More than ever, efficiency and productivity are critical for customer satisfaction. For that reason, manufacturing automation is becoming an essential tool for businesses looking to stay competitive. With many manufacturers in Southern California facing workforce shortages, it’s more critical than ever to optimize, optimize, optimize!
By integrating robotic and CNC automation solutions, companies can maximize the use of their equipment by keeping production running even during nights and weekends when their human operators aren’t present. One company leading the charge in manufacturing automation is SoCal NTMA industry partner Trinity Automation. This business’ cutting-edge technology helps precision machining companies unlock the full potential of their machines, driving efficiency and increasing output.
Our team chatted with Nick Tonti from Trinity Automation about what manufacturers should consider before investing in automation solutions. Here are the highlights:
How to Set Yourself Up for Succession with Automation
Before diving headfirst into implementing automation, businesses should ensure they have solid and secure processes in place. According to Nick Tonti from Trinity Automation, automation adeptly identifies inefficiencies. This means if a company automates a flawed process, the problems will only become more pronounced. Consider the following before automating your shop floor:
- Dial in your processes: Ensure that everything from tooling to coolant systems to production workflows are optimized.
- Establish a robust tool life cycle: Running machines nonstop and lights out requires tools that can handle high-volume production.
- Identify the right automation solution: It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. Short cycle-time parts may require different types of solutions compared to long-run, highly complex components.
Find the Right Opportunities for Automation
Not every process in a shop needs to be (or should be) automated. Companies should start by looking at the more repeatable tasks that don’t necessarily require a human operator, as well as bottlenecks that slow down production. Common examples include:
- Material loading and unloading
- Packaging and labeling
- Quality control
- General production
By identifying these key areas, businesses can make meaningful improvements without any unnecessary complexity.
A Quick Disclaimer: Debunking Automation’s Impact on Human Operators
One of the biggest misconceptions about manufacturing automation is that it will replace workers. In reality, humans’ critical thinking skills will always be invaluable in our industry. Rather than replacing a human workforce, automation is best suited to easily repeatable tasks. This means instead of having workers standing at a machine all day, automation can enable operators to oversee multiple machines and focus on higher-value tasks like process optimization, data monitoring, and so on.
In short, automation isn’t taking work away from humans but actually removing many tedious and injury-prone tasks so manufacturing professionals can hone in on the more interesting and rewarding aspects of their jobs.
Leverage a Trusted Local Automation Partner
While manufacturing automation offers many benefits, it’s not a plug-and-play solution. According to Tonti, one of the biggest mistakes manufacturers make is assuming automation will work seamlessly without any adjustments. To avoid this pitfall, it’s crucial to partner with an experienced automation provider that can offer ongoing support.
Trinity Automation prioritizes customer service with a team that responds to support calls at all times. Additionally, they are local to our SoCal NTMA members, so any possible troubleshooting and maintenance can happen efficiently and seamlessly.
Have Any Questions? Reach Out to Your Manufacturing Network
As more California manufacturing companies invest in automation, the industry is set to become more competitive and fast-moving. By taking a strategic approach—starting with process optimization, selecting the right automation solutions, and partnering with experts—companies can successfully integrate manufacturing automation to drive long-term growth.
Connecting with the Southern California manufacturing community through SoCal NTMA can provide valuable insights for those looking to take the next step. Speaking with industry peers who have already integrated automation can help businesses avoid common mistakes and choose the right solutions for their needs.
Not a member yet? Contact us to learn more about joining SoCal NTMA!
