Technology has advanced to the point where manufacturing industries can automate almost any process. This increases productivity and helps meet an ever-growing demand. In this post, we are going to address the strategies involved in computer automation manufacturing. These are the strategies that give all manufacturing industries the road map to feasible solutions for improved quality, performance, and productivity.
Specialisation of Operations
The first strategy involves using unique special purpose equipment or machines that are designed to perform particular automated tasks with the highest efficiency possible. This strategy specialises in labour and improves productivity.
Combined Operations
Production is usually obtained through a sequence of different operations. Complex parts need different processing steps before coming together. With combined operations, however, these steps are reduced or eliminated altogether. The number of machines required for these steps is reduced, and the results are far better. This means that one machine is used for many operations, and the setup time for different machines is eliminated. This saves valuable time and effort.
Simultaneous Operations
This strategy involves combining operations and doing them simultaneously to reduce the processing time. This increases productivity significantly.
Integration of Operations
Integration involves linking several workstations, nodes or mechanical machines into one mechanism. This is made possible by automated devices that transfer some parts between stations. This reduces the machines required to carry out similar tasks and results in a more considerable increase in the output of the system.
Increased Flexibility
This strategy is utilised to reduce the setup time by using flexible automation concepts. Large varieties of products are processed using a single machine, and the utilisation of equipment is maximised.
Improved Material Handling and Storage
This strategy involves the automation of material handling to reduce non-productive time. The manufacturing lead time is reduced, and the process has less work.
Online Inspection
Once the process is complete, quality measurement needs to be completed through inspection. Any inferior products are identified and reprocessed to find any improvements. Online inspection is essential as it eliminates poor standards and improves products.
Process Optimisation and Control
This strategy involves the use of different control schemes that are intended to operate individual processes. It reduces the individual process time and improves product quality.
Plant Operations Control
This is applied at the plant level, and the functions coordinate and reduce the aggregate plant operations. High-level computer networking may be involved in such tasks.
Computer Integrated Manufacturing
This step involves business functions and engineering design. This is the highest level of activity, and extensive use of databases, networking, and computer applications is applied.
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