Industrial automation is the use of control systems such as computers to control industrial machinery and processes, reducing the need for human intervention. Automation is a step beyond mechanisation. Whereas mechanisation provided human operators with machinery to assist them with the physical requirements of work, automation greatly reduces the need for human sensory and mental requirements as well. Processes and systems can also be automated.
Specialised hardened computers, referred to as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), are frequently used to synchronize the flow of inputs from (physical) sensors and events with the flow of outputs to actuators and events. This leads to precisely controlled actions that permit a tight control of almost any industrial process.
Man-machine interfaces, are usually employed to communicate with PLCs and other computers, such as entering and monitoring temperatures or pressures for further automated control or emergency response.
Currently, for manufacturing companies, the purpose of automation has shifted from increasing productivity and reducing costs, to broader issues, such as increasing quality and flexibility in the manufacturing process.
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automation
By Bruce Swanson, Mentor Graphics With full apologies to Shakespeare, “To yield, or not to yield” almost became the title for this blog article. Fortunately, he didn’t have to turn over in his grave because I believe the real question is “Which is the best way to Yield?” since everyone wants a good yield.