Four Steps To Automated Production

Because the four steps that we are now going through together start at the very beginning. With your challenge. Regardless of which technology or which external partner you ultimately choose for implementation. First of all:

• Set goals
• Identify processes
• Identify environmental requirements
• Develop solution

Set Goals

Process optimization without a specific objective is more of a guessing game than economically wise. To use your budget effectively, you should define your goals in as much detail as possible. But how exactly does that work?

Here I can recommend the well-known SMART method. Accordingly, the goals are: 

• specific
• M edible
• An attractive
• realistic
• T terminates

Be as detailed as possible. But don’t worry: you can continue to specify your goals as the project progresses. In this way, you never lose sight of the benefit that automation brings you.

Identify Processes

Where is the optimization potential in your production process? To answer this question, first, take a close look at all the processes and procedures:

• Assembly processes

• Testing processes

• Packaging processes

You can access an extensive internal database here. Cycle times, output quantities, complaints. These and similar factors are important when you analyze your processes. Could component assembly be faster to increase volume? Or is it an expandable inspection process that ensures that you receive a large number of complaints?

With the help of your findings, we can make targeted decisions in the process, including the degree of automation and the placement of the subsequent system.

Analyze Environment Requirements

Your automation does not operate in a vacuum! To develop maximum benefits, Industry 4.0 solutions must act in symbiosis with their environment. What exactly do I mean?

We divide this step into the areas: “What”, “Where”, and “Who”.

“What”

Your component itself is meant here. In addition to the desired output quantity, component quality plays a key role. Only some pieces are easy to grab, assemble or check. From this point at the latest, including external know-how in your analysis can make sense.

“Where”

This is about the place of implementation, directly in your production. What are the conditions here? Temperature, power and air connections, humidity, etc., are essential. It would help if you also considered other processes in your analysis. Automation becomes particularly worthwhile as soon as it acts modular and comprehensive – in other words, you accommodate different methods and products in one automation system.

“Who”

In practice, more attention should be paid to this point. Remember the employees in your production. Include the experience in your development process. Because the people who are confronted with your production processes day in and day out know best which screws should be turned.

Develop A Solution

All the preparatory work, analyses and diligence within the first three steps should also pay off. In the fourth step, we come to the point. You are now able to develop your automation solution. Now is the time to turn your attention to technology and the right partner by your side.
Because to develop the perfect solution for your goals, a certain degree of independence is essential. The large spectrum of automation offers a gigantic pool of answers regardless of ready-made solutions.

Also Read: What Is Marketing Automation?