Automation

Definition

Basic kinds

• Industrial automation: Processes using robots, production lines, and control systems that enable mass production with minimal need for human intervention.
• Office automation: Use of software that automates repetitive administrative tasks, such as data processing, invoicing, and reporting.
• Business process automation (BPA): Technology used to automate internal company processes, such as order management, enterprise resource planning (ERP), and customer relationship management (CRM).

Main roles

• The implementation of automation processes is currently necessary due to, among other things: labour shortages, the need to maintain a constant level of quality and production in short unique series. The main advantage of automation is the possibility of continuous operation (24 hours/7 days a week). This increases production efficiency without incurring additional labour costs or overburdening employees.

Basic elements

• Industrial robots: Machines performing physical tasks on production lines.
• PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers): Control devices that control the operation of machines and systems based on programmed instructions.
• Sensors: Equipment that monitors environmental parameters and machine status in real time, enabling process adjustments.
• SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems: Systems that monitor, collect, and analyse data from equipment to optimise production.
• Process management software: Platforms that enable the configuration and control of automated processes in the company.

Mechanism of action

• Data collection: IoT sensors and devices collect process data, such as temperature, pressure, and machine status, which are then sent to control systems.
• Data processing: The data is analysed by artificial intelligence or SCADA-based systems, which identify patterns, detect anomalies, and predict potential problems.
• Decision-making: Based on the processed data, PLCs or other systems make decisions to optimise processes or adjust operations, which minimises downtime and improves productivity.
• Process implementation: Industrial robots and other equipment perform automated tasks according to instructions provided by control systems, eliminating the need for manual intervention.
• Monitoring and optimisation: The systems monitor the processes in real time, making adjustments and optimisations based on current data. SCADA software and digital twins allow production processes to be monitored and adjusted in real time, increasing efficiency and reliability.