The Crucial Role of Automation in Gaining Competitive Edge

In an era defined by technological transformation and market dynamism, businesses are presented with both challenges and opportunities. Members of Automate UK are at a distinct advantage in having our decision-making support and guidance. As the go-to partner, we help our members’ customers to boost productivity in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

We’ll share our expert insights in this blog, exploring the pivotal role of automation in achieving and sustaining competitive success. Read on as we highlight the strategic importance of adopting automation for the successful navigation of future complexities.

The Evolving Landscape of Business

As mentioned, today’s business environment has a dynamic and ever-changing nature. The adoption of an adaptable and flexible approach is vital for modern-day businesses to stand the best chance of success. Such businesses must be open to change, showing flexibility in their strategies and processes to suit varying circumstances. They must maintain awareness and embrace technological opportunities to stand out in competitive marketplaces.

Automation's Impact on Productivity and Efficiency

Businesses across the world have realised the ability to significantly enhance productivity and efficiency through automation. The integration of such automated technologies has reduced the need to engage humans in repetitive and hazardous tasks, with much greater consistency also being seen. As highlighted in our blog on the Future of Automation and Industrial Vision Technology, such systems have enabled manufacturers to scale production and save time for investment in high-value strategic activities.

We have shared numerous examples of businesses experiencing the tangible benefits of automation in the Machinery Update magazine. For instance, the September/October 2023 edition led with a story on the design of a bespoke and automated solution for the high-speed and repeatable UV printing of product labels. The January/February included a major feature on the automated technologies being adopted by the dairy sector for significant gains in productivity and sustainability.

Such examples reflect the strategic advantage of embracing automation in competitive markets. These automated solutions enable businesses to respond swiftly to market changes and stay ahead of the competition. It’s little wonder that an increasing number of businesses are looking to the possibilities of automation, with an Infosys future of work report revealing that 30% are making investments in such technologies to drive profits.

These statistics also reflect the link between automation and business growth:

• The switch from no automation to full automation makes for an average profit boost of 3.4%
• The industrial automation market is projected to grow from USD 8.42 billion (recorded in 2021) to USD 14.64 billion by 2028
• 83% of workers believe that AI and automation will help drive more impactful work.

Realising the Multiple Benefits of Automation

Again, there are various examples of industries and businesses that have achieved sustained success as a result of automation. Turning to Machinery Update, the November/December 2023 edition featured several stories about transformative automation across the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. For instance, Farmatec has integrated Mespack’s new vertical form, fill, and seal (VFFS) machine to create turnkey solutions that enable stick-packs to be inserted into cartons. Producing more than 840 sticks per minute, this machine has allowed for significant time savings.

That same Machinery Update edition focused on the development of automated solutions for the reliably accurate and efficient serialisation of individual patient doses. Such serialisation has previously been carried out manually, with medication errors resulting from fatigue, poor environmental conditions, and staff shortages. However, such issues can be overcome, with the improvement of patient safety through automation. This can be seen in the automated scanning of serialised 2D codes to ensure that patients receive the correct medicine and dose.

Adapting to Technological Paradigms

Businesses must keep up with the rapid pace of technological advancement if they are to remain relevant in this increasingly digitised world. Through the adoption of automated technologies they can develop better products, optimise processes, and stay competitive. Such technologies can help meet and exceed customer expectations, opening up new market opportunities and effectively adjusting to the latest trends. The adoption of automated solutions also aligns with the ongoing shift towards smart and innovative business practices.

As highlighted above, the benefits of automation go far beyond cost savings. In embracing automation companies can also boost innovation, with product quality being improved, and customer satisfaction rising. Efficiency and productivity gains can make for significant savings of time and finance, with employees able to focus on key activities for long-term business success. What’s more, there’s often the opportunity for the scaling of automated systems for growth in evolving markets.

Overcoming Challenges through Automation

As highlighted in the manifesto for automation, there are various challenges that must be overcome in adopting such technologies. This is evident in the UK’s failure to fully embrace the benefits of automated systems. There’s a clear need for manufacturing expertise and knowledge of how to make effective use of these systems. The benefits must be emphasised in building a case for automation, with the “robots take jobs” myth being dispelled. 

Buy-in and commitment may be achieved if companies are prepared to make small and gradual investments in automation. The benefits will then be realised over time, with employees reassured that their jobs aren’t at risk. There’s also a need for robust security measures to protect sensitive data and systems from cyber threats. Companies must commit to the process of continuous improvement, with the impacts of automation being monitored and any issues addressed. Over time automation will come to be recognised as a future-proofing strategy, essential to building resilience and adapting to unforeseen market changes.

Key Takeaways

Given the wide range of benefits, it’s clear that automation is vital for competitive success in this rapidly changing digital world. We hope that you’ll be prepared to join Automate UK in driving industry progress and ensuring that such technologies are adopted for the greatest economic impact. Together we can foster a culture of innovation, with the benefits being shared equitably and the risks being mitigated. Let’s view automation not as an option, but as an integral component of a strategic vision for the future.