Automated thinking

A newly announced scheme to provide government funding for the automation of industrial processes needs to be carefully managed, so that a nationwide strategy of continuous reinvestment develops. This is essential, if the UK is to rebuild its manufacturing sector to become a cornerstone of the economy. The Automating Manufacturing Programme* is to be run for the government by the British Automation and Robot Association (Bara). It offers funded, impartial advice to manufacturing companies on how best to automate their processes. This is a timely development, because of the drive to rebalance the economy with more manufacturing. However, it must, I?believe, be managed in such a way as to build a foundation of not only new installations, but also a widespread knowledge base about what automation can deliver, with a willingness to always consider it as an investment option. The primary objective of the programme is to help UK manufacturers increase their competitive edge and gain from the benefits that automation offers, including increased productivity, reduced waste and greater profitability. Although it looks to assist SMEs throughout all manufacturing sectors within the UK, larger companies with limited knowledge of, and expertise in, automation are also eligible. This government-funded programme is a rare opportunity for UK companies to take what is a risk-free plunge into the automation arena. It could fundamentally change, for the better, the way that they do business. The take-up of robots has accelerated markedly in the UK over the last few years, with annual growth rates typically above 50%. However, this is from a very low installed base: Germany and the other European manufacturing nations have about 10 times as many robots, while Japan probably has 100 times as many. Research suggests that British management wants to see a return on automation investments in two years, whereas in most other countries a five-year window is accepted. This may be one of the main stumbling blocks, so it needs to be studied carefully. British managers lead the world in the adoption of lean manufacturing techniques – we seem to be very good at doing more with less, but find capital investment rather harder. Too few managers in manufacturing have an engineering, technology or production background and so lack appreciation of what automation can achieve. Typically, they are commercially trained, so naturally are quite risk-averse. A separate issue is that there is a gaping skills gap in the technician, engineer and engineering manager levels, brought about by a long-term lack of science and technology education. The new scheme addresses all issues in one go. It should encourage managers to extend their horizons regarding return on investment, help develop a case for funding investments in advanced production technology, reduce the perception of risk and overcome the skills gap, because today's robots are so easily programmable and reprogrammable. However, the real measure of its success will be if it can drive a sea-change in attitudes towards automation investments. The simple truth is that automation pays dividends – often only a small investment is needed and competitor nations are currently more willing to make them. *See Machinery features 'UK automation initiative kicks off' and 'Expert automation advice' First published in Machinery, November 2011