Industrial Automation has been part of our lives for a long time, but this concept can seem complex at first glance. 

Although we use this technology almost every day, it's common to have doubts about what it is, its uses and the professionals behind it. 

In this article we'll cover all these topics and explain in detail everything you need to know about Industrial Automation so that you understand why it's so important for your business. 

What is Industrial Automation and what does it do?

Automation is when a machine can perform a function on its own, without the need for human input. For example, your cell phone shows the time without you having to set it like a wristwatch. 

Two centuries ago we started out with simple automated machines that performed basic functions that, over time, became more complex, capable of communicating with each other and even thinking for themselves. 

Industrial Automation, on the other hand, is this concept applied to the environment of factories and companies. Here we have functions that range from the simplest, such as opening and closing doors, to the most complex, such as welding a part perfectly. 

With Industrial Automation, companies are able to save time and money by offering intelligent machines that work together with humans to create high-quality products on a constant basis. 

Another positive point of automation is that it offers greater safety, allowing machines to work in high temperatures, dangerous or unhealthy environments and thus preventing people from being put in risky situations. 

Nowadays, it's not hard to find companies that have some level of automation, however basic it may be. After all, with the popularization of the use of machines, more businesses have been able to adopt this type of equipment. 

According to research carried out in 2022 by World Robotics, the number of robots installed in factories every year has more than tripled over the last decade.

What is Data Driven Business?

Automation goes far beyond the machines that perform functions in factories and production lines because there are automated systems that make the operations of all kinds of companies much easier to manage. 

These Industrial Systems are extremely customizable and can be adapted to different types of business, operation formats and needs. 

The number of tools available to help manage the workplace has never been greater. 

When a business uses this automation technology to collect and organize data, it becomes a Data Driven Business (data-driven business). In other words, your decisions will be based on solid data that will give you greater confidence in knowing exactly what to do.

Let's look at three different examples to better illustrate how a business can become Data Driven:

• You have a factory with a long production line in which complex items are made every day that require a high level of quality. 

It's not uncommon for problems to occur in this environment: the belt stopping due to a recurring defect, a lack of raw materials, communication problems between the ends of the process and much more. 

With the right Industrial System you will have all this data at your fingertips and will be able to control the day-to-day running of your business more easily. 

Every point of attention and possibility for improvement will become clearer to you, making it easier to anticipate possible problems and implement new, more effective processes. 

• Your company works in distribution and deals with a large and complex number of partners and customers. Every day thousands of products leave the factory yard for a huge number of places inside and outside the country. 

Due to the complexity of this operation, it's common for all kinds of errors to occur: lost and misplaced parts, products delivered with defects, disagreements with deadlines, etc? 

If you use an Industrial System capable of automating your operations, you can have a complete overview of your business, correcting any current problems and seeing where you can invest to make more profit. 

• Another important advantage of industrial automation is the protection it offers workers. 

The use of Industrial Automation protects your team both from problems that can occur in factories (possible accidents on the production conveyor belt) and from the dangers inherent in occupations such as mining and smelting (exposure to high temperatures, poorly lit environments and a high risk of cave-ins). 

By automating processes, you can put machines to work to help your employees and preserve their health and well-being. 

In addition to preserving your employees, you can also maintain a better workflow, without downtime due to minor or major accidents. 

Industrial Automation is therefore a tool for making the workplace more pleasant. After all, a safe environment is a productive environment with more satisfied workers. 

What does an Industrial Automation professional do?

Behind Industrial Automation and Industrial Systems there are many people responsible for implementing, supporting, evolving and maintaining these technologies. 

They are the technicians and specialists in Industrial Automation, multidisciplinary professionals with different technological backgrounds such as engineering and systems analysis and development, who dedicate their careers to helping businesses achieve high levels of productivity and excellence. 

These professionals work in different types of companies to understand exactly what type of process needs to be automated and the best way to implement this technology. 

More than experts in their fields, they are the human link that connects machines to the people who use them every day. 

Companies like Cast group bring together hundreds of multidisciplinary professionals from various fields to offer end-to-end solutions to companies of all sizes. 

We have a team of highly trained technicians and specialists ready to take care of all the stages of implementing Industrial Automation in your company.

With our specialized technical support you will have access to solutions in Energy and Industrial Automation, as well as constant support for your industrial systems with our AMS - Aut, Application Management Services, designed to meet the demands of supporting, updating and monitoring industrial systems.

It doesn't matter what segment your company operates in, or even its size, you can benefit greatly from implementing Industrial Automation solutions. 

Come and talk to us and we'll find the right solution for your needs.