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Why Human Interaction Matters in Automation

June 11, 2018
Automated solutions deployed by Zebra Technologies show that humans and robots/AI working together will be the norm in this "Manufacturing 4.0" environment.

Over the past few years, discussions around automation and how it can change industrial operations has become more prevalent. Undeniably, the headline-seekers out there might ask, will robots end up taking our jobs and what will happen to the human workforce?

Hyperbole aside, the rise of the robots in the form of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is certainly improving sectors such as manufacturing and transportation and logistics (T&L). For example, robots can perform mundane, repetitive tasks without loss of concentration or risk of error. They also can access hard to reach spaces and assess stock count with greater accuracy.

Couple this with McKinsey’s prediction that 800 million jobs could be lost by 2030, and you will understand why workers are feeling threatened by the future. This is just a hypothesis. In fact, across both the manufacturing and T&L sectors, it’s clear that automation can and will increase productivity, however, human touch will always be needed.

The Human Touch in Manufacturing

With the advent of Manufacturing 4.0, comprising data capture and exchange by using technologies such as Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), cloud computing and cognitive computing, the automated industry is changing for the better.

This new approach will enable executives to have complete visibility of operations and the ability to capture every process in the form of data. This information – ultimately analyzed by humans, not machines - will make production more efficient, and in turn drive cost savings. The use of IIoT can also monitor the stock of raw materials in real time. This will allow staff to oversee and order new stock, leading to continuous productivity and avoiding a break in the chain when, say, a paint or car part is running low.

The automotive industry is a key sector in manufacturing that can take advantage of automation to drive production. Working with Zebra Technologies’ solutions, Troy Design & Manufacturing (TDM), a Detroit-based metal stamping subsidiary of Ford Motor Company, needed an automated tracking system to monitor and guide each step of over 150 daily vehicle conversions at its Chicago-based modification center.

TDM worked with Zebra partner, Lowry Solutions, to implement robust vehicle tracking by using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. Zebra fixed RFID readers and antennae were chosen because of Lowry’s relationship and familiarity with the products, plus Troy Design & Manufacturing had done extensive research and heard numerous favorable industry recommendations.

The result was that automated work-flow enabled by RFID led to more precise visibility and data collection. This set a higher standard for facility efficiency and output. With its vehicle tracking infrastructure deployed, TDM found numerous advantages with RFID automation. Operators are now more focused on performing their tasks and their workflow is streamlined with less paper-based documentation and tracking duties.

Going forward, TDM hopes to become more innovative, especially with its implementation of RFID. With its abandonment of manual, paper-based tracking, over 90% of its operations are already automated, overseen by human eyes, resulting in improved productivity.

Automation will drive better processes at every stage of manufacturing, but it remains fundamental that human interaction is essential to respond and make decisions on how data is best used for maximum efficiency and to solve problems in the process.

The Human Touch in T&L

Automation has many clear benefits for T&L. In the warehouse, automation driven by mobile computers and scanners can ensure that the most up-to-date stock inventory is available for staff. This is important as the industry is challenged by consumers demanding within-the-hour delivery.

Inventory checks have become more efficient due to the use of mobile computers. The latest versions of this technology can scan bar codes up to 70 feet away, ensuring that human time – and of course, energy – is spared to do more work in other areas of the warehouse.

After ensuring seamless warehouse operations, the next stage is delivery logistics. Here, automation can help carriers of freight and parcels across ground and air to build a smarter, more connected distribution network, resulting in real-time informed decision-making that improves loading operations.

By capturing data such as load density and trailer capacity, organizations gain valuable insights into achieving peak levels of performance and profitability. During this process, human interaction monitors how full freight is and human thinking is needed to decide when the vehicles can leave to make deliveries.

This new level of intelligence planning is very important today, as logistics companies must keep up with the rise of the ‘on-demand economy’, driven by e-commerce and the expectation of instant delivery. This drives the desire for solutions that can further optimize speed, accuracy and efficiency of the loading process.

The Future

Automation will bring many new exciting developments to manufacturing and T&L. As Manufacturing 4.0 arises, so too will Manufacturing 5.0, pushing IIoT to drive even more cost-efficient operations. Technology will drive visibility and data-capture to improve productivity.

There is naturally cause for some concern that humans could be replaced by machines, but it is also possible that automation can create new jobs. For example, as the use of drone technology increases in the delivery of consumer goods, linking back to T&L, it’s feasible that we’ll see a rise in expert drone managers. It isn’t as far-fetched as it sounds.

Additionally, in the warehouse, if there is to be a rise in driverless forklift trucks, it’s very probable that those former drivers will be redeployed to monitor operations. Or better still, their human time can be spent doing more challenging problem-solving work within an organization.

What is clear is that automation will need some form of human response or interaction to run smoothly. This will ultimately save some traditional roles and no doubt create new roles and drive redeployment where it is needed. We are approaching a brave new AI world, but there will always be demand for a human mind at the center of efficient operations.

For more information, please visit: Zebra’s manufacturing solutions.

About the Author

Jim Hilton | Director Global Manufacturing

Jim Hilton leads Zebra’s global vertical strategy in Manufacturing, Transportation and Logistics in primary segments of the local markets.   Zebra (NASDAQ: ZBRA) provides, enterprises the ability to become as smart and connected as the world we live in. For his industries, that strategy is to provide real-time information – gleaned from Zebra visionary solutions including hardware, software and services – to give organizations the competitive edge they need to simplify operations, know more about their businesses and customers and empower their mobile workers to succeed in today’s data-centric world.

Having worked in the technology industry for more than 36 years, Jim brings a unique vision to the real world use of technology and its powerful advantage in driving customer success.

Jim’s career has spanned route sales, distribution, corporate management and deployment of major technology initiatives. He was responsible for the successful deployment and use of what was recognized as breakthrough “automated distribution systems” in the early 1980s, and later transitioned to managed, deploy and train distribution systems across 30-plus subsidiaries of a major food and beverage company and managed major deployment projects across the consumer-packaged goods industry.

Moving to technology in the early 90’s, Jim has led teams that pioneered the evolution of the system to include extended mobile data capture, order management, and effective vendor-managed inventory - helping enterprises to realize significant operational improvements. 

Jim holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Kentucky, College of Business and Economics and lives in Lexington, Kentucky.

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