There has never been a better time to automate. Businesses which automate processes now will be ready and waiting to reap the rewards when the oncoming Automation Revolution hits its stride. But where should you start? Here are a few tips from the experts at MASK Control Systems:
Identify time-consuming, low-skilled tasks. An astonishing amount of day to day stuff can be automated. To get yourself into the mindset, think really low-level. Switching the lights on and off, for example. That can easily be automated, and it potentially saves a lot of money (plus a weeny bit of time!). From there, you can move onto the more heavy-duty processes.
Audit workflows. Pay attention to where your resources (and by 'resources' we mean human time, human energy, money, materials...you get the picture!) are most drained. Automated processes can free things up massively. Most processes with an element of repetition can be automated pretty easily.
Don't forget monitoring. Automation isn't just about production lines and nifty robots. Remote monitoring technology means you don't always have to have feet on the ground at specific times, which eliminates a lot of logistical snafus. Remote monitoring should be an integral part of any automated process, if you're going to get the best out of your system.
Call in the experts. If you're unsure what or how your processes can be automated, call in some experts to have a look. We at MASK Control Systems will happily take a gander at your operation, and offer expert advice on what could be automated and how. We specialise in bespoke solutions tailored to your precise operational needs, so we'll be able to offer you detailed advice on what is and what isn't possible.
Choose the right automation engineers. Hint: that's us!
Keep abreast of developments. Automation is a constantly evolving industry. We've only just begun to scratch the surface of what's possible. The earlier you get in on new technologies, the better positioned you'll be in the long run. Keep an eye on legislation relating to automation, too, as this is something that's likely to go through a few iterations before the Automation Revolution settles down.
Sit back and enjoy! Less work, less cost, more profit. You certainly won't be short of things to enjoy once you've automated!