Today’s industry landscape is fast paced, undoubtedly. And automation is the machine of industry, the epitome of today’s on-the-cusp-of-Industry 5.0 and with it, agility, offering a competitive edge whilst capitalising on emerging opportunities.

It is also industries that are characterised by shorter product lifecycles that have a lot to gain from the speed in which automation is implemented. Electronics, automotive, and consumer goods are particularly affected by this need for speed. 

Innovation is the proverbial name of the game to truly meet and exceed consumer expectations. Which is why delays in automation can lead to missed opportunities, reduced market share, and ultimately diminished profitability.

“Organisations like Schneider Electric and our industrial software partner, AVEVA aim to drive speed in automation by offering integrated solutions that streamline processes and productivity. A major benefit to industries with short product lifecycles,” says Johan Potgieter, Cluster Industrial Software Lead at Schneider Electric.

“Schneider Electric and AVEVA work in synergy. Our integrated solutions facilitate seamless communication between different systems and processes, reducing the time required for implementation and minimising the risk of errors. 

“Importantly, this collaboration empowers businesses to achieve faster automation, thereby enhancing their agility and competitiveness in the market,” he notes.

Give us an E, A and a C

As mentioned, it is particularly industries with shorter product lifecycles that stand a gain the most from speed in automation. 

Here, we should start with the electronics sector which features eye wateringly short product lifecycles driven by:

• Rapid technological advancements - continuous innovation and development of new technologies mean that products quickly become outdated as newer, better versions are introduced.
• High consumer demand for innovation and evolving preferences; consumers expect frequent updates and improvements in electronic devices, driving companies to release new products regularly.
• Intense competition means companies are pushed to constantly innovate and differentiate their products.
• Component obsolescence: electronic components often become obsolete quickly due advancements in technology and changes in manufacturing processes.

“For the electronics industry, Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure platform offers real-time data analytics and digital twins to optimise production lines and reduce downtime. AVEVA simulation tools, in turn, allow for precise modelling and testing of new processes, ensuring rapid and accurate implementation,” explains Potgieter.

The automative industry faces similar challenges to its electronics cousin. For one, is the rapid advancements in automotive technology such as electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and connectivity features. 

Furthermore, governments and regulatory bodies frequently update standards related to emissions, safety, and fuel efficiency, which necessitates updates in vehicle designs and technologies. 

Aso, shifts in consumer preferences and design trends lead to the introduction of new models to meet changing tastes and maintain market relevance. Consumers demand the latest features, improved performance, and enhanced safety, prompting manufacturers to release new models regularly.

“Schneider Electric's digital solutions enhance manufacturing efficiency and facility management. Our EcoStruxure platform for example supports smart data and IT infrastructure, improving cybersecurity and operational performance.

“Additionally, AVEVA ‘s MES (Manufacturing Execution System) and SCADA systems provide comprehensive control and monitoring, enabling faster response to market changes.

Last, but certainly not least is the consumer goods industry, echoing similar challenges than electronics and automotive industry, it is heavily driven by changing consumer trends and preferences. To stay aligned with these trends and meet consumer expectations, companies must regularly refresh their product offering.

“Schneider Electric's automation solutions help streamline consumer goods production processes and improve energy management. Similarly, AVEVA’s MES system enhances operational visibility and efficiency, allowing for quick adjustments to production schedules and reducing time-to-market,” explains Potgieter.

Quantum computing 

Quantum computing promises to revolutionise how businesses approach complex problem-solving and data processing.

Here, Schneider Electric is exploring the potential of quantum computing to enhance its automation solutions. “By integrating quantum algorithms into our systems, we’re aiming to optimise problems more efficiently, leading to faster and more accurate decision-making processes.

“Also, AVEVA has partnered with Oxford Quantum Circuits to develop quantum computing applications for the industrial sector; a s collaboration seeks to leverage quantum computing's capabilities to improve process optimization, reduce energy consumption, and enhance overall operational efficiency,” Potgieter concludes.