- The target year set by governments around the world who pledged to meet a net zero goal to reduce the negative impact of climate change on the environment.
An ambitious target?
Yes.
An achievable target?
We’re still seeing implementation progress.
With numerous initiatives and incentives rolling out from the government to encourage, promote, and enforce clearer sustainability in businesses, companies across the globe are committed to strategies and actions that support making net zero and sustainability part of their overarching goals and processes going forward.
However, we know that this means making substantial changes and investments.
Investment in technology, production, supply chains, and in most cases investment in automation.
But how can automation contribute and fit into supporting sustainability goals and is it actually achievable with the current supply chain challenges many manufacturers in the UK are facing?
Supporting net zero goals
As MDs, operational directors, and business owners, we have a responsibility and duty to lead the way in sustainability and strategy.
Intrinsically linking strategy and sustainability to achieve success two key areas of focus surround reducing waste and lowering the carbon footprint of operations.
And the technology that supports these areas…. automation.
Through smarter manufacturing processes, including IoT, machine learning, and cyber-physical systems, waste reduction, and more streamlined operations are achievable.
More specifically, with the introduction of smart sensors and computer vision technology, you can now automate the monitoring of your machines to identify adjustments to ensure greater efficiency in use, i.e., machinery can be switched off automatically when not in use.
In addition, automating repetitive tasks not only frees up resources but it can also reduce intensive operations, decarbonising specific processes, resulting in a reduction in carbon emissions and supporting workplaces with current labour shortage challenges.
Working with an innovative automation partner like Innomech allows you to find an automation solution that provides you with an alternative, more efficient way of carrying out repetitive tasks.
AI analytics can prove to be invaluable to monitor production levels and reduce waste. Using data analysis strategically, you can continue to meet demand while reducing energy consumption, as you have more accurate supply and demand forecasts.
Supporting you in collecting large amounts of data and required information across multiple platforms in real-time, you now have greater visibility to streamline processes, map workflows, and improve the customer experience.
Other areas of automation that can support sustainability and net zero goals include solar panels (reducing energy waste and consumption), automated light exposure, camera-based inspection systems (machine vision systems) to identify any problems or defects before they cause costly issues, automated product handling systems to move and store products (enhancing efficiency and improving identification and sorting), advanced analytics to optimise machine maintenance and efficiency, and robotics to carry out repetitive tasks improving safety and reducing manual labour needs.
However, for automation to be successful, to increase operational efficiency, eliminate human error, improve safety, and reduce waste, it’s vital that you engage with your entire workforce to ensure buy-in at all levels.
Make UK
Supporting the UK manufacturing sector, Make UK reports that for all UK manufacturers are increasing their adoption of automation to support the governments net zero target there are still barriers to overcome.
Barriers such as a lack of technical skills, integration, data challenges, and lack of buy in from across the entire organisation.
As a result, Make UK are calling for further support in AI adoption.
Investment in net zero
Worldwide, businesses are investing in automation to support them in achieving the ambitious 2050 net zero target and to improve their business agility, competitiveness, and resilience to overcome ongoing and future supply chain challenges.
By improving efficiency, productivity, and quality standards, as well as meeting compliance and legal requirements, automation provides businesses with a clear strategy for success.
However, we know that automation requires investment, accountability, and capability.
As the leading bespoke automation specialists, we work with the manufacturing industry to design, develop, and produce innovative special-purpose automation solutions that support your strategy and your teams.
Working with senior operation partners to achieve company engagement and sustainability targets, book a strategy call with us today and see how we can help you.
