<img height="1" width="1" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=163851757554412&amp;ev=PageView &amp;noscript=1">

4 Surprising Alternatives to Process Automation in Chinese Factories

September 25, 2016

 by Renaud Anjoran

process automation

Generally, the ROI of automating a production system is often pretty high on paper. However, manufacturing robots can pose serious challenges.

The truth is that many automation projects fail. When the CMC team visits Chinese manufacturing factories, we often see expensive machines either inactive or used at a fraction of their capacity. So, do factories choose between inertia (the same good old manual processes) and automated equipment? Fortunately, no. Here are 4 often-overlooked process automation alternatives.

The 4 Alternatives to Process Automation

process automation in Chinese factories

1. Re-Engineer Your Manufacturing Processes for Higher Productivity

You can re-engineer your current processes to increase efficiency. We have increased output by 30% in some factories while reducing labor by 20% or more, without significant investment!

Let’s take an example with a simple production line counting 10 people, with an extra 1 person busy doing rework, and you hire an industrial engineer who applies for the following program:

  • Improve the logistics around the line so that people don’t have to get up and look for parts;

  • Improve the layout of the production line so that parts required at each workstation are always within easy reach of the operator;

  • Introduce helpful fixtures to go faster and to error-proof the process;

  • Train the operators and their group leaders to understand the benefits of the changes so they buy into the new setup.

What can realistically be expected from this re-engineering project after 4-5 months?

  • Getting the line down from 10 to 7 people

  • Reducing rework from 1 to 0.3 people on average

  • Reduce turnover from 60% to 20% a year – the operators are more motivated since they received training and could contribute their ideas.

(Note that the industrial engineer can work on improving several lines at the same time. This is not 4-5 months of his time, but maybe 1 month in total.) Over time, you can squeeze more waste out of that process.

2. Semi-Automate Your Manufacturing Processes

In addition to the re-engineering program mentioned above, let’s say you gradually semi-automate some of the process steps. With machines and equipment that provide semi-automated or user-assisted operations, the workers can carry out their job functions much easier and faster than before. Fewer people can do the same amount of work. As you semi-automate the processes, it allows you to get the number of employees down, one by one.

How is this different from the typical complete process automation projects?

  • Investment is much lower

  • Investment can be made in phases, gradually over time

  • The factory needs a brain to push this project – typically an experienced and creative tooling specialist

3. Go for High-Mix, Low-Volume Orders

If you applied the suggestions laid above, your operations have improved efficiency and have remained flexible. It means you are now able to get business from customers that give high-mix, low-volume orders. And most of these customers are buying from China since the average Chinese factory has more manual (and hence more flexible) processes than the average American or European workshop.

And who is NOT in a position to get those orders? Manufacturers with advanced, high-tech manufacturing process automation. Their expensive equipment is perfect for making large batches, but their “economic lot size” is much larger than yours. Why? Because changing over from one type of product to the next generally takes a long time, and they want long runs of similar products.

4. Subcontract to An Automated Manufacturing Factory

Do you have some low-mix, high-volume orders? You can subcontract them to a manufacturer that has purchased expensive equipment. Since they invested massively, they tend to be more careful with the contracts they sign. And hopefully, they will do an excellent job for you. (If their equipment is down at the wrong moment, which is a real possibility, you can limit the consequences by using your in-house production capability.)

Overall, it makes sense to start with process re-engineering and semi-automation and go in the direction of full automation once these alternatives hit their limits. The good thing is that semi-automation teaches technicians to maintain machines, so they will be better equipped to sustain high-tech machinery when the time comes to purchase it.

Have you followed this logic in your factory, or have you seen this at work among your suppliers? What obstacles did they run into? Please add to the community by sharing your experiences as a comment below."Will You Save Money With Process Automation in Your Factory" [PPT + sheet]

Topics: Automation

Renaud Anjoran

Renaud Anjoran

15 years experience in China.
Partner, China Manufacturing Consultants.
Worked with hundreds of factories in China.
Certifications: ASQ CQE & CRE; ISO 9001 & 14001 lead auditor.
Author of well-read blog, Quality Inspection Tips.

Subscribe to receive CMC tips & resources

Related articles

How to Increase EBITDA in Manufacturing: Part #4 - Leveraging Technology and Automation

Renaud Anjoran

Read More

5 Key Benefits of Automation in Manufacturing for the Consumer Goods Industry (With Real-Life Examples)

Renaud Anjoran

Read More

How Chinese Factories Can Adopt Automation & Smart Manufacturing

Renaud Anjoran

Read More