PLC INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION

What is industrial automation?

Industrial automation is the use of control devices such as PC/PLCs/PACs etc., to control industrial processes and machinery by replacing as much as possible labour intervention and dangerous assembly operations with automated ones.

Programmable logic controllers (PLC) are used to control the automation processes. PLCs are coming in both nano- and micro-class products. The PLCs high performance and extensive I/O units represent a high-value solution for machine control and industrial automation.

Lower operating cost: Industrial automation eliminates healthcare costs and paid leave and holidays associated with a human operator. Further, industrial automation does not require other employee benefits such as bonuses, pension coverage etc. Above all, although it is associated with a high initial cost it saves the monthly wages of the workers which leads to substantial cost savings for the company. The maintenance cost associated with machinery used for industrial automation is less because it does not often fail. If it fails, only computer and maintenance engineers are required to repair it.

• High productivity

Although many companies hire hundreds of production workers for a up to three shifts to run the plant for the maximum number of hours, the plant still needs to be closed for maintenance and holidays. Industrial automation fulfills the aim of the company by allowing the company to run a manufacturing plant for 24 hours in a day 7 days in a week and 365 days a year. This leads to a significant improvement in the productivity of the company.

• High Quality

Automation alleviates the error associated with a human being. Further, unlike human beings, robots do not involve any fatigue, which results in products with uniform quality manufactured at different times.

• High flexibility

Adding a new task in the assembly line requires training with a human operator, however, robots can be programmed to do any task. This makes the manufacturing process more flexible.

• High Information Accuracy

Adding automated data collection, can allow you to collect key production information, improve data accuracy, and reduce your data collection costs. This provides you with the facts to make the right decisions when it comes to reducing waste and improving your processes.

• High safety

Industrial automation can make the production line safe for the employees by deploying robots to handle hazardous conditions.