September 16, 2016
Over the last few years an increasing number of companies have chosen to automate their operations. The $152bn global industrial automation market has grown at 6% per year for more than a decade, which is nearly twice as fast as the overall industrial production growth rate. Automation technologies can significantly reduce reliance on intensive and repetitive labour, leading to safer workplaces, increased throughput volumes and reduced expenses. Due to these benefits, and the lowered costs of implementation, more manufacturing, warehousing, distribution and storage companies are turning to automation technologies to innovate their organisations. The key consideration is what automation processes are applicable to your organisation. What are the potential benefits, the limitations and critically, the investment requirements? Safer workplaces through automation The implications of improved safety under automation are significant. Some of the most common OH&S risks in the manufacturing workplace include: Accidents by mobile plant equipment. Falling objects. Lifting and repetitive bending…