NEWS


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ccording to research, 70 percent of newly created apps are to depend on low-code and no-code tools,  adoption. This trend is making


automation more accessible to users without deep technical skills and industrial automation is following a similar path. Here Stephen Hayes, managing director of automation and control technology specialist, Beckhoff UK, explains that by optimising traditional coding practices, businesses of all sizes can overcome this skills gap to reap productivity 


The programming barrier has long been a challenge for businesses wanting to implement automation systems. Traditionally, automation required specialised programming skills, limiting adoption to a small group of technical experts.


As a result, the complexity and steep  businesses or those without advanced technical staff to fully embrace automation. With over 44,000 job vacancies in  candidate pool, only nine applicants per job  specialised talent they need, including PLC programmers.


The goal is to make automation tools more intuitive and easier to integrate, broadening access for manufacturers without needing specialised programming knowledge.


BREAKING THE PROGRAMMING BARRIER: DEMOCRATISING AUTOMATION


DEMOCRATISING AUTOMATION Traditionally, implementing automation required deep technical knowledge and programming skills, making it exclusive to engineers or IT professionals.


Democratisation seeks to break down these barriers, enabling non-experts, such as small


6 FEBRUARY 2025 | FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS


business owners, general staff or engineers with less programming experience, to use and  Historically, automation efforts like record-playback allowed machinists to replicate their processes without advanced technical skills, empowering users to control


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