How to Get Started with Automation

It’s no secret that technology is changing the way we work, especially when it comes to automation. Smarter systems, the growth of cloud computing, high-speed wireless and cellular networks and continued improvements to equipment and software solutions. Each advancement is opening a door to new possibilities for businesses of all sizes and across every industry.

TIME TO UNLOCK THE POSSIBILITIES

Whether you’re entirely new to the world of automation or simply looking to build on your current solutions, automation can be an intimidating prospect. But between labor challenges and the impacts of the pandemic, the benefits it offers are driving adoption at record-breaking speeds—and here’s why.

? Productivity and speed

??Improved safety

??Streamlined tasks

??Cost savings

??Operational efficiency

? Quality control

??Precision and accuracy

??Greater visibility

??Employee retention and growth

??Workforce strength and stability

?GETTING STARTED WITH THE BASICS

While not a cure-all, automation offers tried-and-true (and rigorously tested) tools that can optimize many processes. Remember: it may take baby steps to implement a new automation solution, but the results can mean giant leaps forward for your business.

STEP 1

Evaluate your operation.

Analyze current processes and protocols to pinpoint critical areas for automation. Get to know any bottlenecks and find where the opportunities are for improvement across the board.

Ask yourself: Why are you investing in automation and what is your primary goal?

STEP 2

Choose the solution.

Identify key requirements and assign a team to help with the research, selection and implementation. Your internal team is just as important as external partners like specialized consultants to help guide you in the right direction.

Ask yourself: What do you want the solution to address or what capabilities should it include?

MEET THE GAME CHANGERS

Get to know the main players when it comes to customizing your ideal solution.

? Artificial intelligence (AI): Autonomic (or “self-healing”) systems are expected to be the wave of the future. They use AI to learn and optimize without the need for human intervention. Think robots, drones, manufacturing machines or smart spaces. Learn more about opportunities in intelligent automation.

? Motion control and motor: Think of this as the automated movement of machines and robotics using super-sophisticated sensors, controls and motors to ensure precision and accuracy.

??Vision and imaging: Machine vision is a relatively mature technology, but they’ve evolved quite a bit over the last five years with better imaging, optics, illumination and software. Learn more about advancements in 3D camera and sensor innovations.

??Robotics: When most people think about automation, they think of robots and industrial robot arms. But collaborative robotic applications and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are examples of smarter, integrated automation solutions that leverage AI, vision and more.

There’s a lot to know when it comes to building effective automation solutions. Get up to speed quickly with our helpful reference guide, The ABCs of Automation . Find all the basics, including common words, trends and benefits—from A to Z.??

STEP 3

Implement and onboard.

Be sure to keep an open line of communication with your employees so they know what to expect and are on board for the journey. This will help when it comes time to onboard and train them.?

Ask yourself: Is your solution helping employees, and how will you onboard them successfully??

STEP 4

Gain your competitive edge.

Make continuous process automation a key goal, and set measurable quarterly, biannual or annual KPIs to assess your progress. And since automation is constantly advancing, be sure to stay up to date on the latest trends and possibilities for your business—and your people.?

Ask yourself: What’s working and what’s next?

THE FUTURE IS HERE. ARE YOU READY FOR IT?

There’s no better place to see automation in action and speak with today’s industry leaders than at Automate—the largest and most inspiring showcase of robotics, motion control, vision, AI and related automation technologies in North America.?The show brings together 500+ exhibiting automation innovators, manufacturers and suppliers?who hold the keys to tomorrow’s possibilities—and your future success.

Find out what’s happening at Automate this year and how to use these one-of-a-kind opportunities to start your automation journey on the right foot.

EXPLORE GAME-CHANGING TECHNOLOGY

Automate gives you a front-row seat to a full spectrum of automation technologies. You’ll see live demos of cutting-edge automation products, systems and solutions—in addition to tried-and-true automation workhorses—all of which can help move your business forward.

Here’s just a glimpse at what you’ll find on our show floor:

• Automation systems
• Industrial robots and systems
• AI solutions and software
• Vision and imaging systems
• Motion control products
• Collaborative and mobile robots
• Optics, lasers and lighting
• And more!

See a full list of Automate exhibitors ?for 2022.

CONNECT WITH TRAILBLAZERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Automate attracts over 20,000 attendees from all over the world who are laser-focused on advancing their businesses. This gives you unparalleled opportunities to build and grow your own professional network. Beyond interacting with industry-defining exhibitors on the show floor, you can attend special networking events designed to make connections and help you unlock your company’s automation potential.?

“Automate brings together the best automation professionals in the industry and allows us to reach integrators, end-users and suppliers all in one place. This is an incredible opportunity for new business and networking.”

–Güdel

LEARN FROM INDUSTRY TITANS AND BLEEDING-EDGE INNOVATORS

Bring inspiration and actionable insights back to your company after hearing from some of today’s best and brightest in automation and business.?

The?Automate Show Theater ?will feature engaging sessions every day on a variety of topics including automation trends, the future of robotics and much more.

Be sure to attend the must-see?keynote speakers ?in the Grand Ballroom, including:

? Daymond John, Founder/CEO of FUBU, Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship, Star of ABC's Shark Tank and CEO of The Shark Group

? Douglas Stanguini, Executive Director, Vehicle Systems – Global Manufacturing Engineering, General Motors

? Marc Raibert, Founder and Chairperson, Boston Dynamics

? Rachele Focardi, best-selling author of “Reframing Generational Stereotypes” and leading expert on Multigenerational Workforce Effectiveness?

If you’re ready to take the next step and explore the automation possibilities for your business, then the Automate show is the place to be. See the latest trends and tried-and-true solutions in automation at the?Automate Show in Detroit, Michigan, June 6-9, 2022 .