Automation made work for the manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries a lot easier. Plants are investing more on intelligent tools that can handle multiple tasks with minimal or zero mistakes. As a result, they can bring down their costs of production, which results in more profits. The pharmaceutical industry has been leaning toward automation in recent years, as they realise the importance of intelligent materials handling equipment.
The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies said that in 2018, almost 4 in 10 pharmaceutical companies would have utilised robots to improve their production capacities and processes.
According to data, the global scope of automation in the industry has a compound annual growth rate of 10.9 per cent from 2019 to 2024. For example, the sector was expected to be valued at $9.1 billion in 2019 and will reach $17 billion by the end of the forecast period.
If you are still hesitating on shifting to automation, here are some things you might be missing out on:
Accuracy
Once you calibrate the numbers and input them into the computer, you can leave the plant and be guaranteed uniform results. Even the best human workers on the production line could not replicate the accuracy of these machines.
Higher productivity
The materials handling equipment can transport heavier loads compared to human labourer’s. For example, some of these robots can lift 300 kilos easily. In comparison, it would take three or four men to move that same volume.
Stability
In relation to item number two, since the robots can lift heavier loads, you do not have to worry about the machines accidentally dropping the fragile products. The movements are stable.
Predictability
In the same vein, you can easily set your daily, weekly, or monthly production targets because of the predictable movements of the materials handling equipment. You know how many products they can move or lift on a daily basis since they do not get tired or take a break from work.
Larger ROI
The machines are designed to work under stress or high-pressure environments. When you buy one, you can almost guarantee to reach the lifespan stated on the manual, as long as you conduct routine preventative maintenance. The long battery life also means that your pharmaceutical plant can be more productive. For instance, the compact electric lifter can handle 180 cycles on a single charge.
Hygiene
If you sanitise your manufacturing plants and isolate it from human intervention, then you can ensure the cleanliness of your products. It is crucial when you are to get certification from government regulatory bodies, which would first determine if the production line passes international standards. But make sure to choose materials handling equipment that can resist chemicals and contaminants. The polyethylene platforms are also easier to clean.
Versatile
Another benefit of these robots is their flexibility. Most machines can be easily customised, using different components like rolls and pallets. They also come with several attachments to handle small objects or heavy loads.
Those are some of the benefits of pharmaceutical automation. There are several electric and packaging solutions that will get you going in your pursuit toward a mechanised production line. They are crucial when you need to scale your operations while keeping production costs low.