Automation is the use of control systems, such as numerical control, programmable logic control and other industrial control systems, in concert with other applications of information technology, such as computer aided technologies, to control industrial machinery and processes, reducing the need for human intervention. In the scope of industrialization, automation is a step beyond mechanization. Whereas mechanization provided human operators with machinery to assist them with the physical requirements of work, automation greatly reduces the need for human sensory and mental requirement as well. Processes and systems can also be automated.
The widespread impact of industrial automation systems raises social issues, among them its impact on employment and the job market. Historical concerns about the effects of automation date back to the beginning of the industrial revolution when a social movement of English textile machine operators in the early 1800’s known as the Luddites protested against Jacquard’s automated weaving looms.
An example of companies specializing in automation is Automation Tooling Systems located in Cambridge, Ontario based Canadian company which designs and builds factory automation solutions. They have designed and built more than 10,000 automation systems in the areas of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, semiconductor, fiber optics, automotive, computers, solar energy and consumer products. They employ approximately 3500 worldwide with more than 1.5 million square feet of manufacturing space in 25 manufacturing facilities.
Business process automation is the process a business uses to contain costs. It consists of integrating applications, cutting labor wherever possible and using software applications throughout the organization. There are four main techniques for delivering automation of a process which are extension of existing IT systems, purchase of a specialist BPA tool, purchase of a business process management solution with BPA extensions and purchase of a Middleware solution.
Building automation describes the functionality provided by the control system of a building. A building automation system (BAS) is an example of a distributed control system. The control system is a computerized, intelligent network of electronic devices, designed to monitor and control the mechanical and lighting systems in a building. BAS core functionality keeps the building climate within a specified range, provides lighting based on an occupancy schedule, and monitors system performance and device failures and provides email and or text notifications to building engineering staff. It also reduces building energy and maintenance when compared to a non controlled building.
Professional services automation is automation software designed for professional services organizations, such as consultants and IT service organizations. Professional services automation is used to manage the deliver of client projects, and the resources which are required for those projects, such as skilled personnel and equipment. Typically functions include project management and documentation, time recording, billing and reporting.
Home automation systems may designate an emerging practice of increased automation of household appliances and features in residential dwellings, particularly through electronic means that allow for things impracticable, overly expensive or simply not possible in recent years. The term may be used in contrast to the more mainstream “building automation” which refers to industrial settings and the automatic or semi automatic control of lighting, climate doors and windows and security and surveillance systems.
Automated manufacturing or factory automation refers to the application of automation to produce things in the factory way. Most of the advantages of the automation technology has its influence in the manufacture process. The main advantage of the automated manufacturing are more quality, reduce the lead times, simplification of production, reduce handling, improve work flow and increase the morale of workers when a good implementation of the automation is made.
To get more information on automation, Google automation and look for the different types of automation that are available.
