Is industrial automation headed for a revolution?

The manufacturing industry challenges are driving a transformation in the way manufacturing is conducted, with a focus on automation and digitization.
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A new study by McKinsey, titled "Is Industrial Automation Headed for a Tipping Point?" suggests that this transformation is on the cusp of a major tipping point. Below are the trends converging to make industrial automation.

1. Software-defined manufacturing: this trend is enabled by the increasing connectivity and digitization of manufacturing processes. As McKinsey describes "Software-defined manufacturing is the foundation of the future of industrial automation. It allows manufacturers to connect, monitor, and control their operations in real-time, leading to improved efficiency, productivity, and sustainability".
2. ​New automation technologies: these technologies include robots capable of learning and adapting, digital twins, and augmented reality. 
3. The growing demand for sustainability: as manufacturers accelerate the need to reduce environmental impact, automation becomes a key ally to reduce energy consumption, waste, and emissions. 
4. ​The changing workforce: McKinsey explains that the changing workforce is also a driver of industrial automation. As the workforce ages and shrinks, manufacturers need to find ways to automate tasks currently performed by humans.

The report goes on to describe two possible scenarios for factory automation that depend on different factors, including the pace of technological development, the cost of automation, and the competitive landscape. These are:
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1. Reforms with a gradual adoption of technology trends for specific use cases and
2. A revolution that involves a disruptive adoption led by analytic-driven tools.

These two scenarios are not mutually exclusive. It is possible that the industry will experience a combination of both gradual market development and faster transition. This would mean that some manufacturers would adopt automation at a gradual pace, while others would embrace it more rapidly.
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For any manufacturer, it is important that they observe and prepare for their industrial automation plans. Here are some of the recommendations provided by McKinsey & Company:

• Start small and scale up gradually. Start with a few low-hanging fruit projects and then scale up as you gain experience. We also recommend taking into consideration the long-term use of data when choosing any solution. 
• Develop a clear business case for automation. Make sure you understand the benefits of automation and can quantify the financial returns.
• Invest in training for workers. It is important to invest in training for workers so that they can transition to new jobs. We also recommend to adopt technology that works not just in adding data points but also in helping you transform the process and including the front-line workers in the design of the solution.

It is clear that the manufacturing industry is at a crossroads. The traditional way of doing things is no longer sustainable, and manufacturers need to embrace new technologies to remain competitive. However, it is important to remember that automation is not a silver bullet. It is a tool that can be used to improve efficiency and productivity, but it is not a replacement for human ingenuity and creativity.

Manufacturers who succeed in the future will be those who can use automation to their advantage while maintaining a focus on innovation and quality. They will be those who can create a workplace that is safe, productive, and rewarding for all employees.

We know that the future of industrial automation is bright, and we are excited to be a part of it. Webee believes that IIoT has the potential to revolutionize the way products are made, and we are committed to helping our customers succeed in this new era of manufacturing.

If you are interested in learning more about how Webee can help you with your IIoT needs, please contact us today. We would be happy to discuss your specific requirements and how we can help you achieve your business goals.
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