Digital Marketing Guides & Strategies

Harnessing the Power of Industrial Automation and Robotics: A guide for entrepreneurs | BDC

Marketing Automation

Summary

1. What can robots do for my business?
Robots and automated systems can enhance your productivity and competitiveness while helping you address labor shortages. But how exactly can they assist? This section outlines the advantages of automation and presents various current use cases.

2. Getting started with automation
Your first automation project is crucial. It will not only offer valuable learning experiences but also lay the groundwork for future achievements—if executed correctly. This section will guide you in choosing an appropriate initial project, selecting the right technology for your requirements, and steering clear of common mistakes.

3. Execute with maximum impact
Preparation is key, but successful execution is what truly matters. To ensure your project succeeds, you’ll need to train your team and possibly recruit additional talent to acquire the necessary skills for your transformation. This process can be challenging, so having a change management strategy is essential. Lastly, don’t overlook the importance of evaluating your results; we’ll guide you through that process.

1. What can robots do for my business?

Two types of automation

Automation is a powerful solution for scaling your operations without the need for additional labor. However, it’s essential to distinguish between two interconnected types of automation:

  • Process automation
  • Industrial automation

This eBook will focus specifically on industrial automation. Any further references to automation or robotics will pertain to this particular type.

Process automation
This type focuses on automating information flows in business processes and activities that extend beyond the production floor. It is software-oriented.
Examples include:

  • Automated expense management
  • Accounting software
  • Customer relationship management (CRM) systems
  • Robotic process automation (RPA)
  • Chatbots

Industrial automation
This type emphasizes automating physical processes and activities on the factory floor, in warehouses, or at construction sites using physical equipment. It is hardware-oriented.
Examples include:

  • Automated welding or assembly robots
  • Automated cutting machines
  • Digital quality control devices
  • Picking, packing, and palletizing systems

What problems can robots help me solve?

Robots and industrial automation can provide solutions to various challenges your business may face. While this list isn’t exhaustive, here are some common issues that can be effectively addressed through automation and robotics:

Declining Competitiveness
39% of the most productive businesses have invested in automation, compared to only 18% of other companies.
Source: Inflation, Labour Shortages, and Supply Challenges, BDC (2022)

Limited Capacity
55% of entrepreneurs report working longer hours and delaying or declining new orders. However, businesses that have begun automating are 1.9 times more likely to experience sales growth exceeding the industry average.
Source: How to Adapt to the Labour Shortage Situation, BDC (2021)

Quality Issues
42% of businesses that have adopted digital technologies have seen improvements in the overall quality of their products, resulting in fewer customer returns.
Source: Industry 4.0: The New Industrial Revolution, BDC (2017)

Labour Shortage
44% of manufacturers have implemented automation or robotics in certain processes to tackle the labor shortage.

Source: Quebec Industrial Barometer – 13th edition, STIQ (2022)

Continue reading to explore how industrial automation and robotics can transform your business. Download the full guide now!

Related guide: Making Tech Work for Your Business: A Guide for Entrepreneurs | BDC

Table of Contents of “Harnessing the Power of Industrial Automation and Robotics: A guide for entrepreneurs”:

  • Summary
  • 1. What can robots do for my business?
    • Two types of automation
    • What problems can robots help me solve?
    • Top use cases for robotics and automation
    • Common robotics and automation use cases
    • The benefits of integrating robotics
  • 2. Getting started with automation
    • What to do before you invest in automation
    • Finding a good first project
    • 5 tips to get your first automation project off the ground
    • How to evaluate automation solutions
    • The top 3 automation mistakes to avoid
  • 3. Execute with maximum impact
    • Training and hiring for skills
    • The critical role of change management
    • How to evaluate your results
    • 7 steps to evaluate your project’s results

Number of Pages:

  • 17 pages

Pricing: 

  • Free
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