Automation for Emerging Markets Manufacturing
Automation Capabilities for Emerging Markets Manufacturing
Product innovation in emerging markets requires fast and flexible manufacturers that can keep up with demand spikes as they happen and outpace competitors. Automating your new product development process gives you the freedom to ramp up production at a rate that manual operations just can’t match, eliminate bottlenecks, and quickly pivot when needed – all without growing your workforce or work area.
As any new product manufacturer knows, reputation is everything. Investors need to know they can count on a quality product that customers will trust. Through automation, Isthmus can tailor innovative manufacturing solutions that deliver a consistent product every time.
Top Solutions for Emerging Markets Manufacturers
Industrial Robotics Integration
There are several types of robotics systems we can utilize to streamline your new product assembly line, like articulated robots for pick-and-place tasks, palletizing robots for packaging, and collaborative robots that work alongside humans in a flexible environment. Robotics create a consistent level of quality that both investors and customers are looking for.
Material Handling
Isthmus can implement automation technologies such as automated conveyor networks, automated guided vehicles, and automated storage and retrieval systems to optimize your material handling process. This allows you to grow your footprint without growing your facility’s size.
Process control and quality inspection
In new product manufacturing, you often need to change your manufacturing procedures as you become more familiar with your materials and processes. Software like SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) allows for real-time monitoring and control, PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers) and DCS (Distributed Control Systems) manage complex production processes, and vision systems can detect defects immediately – allowing you to change course without the wait time that comes with manual production.
End-of-line
Automated palletizers and depalletizers, wrapping machines, and automated sorting and shipping systems can transform the final steps of your production line, ensuring a high-quality product and packaging.
Benefits of Automation for Emerging Markets Manufacturing
Increased Quality
Robotics systems can perform assembly tasks with incredible precision, and they can consistently maintain this high level of accuracy to create a quality reputation for your product.
Increased Flexibility
Automating custom manufacturing solutions enables you to test changes, try out new cycle times, and refine your production methods much faster than with manual operations, leading to a faster time to market.
Increased Speed
Automated assemblies don’t need breaks, shift changes, or any other form of downtime or slowdown. This 24/7 capability allows you to drastically ramp up your production rate and get your name out there ahead of the competition.
Challenges of Automating Emerging Markets Manufacturing
We understand that adopting automation can bring up several questions and concerns for new product development. Here’s how Isthmus addresses the most common challenges:
Up-Front Cost
While initial expenditure is a significant business decision, automation is a proven investment that delivers returns for years to come. Automating your new product pipeline allows you to pursue further growth without adding space or workers.
Project Turnaround Time
Automation projects are complex and require several months to complete. We prioritize a thorough process to ensure efficient work and will not rush any project, keeping you informed of realistic timelines from the outset.
Employee Turnover
We recognize the concern about employees leaving after being upskilled in automation technology. As a long-term partner, Isthmus provides ongoing support to all clients, whenever you need it.
System Flexibility
Once you implement an automation integration plan, you’re not locked in. Isthmus intentionally designs flexible systems that can adapt and evolve with your business as your needs change over time. This flexibility is essential in the ever-changing product innovation space.
Emerging Markets Manufacturing Automation FAQ
Which automation technologies should I incorporate?
There are many different technologies that our clients in emerging markets have found success with. To name some examples, industrial robots manage assembly, packaging, and inspection. Vision systems handle automated inspection and product traceability. Isthmus can meet with you to discuss your specific needs, which depend on your production volume, product variability, floor space, and safety requirements. We are experts at developing customized automated processes to fit our customers’ unique needs.
How much does it cost to automate my facility? When will I see an ROI?
There is no set cost for an emerging market manufacturing process automation, since the cost is highly dependent on which specific automation technologies you choose to implement. Our team will work with you to scope the project and optimize the ROI for your application.
Is automation technology flexible for manufacturers in emerging markets?
Yes. We understand that flexibility is particularly important in industries creating new and innovative products, and our engineering team has decades of experience creating one-of-a-kind automation plans for our manufacturing clients. We always develop automation plans with the future in mind, and we know that adaptability is key to long-term success. Our automation solutions give you the freedom to scale up, add new products, or change your existing products over time.
How do I integrate new automation technology with my existing systems?
We take the time to ensure a seamless automation integration process. We can implement a plant MES to bridge your new automation technology with your existing ERP and quality systems to ensure full traceability and connectivity.
Should I automate my entire production line at once, or in phases?
The way we approach automation depends entirely on your unique layout and process. Sometimes, working in phases is the best option. Other times, implementing automation all at once is optimal. Our engineering team can work with you to identify an approach that makes the most sense to minimize risk and downtime at your facility.
How do I maintain my automation equipment?
At Isthmus, our equipment is known to last for years, if not decades. We achieve this by designing automated equipment that requires minimal maintenance and is easily serviceable. Our machines come with a manual that includes recommended maintenance plans and spare parts. If you have any maintenance questions post-integration, our team is available to help.
How do I automate when my product designs are still changing?
We recommend flexible, reprogrammable industrial robotics and modular conveyor systems that can be quickly reconfigured as your product evolves. This avoids costly retooling and reconfiguration with every design update.
Battery Packaging
Our expertise across multiple production platforms, including batteries, will help us serve the world’s need for new and improved energy storage devices.
Custom Material Handling
Our custom material handling expertise can be applied to transferring parts in almost any field of manufacturing, from transportation to energy.