Automation: key to industry performance
Industrial automation is based on the integration of advanced technologies into the production chain, reducing human intervention in repetitive, low value-added tasks.
At Technord, our aim is not to replace human skills, but rather to free them for more strategic roles. Our solutions enable progressive automation, with the overall aim of optimizing the entire production cycle.
Find out more about the challenges of automation for industry, and how Technord can help you boost performance throughprocess automation.
6 fundamental principles of automation
Automation is at the heart of the modern industrial revolution. To better understand how it is transforming production processes, it is essential to look at its foundations.
Real-time analysis and adjustment of manufacturing processes, for improved responsiveness and performance.
Autonomous decision-making, without human intervention, for smooth, optimized production.
Perfect communication between systems, machines and software via IoT and the cloud, ensuring efficient coordination .
Maximum flexibility, with the option of adding, modifying or removing modules according to production needs.
Services delivered via the cloud, quickly accessible by machines and humans, for more agile management.
Digital simulations of industrial processes using connected sensors, enabling remote monitoring and control.
For Technord, industrial automation goes far beyond the simple optimization of repetitive tasks. It is part of a strategic vision in whichtechnological innovation serves as a catalyst for increasing the performance, flexibility and competitiveness of industrial companies.
Key technologies & systems in automation for industry
PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers)
A programmable logic controller, or PLC, is an electronic device essential to the automation of industrial processes. It is used to control automated machines and industrial robots.
The operation of a PLC is based on a well-defined data processing cycle. It receives information via its inputs, which is then analyzed and processed according to a specific program. The results of this processing are the PLC outputs. This cycle is continuous, regardless of the program being executed, although the length of a cycle may vary according to the complexity of the program and the power of the PLC. At the heart of the PLC is the CPU, which plays a fundamental role in managing operations. It receives, stores and processes incoming data, while determining the status of outgoing data according to the program set.
Thanks to their versatility, robustness and ease of programming, PLCs are essential tools for automating repetitive tasks, improving the efficiency and reliability of industrial processes.
SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition)
SCADA is a tool for process control. These systems play a crucial role in monitoring and controlling industrial processes. Equipped with a central computer or master station, they are connected to sensors and actuators via a wired or wireless network.
This enables real-time supervision of the entire production chain, boosting the safety and efficiency of operations. By centralizing data, SCADA systems facilitate informed, proactive decision-making.
DCS (Distributed Control System)
Distributed control systems(DCS) offer a decentralized approach to complex industrial processes. By grouping control functions into subsystems, they improve communication between operators in the control room. This decentralized structure also confers a high degree of fault tolerance, ensuring that even if one element fails, the rest of the system continues to operate without interruption ( redundancy principle).
Whether you’re looking to automate, supervise or decentralize your processes, these systems give you total control over your operations.
Would you like to find out more about how to optimize your production with these solutions?
Discover Technord’s expertise and let us help you with all your automation projects!
Automation applications in various industrial sectors
Industrial automation is a key pillar of the digital transformation of industries(industry-4.0), and at Technord we make it a strategic lever for optimizing our customers’ productivity, quality and competitiveness.
Our automation solutions cover a wide range of industrial applications, adapted to diverse sectors such as manufacturing, automotive, food & beverage, and many more. Here are just a few possible applications.
Warehouse automation :
Integration of automated storage and retrieval systems, conveyor belts and robots to optimize the management and movement of products within the warehouse.
Material handling and packaging :
Implementation of automated systems capable of managing the handling and packaging of materials or products from A to Z.
Inspection and quality control :
Automation plays a crucial role in inspection and quality control. Automated systems can be deployed to reduce human error, improve inspection accuracy (100% automated inspection process), and enhance the efficiency and quality of finished products.
Automation in industry:
What’s in it for me ?
Automation in industry is much more than just a technological trend, it has become an essential performance driver.
The advantages are numerous, and enable companies to stand out in an increasingly competitive environment. Let’s take a look at the main benefits automation can bring to your industrial production!
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Lower operating costs
Although the initial investment in automation may be high, it can pay for itself very quickly. The savings are manifold, and include lower energy, labor and raw material costs.
In addition, automated systems also play a crucial role in optimizing resources and limiting waste, thus offering better long-term cost management.
Productivity improvement
Automation has a positive influence on two key aspects of industrial productivity:
Reducing periods of inactivity
Thanks to automation, downtime due to weekends, public holidays or other periods of reduced activity is minimized, increasing plant efficiency.
Optimizing human resources
By delegating repetitive tasks to machines, your employees can concentrate on higher value-added tasks. This boosts their commitment and contributes to greater job satisfaction, translating into higher overall productivity.
Greater flexibility
The introduction of new products or tasks within a company often requires operator training. With automation, this need is eliminated: a simple reprogramming of machines is all that’s needed to adapt production processes to new requirements, guaranteeing seamless operational flexibility.
Operational reliability
Human error, inevitable in a manual production environment, is reduced with automation. Machines, free from fatigue or de-motivation, ensure consistent precision, improving the reliability and quality of industrial operations .
Enhanced safety
Some hazardous tasks expose employees to considerable risk. Automation, in particular through robotization and motioncontrol, makes it possible to delegate these activities to automated systems, thereby improving the safety of on-site workers, protecting them from accidents linked to the handling of heavy or complex loads.
The future of industrial automation ?
Industrial automation is booming, with many prospects for further development. Technological advances such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and robotic process automation(RPA) are redefining the boundaries of the sector.
As these innovations develop, the role of the human being will also evolve: humans will be less present on production lines and more involved in high value-added tasks requiring cognitive and analytical skills.
The future of automation looks bright, with greater synergy between human and machine to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency.
Technord, your trusted automation partner
At Technord, we’ve been helping companies modernize andoptimize their industrial processes for many years.
Our recognized expertise in automation has won over industries in France, Belgium and far beyond.
With an approach focused oninnovation and performance, we are committed to supporting our customers, whether they operate locally or internationally, in their automation projects. Would you like to find out more about our solutions or discuss your specific requirements? Our teams are ready to support you in your technological and industrial challenges.