Automation means a closed loop system in which there is a provision of feedback. Because of the growing ubiquity of automation, any categorization of automated tasks and processes is incomplete. Automation leads to increased productivity, product quality, safety and reduce manual/periodic inspection, production cost and to be operator friendly.
For example,
- Assembly line of an automobile.
- An automated sugar factory.
- Printing of newspaper.
NEED OF AUTOMATION
Although the basic reason for automation is quality of product, higher production rates and an economical product but the reasons for automation vary from the manufacturing industry to industry.
Some of the reasons to justify automation are:
- Increase labour productivity.
- Reduce labour cost.
- Mitigate the effects of labour shortages.
- Reduce or eliminate routine manual and clerical tasks.
- Improve worker safety.
- Improve product quality.
- Reduce manufacturing lead time.
- Accomplish processes that cannot be done manually.
- Reduce unit cost.