Focus on People in an Automated World Part I

Automation of any kind manifests the idea of reducing staff and increasing cost savings in an operation. Consider your local supermarket checkout. Barcodes allow for a streamlined input of data and customers bag their own products. A space that housed five or six cash register conveyor belt stations can serve more than double that number of customers with only one staff member to assist. What level of customer service do you feel when using this system? And what happens to employee morale when they see their jobs replaced by automated checkouts? These simple questions and resulting principles need to be asked when implementing automation in a machine shop. The focus on people in an automated world provides such an important perspective we offer an overview in two parts. Today we focus on the bridge between people and automation. 

Automation

At its most basic definition, automation can be described as “controlled operation of an apparatus, process, or system by mechanical or electronic devices that take the place of human labour.” In a CNC machine shop, automation has been long at work in areas like designing parts on CAD systems, using codes to dictate the tool path, and even loading heavy stock into place for cutting. These applications have always included people interfacing with equipment with safer and more accurate results. But by the very definition and the advancements available in Industry 4.0, staff may feel threatened with job loss.

Current automation is changing those basic inputs and efforts must be made to train staff to grow with the business. Software solutions can help with the learning curve. And understanding the changing staffing needs of an automated business is a critical management input to drive training and move employees into the new positions as they are created. Allowing staff to become more creative and invested in the process while eliminating dangerous or difficult work should be the goal of automation.

Artificial Intelligence

Don’t confuse AI with automation. They are two separate functions that, when combined with people skills, can work together to create intelligent automation. Working with AI creates data that must be interpreted by people. This might mean improvement in a tool path with a camera sensor. Or maintenance scheduling generated from tool wear and breakage reports. But people are an integral part of assessing and manipulating the data collected to make effective changes in production.

This is one area where machinists can seamlessly retrain to apply their skills to new digital applications. The mindset of a machinist is still needed to effectively integrate changes into production for tangible outcomes.

The Human Factor

When adding automation to any operation the opportunity is created to build stronger relationships with both clients and staff. Focus on the core mission of your organization to determine what automation solutions will advance that. Be sure to involve staff in the planning and implementation of changes. The new layout of the shop floor, for example, is understood best by those who work there.  Staff that isn’t invested will eventually leave. And that costs companies millions of dollars a year in hiring and training replacements.

Also ask clients what they need. Their input may add a new revenue stream or refine an operation. Will automation serve them better with greater accuracy? Are faster delivery times critical to their work that automation will support? Serving existing clients and growing that business is easier than finding new work. Consider that fact if your ideas of implementing automation are to serve a new client base. That can be a steep growth path. The addition of automated systems can not be incorporated in the name of progress. Focus on people in an automated world must be the primary driving factor to move ahead.