Simplifying and Streamlining: The Perks of Automating the Plant Floor

Automation. Artificial intelligence. Augmented reality. These are the new key elements of the industrial sector. While they come with challenges, they also come with transformative benefits, which are coming to fruition in plant floors across the globe. From energy efficiency to time-effective maintenance, let’s examine how these technologies are ushering in the next generation of smart manufacturing and production.

Maximum Monitoring

In an article for Smart Industry, the author poses this question: is it more efficient for machines to a) go into low power mode during down times, or b) for them to be turned on and off accordingly? With automated energy tracking, that dilemma no longer needs to exist. Energy consumption data can be collected and funneled to one system where team members can analyze the details and make the best informed decisions. One step further, and that team can incorporate a programmable logic controller (PLC), which enhances that data processing capability to the next level. Regardless, the answer to that initial question is actually…c) introduce intelligence-driven tech that allows you to marry machine knowledge with automation in order to streamline the tasks that will be the most efficient for your operations.

As Christian Pedersen writes for Diginomica, “Across asset-intensive industries, from heavy manufacturing to oil and gas and various utilities, we are seeing growing use of predictive asset maintenance.” On top of energy, the insight that automation and AI-led data presents offers the opportunity to enrich maintenance monitoring as well as the personnel placement, scheduling, and equipment inventory needed to meet identified needs. By overseeing aspects such as component conditions and supply chain updates, businesses can protect their time and wallets.

Industries Embracing Automation

According to research from IFS, 50% of manufacturers list improving operational excellence as a top priority. Considering the perks, there’s no doubt that many will follow in the steps of these industry players who have jumped to adopt automation and its related technologies. As reported at Diginomica, US-based energy provider Xcel Energy switched to an AI-powered workforce management system in order to simplify scheduling for gas and electric distribution.

Closer to the plant floor, food and beverage companies have been at the forefront of integrating processing, equipment, and packaging solutions. Since being awarded for its unveiling of more than 29 PLCs throughout its Idaho plant in 2013, Chobani has continued to add new automation services to its operations, including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) to its packaging business. Packaging was also a focus for consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble when it introduced “cobots to streamline their manufacturing processes, engaging in tasks such as assembling and packaging products while maintaining the required high standards of hygiene,” according to Forbes.

This is only the beginning. Without question, automation will only escalate as 2024 carries on, with more and more organizations across the industrial realm hopping on the bandwagon. Learn how SimpliControl can help you enter the next phase by reaching out to our team at www.simplicontrol.com.

Sources:

●      “Technology solutions for energy monitoring on the plant floor” - Russ Kolacek, Smart Industry
https://www.smartindustry.com/tools-of-transformation/automation/article/33016655/technology-solutions-for-energy-monitoring-on-the-plant-floor

●      “Making the right calls in a sea of noise – how AI brings predictive outcomes to asset based industries” - Christian Pedersen, Diginomica
https://diginomica.com/making-right-calls-sea-noise-how-ai-brings-predictive-outcomes-asset-based-industries

●      “Evolving Plant Floor Technology Reshuffles Operator Skills” - Grant Gerke, Food Engineering Magazine
https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/101351-evolving-plant-floor-technology-reshuffles-operator-skills

“Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing: Four Use Cases You Need To Know In 2023” - Bernard Marr Forbes
https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2023/07/07/artificial-intelligence-in-manufacturing-four-use-cases-you-need-to-know-in-2023/?sh=13e466053bd8