Automation has long been an area of interest for many organizations.
According to the International Federation of Robotics, the number of industrial robots worldwide is growing by around 14% annually.
The need for technology to complement high-skilled labour and replace mundane manual work has been on the rise in every industry.
It is reported that 57% of employers want to use automation to improve human performance and productivity.
For manufacturers in the aerospace industry, involving complex and state-of-the-art systems, automation can help reduce backlogs, speed up production, and ensure the quality of production.
However, the aerospace industry has traditionally strayed away from focusing on automation because of the scale and size of an aircraft, the need for unique materials, and the complexity that exists in the production and assembly process.
That’s not to say that aerospace manufacturers can’t benefit from automation:
- Efficiency and Productivity – Processes can run 24/7 even when there are no workers on the manufacturing floor.
- Better Workplace Safety – Workers no longer need to do hazardous or dangerous tasks such as operating equipment, lifting heavy objects, or performing repetitive motions.
- Improved Quality Control – Automation reduces chances of human error and allows for earlier identification of potential issues.
Here are some examples of aerospace automation that are common:
- Assembly lines;
- Material handling across the warehouse;
- Drilling and more.
Boeing Co. is an example of an aerospace manufacturer that used automation by installing a panel assembly to drill holes and install rivets into wings. This helped reduce their scraps by 66% and cut the number of workplace injuries in half.
By implementing automation, and with the help of digitalization and Industry 4.0, manufacturers in the aerospace industry can improve internal processes, optimize real-time data collection, and remain competitive.
At SHEA Global, we have the solutions that can help aerospace organizations looking to automate all or parts of their manufacturing process.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a suite of solutions that can help you.
Dynamics 365 includes integrated ERPs that help streamline business processes, generate accurate pricing, and calculate total manufacturing costs.
It allows for agile manufacturing, better processing of production orders, and accurate planning of supply, demand, and capacity.
To learn more about the line of Dynamics 365 products and how we can help you, contact us today for a consultation!