Technology has improved our lives in ways that we would not have imagined a few decades back. Tasks that used to take forever to accomplish can now be done with the snap of a finger. Several industries have benefited greatly from different technological innovations, including the household. Machines in the home such as laundry machines and electric cookers have made work so much easier for the majority of households. The manufacturing industry is one of the major beneficiaries of technology and we are going to look at the different ways in which technology has affected manufacturing, both positively and negatively.
Positive Impacts of Manufacturing Technology
Without a doubt, technology has benefited the manufacturing industry in so many ways than one. This is evident by the quality of production and the rise of the manufacturing industry. Let’s have a look at some of the positive impacts of technology in the production industry.
- Double Production Speeds
The invention of various machines has made the manufacturing processes faster and time saving. Instead of using manual labour to operate machines, manufacturers are now using automated systems that are more efficient and more accurate. Gas and oil production pipelines are making use of the largest valve manufacturers to provide them with automated industrial valves to help them monitor and regulate the flow within their systems.
Due to technology, the consumer is assured of in time delivery of their products and services. The more you can produce in a limited amount of time increases your productivity levels therefore maximizing your revenue and profits.
- Improved Quality of Production
As stated above, technology has enhanced accuracy in production processes, therefore, increasing the quality of products. Manufacturers have been able to produce better quality products with automated machines as opposed to using manually operated ones. Various manufacturing companies have put in place various technological measures for quality checks to ensure that whatever reaches the consumer has passed all the stand checks. This in turn, enhances their credibility and attracts more business, hence more income.
- Advanced Data Analysis
Technology has enabled manufacturing companies to carry out advanced research analysis before embarking on the production of products. This has equipped them with adequate knowledge of what the consumer needs so as to be able to serve them. Scientific research has also made it possible for manufacturers to find solutions to different problems in society today.
Technology is the only way scientists were even able to come up with the first vaccine for the coronavirus, which saved a lot of lives and rescued the economies that were crushing to the ground. Without innovations like the use of activated liquid zeolite for oxygen generation, there would not be oxygen in hospitals for patients. It is accurate to say that technology saves lives.
- Cost Reduction
This is as a result of waste reduction during various production processes. Compared to manual labor, automated machines rarely make any mistakes during manufacturing procedures. Automation also means that you will not require very minimal workers in your plant hence reducing the costs of paying wages. Employees’ salaries and wages make up a very big percentage of the costs incurred by any kind of business. The initial cost of technology might be high, but the long-term benefits are totally worth the investment. Reduced cost results in improved services and eventually increase profits.
Negative Impact of Manufacturing Technology
Unfortunately, technology also has its bad side. With all the automation, there comes the bad also. However, some of the cons of technology in the manufacturing industry only affects those on the outside and not the manufacturers themselves. Some of the major disadvantages of technology in manufacturing include;
- Loss of Jobs
It goes without saying that technology is one of the major causes of unemployment in any economy today. The fact that one machine can carry out so many tasks at the same time renders manual labor useless. Manufactures have opted to use automated machines in place of factory workers so as to double their speeds and enhance their efficiency. This in turn has left a majority of people jobless and living from hand to mouth. Countries like China with a high percentage of manual laborers are forced to find other means of supporting their citizens.
- High Investment Cost
Technology is not cheap, that’s for sure. Finding a good quality automated machine is not easy, and even after you find it, the cost is out of this world. It requires months of budgeting and saving to acquire the best technology for your processes but once you are set, there is no looking back. Most manufacturers prefer the initial costs due to the long-term benefits of technology for their businesses.
- Machine Downtimes
As we stress on the benefits of automated machines, let us not forget that machines break down and some of them are very expensive to repair. They are also very high maintenance and can have an impact on finances from time to time. Machine breakdowns lead to system downtimes which in turn causes delays in production. However, you can avoid this by investing in premium quality machines by consulting engineers before obtaining one.
- Environmental Concerns
Technology requires power to run, meaning that the more technology you have in your premises, the more the amount of power consumed to enable their functioning. However, you can opt for green sources of energy like solar power, which are safe for the environment. This way, you are able to enjoy technology in your processing plant whale caring for the environment at the same time.
Conclusion
With these few points, it is safe to say that the advantages of technology to the manufacturing industry outweigh the disadvantages. Manufacturers have been able to become more productive with the use of automated machines and artificial intelligence. The consumer has also benefited greatly from the premium quality of production as a result of technology.