Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1517668
MARCH 2024 I PCB007 MAGAZINE 97 Choose an experienced partner To ensure the journey is rewarding, it's im- portant to have an automation partner experi- enced in analyzing and examining your current processes to help you choose the best robotic and cell layout solutions. Working with a com- pany that has actually implemented full-scale automation and smart factory status into simi- lar companies is key in designing the solution that you desire. Clearly define your short-term and long-term visions Are you considering automation for certain purposes, such as lower operating costs, im- proved work safety, reduced factory lead times, increased production output, improved quali- ty, or achieving a smart factory environment? Understanding your short- and long-term goals will determine the level of hardware and so- ware tools that will be required to meet your goals and achieve a desired outcome. Align Your Goals With Your Budget to Execute an Automation Solution It takes a certain level of commitment as it relates to the investment of time and capital to implement a smart factory solution. How fast you begin to recognize your ROI will be based on a sound understanding of how to plan, cre- ate, and define the implementation. Evaluate the structure of your IT landscape Connectivity, tracking, controlling, and ana- lyzing are major parts of implementing a smart factory concept. Having an IT structure that can support the data journey is also important in achieving smart factory data management, factory intelligence, and material process con- trol. Implementation of tools on the shop floor, such as factory dashboards, advanced plan- ning, and scheduling, are outcomes of your data journey. Position yourself for the journey of benefitting from big data Gathering data is a benefit of adding automa- tion and connecting it to other equipment in the manufacturing process. Seamlessly shar- ing the collected data with enterprise so- ware (ERP, MRP, PLM, MES, MOM) is where meaningful data will be gained to better con- trol your processes and improve productivity. Having the personnel and soware resources is important in recognizing the benefit of big data. 1 2 4 5 3 Find us online at: technica.com Since 1985, Technica, U.S.A. has been providing the electronics marketplace with innovative prod- ucts manufactured by the world's leading suppliers that provide our customers with technological advantages for producing complex electronic products.