NEWS: Where does Weld Production Monitoring Fit into Recovery and Reinvention?

Weld Production Monitoring in a time of Recovery and Reinvention

Where and how does weld production monitoring fit into recovery and reinvention? Recently our team explore this topic in a feature article for WELD: Canadian Welding & Lifestyle Magazine's Fall 2020 issue. 
Click the link below to read more!

Introduction: 

The year 2020 has forced many companies to ask tough questions and make difficult decisions. Companies are being challenged to reopen, resume work, recover losses, and remain competitive through lockdowns and social distancing. The journey of reopening and recovery has forced many companies to adjust and make changes to their operations. 

While many factories have managed to continue production throughout the global shutdown, many others have experienced supply chain interruptions or even suspension of their operations, and production pipelines have been emptied. Most importantly, due to new personal distancing guidelines and economic pressure, most businesses have had to make drastic changes to how they utilize their workforce. Some jobs will disappear altogether, but many others will require rethinking of how people work with technology and with other people. If a manufacturing company wasn’t looking at automation before, it’s probably high on their radar now. Studies are showing that the pandemic and recession of 2020 will force companies to invest in automation with new urgency (1). Perhaps manufacturing companies won’t ever bring back the same number of people as before (2). 

As the presence of automation increases, so too does the reliance on production monitoring software. The Business Information revolution and big data are meeting industry head-on as companies are using new tools (such as machine learning) to analyze the performance and efficiency of their manufacturing operations. Data has simply never been so important. Traceability and transparency are absolutely vital throughout the entire production cycle, from procurement to manufacturing, assembly, material handling, and logistics. Questions arise, such as: Do we have the right equipment? Do we have the right people in place and training protocols? Have we made the right investments and decisions? Welding is no more immune to this scrutiny than any other stage of fabrication processes. 

References: 

(1) Forbes, 2020, https://www.forbes.com/sites/simonchandler/2020/05/12/ coronavirus-is-forcing-companies-to-speed-up-automation-for-better-and-forworse/# 176595e65906 

(2) Forbes, 2020, https://www.forbes.com/sites/shahinfarshchi/2020/04/10/expect-more-jobs-and-more-automation-in-the-post-covid-19-economy/#1e93acdc29b4 

Click here to read more! (subscription to CWB required)
If you're interested in this topic, let us know! We have more coming soon related to: 

• Production Monitoring and Welding Automation 

• Production Monitoring Systems

• What does production monitoring look like in the world of Industry 4.0?

• Areas Weld Production Monitoring can provide insight to

• What to consider when choosing a production monitoring system

Our team as IRCO Automation is ready to help provide solutions to the challenges you’re facing! Connect with our team today by filling out a form here or scheduling a call with one of our automation specialists or to learn more about Weld Production Monitoring.   

If you are interested in learning more about welding automation check out the following resources:  

• Automated Beam Welding Systems
• What is Welding Automation? (The Ultimate Overview)
• The benefits of Welding Automation
• IRCO Automation Website: Turn-key Solutions Provider

About IRCO Automation Inc.

Since 1963, IRCO Automation® has been designing, engineering and manufacturing integrated welding automation solutions and weld positioning equipment. For more information about weld positioning equipment or welding automation solutions for heavy industry, visit our website to learn more.