10 Strategies for Automation:
The USA principle is a first step in any automation project. As suggested previously, it may turn out that automation of the process is unnecessary or can’t be cost justified after it has been simplified.
1. Specialization of Operations: The first strategy involves the use of special-purpose equipment designed to perform one operation with the greatest possible efficiency. This is analogous to the concept of labour specialization, which is employed to improve labour productivity.
2. Combined Operations: Production occurs as a sequence of operations. Complex parts may require dozens or even hundreds of processing steps. The strategy of combined operations involves reducing the number of distinct production machines or workstations through which the part must be routed.
This is accomplished by performing more than one operation at a given machine, thereby reducing the number of separate machines needed. Since each machine typically involves a setup, the setup time can usually be saved as a consequence of this strategy. Material handling effort and non-operation time are also reduced. Manufacturing lead time is reduced for better customer service.
3. Simultaneously Operations: A logical extension of the combined operations strategy is to simultaneously perform the operations that are combined at one workstation. In effect, two or more processing operations are being performed simultaneously on the same work part, thus reducing total processing time.
4. Integration of Operations: Another strategy is to link several workstation together into a single integrated mechanism using automated work handling devices to transfer parts between stations. In effect, this reduces the number of separate machines through which the product must be scheduled. With more than one workstation, several parts can be processed simultaneously , thereby increasing the overall output of the system.
5. Increased Flexibility: This strategy attempts to achieve maximum utilization of equipment for job shop and medium volume situation by using the same equipment for a variety of parts or products. It involves the use of the flexible automation concepts. Prime objectives are to reduce setup time and programming time for the production machine. This normally translates into lower manufacturing lead time and less working process.
6. Improved Material Handling and Storage: A great opportunity for reducing non-productive time exists in the use of automated material handling and storage systems. Typical benefits include reduced work in process and shorter manufacturing lead times.
7. Online Inspection: Inspection for quality of work is traditionally performed after the process is completed. This means that any poor quality product has already been produced by the time it is inspected. Incorporating inspection into the manufacturing process permits corrections to the process as the product is being made. This reduces scrap and brings the overall quality of product closer to the nominal specifications intended by the designer.
8. Process Control and Optimization: This includes a wide range of control schemes intended to operate the individual processes and associate equipment more efficiently. By this strategy, the individual process times can be reduced and product quality improved.
9. Plant Operation Control: Whereas the previous strategy was concerned with the control of the individual manufacturing process, this strategy is concerned with control at the plant level. It attempts to manage and coordinate the aggregate operations in the plant more efficiently. Its implementation usually involves a high level of computer networking within the factory.
10. Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM): Taking the previous strategy one level higher, we have the integration of factory operations with engineering design and the business functions of the firm. CIM involves extensive use of computer application, computer databases and computer networking throughout the enterprise.