While the spotlight often falls on the sustainability of the final product, what we sometimes fail to consider is the systems and components that we use to make the products and the vital role they play in building this sustainability.

From improving material efficiency and reducing waste, to enabling smarter, leaner component design, we focus on achieving sustainable manufacturing, not through the products you make, but through the introduction of automation systems that make these products possible.

But what does this mean for manufacturers? What does the introduction of automation at the product and component level look like? And ultimately, how can this help to achieve sustainability goals?

Enabling more sustainable manufacturing

Manufacturers across all sectors are continuously being encouraged to explore bespoke automation solutions and use these to support not only more effective and efficient business operations but to also support sustainability.

Bringing this once again to the forefront of conversations comes from news from the UK fashion and textile industry, where manufacturing has been called `out of date` and falling behind in its competitiveness against global counterparts.

Of course, this is not the first time we have heard this or indeed seen these headlines when UK manufacturing has been placed under the spotlight, and at Innomech we’re on a mission to change this narrative.

Supporting UK manufacturers in the move to more agile working practices and reaching net zero goals, we want to play our part in moving UK manufacturing forward with bespoke automation solutions that are tailored to you, your processes, and your production line.

How….

…Automation opportunities

• Introducing bespoke automation allows for outdated processes to be modernised through a staged approach (supporting investment and budgets).
• You can achieve repeatable accuracy, flexible production, and reduced energy use, as automation at this level supports manufacturers in creating more sustainable processes from the ground up.
• There is an increase in efficiency as processes are streamlined, and repetitive tasks such as cutting, assembling, and packing can be automated.
• Manufacturers can enhance workforce skills, raise competitiveness, and attract top talent.
• With the right automation controls, you can identify defects faster, improving product quality and consistency and reducing material waste.
• It can help to reduce costs as energy consumption is lower, output is higher, and production costs are lower.
• Manufacturers can move from prototype to full-scale production quickly.
• Automation enhances creativity as workforce skills are better utilised, freeing up resources and creating prototypes with ease.

Our focus at Innomech is to support UK manufacturers in becoming more sustainable. Not through the final products they make for their clients, but by designing and developing bespoke automated solutions and systems that allow manufacturers to make those products possible.

Carrying out a needs analysis, we look at bespoke automated solutions such as:

Bespoke robotics to take over repetitive tasks such as assembling medical devices and industrial components.

Programmable logic controllers to ensure consistency in manufacturing operations. For example, machine vision system components help to spot defects on the production line, supporting higher quality, consistency, and a reduction in waste.

Inventory management automation – automated systems can draw on real-time data and demand to support forecasting and better manage stock inventory and supply chains.

Smart sensors and computer vision technology allow machinery to be monitored with automatic adjustments carried out, allowing for greater efficiency.

Data analysis can help to monitor production levels and reduce waste, with real-time data providing visibility to inject more creativity and streamline processes, placing UK manufacturers on a stronger platform to compete globally – a significant opportunity for those operating in green technology.
To find out more on `how automation can support net-zero goals`, check out our post in the link.

Bespoke Automation

At Innomech, we understand that not one automation system fits all. It’s why we work with UK manufacturers on bespoke products and components that support YOUR processes and operations.

Designing and developing automation systems that make sustainable products possible, we’re supporting the enhancement of UK manufacturing capacity while decarbonising manufacturing operations. Providing sustainability, agility, and competitiveness at all levels.

Contact us to learn more and see how we can help you with the design and development of bespoke automation systems that can remove outdated operations, improve production, and meet net-zero targets.