Decision-makers increasingly select robotic systems — including robotic process automation tools — for their production lines. Why use robotic process automation and similar solutions now? Many leaders realize taking that step could help them increase their output while having fewer errors and keeping quality levels high. Implementing robotic process automation, cobots, automated mobile robots and other solutions requires careful planning, but people have many compelling reasons to proceed.
Try Purposefully Implementing Robotic Process Automation and Equipment
People must start by understanding what has made them interested in implementing robotic process automation and robots. Why use it instead of other commercial solutions and what will those offerings help companies achieve that they cannot now? Knowing the most prominent reasons for investing in robotic process automation tools or technology will make getting executive buy-in and overall support easier.
In one example, a Hungarian electronics assembly brand faced challenges with manual tasks requiring people to insert plastic components into circuit boards. Although factory leaders were interested in automating the task, they found other products on the market unsuitable due to the parts’ size, shape and orientation. However, the head of the technology department wondered if cobots could help.
When humans put connectors into the PCBs, they often placed them unevenly or did not push them in correctly. However, the cobots were faster and more accurate, causing a 25% increase in assembly line speed. It also allowed humans to handle more sophisticated tasks, which made their workdays more enjoyable.
Leaders were so pleased with their small-scale cobot trial that they planned to use the machines on all their assembly lines and look for other ways to benefit. People should take a similarly strategic approach when implementing robotic process automation. Which applications could save the most time or increase their accuracy? Focusing on those will highlight the most practical reasons to rely on robotic process automation tools.
Show Employees Why to Use Robotic Process Automation and Robots
Why use robotic process automation when people already handle what a bot can do? Many executives hear that question, especially from workers feeling concerned that robots will take their jobs. However, leaders in this situation are well-positioned to alleviate concerns.
For example, each bot handles one task, so enterprises must deploy several to use them for multiple needs. Plus, people generally use robotic process automation tools to make workers’ lives easier rather than eliminating their jobs. For example, they might use them to automate password changes or onboarding duties. Then, the staff has more time to devote to production lines and other tasks that support the bottom line.
When workers understand why to use robotic process automation versus previous methods, they will become more involved in the company’s overall process. It also helps if leaders explain why now is an ideal time to start using robots or robotic process automation tools.
In one case, a beverage supplies manufacturer invested in a preassembled modular robotic palletizer that came configured and ready to use. The business also purchased a semi-automated vacuum lifter to assist workers with the formerly manual task of lifting 55-pound boxes of soda syrup concentrate. After speaking to the palletizer vendor about specific needs, the robotics provider suggested a few modifications to make the equipment more suitable.
Once installed at the factory, this solution began producing and palletizing more than 2,000 boxes of craft soda daily, almost tripling the previous capacity. This improvement gives it room to grow and supports its workforce by reducing the amount of manual lifting required during the workday.
Solve Problems Using Robotic Process Automation Tools and Tech
Plans for implementing robotic process automation may begin when people identify shortcomings in their current processes. For example, a data analyst may realize such tools make information collection and other time-intensive tasks easier. Using those to get production line insights could give them more time to focus on the value-adding responsibilities that require their skill and expertise.
Bringing robots into the production line is also a wise decision once decision-makers have identified problems to solve. That was the case at a production facility for airplane parts. Leaders realized the current process of moving components to different assembly line stations took too long and was prohibitively labor intensive. It required 132 hours per unit, but the total was reduced to 98 hours once the organization installed an automated parts-transferring solution.
Elsewhere, the leaders of a powertrain component production facility were also interested in automating material conveyance. Workers walked up to 12 miles daily through the 800-square-foot building and spent approximately 60% of the workday pushing carts. Executives were eager to transition those employees to value-added tasks and let robotic equipment handle the parts-movement requirements.
It decided automated mobile robots would best meet the company’s needs, especially since those machines could independently navigate and respond to changing conditions. The facility purchased robots that could move 2 meters per second and handle payloads of up to 250 kilograms.
These machines now move parts between a warehouse and production area. Within six months of deployment, they enabled six workers to move into more challenging roles that supported their career advancement. Also, while workers initially had some concerns about starting to use the machines, those worries soon disappeared once they realized the technology was there to help them.
Why Use Robotic Process Automation? The Answer Varies
Many modern brands face copious challenges, but why use robotic process automation and advanced machines to address them? There is no single answer that fits every enterprise. However, these examples show why so many decision-makers consider bringing robotic systems into their production lines worthwhile.
Leaders should start by identifying the main benefits they want to achieve with robotic systems. Using these offerings can increase output while reducing worker strain. Making robotic investments can also address tasks that typically require the most time or are problematically error-prone if performed manually.
People should also choose appropriate metrics to track. Those will show how well a business is progressing towards specific goals. Then, the thoughtful deployment of technology makes brands well-equipped for the future and brings a return on investment.
