Process Automation or
simply Automation refers to the use of control systems in manufacturing
processes, reducing the need for human interaction. After Industrial Revolution
in England in late 18th century, industrialists began to realize the
significance of transition from traditional to modern methods of manufacturing.
Certainly it boosted the financial system and turnover of the industries. Next
in the line after 'Industrial Revolution' was 'Industrial Automation'. However,
the term “Automation” was not widely used till 1947, when General Motors
established the Automation Department. Computerization helped to achieve
greater productivity, efficiency, quality and it even altered everyday life.
But has it really changed and improved quality of life? Take a while and think!
Is automation “good” or “bad”?
Undoubtedly! Automation has
opened up an entirely new world. Many of the
things that were done manually in weeks or even months, can now be accomplished
in a blink of an eye. Consistency, Reliability, Safety and Accuracy are all terms that
simply defines Automation. It also represents a level of efficiency and
productivity that surpasses the abilities of humans in many ways to accomplish
the same activities.
As stated by Founder of
Microsoft, Bill Gates.
“The first
rule of any technology used in a business is that automation applied to an
efficient operation will magnify the efficiency. The second is that automation
applied to an inefficient operation will magnify the inefficiency”.
Automation has
revolutionized those areas in which it has been introduced leading to innovation
in different sectors including Architecture, Agriculture, Engineering,
Transportation and Communication. It has provided a great amount of jobs for
skilled populace; improving the quality of life. In addition many tasks that
involved hard physical, monotonous or hazardous work can now be carried out
without any setback and increased safety by automated systems and machines. At present age, Robots are used as to enhance or
increase the system performance. It is a dedicated branch of automation in
which the automated machine possesses
human-like characteristics. We I fear that day, when human workforce will be
entirely replaced by these artificial intelligence.
Nevertheless, there is a dark side to everything so does Automation. Where increased
use of technology has elevated the living standards of people, it has also led
to ever-increasing redundancy which has given birth inflation in International
Market. Moreover, Survival of the fittest is the rule of the day therefore
small scale industries need to lay great stress on how to survive in highly
competitive world market by introducing Integrated Computer-Aided Engineering
which needs large initial investment and technological advancement. Further,
Technology limit is another problem, still there are many operations that need
to be done manually and cannot be replaced by machines.
Overall, the advantages
would seem to offset the disadvantages. It won’t be wrong to state that
countries that have embraced automation enjoy a higher standard of living. Today’s
manufacturing is a blend of skilled workers with the precision of automated
equipment and robotics. There is no doubt that productivity increases with the
proper application of automation techniques. What do you think? Is automation
providing advantages for manufacturing or are there long-term potential
disadvantages?
Jahanzaib jamil
IMD (S.E)
2013-2014
jahanzaibjaml@live.com
healthy stuff
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