RPA is specifically referring to software robots that can be programmed to do specific tasks, such as copying and pasting or filling in forms. However, traditional engineering automation includes machines and equipment that are used to create or assemble products. In this blog post, we will explore both software and traditional engineering automation in more detail.
There are two definitions of automation engineering:
- Looking to automate software operations from a software engineering standpoint.
- Providing automated solutions to physical activities and industries in a classical engineering sense.
Understand IT operations automation – software engineering automation
What is IT operations automation?
IT operations automation is the process of automating various IT tasks and processes. This can include everything from deploying and configuring servers to monitoring network traffic and managing user permissions. By automating these tasks, IT professionals can free up time to focus on more strategic initiatives.
Additionally, automating certain IT operations can help to improve efficiency and accuracy. For example, using an automated server deployment tool can ensure that servers are correctly configured and minimize the risk of human error. Ultimately, automation can help to improve the quality of IT services while also reducing costs.
5 IT Automation Tools
- Network Automation
The majority of your network’s hardware and software devices need to be correctly configured, backed up and watched for configuration changes and performance. These manual processes are exceedingly time-consuming and prone to error for medium- to large-scale networks.
- Automate User Provisioning
When employees join, quit, change departments, or take on new duties, administrators must spend a lot of effort granting user access privileges. You may automate important parts of access rights management and even outsource them from IT to line-of-business teams, freeing up time to address business-critical issues.
- Automate Patch Management
A recent survey found that 46% of firms had an incident brought on by a vulnerability that wasn’t fixed. Your firm may become more productive and safe by automating crucial patch management procedures like compilation, updating, and reporting.
- ITSM Automation
Your help desk workers and employees will notice a lack of IT automation tools. Automating IT service management procedures has various advantages, including decreased MTTR and increased CSAT.
- Integrated Performance Monitoring
It is challenging to maintain the dependability of applications due to organizational silos, the management of complex application environments, and the proliferation of monitoring technologies. To achieve the objectives of enhancing service reliability, lowering costs, and maximizing staff time, IT executives can rationalize and rearrange their IT monitoring tools.
Understand industrial automation – Traditional engineering automation
What is industrial automation?
Industrial automation is the use of technology to perform tasks that were previously carried out by human beings. This can include tasks such as fabricating products, packaging and labeling them, testing them, and then shipping them out.
Automation can also include tasks such as monitoring production lines, keeping track of inventory levels, and adjusting the machines to ensure that they are running at peak efficiency. In many cases, industrial automation leads to increased productivity and accuracy, as well as decreased costs.
4 types of industrial automation
- Direct automation
Direct automation doesn’t need an intermediary device to communicate its commands. For instance, a single motor can use an electric signal produced by its armature to open or close a group of valves. Meanwhile, the other forms of automation need the transmission of commands from one device to another.
- Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) automation
A programmable logic controller (PLC) is an industrial digital computer, distributed control system (DCS), or embedded controller used to automate electromechanical processes. It is a sort of industrial computer that automates the production control system.
- Process control system
A “closed-loop” automation system is a process control system (PCS). The PCS’s code monitors the findings of its sensors and sends signals to its actuators as needed so that any change in its inputs causes a change in its outputs.
- Human Machine Interface (HMI)
Human-machine interfaces (HMIs) are frequently PLC (programmable logic controller) devices in industrial implementations. Although many HMI devices no longer gather or process data through an acquisition subsystem, HMIs are occasionally referred to as “supervisory control and data acquisition” systems.
Conclusion
Although software automation is growing in popularity, traditional engineering automation still has a place in the market. It’s important to understand both types of automation and when it would be best to use them. At SmartOSC, we have years of experience with both software and traditional engineering automation. We can help you choose the right type of automation for your business and show you how to get the most out of it. Contact us today to learn more!
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