Automatic for the factory

Present day automation in factories now extends beyond robots into the conveyor lines, work cells, inventory systems, self-diagnostic machines, and sophisticated networks that link critical aspects of production. One of the biggest priorities is to further integrate the factory floor with the business systems. The reason for this drive is to both tighten the integration of the supply chain and promote consumer-driven flexible manufacturing. The aim is to transition from a forecasting model to demand-driven manufacturing. To help accomplish these goals, automation is helping factories monitor, measure, and control their resources from a centralized location. Recently released software is also allowing factories to simulate operations before they are run. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags will benefit factories by automatically tracking inventories. Engineering re-use has been implemented in certain situations whereby engineering design specifications are used for multiple machines. Ultimately, these advances in factory automation will help create more efficient and productive factories which will ultimately lower the cost for the customers. Read the full article in The Manufacturer.

Find out about McClellan's factory automation systems.