Automation is reshaping the future of work. Businesses should be optimistic, and prepared.
In the middle of the last century, the rise of computers and information technology spurred huge economic advances around the world. At the time, many feared that the disruption brought about by computers and their related technologies would lead to a massive displacement of workers—which it did. But this wasn’t a bad thing. As we now know, whole industries and careers exist today that did not exist even a few decades ago, and many of these jobs are the kind of high-skilled labor that pays well and promises long-term stability.
However, many of these same anxieties are now raised about manufacturing automation. These concerns are not unfounded, as automation is certainly reshaping the economy. However, just like the technologies that preceded it, manufacturing automation will lead to a rise in productivity and employment, not the elimination of it.
To understand the state of automation and manufacturing, let’s look at some statistics about factory automation, and the lessons we can draw from them.
The skills gap continues to be a challenge facing workforces, with 40% of workers requiring reskilling of six months or less, and 94% of business leaders expecting employees to learn new skills on the job.
Aging populations mean that automation is necessary to prevent worker shortages.
Industrial automation is reaching a key phase of the technology adoption life cycle.
The adaption of new technologies follows a predictable bell curve. First, there are the innovators, who invent and experiment with new technologies. Once they have found a technology that seems to work, they introduce it to others. Those who take the innovators up on this new technology are the early adaptors. They are the first to recognize the potential of a new way of doing things, and are willing to handle some amount of risk to take advantage of it.
As an idea gains steam and becomes mainstream, the number of adopters goes over the hump of the bell curve. The predicted growth of the industrial automation market over the next five years indicates that the market is currently in this burgeoning area of growth. Companies who fail to automate now will find themselves lagging behind the competition, out of step and struggling to make up ground.
Even with the increased adaption of automation technology, there’s still room for more integrated systems, even in companies that have automated. Early adopters can fall behind if they don’t keep looking for places to integrate new technologies. This indicates that the growing market for industrial automation is likely to continue expanding for years to come.
The major draw for automation is to keep up with increasing production requirements.
While many outside the industry habitually view automation as a way for factories to cut workers, most businesses are adopting automation in order to keep up with a growing demand for more product. The critical need is not to cut workers—who are often needed in high-level tasks to keep the business running—but to expand production capacity in areas where there are widespread worker shortages.
Increasing automation in manufacturing plants has an additional benefit of lowering the cost of goods, which strengthens the purchasing power of consumers across the economy more broadly. This is leading to new opportunities outside manufacturing, enabled by more affordable goods.
Industry automation is creating new opportunities for better jobs — and an increased need for training.
As robots take over high-precision, repetitive tasks from human workers, those workers will need new training to fill shortages in other areas of skilled work. Some of this training can be learned on the job, but other training needs must be met by the society more broadly, including through technical and trade schools, apprenticeship programs like the one we run here at Convergix, and increased awareness for the kinds of jobs that exist for skilled workers in manufacturing.
Overall, these jobs will pay better, promise more benefits, and be more stable for workers than the manufacturing jobs currently being replaced by automation. The faster we can build a workforce capable of handling them, the better we will be.
Automation will make economies more resilient and will lead to better work environments for employees.
Overall, automation is good for workers and economies. Factory automation helped businesses respond more rapidly during the Covid-19 pandemic, as it allowed businesses to keep running even when workers had to stay home. And while automation does displace some workers from traditional manufacturing jobs, it also creates new jobs that are more desirable, and better suited to the tasks that people are capable of doing.
The key takeaway for businesses should be that people are not robots, so we should stop expecting workers to function that way. Instead, manufacturers should be proactive in finding ways in which automation can free human employees from repetitive tasks, and look for areas where they can put their skills to use, where their creativity and good judgment will be properly valued.
As with any disruptive technology, automation brings with it opportunities for growth, as well as a need for businesses and individuals to adopt. Understanding the realities surrounding the adoption of automation is necessary for businesses to prepare themselves strategically for the future.
If you are looking for automated solutions to your manufacturing challenges, contact Convergix today.
We’re excited to announce that CONVERGIX Automation will be exhibiting at Automate 2024 Chicago at the McCormick Place from May 6-9. Come visit our booth #3218 in the south building to meet some of our industry experts and to learn more about the CONVERGIX family.
Automate is a premier event in the world of automation, robotics, vision, motion control, and related technologies. It’s a massive gathering that brings together industry professionals, experts, and enthusiasts to explore the latest advancements, trends, and solutions in automation.
As a tradeshow, it has a rich history that spans several decades. The roots of Automate can be traced back to 1976 when the first Robots Show was established. This show focused on showcasing robotics technology and its applications in various industries. Over the years, the Robots Show evolved and expanded its scope to include other automation technologies like vision and motion control. This reflected the growing convergence of these technologies in modern automation systems.
In 2011, the Robots Show merged with the Vision Show and Motion Control Show to form the first-ever Automate event. This brought together all the key players in the automation industry under one roof. Automate has witnessed remarkable growth in terms of exhibitor participation, attendee numbers, and show floor space. It has become the largest and most comprehensive automation show in North America.
Automate has continuously adapted to the changing needs of the industry by incorporating new technologies and trends. It has expanded its focus to include areas like artificial intelligence, collaborative robots, autonomous mobile robots, and more. It has become a must-attend event for a wide range of professionals, including engineers (automation, robotics, manufacturing, etc), plant and operations managers, business leaders looking to improve efficiency and productivity, systems integrators, end users and researchers.
Why should people attend?
See the latest technology: Automate showcases cutting-edge technologies, products, and solutions from leading automation manufacturers and providers. Attendees get a firsthand look at the newest innovations that can improve efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness in their operations.
Educational Opportunities: The event offers a wide range of educational sessions, workshops, and training programs. Attendees can learn from industry experts, gain valuable insights, and enhance their knowledge in areas like robotics, artificial intelligence, machine vision, motion control, and more.
Networking: Automate provides a platform to connect with peers, industry leaders, and potential partners. Attendees can share experiences, exchange ideas, and build valuable relationships that can benefit their careers and businesses.
Industry Insights: The event features keynote speakers and thought leaders who share their perspectives on the future of automation and its impact on various industries. Attendees can gain valuable insights into emerging trends and prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Problem Solving: Automate is a hub for problem-solvers and innovators. Attendees can find solutions to their specific challenges, discover new approaches to improve their operations, and learn how to leverage automation to achieve their business goals.
Automate is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in automation technology, learn from industry experts, and connect with peers. It’s a place to explore the future of automation and discover how it can transform businesses across various sectors.
CONVERGIX Automation Solutions is proud to have been showcased in a feature article in BOSS Magazine. It covers the history of the company and its business units, and a full scope of what we have to offer interested customers.
Here is a snippet of the profile:
“Launched in 2021 to meet the needs of the $500 billion-plus global automation solutions market, a powerful new player is poised to change the way companies automate processes and systems. In two years, CONVERGIX has established 25 locations in North America, Europe, and Asia, and has assembled a team of roughly 900 experts in automation and integration. They serve a variety of end markets, including food and beverage, life sciences, consumer products, emerging renewable energy solutions, automotive, defense, logistics, and traditional energy companies, to name a few.“
Take an in-depth look into our story and vision to be the world’s best-in-class diversified global industrial automation integration leader. Click here for the full feature article in November issue of Boss Magazine.
We’re excited to announce that CONVERGIX Automation will be exhibiting at Rockwell Automation Fair in Boston, Massachusetts from November 8-9th! Stop by our booth #1426 to talk with our industry professionals and learn more about the CONVERGIX family.
The Rockwell Automation Fair is one of the premier industry events held in the country every year. It is attended by over 10,000 people from the industry connections, including hundreds of top experts in the field as well as C-suite executives from top companies in the world.
This tradeshow provides hundreds of hours of advanced training and educational session opportunities held by hundreds of expert presenters. You can see many interactive exhibits, including our very own, across the vast square footage of Expo floor space. These are all the reasons why it is one of the must-attend events in the Automation sector, even from companies and people from all over the globe.
Rockwell Automation is one of the foremost Industrial Automation leaders in the world, and shares their expertise through their own tradeshow and educational webinars. They frequently partner with other top companies and subject matter experts on robotics, automation integration, and more.
Why should you attend?
Latest Innovations: The fair showcases cutting-edge technologies, products, and solutions from Rockwell Automation and its partners. Attendees get a firsthand look at the newest innovations that can improve efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in their operations.
Educational Opportunities: The event offers a wide range of educational sessions, workshops, and training programs. Attendees can learn from industry experts, gain valuable insights, and enhance their knowledge in areas like automation control, data analytics, robotics, and more.
Networking: The fair provides a platform to connect with peers, industry leaders, and potential partners. Attendees can share experiences, exchange ideas, and build valuable relationships that can benefit their careers and businesses.
Industry Insights: The event features keynote speakers and thought leaders who share their perspectives on the future of automation and its impact on various industries. Attendees can gain valuable insights into emerging trends and prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Problem Solving: The fair is a hub for problem-solvers and innovators. Attendees can find solutions to their specific challenges, discover new approaches to improve their operations, and learn how to leverage automation to achieve their business goals.
Overall, the Rockwell Automation Fair is a must-attend event for anyone involved in industrial automation or looking to leverage technology to improve their operations. It offers a unique opportunity to learn, network, and explore the latest advancements in the field.
We’re excited to announce that CONVERGIX Automation will be exhibiting at Fabtech 2023 at the McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois from September 11-14! Stop by our booth #B29085 to talk with our industry professionals and to learn more about the CONVERGIX family.
Our team is standing by to showcase how we can help any customers in the industrial space that deal with fabrication, welding, and more. Our industrial automation processes can improve efficiency and reduce costs, and we will welcome all visitors!
FABTECH is North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing event. It’s a massive show that brings together industry professionals, suppliers, and manufacturers to showcase the latest technologies, equipment, and solutions in the metalworking world.
It has a rich history dating back to 1981 when it debuted in Cleveland, Ohio. It started as a regional trade show with 161 exhibitors covering 42,925 net square feet. Over the years, it has grown exponentially to become North America’s largest and most authoritative event for metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing.
In its initial years, FABTECH focused on showcasing metal forming and fabricating technologies. It quickly gained popularity and recognition within the industry. However, to meet the growing demands of the industry, FABTECH expanded its scope to include welding and finishing processes. This broadened the show’s appeal and attracted a wider audience.
FABTECH’s success is also attributed to its strong partnerships with leading industry associations like the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International (FMA), SME, the American Welding Society (AWS), the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA), and the Chemical Coaters Association International (CCAI). These partnerships have brought in expertise, resources, and a vast network of industry professionals.
Why should people attend?
See the latest technology: FABTECH is where you can see firsthand the newest advancements in metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing equipment. From cutting-edge lasers to robotic welding systems, you’ll find it all here.
Networking: The show attracts a wide range of industry professionals, making it a great place to connect with peers, suppliers, and potential customers. You can build relationships, share ideas, and find new partners.
Education: FABTECH offers educational sessions and workshops where you can learn about industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies. This is a great way to stay up-to-date and improve your skills.
Problem-solving: If you’re facing challenges in your metalworking operations, FABTECH is the place to find solutions. You can talk to experts, see new equipment, and learn about innovative approaches to improve efficiency and productivity.
Stay competitive: By attending FABTECH, you can stay ahead of the curve and ensure that your business is using the latest technologies and best practices. This will help you stay competitive in the ever-evolving metalworking industry.
FABTECH is held annually in the United States, rotating between different locations. If you’re involved in any aspect of metal forming, fabricating, welding, or finishing, it is a must-attend event.
