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    Automation

    Automation is use of Control System architecture and information technology to reduce human work and errors in the production process with consistency and quality output of product. In industrialization automation greatly decreases the need for human sensory and mental requirements playing an increasingly important role in the world economy and in daily experience.

    Advantages of automation
    1. Reduce hard physical or monotonous work hence leads to consistency in production and quality of product with minimal errors.
    2. Task to perform beyond human capabilities like lifting heavy loads, crushing, cutting etc.
    3. Safe working environment due to safety precautions where tasks to be done in dangerous environments (i.e. fire, nuclear facilities, hazardous gaseous, etc)
    4. Improved quality and mass production hence value for product in market.
    5. Utilization of resources at fullest with less wastage.

    APPLICATION:

    Process and Manufacturing Automation:
    Application of automation in manufacturing leads to produce things with higher consistency and quality, reduce the lead times, simplify production, reduce handling, and improve work flow. It also boosts the morale of workers when a good implementation of the automation is made.

    Machine Automation:
    Adoption of automation in machine operation results in higher production quantity in substantially lesser time. Ease of operation and reduction in human errors.

    Home Automation (BMS)
    Home automation designates an emerging practice of increased automation of household appliances and features in residential dwellings. Temperature control , Humidity control , Access control are major features of Building management System (BMS).

    Security:
    Automated video surveillance monitors people and vehicle in real time within a busy environment. The purpose of a surveillance system is to monitor, record, store data related activities in a given area also generating warnings or notify designated authority in case of occurrence of particular events.

    Equipments
    There are various instruments and equipment used in automation here we shall look at a few of them.

    Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
    These are computer/ processors designed for carrying out specific task which are frequently used with conditions of inputs and events with turning on outputs, along with easy-to-use Support Software, flexibly to handle applications from small-scale equipment to entire production lines.

    Examples of PLCs under the Schneider basket include:

    Zelio

    		 for small to medium level of automation
    Twido

    		 for small to medium level of automation
    PL7
    		 for medium level of automation
    Quantum
    		 for large scale level of automation
    Modicon M340
    		 for large scale level of automation







    Advantages of PLC
    The number of changes or needs in the production process causes the system to be modified. If the system used relays, then it would require redesigning and rewiring of the relays and if there is damage it will be very difficult to find. The troubleshooting of the fault is time consuming; hence PLC control allows both the ease of maintenance and implementation of application.

    Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI)
    They are also known as man-machine interfaces (MMI), are usually used to communicate with PLCs and other devices. Process or machine operations are monitored and controlled through HMIs.
    The HMI’s have eighter a graphical keyboard of touch screen for browsing between the various screens and / or perform programmed tasks.
    Examples of HMIs under the Schneider basket include:
    Magelis        Available with graphical keyboard or touchscreen

    Soft Starters and Variable Speed Drive (VSD)
    Soft Starters are widely used for starting /stopping of motors while the VSD add the functionality of speed control of the motor.
    This helps in reducing:
    a.    Machine operating costs by reducing mechanical stress and improving machine availability.
    b.    The stress placed on electrical distribution system by reducing line current peaks and voltage drops during motor starts
    Examples of PLCs under the Schneider basket include:

    Alistart 48




    		Softstarter
    Altivar 12




    		Variable speed drive
    Altivar 21




    		Variable speed drive


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