With confidence now returning to the UK’s manufacturing sector and robot sales once again on the increase, it’s clear that forward thinking companies are taking advantage of the benefits that automation brings in reducing manufacturing costs, improving productivity and ultimately increasing profitability, to build a solid foundation for continued growth in 2011.

The Automation Advisory Service (AAS), launched at the beginning of this year to provide impartial and expert advice on the use and implementation of automation, has seen a significant demand for its services from companies operating across a diverse range of manufacturing sectors, keen to understand the potential benefits that automation may hold for them. These include; food, medical devices, automotive, electrical products and building materials.

AAS director Mike Wilson comments: “It has become clear to many manufacturing operations that automation will play a significant part in achieving their goals of greater productivity and lower costs. Although many companies may have considered automation previously, some have been reluctant to invest due to a lack of in-house expertise or confidence that the projected benefits can be realised. AAS has been actively involved in a number of projects recently where we have been able to reinforce the customers own knowledge and expertise to ensure the most appropriate and cost effective solutions can be developed and implemented.”

He continues: “Actions identified for these companies range from a relatively simple re-organisation of existing production methods through to the implementation of robot systems and special purpose automation. In each case AAS has been able to determine the optimum solution to the customer’s specific needs and our impartiality means that the final concept can incorporate the best technology from a variety of suppliers – in other words a ‘no compromise’ solution.”

AAS initially offer an audit of the existing manufacturing operations focussed on identifying realistic opportunities to improve the productivity, consistency, quality and yield and also looking for potential reductions in waste and rework. The results of the audit are provided in a report which is reviewed with the client. This highlights actions to increase competitiveness and raise profitability.

To ensure the client is able to implement these recommendations ASS then provides full support, including concept and budget development, business case development, specification preparation and vendor selection. This support can be extended through project management until the system is fully implemented and operating to specification.

The enthusiastic uptake of the services provided by AAS has encouraged more companies to implement automation, ensuring they remain competitive and profitable in the face of strengthening competition.

Automation Advisory Service
www.automationadvisoryservice.com