You're aiming to streamline industrial processes. How can you balance automation and human labor effectively?

Here are some key considerations: Identify tasks suitable for automation: Analyze your workflows and identify repetitive, high-volume, or low-complexity functions that can be automated using technologies like robotic process automation Upskill and reskill human workers: As automation takes over certain tasks, invest in upskilling and reskilling your employees. Define the right automation-to-human ratio: Determine the optimal balance between automation and human labor based on your specific business needs, industry, and workforce capabilities. Avoid over-automating to the point where you lose the human touch and flexibility required in certain situations.

During the ideation phase, it is very important to identify and agree on target benefits which are SMART(Specific Measurable Accurate Realistic and Time bound) and add value to its consumers. If we have existing system which brings similar benefits it would be easy way to start base lining the needs from there and add whatever new system would deliver as extra. If we don't have any existing system and there are a group of SME(Subject Matter Expert)s it is better to format a questionnaire and get answers in the format of YES and NOs Until it is very creative field where yours is pioneered system which stands for its unique nature it is better to choose classical methods if not picking up feedback control would work. Feed me back too!

The start, thoroughly assess your current processes to determine where automation can be most beneficial. Look for tasks that are repetitive, time-consuming, and prone to human error. By automating these, you not only increase efficiency but also free up your workforce to focus on areas that require human insight and decision-making. Remember, the goal is not to replace human labor but to complement it with automation, creating a symbiotic relationship that boosts overall productivity. Additionally, ensure that the automated systems are easy to integrate and flexible enough to adapt to future changes.

For the goals to achieve , you should be aware of below topic SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition): A computer system used for supervising, controlling, and acquiring data from various equipment and facilities distributed over a wide geographical area. *We can find an HMI within a SCADA system, but not the other way around. Functions: HMI: Displays data in a graphical and interactive manner, enabling users to monitor and control processes in real time. SCADA: Collects real-time data from various sensors, remotely controls equipment, and analyzes data to make informed decisions. A SCADA system typically includes RTUs (Remote Terminal Units), PLCS (Programmable Logic Controllers), SCADA servers, and SCADA software.

When selecting automation technologies, consider factors like compatibility with existing systems, scalability for future growth, and ease of integration. It's important to choose solutions that can be easily adopted by your workforce. Training should be a key consideration; you want technology that enhances your employees' capabilities, not one that creates a steep learning curve or job displacement fears. The right technology should feel like a natural extension of your workforce's skills. Additionally, involve employees in the selection and implementation process, as their insights can help identify practical needs and potential challenges, ensuring a smoother transition and greater acceptance.

While we taking an advantage of machine and labours, it should be validated with accuracy and impacts or complexity. Sometime labours get tired even with adequate skils,which may be turns to inaccuracy of products or performance.

Balancing automation and human labor requires selecting compatible, scalable, and easily integrable technologies. Choose solutions that enhance rather than replace human skills, and provide comprehensive, ongoing training. Address job displacement fears through transparent communication, job redesign, and upskilling opportunities. Implement automation incrementally, starting with pilot programs and gathering feedback. Foster a collaborative culture by involving employees in decision-making and recognizing their efforts. This approach ensures a seamless transition and optimizes both human and technological resources.

Once your needs are mostly frozen next important stage is to consider technologies. This should purely be based on who are your target users and their groups. If you want to build some product which is relevant to working in a closed environment, Hardware+Client/Server architecture would do best. If you wanted to build something which is limited to few enterprises or a group of them having a typical 3-tiered architecture with an extra layer of SOA would do best If you wanted to build something global then enterprise architecture styling would do best. Programming options in line tot he hardware used, software integrations required, UI designs, data storage requirements, legalities like security, performance are to be considered!

Once technological choices are made based on the needs it is most important to assess the in-house capabilities and identify the gaps in terms of knowledge, strictly go with KPIs Enable corporate trainings in person with hands on exercises in campus and have a reviewer to verify the skills imparted and have timely review of performances delivered. Suitably exchange team members as needed to make it all work right, hire new team members. Have proper team hierarchies planned including Eageliterian vs hierarchial as needed. Appraise the ones who achieve best, reward them on regular basis as star performers while reassuring others get to know the importance of their roles. 100% consistent performance is a target!

Once you have people process and technology enabling the flow of information is the most important criteria. Identify the roles and responsibilities in time or before start of the implementation and have it openly called out so that everybody knows what they are working upon and how they should contribute. Always knowing before what to do In an ordered mechanism imparts a discipline. If possible present a workflow diagram, even if it is development or business workflow it must work same. Flowcharts, swim lane diagrams, visio diagrams can best be used to explain it to whole team. Translating vision to reality should be achieved through this, so crucial piece it is. Any deviations are to be filtered, fixed and repurposed as quick!

After integrating automation and training staff, closely monitor performance. Watch for unexpected interactions between workers and automated systems affecting productivity or safety. Use this data for incremental improvements and fine-tuning the human-automation balance. Continuous monitoring identifies additional training needs and further automation opportunities, ensuring optimal efficiency and safety.