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Industrial automation is the use of autonomous tech systems across many business sectors. They remove several manual processes. Given that machines can complete tasks with far greater speed and accuracy, all businesses that make products will use it in some shape or form.
But the success of your industrial automation processes will rely heavily on the conditioning of your equipment. Here's how you can be sure that yours will continue to provide the desired results for years to come.
Conduct Regular Maintenance
All machinery will encounter wear and tear over time. Simple steps like keeping parts lubricated will help the equipment perform its intended task. Even so, some parts will need replacing from time to time. Professional Yaskawa parts like servo motors and drives can get machines back to their best. Aside from restoring production speeds, quick responses stop the damage from escalating. This can prevent very costly repair jobs further down the line. Similar to what Teledyne water flow meters do for free flow of water.
Besides, regular maintenance can be scheduled to occur outside of working hours. When repairs and updates take place during these moments, operational downtime is avoided.
Train Your Employees
Industrial automation removes the need for manual processes. But it doesn't remove the need for human workers altogether. Investing in people is a key ingredient in the recipe for success across all aspects of the business. Your automated industrial tasks should be no different. Employees should be trained on how to operate all software and control systems in the most efficient manner. Keeping them engaged and happy will also help them avoid
human mistakes that could potentially damage the machine.
Crucially, employees should be allowed to develop new skills and learn about new machinery. It will allow them to implement new solutions and stay ahead of competitors.
Utilize Data
Data-driven decisions can guide virtually every aspect of your business. When it comes to machines used for industrial automation, the OEE method is key for promoting lean manufacturing. The data will alert your employees to potential faults or slowed production speeds. This ties in perfectly with the concept of using maintenance and replacing faulty parts before they cause downtime. Crucially, it'll also let you know when the time to replace outdated technologies and equipment has arrived.
Thanks to the Internet of Things, multiple systems can be connected via one network. So, you can use data to protect individual machines and the collective automated processes.
Promote Suitable Working Conditions
Many of the machines used in industrial automation will work at high speeds and operate at high temperatures. Therefore, implementing climate control processes inside your factories could be vital. It protects the components and can prevent overheating. On a similar note, you need to know that the workspace has enough power. Otherwise, you could encounter power outages and related issues. It will lead to downtime, frustration, reduced productivity, and damaged machinery. In other words, it will hit your profits hard.
Suitable work conditions will also aid your employees by promoting safety and general wellness. In turn, your industrial automation processes will be in better health.
