End User Operational Improvements Drive Automation

Important operational benefits and drivers are leading manufacturers to further automate their factories, according to a new study from PMMI Business Intelligence, 2017 Evolution of Automation.

“There’s a need for end users to replace human labor, and technology suppliers are providing the solutions,” said one beverage engineer.

OEMs might have the solutions, but it is not an easy sell. “There is industry pressure on price, terms and conditions from low-end manufacturing,” says a business manager for a global OEM.

Consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies counter with some complaints about long return on investment (ROI) due to frequent product replacement and expensive software. “CPG technology costs are rising with software and PLCs only lasting three years, which is extending ROI payback,” says a group engineering manager at a large food company.

Here are key operational improvements driving automation in food processing and packaging:

• Cost reductions
• Faster commissioning, startup and recovery
• Automating labor
• Consistent quality
• Fast changeover
• Increasing output
• Predictive maintenance

Download the full study from PMMI Business Intelligence, 2017 Evolution of Automation.