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Automation of production processes represents one of the most significant innovations in the modern industrial landscape and enables companies to meet market challenges effectively. Implementing automated systems within a company offers numerous benefits that can radically transform operational efficiency and market competitiveness. There are many benefits that result from automation, including:
Lower costs and higher productivity
In a market where it is increasingly difficult to find skilled labor to ensure three production shifts or to employ the various machines involved in the process, automation is a viable alternative to ensure high production rates and lower costs in the long run.
With automation, machines can operate 24/7, entrusting robotic systems with tasks such as sorting material (i.e., properly separating different parts) that is cut from the machines or feeding new material. This allows operators to spend more time on quality control or other higher-value activities on the shop floor.
More productive machines means more profit and lower operating cost.
Reliable and safe process
Automating repetitive or physically demanding processes reduces the risk of on-the-job injuries, creating a safer environment for employees to focus on activities that add more value to the product while reducing tasks that require greater physical effort.
For example, imagine having to unload a very long and heavy part from the machinery. Without automation this operation can be carried out in two ways: manually by two operators who pick up the part from the machine and deposit it in another area of the building, or by an operator-controlled overhead crane (the part must be prepared with the appropriate belts to lift the load). With automation this operation is done automatically, avoiding downtime.
Integration of multiple production processes
Machines with different processes can be integrated into a single work cell to obtain the finished part in a small space. For example, the process can start from coils with a tube that needs to be straightened, then bent and shaped at the edges.
Achieving a quality result requires a thorough understanding of the various processes involved to eliminate both trial and error and the handling and stock of intermediate machining.
Connectivity and dialogue
The proper arrangement of the various machines involved in the work cell are only part of the equation. Machinery must be able to “talk” with each other, but also with automation and software.
Only the perfect coordination of the various elements involved makes it possible to streamline the production process and ensure that the investment in automation is profitable.
The advantage of a single point of contact
Having widespread know-how on different technologies and applications, and how to integrate them together, is the main advantage of interacting with a single partner to automate production processes. Avoiding the typical problems related to the integration of different systems (actions not performed correctly, processes not recognized by the software, tolerances respected on one machine but not on another, etc.).
Process reliability, also guaranteed by intelligent process control such as Active Sense, combined with machine flexibility is a key element in integrating BLM GROUP machines with automation systems, offering different levels of integration, from the simplest to the most complex.
