Against the background of new achievements in the field of AI and the emergence of various systems like ChatGPT, we decided to brush up on the evolution of automation. And we will consider it in the context of APCS and RPA.
Automation process control system (or APCS) can easily be called the brain of any enterprise. The system collects, processes, stores and presents information about production processes, based on which it is possible to draw conclusions about productivity, the presence of errors and the need to make adjustments to the operation of individual components and assemblies. Thus, the Automation Spirit Alliance company has been creating and improving automation process control systems for many different areas for about 10 years. The main goals of such systems are:
- optimization of production processes;
- cost reduction;
- increasing the efficiency of the enterprise;
- avoiding the negative influence of the human factor.
At the same time, no APCS can fully function without human participation. A kind of chain of relations “system – person” is created, where the latter takes responsibility for decision-making. This algorithm has been the main one in the organization of production facilities for several decades. However, progress makes its own adjustments even in such an “established” system.
RPA: the advanced grandson of APCS
Robotic process automation or simply RPA is a new milestone in the evolution of automation, which was born thanks to more advanced and subtle algorithms for artificial intelligence, neural networks. One of the first examples of the use of RPA was its integration into premium cars of a well-known global concern about 5 years ago. The system monitors the performance of the car, including mileage, analyzes the degree of wear of parts, reminds you of the timely replacement of consumables, and can even sign the owner up for scheduled maintenance.
Due to the fundamental differences in the structure of APCS and RPA, the latter has different responsibilities. Such a system is able not only to make accurate calculations according to the given parameters, but also to send the result obtained further along the chain.
An example is a concrete production line. In it, APCS is responsible for automating the production of building mixtures — it measures the required amount of all components, feeds them into the mixer, monitors mixing, and then unloads the finished product, distributing it to the machines in a given quantity. RPA in this case can act as an operator:
- keep records of the income and expenses materials;
- create and adjust download queues;
- optimize logistics routes;
- process primary and accounting documentation.
Thus, if we “make friends” between APCS and RPA, we will form a new chain of “system-system” relationships, in which most tasks are performed automatically, and only a “supervisory” function is assigned to a person.
Robotic future
RPA is a new and very promising direction, especially in conjunction with APCS. Therefore, Automation Spirit Alliance is very closely studying its capabilities and, in the future, will implement such systems in its services and products. For mutually beneficial cooperation, you can always write to us in private messages here or use the feedback form on the official website. And, of course, follow our publications. There are still a lot of interesting things ahead!