.

Let's assume that a person is operating a metal lathe. The person collects the stock, already cut to size, from a bin. He, or she, places it in the lathe chuck, and moves the various hand-wheels on the machine to create a component; a bolt could be such an item. Once finished the person commences the process again to make another item. This would be a manual process. If this process were automated, a person would place long lengths of bar into the feed mechanism of an automatic lathe. The lathe mechanisms feed the material into the chuck, turn the piece to the correct shape and size, and cut it off the bar before commencing another item. This is an example of an automated machine in a manufacturing process.

It is also possible to automate assembly processes. In this case, several steps in the assembly of the components of an...