<h2 class = 'uawtitle'>The Ins And Outs Of Plant Automation</h2><br />
<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>by Essie Osborn</div><br /><br />
<div class='uawarticle'>In the later stages of the industrial revolution, the spiraling wage bill and cost of production forced manufacturers to consider all the alternatives. Automating processes was seen as one of the best ways of dealing with the ever-increasing wage bill. In <A href="http://www.louksengineering.com">plant automation</A>, machines are controlled by programmed computers, not individual machine operators. Currently, the number of companies that are automating their plants is increasing at a very fast rate.<br />
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Process control in automated plans is automatic, and independent of humans. This process is highly advantageous because the human element has been eliminated. Computer programs control the operation of machines on a daily basis and can even run for weeks without stopping. This leads to increased production.<br />
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The ultimate goal of any firm or industry is to maximize profits by minimizing labor costs through reduction of machine operators and supervisors. This is easily achieved through automation, or replacement of human labor with machines and sophisticated computer programs. This is beneficial in that it minimizes production costs. This can lead to increased wages for employees and more profits for shareholders.<br />
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In the city of Hudson WI, plants can be automated through the use of controllers such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs). These are basically industrial-grade computers that execute programmed instructions to accomplish a specific task. This may include turning motors on or off, controlling their speed as well as powering other actuators in the process. PLCs were designed for use in small plants. They usually come with a limited number of ports, so they can only control a small process.<br />
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Since PLCs are normally used in small plants, huge plants like vehicle factories need bigger controllers. SCADA, standing for supervisory control and data acquisition, is different in that there is a centrally located computer which controls all the machines in the process. It works through field modules which take-in inputs and give output signals. Huge plants like vehicle assembly lines and oil refineries need this type of system.<br />
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The initial cost of automating plants can be quite substantial, but the cost can be offset in just a few years. The process often includes acquisition of the necessary equipment, installation, programming and commissioning. These systems are often very reliable, and they rarely breakdown. They also need a couple of technicians and one engineer to oversee the entire process.<br />
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Automating plants is not an easy or cheap undertaking, but it is necessary. Gone are the days when each machine in a plant must be operated by human beings. Manufacturers, processing and assembling industries should embrace new technology that comes with a myriad of benefits. The cost benefits of automation alone should be good enough reason to convert an industrial age process into a state of the art plant using SCADA, DCS (Distributed Control System), or PLCs<br />
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Automating a process is not recommended for certain plants. Since its objective is to lower labor costs, it is not suitable for small companies with few employees. Chances are that the same employees may still be needed to oversee the process. Automating it will therefore not have many benefits, including increased production and profits.<br />
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