Benefits And Limitations Of Low Cost Automation System

The WF standards differ from MTM mainly due to the fact, that only quantitative parameters are used to further describe motion elements.

“Ergonomics applies information about human behavior, abilities and limitations and other characteristics to the design of tools, machines, tasks, jobs and environments for productive, safe, comfortable and effective human use” (McCormick and Saunders 1993).

Ergonomics aims to provide maximum productivity at minimum cost. A workplace can often include jobs that requires extended reach or overhead works that cannot be sustained for long periods. Ergonomic principles ensure that more people can perform a given task without the risks of injuries because ergonomics takes into account the capabilities and limitations

To reduce the life cycle costs or the cost of ownership of an automation system becomes an important task within the subject of Low Cost Automation. A wide range of activities such as loading, feeding, clamping, machining, welding, forming, gauging, assembly and packing can be subjected to low cost automation systems adoption.

 LCA involves the development of devices for immediate detection when something goes wrong which may include immediate stopping of the machine.

 LCA solution must be the one which can be quickly implemented by the operator who knows the process and the problem.

 LCA must be cheap and simple to apply and use.

 LCA must be materialized without professional knowledge by buying key units which contain professional knowledge in their hardware and

Gamberini et al. (2009) highlight and discuss some of the advantages of low cost automation in their work. Some of the advantages have been explained below.

• As the name itself describes, often, financial resources do not pose a constraint for LCA which requires low investment and assures short payback periods.

• LCA involves better utilization of raw materials, low work in progress and low rejections.

• Reduction of non-conforming product results in an automatic increase of labor productivity.

• LCA principles are implemented around existing machines and people already involved in the manufacturing process. This makes changes gradual, smooth and very cost-effective.

• LCA components are often flexible, reusable and adaptable to changes in product features making them a versatile and long lasting feature.

• Labor resistance to the implementation of LCA is minimal since LCA aims to reduce fatigue and drudgery of work and not eliminate human