Automation: A Lesson in Thinking Outside the Box

In today's rapidly evolving industrial landscape, automation has become more than just a buzzword; it's a necessity. But what exactly is automation? automation is outside the conventional boundaries of process and pushes the limits of innovation. It's about thinking outside the box to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and ensure consistent quality—a lesson I learned through a transformative experience of THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX AND REAL AUTOMATION MEANING.

Allow me to share a story from my own journey with automation—a story that highlights the power of creative problem-solving and the importance of breaking free from traditional constraints.

I was tasked with commissioning a lock and unlock station based on a pneumatic system controlled by PLC. As I started with commissioing of the process, I encountered a problem with positining of lock . Despite my best efforts, I found that after firing the PLC output signal to the solenoid valve, the mechanical lock would rotate beyond its intended position, causing damage due to excessive pressure or not stopping at position. It was a frustrating cycle of trial and error, where conventional approaches failed. We always think what we are taught than logic or outside what we are not aware of.

Feeling disheartened, I sought guidance from my mentor, Martin Stoffler—a = expert in the field of automation. With his experience and a knack for innovative thinking, Martin approached the problem from a fresh perspective.

Rather than being bound by the limitations of the existing process, Martin interrogated the lock mechanism and come up with a solution. By implementing a pulsating output—an unconventional approach that involved alternating between on and off states of plc output—he achieved smooth positioning of the lock without causing damage.

The moment was magical. As I watched the lock stop precisely at the designated position, with seamless feedback from the sensor, I realized the automation is outside the box and not just about following predefined boundaries.

In a world where change is the only constant, the ability to think outside the box for automation is paramount.

So, the next time you encounter a challenge in your automation journey, remember the magic of thinking outside the box. Because in the realm of automation, the possibilities are endless for those who dare to dream, innovate, and redefine what's possible.