9 févr. 2023
Preventive maintenance of industrial automation systems
Your strategic planning must prioritize your projects
You'll be able to identify the beneficial impact of implementing automated operations based on your achievable, scalable objectives. Although automation is beneficial from an operational point of view, and generates greater profitability, it nevertheless requires substantial initial investment. So don't hesitate to invest a little of your own time - it's essential to define your needs beforehand: choosing the right equipment, from the right supplier, at the right time.
In principle, the higher the quality of the equipment, the longer it should last. The same applies to the quality of after-sales service: that's why the choice of supplier and the guarantees offered are so important. For example, a local supplier will ensure better responsiveness in the event of technical problems.
Reliability and safety
Most industrial automation systems are reliable. However, they can be prone to breakdowns or malfunctions, which can lead to production delays and additional costs.
Preventive maintenance is the complete overhaul or replacement of equipment before it fails. It is carried out when the equipment is in good working order. By identifying the first signs of a fault, it reduces the additional cost of spare parts and minimizes the risk of unexpected breakdowns. In the manufacturing context, it therefore has a positive influence on productivity, and is an appropriate solution: it helps operators to maintain production performance and quality by acting on equipment service life.
If preventive maintenance is no longer appropriate, it's time for corrective maintenance. For better reactivity, it is advisable to stock a certain number of emergency parts.
All industrial systems present safety risks for operators in the event of misuse.
It is therefore important to implement adequate safety measures. A safety analysis is one of the prerequisites for implementing an automation system. Devices can be electrical or mechanical, but they must be adapted to each situation and comply with current standards.
Conclusion
With this article, you now have the main arguments that often stand in the way of your decision to automate part or all of your manufacturing production. Even if automation sometimes presents certain constraints, our experts have often found that good preparation often defuses the main fears. With automated equipment, you'll achieve your long-term strategic objectives, and your return on investment will be measured primarily through the profitability of your production line. Operations management still requires human interaction. We invite you to contact our experts at DPA Global Solutions, near Rennes (Brittany), who will be delighted to support you in your project.