As the world progresses further in advancements in technological fields, the ways that we are being productive are changing. Changing for the better, in fact, since production with the use of robots is at its highest ever. With our recent struggle with the pandemic, the need for automation has never been higher. With this increase in AI and robot usage, we could see increased production in just about every industry, some even amid current labor shortages.

Manufacturers have found increasing the use of technology in their plants to be effective and beneficial to their operations. Three operational areas that have reaped the most benefits are profitability, efficiency, and employee safety.

Manufacturing technology can be defined as techniques and processes designed to improve manufacturing quality, productivity, and practices including worker training. This includes automated processes. Some examples of this are robotics, 3D printing, cloud computing, and more.

How does technology help in manufacturing?

It’s no secret that automation can make many facets of operations more efficient. When it comes to using automation for efficiency, managing the purchase order process is no exception. As supply chain issues have increased, it has become even more important to manage data efficiently when it comes to purchase orders and ERP systems. What’s the best way to manage changes to PO’s in the most efficient way possible while positively impacting inventory strategy?

In a recent USA Manufacturing Hour Chat on Twitter, Host, Sarah Scudder from Source Day in Texas led a discussion about automating purchase order changes and how it can affect supply chain and inventory strategy.

Facilities that support process operations produce some of the most expensive and complex buildings in the world. And they run the gamut: “Process operations” can range from baking desserts such as cakes to processing raw meat for grocery operations, to manufacturing parts and components for U.S. Navy submarines.

Manufacturers often experience pain points as they navigate operations. There are many concerns and challenges that are experienced by people working in manufacturing. What can be done to alleviate these struggles? MAGNET recently interviewed 33 Northeast Ohio manufacturers about their pain points and unmet needs. Gina Tabasso of MAGNET in Ohio led a discussion for USA Manufacturing Hour Chat on Twitter and shared the top 6 points from those interviews with chat participants.

Automation is constantly progressing in many industries and especially in the manufacturing industry. Adopting automation has changed the way the world works by making difficult or repetitive tasks easier and more efficient. Many agree that it has changed the world for the better. However, automation sometimes gets a bad reputation. There is a prevailing school of thought that believes automation will eventually take away employment within the manufacturing industry. It’s a layered concept to consider and it isn't a simple issue. In fact there are actually many aspects to the concept of automation taking away jobs. Let's explore some aspects of automation in manufacturing.

To pique the interest of a new generation of talent and to continue to attract customers, manufacturers must think differently about how to showcase their businesses. Things like joining manufacturing associations and getting ISO certified can help manufacturing operations put their best foot forward. Adopting automation and exploring ways to navigate the new supply chain normal will also go a long way to keeping manufacturing operations fresh and current. Anything manufacturers can do to encourage the next generation of manufacturers to get interested and involved should be explored.

There’s no one-size-fits-all method to production scheduling. All of your products, processes, and plans are launched with a uniform goal in mind—profitability.

However the most valuable resource your business has isn’t a product or process—although it does start with a “p”.

It’s people—the people who are on the shop floor and the people who ensure timely deliveries and functioning supply chains. Namely, the people who have intimate knowledge of every aspect of the production process.

Machine vision is making major contributions to the manufacturing sector, primarily by providing automated inspection capabilities as part of quality control procedures. Formerly viewed as barcode readers, these systems now use automated cameras and software to monitor products, collect data, check for inconsistencies, scan labels and perform other functions at high-speeds and without the need for worker intervention.

According to the Automated Imaging Association, machine vision encompasses all industrial and non-industrial applications in which a combination of hardware and software provide operational guidance to devices in the execution of their functions based on the capture and processing of images.

Automation in manufacturing has a great impact on many facets of an operation. In addition to costs, it also impacts worker safety and productivity. There are many benefits of automation processes in a manufacturing environment. Let’s look at some specifics with regards to the advantages of automation in manufacturing processes.