The Role of Workflow Automation in Improving Quality Control in Manufacturing  

Automation in manufacturing

Automation is no new concept in the manufacturing industry. Nevertheless, a new wave of automation, workflow automation has surfaced. The manufacturing fraternity can reduce dependence on human labor, and perform quality control to great precision and accuracy with workflow automation.

The community needs to back manufacturing automation(using machinery) with quality control automation(automation of workflows) to achieve efficiency and consistency in other business areas including productivity and administration.

Let’s explore how software tools like workflow automation solutions will benefit the manufacturing industry.

How do low code automation solutions benefit manufacturing units?

When manufacturers automate a task, it is done the same way every time without quality dilution. Can such be the the level of expectations when human workers do all by themselves? Certainly not!

Workflow automation solution automates manual processes using workflows (that can be easily and quickly modified) for best results. It is a low-code software solution that shrinks the traditional software development cycle and cost by 10 times without compromising the efficacy and value of the application module.

How to strengthen Quality Control in Manufacturing plants with Workflow Automation?

Automate procurement, production line management, quality control, etc., to improve efficiency, minimize errors, and optimize the operations.

Considerations while Implementing Workflow Automation for Manufacturing Plants:

  Find the predominant quality issues based on the Pareto Principle that contends that 80% of consequences stem from 20% of the causes. Prioritize those product quality issues over the rest for immediate benefits.

  Identify critical-to-quality processes to diagnose and correct quality issues. Gather the production data you wish from multiple operations for complete coverage and decide how long to preserve the historical data. It helps you better handle warranty claims with root cause analysis.

  Perform round-the-clock real-time monitoring based on your custom requirements.

Few applications of Low-code software solutions

Automated Inspection Systems

Manufacturers can use technologies such as computer vision using an automated system in their favor to perform tasks that ape human capabilities to achieve never-before accuracy and speed in quality inspections. Such systems can measure product dimensions and correct inconsistencies in real-time, reducing the dependence on manual inspections.

Sensor Technology

Coupled with IoT technology, low-code applications can work with various sensors to collect real-time data on critical parameters like temperature, humidity, vibration, etc. The workflow automation solutions can analyze this data to detect deviations from normal and trigger instant remedial actions as a step towards predictive maintenance.

Statistical Process Control

Automation plays an indispensable role in the faster implementation of Statistical Process Control techniques. The systems gather data from dissimilar sources, analyze them statistically, and raise alerts when variations breach acceptable levels.

Automation helps in the complete traceability of assets and spares using QR code/barcode/ RFID systems. Automated tracking empowers manufacturers to trace the origin of a production issue and fetch metrics and data on the quality of each product effortlessly. The integrated approach provides manufacturers greater control over process and product quality.

Integration with Enterprise Systems

Construct powerful workflows between your CMMS and application software such as ERP, CRM, BI Platforms etc., with low code integration solutions. Such solutions provide reliable and secure connectors in a few days for seamless integration for real-time data synchronization, efficient inter-departmental communication, and comprehensive visibility into quality metrics.

Manufacturers can use the metrics and instantly generate reports for sound decisions that improve overall quality management.

Embrace workflow automation for the smooth operation of your production units and elevated profitability. Such a solution helps you avoid costly product recalls, warranty claims, and negative reviews that may affect the brand reputation. When a cost-effective solution is available on need within a few days, why complicate with expensive software or manual approaches to quality control when planning to upscale production?