Analysis for logistics and distribution
Management
Introduction:
Automatic handling systems are designed in order to facilitate the works and human beings. They are designed using smart technologies which consists are several microprocessors that can respond as per the human instructions and can produce required outcomes. They are designed so as to facilitate the process of development and also to ensure that the construction is carried out smoothly at a low cost ensuring accuracy of the results and faster productivity. However, it has been seen that the automatic systems have failed to meet the desired potential.
The prime reasons for the failure of automatic systems (Nielsen, J. & Molichis ,1990) the high cost both for the installation and for he maintenance. Thus the additional capital costs and costs that is required for the maintenance process leads to a further investment which is not feasible for the productivity.
Another disadvantage of using the material handling systems includes the reduction in the flexibility of the system. This is because, there is little chance to for further change in the same automated tool as they can’t be programmed again and again. Also, the integrated systems may lead to the failure of the entire mechanism. This is because in an automated system, the tool or machines are integrated with each other and are functionally dependent on each other. Therefore, if any one of those fails than the entire system may come to a stop.
The company where automated systems are installed, have to employ specialised people to look after the maintenance jobs of these systems which involves additional costs, also the tools are required for the maintenance of the automatic systems.
How can automate systems be improved:
The automated systems can be improved by increasing the processing capabilities of the automated systems so that they can be able to produces large amount of profits and there should not be any problems related to the maintenance of the systems with respect to its cost. Another factor which can help in the improvement of the automatic handling systems is the, changing the interdependency of the systems. This can be done by making modular systems which functions independently, so that there shouldn't be any problem when one of the system stops functioning. This would not hamper the productivity as the production can be carried out by the other machines. Also, the costs of the automated systems can be lowered by implementing more user friendly technologies which are easy to develop and involves low cost for development. Decrease in the development cost of an automated system may lead to an increase in the number of automated systems in the world. More and more people will come forward to buy and to install the automated systems. In order to improve these systems, the environment where these are installed should be in accordance with the requirement of the systems, such as the optimum temperature should be maintained in the site of installation, because many time the systems may become non functional because of in appropriate conditions.
Conclusion
Thus, automation of the systems has been done in order to facilitate the human beings. Automated systems may take development process to a new Heights and can produce great results. But it must be ensured that the process of automation must be done in a proper way so hat there should not be any problems in the functioning of these systems.
References
Nielsen, J. & Molich, R. (1990), Heuristic evaluation of user interfaces, in Proceedings of the SIGCHI conference on Human factors in computing systems , ACM Press, pp. 249--256.
