When it comes to manufacturing, there's a reason the assembly line was invented. It makes things a whole lot easier. Automating and programming certain aspects of the industrial process creates fewer road bumps, more streamlined systems, and improved quality. 

If you haven't integrated industrial automation into your production processes yet, you could be missing out. First, we'll touch on the two main automation systems, PLCs and HMIs. Then, we'll go over the five different ways using automation tools can improve the quality of both your processes and your final product.

What Industrial Automation Improvements Are Available?

PLCs monitor and collect information from process devices and can automate specific machine functions, processes, or even full production lines. Some industries that rely the most on PLCs include:

• Manufacturing
• Processing (oil and gas)
• Building (elevators, water fountains)
• Municipalities (power, traffic lights)
• Transportation (car compactor, car washes, amusement rides)

HMIs refer to the communication platform between the system itself and those who use it. It was made for human interaction, so it is designed to offer more control and insight over the industrial processes. HMIs visualizes actionable information and prioritizes the changes as much as possible to create the most efficiency in a process. They also ensure all data displayed is completely correct, so no further mistakes are made.

1. Increases Customer Satisfaction

When a human makes a mistake, it's often not caught until it goes through quality assurance, or, in some cases, until it reaches the customer. You can avoid recalls, refunds, and more by relying on machines to identify and correct errors before they get that far. 

An automated system can identify and detect errors early on in the process, so it can make changes or alert workers of changes that will need to be made to correct the issue going forward.

2. Increases Customization

Products like PLCs and HMIs allow manufacturers or processors to create modern control systems based on specified parameters and interact with these systems with user-friendly software. It's much easier to control settings on your computer system than manage people. You'll have better control over your production simply by updating the software.

3. Improves Consistency

Another benefit is the long-term consistency that automation allows due to the lack of human error. Once you program the technology, it will work the same way every time. Not only does it keep quality at its core, but it also ensures that this quality doesn't falter from product to product. 

4. Improved Accuracy

A human can be consistent, but they may not always be accurate. Many production processes require complete accuracy for things like measurements, installations, placements, and more. You can avoid small mistakes and inaccuracies that may lead to product defects thanks to the machine nature of automation.

5. Creates Complex Goods

If you want to create complex goods, your processes also get more complex. Creating advanced pieces of equipment or products requires technology that is up to speed. 

Humans will always be limited by the barriers of our hands, eyes, and ears. Automated systems and tools aren't held back by these, which means they can handle more complex production instructions and get it right every time — no minimum requirement of understanding required.

Final Thoughts

Automation is no longer a luxury for businesses that can afford it; it's essential to keep up with competitors in the 21st century.

Keep up with our ever-evolving world by investing in industrial automation, and you'll enjoy the benefits of improved accuracy, long-term consistency, and more.