Over the last few decades, automation has been increasingly making inroads into manufacturing production facilities. This boom, a critical part of what’s known as Industry 4.0, enables faster, more cost-effective manufacturing that optimizes quality.
Here at Kenona Industries/Arrow Automotive, we understand that automation is changing manufacturing for the better. That’s why we follow a longstanding tradition of adopting new technology that helps our automotive OEM customers meet their production goals.
The truth is that automation in manufacturing isn’t going anywhere – and we wouldn’t have it any other way! In this month’s blog, we outline seven distinct advantages that our in-house automation technologies deliver to our customers.
Increased Manufacturing Productivity
One of the biggest advantages is that automated systems can run nonstop, 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, without breaks. There may be slight production delays to replace worn tools, make equipment adjustments, or conduct routine maintenance, but aside from that, production carries on efficiently.
Automation also allows us to easily scale, providing the same level of quality for short production orders or large manufacturing runs, and gives us the ability to run multiple tasks simultaneously to support timely delivery of the finished product.
Read More: How The Current Automotive Market Impacts The Precision-Machined Component Industry
Fewer Delays with Our In-House Tooling and Machining Fabrication
At Kenona, we build our tooling and machining fixtures right in our own production facility in as little as a few hours. This keeps production running smoothly if a tool or fixture needs to be replaced, rather than waiting days for equipment delivery from an outside supplier.
Manufacturing fixtures in-house also ensures an exact fit into our machines, reducing variations, scrap, and rework. Adjustments and repairs to tooling design can be made with precision and agility, avoiding the downtime and costs associated with shipping tools to a third-party toolmaker and back again.
Lower Labor Costs
Since automation systems can run with little human intervention, costs associated with labor are lower. Machines don’t need breaks, get sick, or need to take a vacation, ensuring that production moves steadily forward under all circumstances.
Of course, that doesn’t mean we’re replacing our human workers. Instead, we enable them to focus on tasks that machines cannot do, such as developing innovation strategies, making critical production decisions, and engaging with our customers. In other words, automation technology is here to support humans in doing their jobs more effectively, while allowing them to focus on business-building activities that machinery simply can’t perform.
Read More: Our Capabilities
Improved Repeatability
Human metalworkers have been forging steel into goods for centuries, but the truth is that sometimes humans can make mistakes, affecting the quality and consistency of your products and resulting in additional costs due to material waste.
Automated systems are designed to eliminate errors by creating the same weld, drilling the same hole, and shaping the same workpiece with reliable, consistent accuracy. Whether you need a few dozen or one million of the same part, automation ensures consistent, repeatable results every time.
Enhanced Decision-Making
Our automated systems can provide a wealth of real-time data for our teams to use in strategic decision-making. For example, we can access information on the number of parts manufactured in a specific time frame, when a task was finished, and when a cutting tool may need to be replaced.
This information gives us a clear vision into how our workflows are performing, so we can make process decisions with confidence. This results in continuous improvements that provide higher-quality products to our customers sooner.
Integration With Advanced Technology Tools
Automation, as part of Industry 4.0, can be integrated into a larger advanced technology ecosystem that delivers unparalleled fabrication precision. Smart technologies, sensors, and connectivity all contribute to an intelligent manufacturing environment that optimizes the entire machining process.
Robotic systems, cobots (which work alongside humans to handle dangerous, repetitive, or physically demanding tasks), and artificial intelligence (AI) are all examples of advanced technology that work in tandem with automation, all to the customers’ benefit.
Supports Sustainability Objectives
Many of our customers are interested in partnering with companies that follow defined sustainability practices. Kenona’s automation technology supports environmental sustainability by optimizing material usage, reducing waste, and improving energy efficiency.
We believe that helping to minimize our industry’s environmental impact not only helps our customers reach their sustainability objectives but also lays a solid foundation for our future leaders to build on.
Kenona Industries: Embracing Technology to Make Better Products for Our Customers
Kenona Industries/Arrow Automotive uses automated precision machining technology to fabricate and assemble high-quality automotive parts and components for leading OEM and Tier 1, 2, and 3 suppliers. All of our technology is implemented on-site, without any external integration, saving our customers time and money while reducing project lead times.
With over 35 years of expertise in providing high-volume machined components that enhance the efficiency, reliability, and safety of gas-powered and electric vehicles, Kenona is your only stop for quality metal fabrication solutions.
When you’re ready to start building, call our team first!
Contact Kenona Industries For A Quote On Your Next Design And Fabrication Project
Kenona Industries is a world-class supplier of automotive components to leading OEMs and Tier 1, 2, and 3 manufacturers. Discover what sets us apart by requesting a quote for your next project today