FEATURE SMART FACTORIES & AUTOMATION
HOW AUTOMATION CAN PROVIDE A SOLUTION TO THE SKILLS SHORTAGE
In this article, Andy Pretious, UK sales and marketing manager at Automated Packaging Systems, explores how to prepare for Industry 4.0 through the use of semi-automated packaging systems
directly over the next bag to be loaded. The system prints address labels directly onto bags, ensuring accuracy and preventing product queueing. Automated Packaging Systems works
T
he skills shortage is high on the news agenda and, with the issue affecting
many UK industries including manufacturing and engineering, companies are understandably concerned about the future of their business. Research has highlighted that 67 per cent of UK manufacturers are apprehensive about future roles within their business and the availability of skilled workers to fill them. The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)
has brought about substantial technological changes and companies are facing increasing pressure to innovate so the ability to automate a company’s processes should be seen as an opportunity instead of a threat. There is already a wave of optimism sweeping throughout the manufacturing industry with 51 per cent of manufacturers reporting improved productivity as a result of 4IR technologies*. By automating internal processes and implementing progressive methods of production, companies can reduce operating costs, grow their business and increase efficiency.
INCREASING EFFICIENCY The technological evolution seems to be showing no signs of slowing down and with next-day delivery now an expectation rather than a luxury, companies need to be sufficiently equipped to service increasing consumer demand. Implementing smart packaging systems
enables companies to speed up their production line and maximise productivity. Baggers, such as the Autobag 850S, provides speeds up to four to five times faster than hand-packing and features bag-opening technology and next-bag- out printing, significantly increasing turnaround time and overall efficiency. The technology features an advanced thermal transfer imprinter positioned
24 MAY 2018 | FACTORY EQUIPMENT
Andy Pretious, UK sales and marketing manager at Automated Packaging Systems
with companies to ensure they can accommodate rising demand. For example, an online retailer specialising in supplying sports shirts for world- renowned clubs has recently benefitted from faster bag feeding and labelling. Previously, operatives worked at eight benches, packing all items by hand and manually printing labels and invoices on two separate printers. Automated Packaging Systems’ bagging machines provide a solution that automates the majority of the packing process, while saving space and increasing the number of orders operatives can pack every hour. These advancements allow companies
to meet modern demands without the need to recruit additional staff. In fact, by using automated technology, companies require less manpower while delivering a higher output of orders.
*
http://www.information
-age.com/time-now-uk- manufacturing-needs- invest-smart-tech-12346 9593
EXPLORING ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 4IR has increased the pace of change and there is now more advanced technology available to a company than ever before. No business wants to be left behind and it is important to utilise the full potential of progressive processes to avoid feeling the effects of the skills shortage. By investing in semi-automated packaging systems, businesses can offer customers complete traceability by incorporating tracking capabilities. Barcodes and QR code technology is integrated with warehouse management systems (WMS) to give the supply chain the opportunity to print labels that can be read by systems further down the process. Selecting packing machines that have integrated printing capabilities increases efficiency and enables smaller businesses to work alongside larger organisations either in a supply chain or in direct competition. Adopting new technology with the
latest touch screen control units is a great way to ease workload as the
systems are easy to use and require minimal training time for operators, negating the need to recruit high-skilled workers. This also enables companies to utilise temporary workers during peak times and streamline overall processes.
MASTERING THE BASICS With the Fourth Industrial Revolution driving change in manufacturing and offering a viable solution to the skills gap, the industry needs to adapt to remain competitive and meet increasing demand, but there is no room for complacency. Implementation should be as smooth as possible, and businesses should ensure that there is a strong infrastructure in place to accommodate the shift towards new technology. Automation goes hand in hand with
machinery, materials and ongoing support; it is important that machinery is easy to use, materials are readily available and customers have access to reliable support services whenever technical assistance is required as this offers added reassurance and allows technological developments, such as advanced packaging systems, to act as an extension of the team. When managed correctly, these
ingredients work together to speed up production and increase output without the need for a recruitment drive.
CONCLUSION As the UK manufacturing industry begins to plan for an uncertain future following Brexit, it is increasingly relying on advanced technology to bring it into the digital age. However, for some businesses, 4IR is an uncomfortable subject as the uncertainty of the unknown means they approach the topic with caution. To get the most out of what 4IR has to offer, businesses should embrace this progressive shift and explore the opportunities that have arisen as a result rather than dwelling on their own doubts.
Automated Packaging Systems
www.autobag.co.uk T: 01684 891400
/ FACTORYEQUIPMENT
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