AUTOMATION
VS. OPTIMIZATION
Interrelated...but different...processes
Automation and optimization are two terms that everyone
in the industry has heard of- many have automated or optimized
their facilities at one point or another. However, these
two terms are often used interchangeably, when they are
actually quite different. Despite the fact they have ending
in "action" in common; automation and optimization
are distinct processes...and have different results. Automation
is the automatic operation or control of equipment, process,
or a system.
Optimization, on the other hand, consists of a procedure
or procedures used to make a system or design as effective
or functional as possible- especially the mathematical
techniques involved.
Automation reduces the quantity
of resources required to oversee the process as well
as increase the level of safety, yet if the process
is inefficient when automated, the result after being
automated will be inefficient. The process gained the
advantage of being automatic, yet leveraging the capabilities
of the new process control system to fully optimize
the process, may not have been taken into account when
the project was scoped out.
Gaining major OPTIMIZATION
benefits to a process CANNOT be obtained without first
automating. A company can attempt to optimize a manually
(non-automated) process, yet will not gain the significant
benefits that can be obtained after the process has
been automated
A typical misconception has been that buying and installing
a programmable logic controller (PLC/ DCS/ ERP/ IT)
will be the catalyst that will allow a facility to start
saving a lot of money, which is not always the case.
Automation jobs typically are specified and are awarded
based on "WHAT" the company wants installed
and by when. Not necessarily "HOW" and with
identified tangible measurable benefits/improvements
to the process after the automation job is complete.
Thus the project is awarded based on a price to provide
controls material, install and commission, without the
stated expected improvements to the process after the
project is completed.
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