Automation integrated: reviews. Means of complex automation

Mankind is constantly moving forward. We create new and more versatile tools that increase the effectiveness of each individual's efforts. The next step, actively implemented today, was automation. Complex, partial, complete - what is the difference between them? We will talk about this with an emphasis on the first type. The fact is that the topic is quite large, and this process will be considered on this part of it.

What is automation?

This is the name of the combination of tools and methods necessary to implement a system that can manage the process without human participation (or if it takes only the most responsible decisions).

The basis of this provision is the redistribution of energy, information and material flows in accordance with pre-granted management criteria. The end result is called an automated control system (ACS). Now let's make a brief overview of its typology.

What is partial automation?

This is when the process affected individual machines, machines or technological operations. It can be done when the necessary functions are not available to a person, or the actions take place too often. As an example, you can cite the food industry, which prepares products for sale (pouring water into containers, packing peas according to its color, and so on). Automation of management works is also referred to here. The greatest effect can be obtained when, already at the project stage, the transfer of functions to machines is envisaged.

What is automation complex?

This is when the presence of a person is not necessary all the time. Automation complex provides for the creation of a technological site or even an enterprise that will function as one mechanism. For example, power plants. In such cases, the production functions are transferred to the technique . But integrated automation can be used only if there is a highly developed production.

Also there must be a perfected technology and progressive methods of management applied. Special requirements are put forward for the reliability of technology, as well as the qualitative level of writing software, which is installed on it. All the functions of a person in this case are reduced to control and general management of the complex. At the moment, this is the most promising automation, which will not lose significant priority on the scale of the enterprise for at least a decade. And the next kind is not fully implemented anywhere else in the world.

What is full automation?

This is the highest step in the transfer of process control technology. All control and monitoring functions are transferred to it. In the modern world such automation of the enterprise is still not done. Behind man remains at least a function of control. But if you want to know what they are, then close to this can be considered nuclear power enterprises. That is, full automation of the enterprise is carried out in cases where production is stable, cost-effective, the regimes do not change (almost), and all possible problems and deviations are taken into account in advance. The effectiveness of the work of one person becomes as important as the whole collective of people in the ordinary company.

Objectives of complex automation

Here's what happens when this process is started:

• Improvement of product quality;
• Reduction in the number of staff;
• Increasing the efficiency of production processes;
• Increase in output;
• Reduction of raw materials costs;
• Increased security;
• Increase in the level of compliance with environmental standards;
• Increase in profitability.

Complex automation tasks

What should happen in the long run? And the result is this:

1. Improves the quality of regulation.
2. The level of ergonomics of the process operators increases.
3. The equipment availability is increasing.
4. The reliability of information about the material components that are used in production is ensured.
5. Data is stored about the technological process, as well as about emergency situations, which in the future allows them to be avoided.

To achieve them, methods and means of complex automation are used. What does this mean in practice? And the fact that different technological processes are used:

• Continuous;
• Discrete;
• Hybrid.

This means that at the core of each process is something of its own. And it is necessary to approach the definition not from the side of ordinary "everyday" experience, but from the position of mathematical and technical modeling.

Principles of complex automation

In this direction, three components are used, which should be in any system for its full-fledged work:

1. The principle of consistency. In this case, it is implied that the actions in the process that are being automated must be coordinated with its technical and cybernetic inputs and outputs. If this is not the case, then the system will malfunction.
2. The principle of integration. An automated process is seen as part of the overall organization environment. In various cases, complex mechanization and automation have different levels of integration, as well as distinct ways to bring it to life. In other words, there must be a relationship with the external environment.
3. The principle of independent execution. Necessary processes must be carried out without human intervention (in extreme cases, minimal control on his part). If everything goes as it should be, there should be no interference.

Levels of complex automation

They cover different areas of work. So, the transition to complex automation involves working out:

1. The lower level. It automates the processes that are regularly performed. First of all, interest is provided by operational tasks, maintaining a certain operating mode and supporting the set parameters.
2. Level of production management. In this case, it is possible to distribute the tasks for execution between the different processes of the previous paragraph. Examples include planning and management of resources, documents, services, production, and so on.
3. Level of enterprise management. Here the solution of forecasting and analytical problems is provided. This level is used to support the work of the top management of the organization. He is engaged in financial and economic and strategic tasks.

What types of systems can be used for complex automation?

They can be:

1. Immutable. Complex automation of business pays much attention to production processes (a certain sequence of actions) that do not change during the operation of machinery. An example is the food industry.
2. Programmable. In systems of this type, the sequence of actions can be changed by adjusting the program and the process configuration. This is possible due to a recognizable set of instructions that are set appropriately and thus can be interpreted by the system.
3. Flexible. This type of system can choose among all possible actions in such a way that the goal is achieved. All changes and decisions are made based on the information received.

Example

Let's take a look at the real case, where complex automation of production is used. As an object, we will study the software component of this direction of process improvement. The subject will be the product of the Russian company "1C", which is called "Integrated Automation".

This software allows you to take care of fast document circulation and delivery of reporting on any issues. It also provides an opportunity to monitor the state of the enterprise in real time. So that you understand the possibilities of such programs, we will explain this phenomenon a little differently.

As soon as someone takes a workpiece to make a part, information about this is immediately entered into the database. If processing was unsuccessful, it is written off as waste, and a certain amount is allocated for this operation (or for processing). Once the part is done, information about this is entered in the enterprise database.

The owner or the director at any time can turn to her to see what is in the warehouse, and provide information to customers about the fulfillment of their orders. The accountant, thanks to a database and additional tools, can quickly compile the necessary reports for internal use and tax service. As a result, there is no need to distract people, and at the same time the goals are successfully achieved. And this all allows you to get complex automation.

Reviews

To understand what these improvements represent, we suggest you familiarize yourself with the words of specialists who deal with such systems.

Initially, it is necessary to understand that the transition to complex automation of the enterprise is not an expensive and difficult task. Therefore, it requires careful preparation and quality planning. But all the costs are more than paid off, as soon as the equipment is put into operation and begins to work. True, there are requirements for the qualification component of the employee who will work with the system. The fact is that the more complex the mechanism, the more experienced personnel should interact with it. Therefore, if you recruit low-skilled workers, the system can quickly fail, which will result in losses and additional expenditure of money.

Also, complex automation can be used everywhere, but here there is a question of rationality. So, it makes no sense to develop and implement an expensive system if it only works half an hour a day (although it still depends on the case). Besides, the complex automation of an enterprise is always a risk. After all, it is not known whether investments will not ruin you.

Conclusion

Now you have a good idea of what makes the automation of production to humanity. Of course, until the time when machines can replace human labor in full, there are still decades (or even centuries), but let's hope that we can successfully live to this moment and enjoy its fruits.