As automation continues to dominate the production and manufacturing industries, two phrases have been a constant source of confusion for those interested in the field - Factory Automation and Industrial Automation. While the two phrases seem interchangeable, they have subtle differences. Understanding their primary differences is important. How do those two automation processes differ, and which is more comprehensive? In this blog post, we will be exploring both concepts and comparing them head-to-head to help you make an informed decision.
What is Factory Automation?
Factory automation is a highly optimized process that aims to integrate various technologies, equipment, and systems that help facilitate the manufacturing and production process. This process typically includes the use of dedicated control systems and bespoke programming to ensure that various components work together efficiently within a manufacturing environment. In simpler terms, Factory automation is a subset of Industrial automation, representing automated processes used in manufacturing plants.
The primary advantage of factory automation is that it improves the efficiency of processes and the safety of workers while reducing the costs associated with labor, production, and repair. The result is the creation of a more streamlined and cost-effective manufacturing process. According to a report by Markets and Markets, the factory automation market is expected to grow from $190.8 billion in 2020 to $269.5 billion by 2025, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1%.
What is Industrial Automation?
Industrial Automation is the use of computerized systems to manage and perform complex industrial processes. It focuses on automating the entire production process across various industries, including food, mining, automotive, oil and gas, etc. Industrial Automation employs sensors, robots, PLCs (programmable logic controllers), and other smart devices to automate different manufacturing processes, including material handling, assembly, packaging, and transportation.
The primary advantage of industrial automation is to increase productivity, efficiency, and accuracy while minimizing labor costs and reducing errors like waste and spoilage. The International Federation of Robotics estimates that 74 robot units per 10,000 employees are expected to be deployed in the manufacturing industry by 2025.
Comparing Factory Automation with Industrial Automation
It's easy to note that while both automation systems aim to automate production, their scope differs in the following ways.
Scope
As discussed earlier, factory automation is a segment of industrial automation, exclusively focusing on streamlining and optimizing the manufacturing/production process.
On the other hand, industrial automation encompasses the automation of the entire production process, from manufacturing to logistics and delivery. As such, Industrial Automation is more comprehensive.
Application
Factory Automation is mostly applicable in industries like food and beverage, chemical, and the automotive industry, to mention a few.
Industrial Automation is applicable across many industries, including oil and gas, mining, automotive, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals, among others.
Complexity
While both processes are complex in their rights, industrial automation is more complex, considering that it encompasses the whole manufacturing process.
In conclusion, while both automation systems have advantages and are instrumental in different manufacturing processes, it is evident that Industrial automation is by far comprehensive. With a broader scope of application and higher complexity, industrial automation provides manufacturers the opportunity to optimize their manufacturing process fully.
References
- Markets and Markets (2020). Factory Automation Market by Control and Safety System, End User [Industry], Component, and Region - Global Forecast to 2025. Retrieved on June 20, 2022, from https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/factory-industrial-automation-safety-market-541.html
- International Robotics Federation (2018). World Robotics Report 2018. Retrieved on June 20, 2022, from https://ifr.org/img/uploads/Executive_Summary_WR_2018_Industrial_Robots_2017_2021_9.pdf