HUMANS OR MACHINES?
A COMMON PROBLEM WITH AUTOMATION
Have you ever been told that there’s an amazing piece of equipment that could revolutionise your processing? Have you then invested a significant amount of money in such equipment, only to find the “miracle” never actually hit the bottom line? If so, you’re not alone.
The fact is though that automation can revolutionise a business as long as it’s aligned and balanced with a whole host of critical factors. So the WHY – WHEN – WHERE – HOW becomes vitally important.
The problem for many businesses though is developing the right approach. This often means independent advice and not simply the sales pitch from Automation Equipment Providers who after all simply just want to sell you their area of hardware and software expertise.
INDUSTRY 4.0 AND LMAC
You may have heard the latest ‘buzz word’ Industry 4.0.
Many are saying that it is the 4th Industrial Revolution. A very interesting concept. Using ‘Big Data’, high levels of automation, artificial intelligence to name a few. Much of the logic behind Industry 4.0 is sound, but the seamless integration of all these systems is both difficult and expensive.
LMAC believes in a more balanced approach. One where 3 factors are taken into consideration.
Top Level Strategy, People and Processes.
We do not believe that an approach that is focussed on simply automating processes will result in a High Performance Organisation. This takes much more.
LMAC’s proven High Performance model helps organisations achieve the right balanced approach for them. We believe the concepts of Industry 4.0 can be introduced in a scalable and adaptable way with the right focus on strategy and people as well as process improvement.
If you would like to understand more about Industry 4.0 and LMAC’s thinking why not read our blog on the subject CLICK HERE or watch our interview with The European CLICK HERE
INDEPENDENT EXPERTS
– LMAC have gained a huge amount of automation experience over 25 years. Our specialists have worked with robots across large and small organisations and across different industries.
– We do not sell automation equipment – we independently advise on the most appropriate areas of your processing that will provide an early return on investment.
– We know the pitfalls and obstacles of automation and, how to avoid them.
THE PITFALLS TO AVOID:
Automation projects are often planned in isolation (silo thinking) without looking at the bigger picture
Existing inefficient processes are simply automated without a close look at the Value-Added aspect beforehand to improve overall
Planning automation for today’s production requirements without due consideration to tomorrows variations in volumes and mix. Automation can often add restrictions and limitations which are costly to change later.
Purchasing different brands of automation that vastly increase internal skills requirements.
Lack of thought to the overall IT strategy. Underestimating the complexities and limits of integration with existing systems. And all too often finding out when it is too late, resulting in costly workarounds and the addition of unplanned non-value-added processes.
Lack of maintenance planning at the initial stages. An assumption that an automated process will run trouble free 24/7.
C O N T A C T
AUSTRALASIA:
P: +64 (0) 3 443 9424
E: business.admin@Lmac.co.nz
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