Modern technology has taken over the control of business operations through the use of automated control systems replacing human assistance. Automation is the creation of technological apparatus applied to control the production and processing of goods and services without the human effort. Examples of automated systems are hydraulic machines, computers, and other electronic devices. Computerized systems have a wide variety of advantages which include increased productivity, performing activities that human endurance cannot match, carrying out tasks that could be dangerous when done by humans such as volcanoes, efficiency in resources management, high output, reduced labor and improved safety in the workplace. The main aims of business are increasing productivity and adjusting the production which the automated systems practically help the industry to achieve within the shortest period possible. Efficiency in the operations of the automated systems provides consistency in production through process control and therefore resulting in high product quality.
General Process Analysis
An automated process requires the use of software that is programmed to do some defined tasks in the same way human effort can do. In a case where there is the use of robotic automation process, the software used on the robot is directed to handle tasks through multiple steps which help in reducing the repetitiveness in simple tasks (Bellman, 2015). The best results are attained by identifying the main issue at hand to know the way forward to handle the problem. The first step in robot operated tasks involves identifying the repetitive tasks in the business. In our case, the repetitive task is loading and unloading the work unit. In this first step, analyze the potentials in using automated processes and whether the workflow will be smooth. It is also imperative to create a workflow that will simplify the automated repetitive tasks. The second step in automating the robot workflow in loading and unloading is defining the aim of the work at the end of the exercise. In the case where loading and unloading may take a long time, it is important to consider reducing the cycle time for the process to improve the optimization of resources. In this second step, consider the output of using the robot in the whole process and the software needed to direct the robot to handle a defined task.
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The next step involves choosing the right automation software to direct the robot to carry out the work. The automation software selected should not be complicated since it may lead to confusion and thus the robot would otherwise work in a different way other than the intended direction (Bennett, 1993). In the case provided which involve a repetitive work, the software selected is programmed to direct the robot to carry out recurrent loading and unloading work, in different sets of time. Therefore, the workflow can be automated by inducing programmed software in the robot to perform repetitive loading and unloading work. The next step involves training the relevant parties involved in handling the robot controlled processes. This act could be giving general knowledge on how to handle the programmed software in directing the robots to carry out a particular task. The last step in the automated cycle is to measure the outcomes and identify the effectiveness of the software. This final step helps in determining the improvements needed to be applied to the functioning of the robot controlled programs.
Reasons for Decision Making in a programmed work-cycle
A programmed work requires critical decision making to counter the unexpected occurrences which may accompany the use of specific software in the work cycle. Some work cycles are applied to alter the functionality of the firm in a designated task, and therefore decision-making process commences when the firm identifies the main problem inherent in the automated system. Decision making in the programmed work cycle helps in different ways to ensure that there are no barriers encountered in the work cycle. Most importantly, decision making helps in error detection and recovery as well as to identify the limiting factors that may lead to faulty in the working system (Jacobson 1959). Decision making defines the issue at hand and the possible ways of handling the problems. Besides, decision making is useful in developing the alternatives, analyzing them and getting along with the best options suitable for the work. Decision making allows an institution to implement the other options provided to create control over the systems of operation.
Difference between a Closed-Loop Control System and an Open-Loop Control System .
There are two fundamental control loop systems namely open-loop and closed-loop control systems. The open-loop control system works on the input regardless of the feedback in obtaining the output. Open-Loop control is used to operate under the set conditions without being affected by the external forces. For instance, switching on and off the home appliances such as electrical heaters is not affected by the room temperature of the environment. On the other hand, a closed-loop control system relies on the output of the process. The closed-loop control system works based on the room temperature and is usually set to regulate the temperature of a given area.
Safety monitoring in an automated system.
Safety monitoring is a system of identifying errors and how to fix them accordingly in the automated system. The safety measures are applied to systems which have hazardous effect as a result of malfunctioning of the specific elements in the computerized system. In an ideal condition, the automatic sensors respond to defectives identified in an order thus giving alert for rectifications.
Five Levels of Automation in a Production Plant .
There are five basic levels of production that the automated systems are applied in the production process. The first level is known as “device level” which includes the sensors and other hardware appliances that build up the machines. In this device level, all the hardware components are assembled to create the control loops required. The second level is the “machine level” which involves working on individual machines at the production level. The machines in this level are assembled in a way that there is a convenient way of linking the respective machines to perform a described task. The third level is the “cell level” which is otherwise known as system level. It is the functional level in the production and involves the connection of several machines in the production plant where the production lines are applied to perform given data analysis. “Plant level” is the fourth level which deals with receiving instructions on how to perform a given task in the firm. The last level is “enterprise level” which is responsible for all the functions that help the firm to carry out its operations effectively.
Disadvantages of Automated Process
The automation process comes along with some drawbacks which significantly affect the operations of the firm. First, there are high costs for implementing the method. The automated systems require a high investment which considerably may inconvenience the firm in terms of financial abilities according to Bellman (2015). The other disadvantage is that the business loses flexibility and advancement to the next levels of technology. The automated processes are associated with some form of rigidity and restriction to a specific operation that impedes the firm’s ability to perform multiple functions as required as cited in Jacobson (1959). The other greatest disadvantage associated with automated processes is the loss of jobs. The automated processes replace the human efforts which significantly render many people jobless. As the automated methods involve the use of technology, some problems may accrue due to the need to advancements required to keep the processes updated to the current working conditions.
Error Detection and Recovery in an Automated System
Error detection and recovery in an automated process refer to the process of identifying faults in the operations of the computerized system. In cases of robot-controlled methods, the sensors send signals to alert the defects detected for recovery. The automated process then determines the error and automatically replaces it accordingly. In the process of action, the automated machines are vulnerable to developing mistakes that hinder perfect procession of work as expected.
Strategies in Error Recovery
There are stipulated error recovery strategies that can be applied to cover the errors detected and include the following. The first error recovery strategy is to make adjustments at the end of every complete cycle to ensure all malfunctions are corrected effectively. The second error recovery strategy requires changes to be applied during the current work cycle to improve the functioning of the automated machines in achieving the desired work. The other error recovery strategy is to stop the action from making corrections on an identified issue.
Conclusion
The automated systems play a crucial role in controlling the functions of an organization in the most efficient way. As evident from the above analysis, computerized processes such as the use of robot-controlled operations yield to high output production. The above study also presents a claim that the automated systems require critical evaluation of the work to be carried out and the defects that may be inherent in the process. However, new technologies lead to decreased human involvement in the organizational processes and therefore disadvantage human efforts. The systems installed to perform tasks automatically may be faulty and thus require high maintenance costs contrary to the expectations of the organization. The automated systems are therefore installed with error detection devices which identify and repair the faults automatically. For any organization that needs to carry out its operations efficiently, there is a need to plan the software to use in automated appliances to avoid inconveniences.
References
Bellman, Richard E. (2015). Adaptive Control Processes: A Guided Tour . Princeton University Press.
Bennett, S. (1993). A History of Control Engineering 1930-1955. London: Peter Peregrines Ltd. On Behalf of the Institution of Electrical Engineers.
Jacobson, Howard B., Joseph S. (1959). “Automation and society.” New York, NY: Philosophical Library.
