The rapid advancement of technology in industrial automation has led to concerns about the potential impact on jobs and efficiency. Automation has been touted as a transformative force that could potentially revolutionize entire industries, but there are also worries that it may displace workers and compromise productivity. In this article, we’ll look at some of the myths about industrial automation and explore the real impact on jobs and efficiency.
COMMON MYTHS ABOUT AUTOMATION
1. Automation Will Lead to Massive Job Losses
There is a common misconception that automation will result in mass unemployment. Automation is often seen as a threat to many jobs, particularly those in the manufacturing industry. However, evidence points to the contrary. Throughout industries, automation has not caused massive job losses but changed the nature of existing jobs and created new opportunities for employees with different skill sets.
For example, the manufacturing industry has seen significant job losses due to automation, where machines have taken over tasks such as assembly and packaging. However, this has also created new job opportunities in roles such as robotics engineers and automation technicians. Similarly, the banking sector has evolved with automation in tasks like transaction processing and customer service, leading to job displacement in certain areas and creating new roles in data analysis and fintech development.
While automation may lead to job losses in some areas, it also opens up opportunities for individuals to adapt and develop new skills in emerging fields. The World Economic Forum estimates that by 2025, technology will create at least 12 million more jobs than it destroys. As industries continue to evolve and adapt to automation, job roles, and responsibilities will continue to change, requiring a workforce that is prepared to embrace new opportunities.
2. Robots and Machines Will Completely Replace Human Workers
Automation tools are designed to work alongside humans, enhancing their capabilities and productivity rather than entirely replacing them. Humans are still essential for tasks requiring judgment, creativity, and complex decision-making.
Automation is often seen as a threat to product quality, with machines being viewed as inferior to human workers in terms of accuracy and reliability. However, modern automation solutions are designed to ensure high-quality products and enable companies to meet customer expectations consistently. Automation can also reduce human error and boost efficiency by streamlining complex.
While there’s an initial investment, automation can lead to significant long-term savings and efficiency gains. Modern automation solutions are becoming more accessible and easier to integrate, even for small and medium-sized enterprises.
3. Automation is Only Beneficial For Large-Scale Manufactures
The misconception that automation is only beneficial for large-scale manufacturers is disproven by the fact that small and medium-sized enterprises can also use automation to improve efficiency, quality, and competitiveness. Additionally, modern automation systems are flexible and can be adjusted to meet changing production needs or to produce different products.
In recent years, automation has been widely adopted in many industries, from automotive and aerospace to food production and healthcare. Automation technologies have helped companies improve their efficiency, quality, productivity, and competitiveness while reducing costs. However, there is a misconception that automation is only beneficial for large-scale manufacturers or industrial plants.
Small and medium-sized businesses can benefit from automation just as much as larger ones. Automation can be an invaluable tool for small businesses. It can reduce labor costs and increase efficiency. Automation also helps small businesses save money in the long run by decreasing human errors, streamlining tedious manual processes, and providing more accurate data for decision-making.
A Constant Contact report indicates a strong correlation between the implementation of AI and a business’s overall success. According to the findings, 91 percent of small businesses currently using AI and automation say they have made their business more successful and are using it to regain valuable time in their week, cut down on manual mistakes, and grow faster. Additionally, more than 28 percent of respondents expect AI and automation to save them at least $5,000 over the next 12 months.
4. Automated Systems Are Inflexible and Can’t Adapt to Changes
Businesses in all industries have embraced industrial automation as a way to increase efficiency and productivity. However, there are still some myths about using automated systems that could prevent companies from taking advantage of this technology. One such myth is that automated systems are inflexible and can’t adapt to changes.
The truth is that modern industrial automation systems are highly flexible and can easily be adapted to changing conditions. Automated systems can quickly change the parameters of their operations, allowing them to adjust to new circumstances with minimal disruption. For example, if a manufacturing process suddenly needs to switch from producing one type of product to another, an automated system can quickly adapt by simply adjusting its parameters accordingly.
5. Automation is Only About Robots
Automation is often associated with robots, but it includes much more than that. Automation is an umbrella term used to describe a range of technologies that improve business process efficiency and reduce operational costs. While robots are one type of automation, there are also other types of automation, such as software, artificial intelligence (AI), analytics, machine learning (ML), and The Internet of Things (IoT).
Robots are essential for automation, as they can reduce the need for human labor, freeing workers to focus on more complex tasks. Automation is much broader than robots, however. AI, ML, and IoT can all play a part in automating processes and improving efficiency. For example, AI can be used to automate customer service by providing automated responses to customer inquiries in real-time. ML can be used to automate complex tasks such as data analysis or forecasting. IoT sensors can provide real-time feedback, allowing companies to identify and respond to issues quickly.
Competing in a Technologically Advanced Market
The Internet of Things (IoT), AI technology, machine learning, and other futuristic innovations are advancing the manufacturing and material handling sectors, a change that’s been dubbed the Fourth Industrial Revolution. According to the 2021 MHI Annual Industry Report, 38 percent of supply chain leaders already use robotics and automation in their facilities. An additional 38 percent expect to adopt robotics and automation in five years.
Widespread robot adoption means there is a strategic imperative for companies to introduce technological innovations. Organizations can no longer rely on human labor alone to compete in a technologically advanced market; however, that doesn’t mean humans are obsolete. Robotics opens the door for more new positions for humans. For example, Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) activity can be monitored through analytics software, like Seegrid Fleet Geek, to ensure robots perform optimally. Data analytics is a booming field that is presenting new and exciting career opportunities for humans.
The key to success in this modern industrial landscape is integrating automation with human skills and talents. For example, by using industrial automation to perform routine maintenance checks, workers can dedicate their time and energy to more critical activities such as product development or customer service.
There is tremendous pressure on material handling facilities to be competitive on a global scale and keep up with the constant surges in customer demands. The solution to surpassing the competition and customer expectations is innovation: to solve labor challenges and to grow the business.
Long-Term Impacts Of Investing in Industrial Automation
While the specifics of automation can vary for each business, investing in industrial automation can bring lasting advantages. When used strategically, it has the potential to cut costs by automating tasks and eliminating manual labor expenses.
Automating tasks doesn’t just save money; it can also help businesses stay competitive by quickly providing insights into market trends. Using data from automated systems, companies can make faster decisions based on the latest information, adapting to changes more swiftly than competitors. This can give them an advantage in product development and customer service areas. Additionally, automation technology provides businesses with control over their processes, allowing them to adjust automated systems as needed.
Investing in automation not only benefits the business overall but also significantly improves employees’ working conditions. By automating repetitive tasks, workers are freed up to focus on more essential and meaningful work. This not only enhances their job satisfaction but also contributes to increased productivity. Beyond these advantages, there’s a crucial aspect of employee safety. Automation plays a pivotal role in minimizing exposure to hazardous tasks or environments.
In the end, putting resources into automation can lead businesses to greater profitability and long-term success.