Elements of Factory automation- A buyer’s perspective.

Mechanization: This process necessarily reduces the required manpower and required necessary skills to perform a particular task. However a specialized training is required for a person to operate the subject automatic equipment.

For example: Earth excavator, Sewing machine, concrete mixer, Computer, Typewriter, Food processor, photo copying, machine tools etc.

Difference between mechanization and Automation-

Mechanization can be defined as using some form of machine comprising various mechanical elements arranged in a designed manner to perform certain function to produce desired effect.

In mechanization the input energy is converted to perform some work which is generally difficult for human being to do.

Mechanization facilitates human being to be freed from manual labor work up to some extent but not totally. Mechanization can be driven by human, animals, engines, motors etc.

For example, sewing machine, grinders/mixers for food processing, agricultural equipments and machines, paper shredders, waste management machines etc.

Mechanization and Automation are not synonyms. Automation postulates many additional things than mechanization.

Though mechanization helps achieving speeds and reducing manual activity, it is still controlled by human being. Whereas automation is generally a self regulating and self controlled system.

Example – A jib crane used by an operator to lift a heavy job for loading on to the machine. Here the jib crane is used for mechanization of the process of lifting the job but still requires an operator to do so many operations such as operating switches of crane, ensure the safety, ensure the right placement etc.

On the other hand in Automation, a robot can do the same job without any intervention by an op...

... middle of paper ...

...ment.

• Overall process becomes more efficient.

• Automation is generally environmentally friendly since the wastages are well controlled.

About some years ago the average workweek was approximately 70 hours. This has gradually been reduced to a 40 hours in developed countries. This could become the reality due to mechanization and automation.

Besides affecting individual workers, automation has an impact on society in general. Productivity is a fundamental economic issue that is influenced by automation. The productivity of a process is traditionally defined as the ratio of output units to the units of labour input. A properly justified automation project will increase productivity owing to increases in production rate and reductions in labour content. Over the years, productivity gains have led to reduced prices for products and increased prosperity for society.