From the Industrial Revolution until today, automation has become a major theme in manufacturing. Companies are always looking for that one thing that will give them an advantage over their competition. They are looking for ways to decrease costs while improving the profit margin. This is one reason why corporations from San Jose, California to Minneapolis, Minnesota install automated machine systems.
The Practical Advantage
Automation is all about providing a practical advantage. In machine shops and manufactories across North America, the machines that comprise automated systems continue to improve. Basic automated machines have evolved into sophisticated computerized systems. Software activates and controls diverse mechanisms. In Minneapolis, many machine shops, fabricators, and manufacturers are adopting this approach, realizing the advantages of automated machine systems including:
* Labor Costs: Automation decreases manual labor costs
* Productivity: Mechanization increases production rates
* Downtime: This goes down
* Quality: This improves through a comprehensive integration of quality control and production systems
* Reliability: Automated systems reproduce parts with reliability and fewer instances of repair work.
* Repeatability: Automation is more reliable in replicating time after time quality products
* Cycle Time: Automated machines can reduce the component cycle time by working faster and longer
* Spatial Use: A centralized unit can consolidate into one area several related systems/units
* Waste reduction: Less material is wasted
* Employment: If automation increases productivity and lowers costs, the plant or other facility can remain in North America. This ensures the retention of many local jobs
All these factors allow companies to keep their prices competitive. They can then pass on their savings and reductions to customers. In turn, this makes them a more attractive investment prospect.
Automated Machine Systems
Automation is one way companies can improve their bottom line. In Minneapolis, the installation by many firms of automated machine systems is practical. It is one more way to reduce production costs and become a lean manufacturing company.
