{"id":12490,"date":"2023-10-17T15:33:11","date_gmt":"2023-10-17T14:33:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.palpack.co.uk\/?p=12490"},"modified":"2023-10-17T15:33:37","modified_gmt":"2023-10-17T14:33:37","slug":"automation-in-manufacturing-introducing-rpa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.palpack.co.uk\/news\/automation-manufacturing-rpa\/","title":{"rendered":"Automation in manufacturing: introducing RPA"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When we talk about automation in manufacturing, we usually mean the introduction of robotics or other machinery in order to speed up manual processes. However, this isn\u2019t the only way that automation can be introduced into a manufacturing operation. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is growing in popularity amongst manufacturers as they seek to ensure their back office functions run as smoothly as the rest of their business.<\/p>\n

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What is Robotic Process Automation?<\/h2>\n

A type of automation that\u2019s emerged relatively recently, RPA systems use software robots, often referred to as bots, to automate and perform repetitive, rule-based and data-intensive business processing tasks previously done by humans.<\/p>\n

They are particularly suited to tasks related to data management, documentation and communication, making them useful in departments such as HR, finance and customer support.<\/p>\n

The bots are designed to mimic human interaction and choices and can manipulate data, trigger responses and perform a wide range of tasks across many applications and systems, just like a human user would.<\/p>\n

How does RPA compare to traditional automation?<\/h2>\n

In contrast, traditional automation handles the physical tasks on the production line, automating processes with the use of machines, control systems and mechanical equipment.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s this type of automation that manufacturers are typically more familiar with \u2013 palletisers<\/a> and depalletisers<\/a> to load and unload pallets, conveyors to move items through the operation and sack-filling machines<\/a> to ensure precise volumes every time.<\/p>\n

Both types of automation can be extremely valuable in a manufacturing environment, each helping to improve efficiency, quality and productivity in a different way. Therefore, by combining the two, manufacturers can streamline their operations and enhance their overall competitiveness.<\/p>\n

Incorporating RPA in your operations<\/h2>\n

In a business, organisation in the back office is as important as efficiency on the production line. Accurate inventories, timely invoicing, liaison with suppliers and effective customer service are all vital when it comes to ensuring that things run smoothly.<\/p>\n

RPA can help in a number of ways:<\/p>\n