How to Use Technology to Streamline Innovation
GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia
Automation is one of the leading protagonists in the fourth industrial revolution. As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, companies are seeking ways to streamline their processes, increase productivity, and reduce costs while maintaining a high level of quality and service. At the heart of these opportunities is the incredible potential of automation technology.
Automation is the use of systems, such as computers or robots, to perform tasks that would usually require human intervention. The benefits of automation are numerous and range from increased efficiency and consistency to the reduction of errors. With automation in place, businesses can focus on strategic, innovative projects that can yield significant results.
Let’s delve deeper into the potential of automation and how it can be leveraged to streamline innovation and benefit businesses. We will illustrate this through the lens of two key case studies.
Case Study 1: Amazon
Our first example is one that is universally known: Amazon. The eCommerce giant has proven itself at the forefront of automation in multiple arenas, focusing especially on its warehouse operations. Using robots in its warehouses has helped Amazon achieve incredible efficiency in handling, storing, and moving goods.
Amazon employs over 200,000 robotic units in conjunction with human employees. These robots perform tasks like moving goods around in warehouses. This has reduced the walking time of human workers, increasing efficiency and reducing errors due to fatigue. More importantly, automation allows Amazon to process and ship orders swiftly, with robotics ensuring that the right package gets to the right place at the right time, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction.
The benefits Amazon reaped from automation led to the inception of Amazon Robotics where their technological advancements like AI-powered drones for package delivery or their anticipatory shipping model are creating groundbreaking changes in the distribution landscape.
Case Study 2: General Motors
Our second case is a little closer to home, being a part of our everyday commute. General Motors, one of the largest automakers, leverages automation to streamline their operations. GM utilizes over 30,000 robots for jobs such as welding, painting, and assembly. Robots have enabled the car manufacturer to maintain high consistency levels in the manufacturing process, ensuring that every part works perfectly before being integrated into a car.
Further, by taking over the labor-intensive tasks, robots have drastically reduced the chances of human error and injury in the assembly line. As a result, GM has managed to boost their factory productivity. Thanks to these automated systems, their production line can churn out a staggering one vehicle every minute around the clock.
Such automation has also allowed General Motors to innovate and adapt to the changing market. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, GM swiftly repurposed their production line to produce much-needed ventilators.
Conclusion
Innovation and implementation of automation have certainly paved the way for success in both Amazon and General Motors. While automation can necessitate a significant initial investment, the long-term benefits concerning efficiency, cost reduction, and innovation potential can be transformative.
Technology continues to evolve, and with it, the potential for automation increases. From streamlining existing processes to developing groundbreaking innovations, automation provides businesses with opportunities to stay competitive and responsive in a dynamic, ever-changing market. The challenge is for businesses to harness this potential, exploring automation in ways that are practical, beneficial, and ultimately essential to maintaining a competitive edge.
Image credit: Pixabay
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