Automation in Production: Reimagining The Manufacturing Process in 2023

What’s the ultimate solution to generating greater throughput, cutting costs, increasing efficiency, and managing inventory visibility in manufacturing? Automation.

Manufacturers around the globe are fully embracing the many benefits of automation in production. In fact, even chocolate manufacturer Hershey’s turned to automation to streamline operations.

We’ll share all you need to know about automation in production, including types and key benefits. Plus, we’ll introduce you to our automated solutions at Modula, from vertical lift modules to warehouse management systems and beyond.

What Is Automation in Production??

Automation in production, or automation in manufacturing, is the process of utilizing technology — for example, autonomous mobile robots — to manage and streamline the manufacturing process (converting raw materials, components or parts into finished goods).

Automated solutions include equipment such as warehouse management systems, sensors, robots and automated storage and retrieval systems.

These solutions allow you to automate tasks and processes, boost efficiency, improve inventory visibility, and cut operational costs, among other benefits.

Types of Automation in Production

There are three main categories of automation in production:

1. Fixed Automation

Fixed automation involves the use of specialized machinery and equipment that is designed to perform specific tasks in a production process.

It is called “fixed” because the machinery and equipment are fixed in place and cannot be easily adapted to perform different tasks.

The equipment used in fixed automation is designed for the high-volume production of identical products, where the manufacturing process is precisely controlled and repetitive.

Typically, fixed automation is used in mass production settings, such as in the automotive or electronics industries. Examples of fixed automation include conveyor belts, automated storage and retrieval systems, and palletizers.

2. Programmable Automation

Programmable automation refers to the machinery and equipment that can be programmed to perform a variety of tasks in the production process.

Unlike fixed automation, programmable automation is designed to be flexible and adapt to changing production requirements.

Examples of programmable automation include robotic arms, collaborative robots, and mobile robots.

3. Flexible Automation

Flexible automation is used in applications where the production process often undergoes rapid changes and is highly variable.

This type of automation allows manufacturers to quickly adapt to evolving market demands, product design changes, and other factors that affect production.

Examples of flexible automation include multi-purpose robotic and modular conveyor systems, which can be easily reconfigured to handle diverse or unique products.

5 Benefits of Automation in Manufacturing

From cutting warehouse costs to preventing overstock, here are five ways that automation in production can benefit your warehouse operations.

Lower Costs

According to a 2019 industry report, the worldwide expenditure of warehousing companies is over $300 billion each year.

One solution to lowering these costs? Investing in automation.

With Modula solutions, the typical ROI period from a vertical lift module (VLM) or horizontal carousel (HC) ranges from just 6 to 18 months — making top-quality automated solutions an undoubtedly worthwhile investment

Increased Workplace Safety

A recent survey found that overexertion was the most disabling workplace accident in the United States in 2022, with falls and being struck by an object coming in second and third, respectively.

With the proper automated solutions, warehouse operators aren’t required to reach high storage areas, lift heavy items or travel through narrow pathways, which can increase overall safety in the workplace.

In addition, automated systems can perform tasks that are dangerous or difficult for human employees.

Improved Efficiency

The 2022 McKinsey Global Industrial Robotics Survey found that automated systems and robotics are expected to make up 25% of industrial companies’ capital expenditures in the next five years.

According to the survey, one of the main reasons manufacturers are choosing to adopt automation is to improve efficiency and quality.

Automation in manufacturing can help reduce the risk of mistakes and optimize the use of resources, enabling your workers to focus on higher-value tasks.

Automation in production can help your warehouse operators transport, locate, and pick the correct inventory, enabling them to be more productive with other tasks, such as quality assurance.

Greater Productivity

There are a lot of moving parts in the production process — many of which are time-consuming and prone to human error.

Automated solutions allow your warehouse operators to focus on the areas where they’re needed most, and leave the repetitive, mundane or even dangerous tasks to machines. In turn, productivity skyrockets.

Better Inventory Control and Visibility

Maintaining complete visibility over your inventory means having an up-to-date understanding of the quantity and location of your raw materials, finished products, and work-in-progress items at all times.

This allows you to make informed decisions about production schedules, resource allocation, and inventory management, ensuring that your manufacturing processes run smoothly

Warehouse management systems give you full visibility and control of your inventory. You can prevent overstocking and stock shortages, minimize waste and downtime, and respond quickly to changing market conditions or production disruptions.

Modula Solutions for Automation in Production

From vertical storage solutions that keep your inventory safe to a warehouse management system that gives you complete inventory visibility, our automated solutions help reimagine your manufacturing process.

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