Maximizing Employee Performance with Automation Investment

Friday, May 12, 2023

Automation has been transforming the manufacturing industry for decades, but recent advancements in technology have accelerated the pace of change. From robots and machine learning algorithms to advanced data analytics, automation is revolutionizing the way products are designed, produced, and delivered.

Below, we highlight key ways automation is affecting the manufacturing world today. 

What Is Automation?

Automation is the application of machines to perform previously human-done or impossible tasks. Beyond that, automation can take many different forms in the manufacturing industry and can be split into three different categories:

• Fixed: Fixed automation is designed to perform a single function, such as an assembly line producing one product at maximum efficiency.

• Programmable: Programmable automation is designed to perform multiple functions. The downside to this type of automation is that it takes a significant amount of time to reprogram it, during which you’re not producing anything.

• Flexible: Flexible automation is the middle ground between fixed and programmable automation. While you can reprogram it to perform different functions, it’s only designed to work for a limited array of products. This feature allows you to use it for more than one product without taking huge chunks of time to reprogram it.

Effects of Automation in Manufacturing

Automation opens up a lot of new opportunities within the manufacturing industry. Below are some advantages of automation: 

• Reduced Production Time: Because machinery is able to operate more quickly and efficiently than human workers in many cases, it can help production move faster.

• Higher-Volume Production: Machinery can create products in less time and produce more of them within a given time frame.

• Less Human Error: Human workers are susceptible to misjudgments that machines won’t make.

• Increased Safety: Because people don’t have to be as involved with the production process, they’re able to stay safer. If something goes wrong on the assembly line, the worst-case scenario may be a broken machine part rather than an injured worker.

While there are many positives of automation, some disadvantages include limited flexibility as machines don’t have the versatility and creativity as humans do. Some automation also results in more pollution as it burns fuel and uses energy. Lastly, the upfront cost of purchasing this machinery can be incredibly expensive. 

How Can Automation Maximize Employee Performance?

Automation can lead to employees doing a better job in several ways. By automating repetitive and mundane tasks, employees can focus on more complex and intellectually stimulating work that requires their unique skills and expertise. This not only helps to improve job satisfaction, but also allows them to take on more challenging and higher-value tasks that can benefit the organization.

Automation can also enhance safety in the workplace. By automating hazardous tasks, such as heavy lifting or working with dangerous chemicals, employees can avoid exposure to potential risks and injuries. This not only improves employee well-being but also reduces insurance costs and liability for the organization.

Overall, automation can provide numerous benefits for employees, including increased job satisfaction, improved safety, reduced errors, and enhanced productivity. 

Our Dedication to Innovation

Air-Way is dedicated to innovation, as demonstrated by our recent investment in new rotary transfer technology equipment, which was trained on by our team in Italy. This 7-figure investment has already been implemented at our Hamilton, Indiana facility, leading to improved efficiencies, reduced setup and cycle times. In the future, we plan to expand this equipment as we continue to update our manufacturing technology.

Our commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest trends and improvements in the manufacturing industry is a point of pride. We are always looking for ways to enhance the experiences of both our team and customers, making investments that are worth the effort. You can trust that Air-Way will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible.

Get in touch with our adaptable team at Air-Way to learn how we can help you with your next project. Contact us today to start a conversation with our expert team.