Ending Soon! Save 33% on All Access

Impact of Industrial Automation on the Manufacturing Sector The Manufacturing Indaba 2019, in collaboration with The Society for Automation, Instrumentation, Measurement and Control (SAIMC), will provide an Automation Pavilion for those companies interested in exhibiting at this year's industry-leading exhibition.

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur South Africa, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Bigstock

The past two decades have seen drastic changes in the manufacturing landscape. The advent of smart computers and technology have rendered automation an essential element in gaining a competitive advantage in today's local and global manufacturing environment.

Industrial automation has brought about major advantages for companies and economies alike. Such as demonstrating increased productivity as mechanised equipment is not likely to tire or take breaks and will usually outperform humans in production operations and efficiency. This subsequently leads to reduced production time and increased levels of output.

Quality and precision are integral for the manufacturing sector's success

Automated assembly processes are less inclined to make production errors or compromise production quality for speed. Machines are also able to perform tasks that the human body is incapable of.

Contrary to popular belief, automated systems perform manufacturing operations with far less variability than human workmanship, leaving less room for error and yielding greater control and consistency in terms of product quality. Furthermore, improved control and consistency lead to more proficient use of materials, resulting in less wastage.

Automation can reduce the time required to process an average production order through the factory, leading to lower production lead times and bottlenecks.

African countries need to develop capabilities for automation in the manufacturing sector by expanding access to broadband, investing in the technical upskilling of locals and endorsing technological innovation via vocational training and technology centres.

Success in adopting automation will create unprecedented opportunities for the manufacturing sector and thereby overall African economies, through improving labour productivity in manufacturing industries.

Any business with a vested interest in the manufacturing sector should capitalise on this opportunity to showcase their innovative ideas, technology and solutions to manufacturers attending this year's Indaba. In addition, the symposium serves as a platform for attendees to network with influential members of the sector.

What to expect from the the Manufacturing Indaba 2019

The Manufacturing Indaba 2019 is set to host a distinguished line-up of industry dignitaries, who will provide invaluable industry-related insights to a multitude of manufacturing professionals from across industries.

Topic covered during the Indaba include innovation and technologies as well as the best practices and case studies transforming the manufacturing space in Africa.

Starting a Business

5 Different Types Of South African Business Structures

Do you know which type of business will suit your South African business idea best? Here are the five different types you can register your business as.

Marketing

How I Made Money From My Book Without Selling a Single Copy

Did you know you can make money with a book without selling copies? Here's exactly how I did it.

Real Estate

'Jewel of New York': The World's Highest Apartment Is on Sale for $250 Million

The penthouse, which hovers 1,416 feet above Central Park, is also Manhattan's most expensive listing.

Side Hustle

The Side Hustle He Started at Age 15 Led to a $4 Billion Boon for Small Businesses: 'They Would Take a Chance on Me With Their Hard-Earned Money'

Nic Beique asked his local barber, gym and more if they'd like him to build a website for their businesses.

Business News

She Just Became the First $100 Billion Woman in the World — But She Still Lags Behind the Richest Men

L'Oréal heiress Françoise Bettencourt Meyers hits a stunning milestone.

Leadership

The First Black Woman to Own and Run a Billion-Dollar Company Says That Trusting Yourself Is Key to Success

The ActOne Group founder and CEO Janice Bryant Howroyd shares the mindset that helped her build an international business over the course of a four-decade career.