Different Types of Industrial Automation Systems | One Pull Wire (2024)

23 September 2020 News

Different Types of Industrial Automation Systems | One Pull Wire (1)

Industrial automation refers to computerized systems within manufacturing that handle different processes and machineries in place of human involvement. Most of the processes handled by such systems would be perceived as being repetitive, mechanical, or in other cases, both.

With modernization and technology, industries have started adopting automated systems to increase efficiency and productivity at work. The vast adoption of these systems has seen the industrial automation market growing globally reaching 127.04 billion dollars in 2018 and expected to grow to a staggering 296.70 billion dollars in 2026, according to Fortune Business Insights.

While these statistics show an increasing adoption of automation systems, they do not break down the numbers to the widely varying automation systems that exist. How then would you know what automation system is the right one for your business?
The right automation system for your business is determined by the labor conditions, competitive pressure, manufacturing and assembly specifications, work requirements and the cost of labor. Below we highlight the different types of automation systems, and the industries they are typically found in.

By looking at the types of systems mentioned below and considering the factors mentioned above, you should be better suited to pick the right automation system for your business.

Types of Automation systems

1. Fixed Automation

Also referred to as hard automation, fixed automation systems carry out a single set of tasks without deviation. Because of its function, this type of system would typically be used for discrete mass production and continuous flow systems. An example of a fixed automation equipment would be an automated conveyer belt system designed to increase efficiency by moving objects from point A to B without minimal efforts. Just like all other fixed automation system equipment, automated conveyer belts perform fixed and repetitive operations to achieve high production volumes.

Manufacturing processes compatible with this system would be:

  • Repetitive manufacturing which allows for variations within the manufacturing process although limited (e.g. in food packaging or the textile industry)

Adopting a fixed automation system such as automated conveyer belts and including value-added solutions meant to cut both time and labor costs in their installation, eases off competitive pressure for your business, increases your profit margin, and keeps you one step ahead of the competition. An example of a value-added solution would be using bundled wire for automated conveyer systems. This not only cuts down installation time, but also lowers labor costs and keeps employees safe from injuries associated with pulling wire during installation.

2. Programmable Automation

As the names suggests, programmable automation runs through commands delivered by a computer program. This means that the resulting processes can vary widely with changing instructions given to the computer through a series of code. However, as the programming efforts are non-trivial, the processes hence the tasks do not change much. This type of automation is common in mass production settings which produce similar types of products that utilize many of the same steps and tools like in paper mills or steel rolling mills.
Manufacturing processes compatible with this system would be:

  • Repetitive manufacturing whereby the same products are being produced over a long period of time and in large batches. These types of equipment can keep carrying with very little human supervision. They are typically used in automobile and machinery manufacturing.

The initial set up of programmable automation equipment may require a high cost but because the processes are continuous and relatively unchanging, they tend to be less expensive in the long run.

3. Flexible Automation

Also referred to as soft automation, this type of automation is utilized in computer-controlled flexible manufacturing systems and allows for a more flexible production. Every equipment receives instructions from a human-operated computer which means that the tasks can vary widely with changing code delivered to the computer. This type of automation would typically be used in batch processes and job shops with high product varieties and low-to-medium job volume, such as in textile manufacturing.

Manufacturing processes compatible with this system would be:

  • Discrete manufacturing which allows for variations within the manufacturing process although limited e.g. in food packaging or the textile industry.
  • Job shop manufacturing which occurs within set production areas and is more labor intensive compared to other forms of manufacturing. An example would be making custom machinery.
  • Batch process manufacturing whereby raw materials move through the production line in batches such that there is a pause between each step as a batch moves through (e.g. in the pharmaceutical industry and in paint manufacturing).
  • Continuous process manufacturing which offers consistent processing as the manufacturing process from beginning to end does not change. This type of manufacturing is commonly used in food and beverage manufacturing as well as oil and gas manufacturing.

4. Integrated Automation

Integrated automation involves the total automation of manufacturing plants as it is entirely handled by computers and control processes with minimal human involvement. Computers can design the necessary parts, test the designs, and fabricate the parts. Integrated automation, like flexible automation, is compatible with both batch process manufacturing and continuous process manufacturing.

Technologies that use this type of automation include:

  • Computer-aided process planning
  • Computer-supported design and manufacturing
  • Computer numerical control machine tools
  • Computerized production and scheduling control
  • Automatic storage and retrieval systems
  • Flexible machine systems
  • Automated material handling systems, e.g. robots
  • Automated conveyor belts and cranes

Learn more about 5 U.S companies that are leading the charge in the manufacturing of automated conveyor belt systems

Different Types of Industrial Automation Systems | One Pull Wire (2024)

FAQs

What are the 4 types of automation in industry? ›

There are four types of automation systems: fixed automation, programmable automation, flexible automation and integrated automation.

What are the types of automation used in industrial automation? ›

Three types of automation in production can be distinguished: (1) fixed automation, (2) programmable automation, and (3) flexible automation.

What are the 3 major systems used in industrial automation? ›

Types of Industrial Automation Systems
  • Fixed Automation. Fixed automation systems are utilized in high volume production settings that have dedicated equipment. ...
  • Programmable Automation. ...
  • Flexible Automation.

What are the 3 types of automation? ›

Automation Types. Three areas of expertise in automation production that have grown out of manufacturing automation are fixed, programmable and flexible automation. These automation types are engineered to meet specific production requirements of industry sectors.

What is control 4 automation? ›

Control4 is a leading automation system for homes and businesses, offering a personalized and unified smart home system to automate and control connected devices including lighting, audio, video, climate control, intercom, and security.

What is industrial automation system? ›

Industrial automation is the control of machinery and processes used in various industries by autonomous systems through the use of technologies like robotics and computer software.

What is an example of automation system? ›

Examples of automation range from a household thermostat to a large industrial control system, self-driven vehicles, and warehousing robots. When automation is used in industries or manufacturing, it is called industrial automation.

What are the most common industrial control systems? ›

Types of Industrial Control Systems
  • Human Machine Interface (HMI)
  • Intelligent Electronic Devices (IED)
  • Programmable Automation Systems (PAS)
  • Programmable Automation Controllers (PAC)
  • Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
  • Remote Terminal Units (RTU)
  • Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)

What are the 3 components of intelligent automation? ›

The 3 Components of Intelligent Automation
  • Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. The most important component of intelligent automation is artificial intelligence or AI. ...
  • Business Process Management (BPM) ...
  • Robotic Process Automation (RPA) ...
  • Exception Handling. ...
  • Making Decisions. ...
  • Training Automated Tasks (AI & ML)

What are the 3 benefits of automation? ›

What Are the Benefits of Automation? The benefits of automation include improved accuracy, reliability, and productivity, as well as improved employee morale.

What are the three 3 basic components of a building automation and control system? ›

What are the components of BAS?
  • Sensors: These devices track temperature, humidity, the number of people in a room, the lighting level, and other values. ...
  • Controllers: Act as the ? ...
  • Output devices: Once the controller sends out a command, actuators and relays go into action to follow the requirements.
Aug 23, 2018

What are the 6 basic elements of automation? ›

6 Elements to Integrated Building Automation
  • Customizable control systems.
  • Integration possibilities.
  • Safety.
  • Remote access features.
  • HMI possibilities.
  • Data Tracking.
Aug 25, 2016

What are the automated systems? ›

Automated system operations are a combination of both software and hardware that is designed and programmed to work automatically without the need for a human operator to provide inputs and instructions for each operation.

What are the 10 strategies for automation? ›

The 10 points are given below:
  • Specialization of operations.
  • Combined operations.
  • Simultaneous operations.
  • Integration of operations.
  • Increased flexibility.
  • Improved material handling and storage.
  • Online inspection.
  • Process control and optimization.
Jan 30, 2013

What is automation system in PLC? ›

PLCs are used in industrial automation to increase reliability, system stability and performance, minimizing the need for human operators and the chances of human error.

What are the 4 types of system control? ›

The four types of control systems are belief systems, boundary systems, diagnostic systems, and interactive system.

What is control system in PLC? ›

A Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is an industrial computer control system that continuously monitors the state of input devices, then makes decisions based upon a custom program in order to control the state of output devices.

What is the rule of 5 for automation? ›

If you're looking for an end-to-end automation solution, a custom solution can be built to your specific requirements. Forrester analyst Craig Le Clair recommends that traditional RPA be governed by the rule of fives: “No more than five decisions, no more than five apps, and no more than 500 clicks.”

What are the 9 pillars of automation? ›

9 Pillars Of Technological Advancements
  • Big Data And Analytics. ...
  • Autonomous Robots. ...
  • Simulation/ Digital Twin. ...
  • Industrial Internet Of Things (IIoT) ...
  • Augmented Reality. ...
  • Additive Manufacturing. ...
  • Cybersecurity. ...
  • Cloud Computing.

What is Level 3 automation examples? ›

Level 3: Conditional automation

For example, a vehicle that is capable of managing itself on a freeway journey, excluding on- and off-ramps and city driving, might be considered Level 3 automated.

What are the six levels of industrial systems? ›

Here, manufacturing activities are divided into a hierarchy of six different levels: enterprise, factory or facility, line, cell or machine, tooling and setup, and process (e.g., physical interactions that process material to create a product, such as material removal at the tool-chip interface in machining) [14].

What are the basic level of automation? ›

Basic or task automation takes simple, repetitive tasks and automates them. This level of automation is about digitizing work by using automation to streamline and centralize routine tasks, such as using a shared messaging system instead of having information in disconnected silos.

Why is PLC used in automation? ›

Why is a PLC Used in Automation? PLC is an industrial computer that monitors inputs and outputs to make decisions based on the program stored in the PLC's memory. The use of PLCs helps to reduce human decision-making efforts to gain higher efficiency.

Why PLC is used in industry? ›

PLCs are the preferred method of controlling, measuring, and carrying out tasks in complex manufacturing and industrial applications because they play nicely with other systems. PLCs work well with PCs, PACs (programmable automation controllers), motion control devices, and HMIs.

What is standard industrial automation? ›

Industrial Automation Standards are what make industrial automation run. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published many standards detailing industrial automation systems and integration, testing, management, and interfaces.

What are 4 examples of automation? ›

Common examples include household thermostats controlling boilers, the earliest automatic telephone switchboards, electronic navigation systems, or the most advanced algorithms behind self-driving cars.

What is an example of basic automation? ›

Examples of automation include

A supermarket ordering stock using a computer model of trends and past history rather than a manager deciding what to order. Self-driving cars. Cars which use technology, cameras and artificial intelligence to drive.

What is an example of automation in a factory? ›

Examples of Fixed Automation

Chemical manufacturing processes. Material handling conveyor systems. Machining transfer lines. Paint & coating automation processes.

What is an example of industrial automation and control systems? ›

Examples include system or device configuration, modification of design intent, changes to alarms, software updates, etc.

What are examples of industrial control systems? ›

The following are ICS technologies: Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Programmable Automation Controllers (PACs), Human-Machine Interface (HMI), Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), ...

What are the 4 most important parts of the control system? ›

It is made up of three main components: a sensor, a controller, and an actuator. The sensor detects a physical quantity such as temperature, pressure, or position and converts it into an electrical signal. The controller processes this signal and generates an output signal that is used to control the actuator.

What are 3 examples of intelligent systems? ›

Character recognition. Human identification using various biometric modalities (e.g. face, fingerprint, iris, hand) Visual surveillance. Intelligent transportation.

What are 5 reasons for automation? ›

Advantages commonly attributed to automation include higher production rates and increased productivity, more efficient use of materials, better product quality, improved safety, shorter workweeks for labour, and reduced factory lead times.

What is the simplest form of automation? ›

The simplest form of automation is Robotic Process Automation (RPA).

What are four 4 benefits of office automation? ›

In your back office, Human Resources, purchasing, accounting, and compliance teams can harness automation to secure top talent, reduce onboarding steps, digitize invoicing, and reduce regulatory risk.

What are the 3 basic components of a system? ›

Every System has an IPO: Input, Process, Output. When you look at any system, in its simplest form, it has 3 components. It's what I'll call IPO: Input, Process, Output.

What 5 systems can be incorporated in the building automation system? ›

mechanical, security, fire and flood safety, lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

What is Industry 4.0 automation? ›

Industry 4.0—also called the Fourth Industrial Revolution or 4IR—is the next phase in the digitization of the manufacturing sector, driven by disruptive trends including the rise of data and connectivity, analytics, human-machine interaction, and improvements in robotics. Robot arm.

What are the types of process automation? ›

The Different Types of Process Automation
  • Front-End Automation. UI automation.
  • Back-End Automation. API automation.
  • Native Actions. Specialized actions that target specific business applications.
  • Intelligent Automation. Machine learning & artificial intelligence for when more critical thinking is needed.

What is automation in the 4th industrial revolution? ›

Today, the Fourth Industrial Revolution is characterized by consolidating current automated machines with improved technology and intelligent computer systems. Creating artificial neural networks that are fed vast amounts of data has enabled these computer systems to conquer complex tasks.

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