作为系统集成商，我们将每个制造问题视为实现出色设计自动化的机会。同时，我们意识到每一个自动化都需要在线上赢得自己的位置。这意味着有很多次应保留手动过程。
WIth these two options in mind, following are the five questions we ask ourselves when it comes to deciding whether or not to automate a process:
Are target production rates higher than a manual process can accommodate?We like to start with an engineering study of the existing process. Can manual processes be enhanced with new conveyance, tools or fixtures to achieve the desired throughput rate? Sometimes improving a manual process with better technical support is the answer; at other times only a fully automated system can achieve the required production rates.
操作员的安全性和人体工程学会在没有自动化的情况下被妥协吗？通过合并诸如升降机之类的简单工具，可以改善某些手动过程。但是，如果与手动过程相关的伤害风险，则应设计新的自动化过程以确保安全操作。
制造执行系统（MES）是否需要自动接口？Tracking and traceability, vision inspection and error proofing systems all require an automated interface. But often, a manual process is critical to this process as well—such as operator verification of a completed test. When making the automation determination here, remind yourself again that each piece of automation must earn its spot on the line.
Does the finished product require a consistent, repeatable process beyond the capabilities of an individual or group?Automation is almost always the right choice for many types of inspection and testing. Where an individual’s eyes might glaze over checking for presence of part all day long, a vision inspection system can do this easily. Where dynamic test systems require a complex, precise test profile, running the test manually doesn’t make sense.
是员工足够的操作,管理和麦吗ntain the automation equipment?This consideration is critical for global organizations where the local workforce may not be prepared to run a fully automated assembly line. No matter how well designed and built, an automated system is ultimately only as effective as the workforce using it. When production rates are low, tasks are simple and easily repeated, or the workforce is not well suited to support an automated system, we work with our clients to redesign their manual processes to improve overall efficiency and effectiveness.
Ideally, we like to work with our clients to understand their cost structure so that we can use a return on investment approach. Then we can design and build assembly lines that include automated, semi-automated and manual operations, based on the estimated return on investment of each process or station.
即使我们是一群喜欢设计和构建自动化系统的工程师，有时自动化并不是答案。
Mark Sobkow is the vice president of manufacturing systems for红色, a member of the控制系统集成商协会.
