In the later stages of the industrial revolution, the spiraling wage bill and cost of production forced manufacturers to consider all the alternatives. Automating processes was seen as one of the best ways of dealing with the ever-increasing wage bill. In plant automation, machines are controlled by programmed computers, not individual machine operators. Currently, the number of companies that are automating their plants is increasing at a very fast rate.
Process control in automated plans is automatic, and independent of humans. This process is highly advantageous because the human element has been eliminated. Computer programs control the operation of machines on a daily basis and can even run for weeks without stopping. This leads to increased production.
The ultimate goal of any firm or industry is to maximize profits by minimizing labor costs through reduction of machine operators and supervisors. This is easily achieved through automation, or replacement of human labor with machines and sophisticated computer programs. This is beneficial in that it minimizes production costs. This can lead to increased wages for employees and more profits for shareholders.
Plants in the city of Hudson, WI, can be automated using programmable logic controllers, or PLCs. These are industrial computers that can be programmed to perform a given function. They can act as switching devices for motors and other actuators. They can be programmed to run the process as desired by the production team. Since PLCs have limited inputs and outputs, they can only be used to control small plants. The size, processing power, input ports and output connections dictate the possible application of a PLC.
Since PLCs are normally used in small plants, huge plants like vehicle factories need bigger controllers. SCADA, standing for supervisory control and data acquisition, is different in that there is a centrally located computer which controls all the machines in the process. It works through field modules which take-in inputs and give output signals. Huge plants like vehicle assembly lines and oil refineries need this type of system.
The cost of automating a factory may seem like too much, or even unsustainable. However, the capital investment can be recouped in a couple of years. Therefore, the high cost should not be a discouragement. The process of upgrading a factory starts with acquisition of all the essential equipment, installation works, programming of the industrial computers, calibration and commissioning of the plant. To make the process run smoothly and safely, several technicians and maybe one or two engineers may be required.
Automating plants is not an easy or cheap undertaking, but it is necessary. Gone are the days when each machine in a plant must be operated by human beings. Manufacturers, processing and assembling industries should embrace new technology that comes with a myriad of benefits. The cost benefits of automation alone should be good enough reason to convert an industrial age process into a state of the art plant using SCADA, DCS (Distributed Control System), or PLCs
Automating a process is not recommended for certain plants. Since its objective is to lower labor costs, it is not suitable for small companies with few employees. Chances are that the same employees may still be needed to oversee the process. Automating it will therefore not have many benefits, including increased production and profits.
Process control in automated plans is automatic, and independent of humans. This process is highly advantageous because the human element has been eliminated. Computer programs control the operation of machines on a daily basis and can even run for weeks without stopping. This leads to increased production.
The ultimate goal of any firm or industry is to maximize profits by minimizing labor costs through reduction of machine operators and supervisors. This is easily achieved through automation, or replacement of human labor with machines and sophisticated computer programs. This is beneficial in that it minimizes production costs. This can lead to increased wages for employees and more profits for shareholders.
Plants in the city of Hudson, WI, can be automated using programmable logic controllers, or PLCs. These are industrial computers that can be programmed to perform a given function. They can act as switching devices for motors and other actuators. They can be programmed to run the process as desired by the production team. Since PLCs have limited inputs and outputs, they can only be used to control small plants. The size, processing power, input ports and output connections dictate the possible application of a PLC.
Since PLCs are normally used in small plants, huge plants like vehicle factories need bigger controllers. SCADA, standing for supervisory control and data acquisition, is different in that there is a centrally located computer which controls all the machines in the process. It works through field modules which take-in inputs and give output signals. Huge plants like vehicle assembly lines and oil refineries need this type of system.
The cost of automating a factory may seem like too much, or even unsustainable. However, the capital investment can be recouped in a couple of years. Therefore, the high cost should not be a discouragement. The process of upgrading a factory starts with acquisition of all the essential equipment, installation works, programming of the industrial computers, calibration and commissioning of the plant. To make the process run smoothly and safely, several technicians and maybe one or two engineers may be required.
Automating plants is not an easy or cheap undertaking, but it is necessary. Gone are the days when each machine in a plant must be operated by human beings. Manufacturers, processing and assembling industries should embrace new technology that comes with a myriad of benefits. The cost benefits of automation alone should be good enough reason to convert an industrial age process into a state of the art plant using SCADA, DCS (Distributed Control System), or PLCs
Automating a process is not recommended for certain plants. Since its objective is to lower labor costs, it is not suitable for small companies with few employees. Chances are that the same employees may still be needed to oversee the process. Automating it will therefore not have many benefits, including increased production and profits.
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