Business South November 2021

56 | Unlocking the potential benefits of automation T from page 54 Robotics can be used to automate repetitive processes in factories. Design Energy provides professional servic- es and advice to Callaghan Innovation, New Zealand universities and the National Science Robotics Spearhead. Mike says Covid-19 has brought new applications for robotics, particularly in the laboratory automation space. This has seen Design Energy work on a variety of projects including currently a Cov- id-19 analysis laboratory for the Christchurch District Health Board. Robotics is used to automate repetitive processes associated with transitioning nasal swab samples from plastic tubes used in the field to laboratory analysis equipment. Mike says that the pandemic has also high- lighted and accelerated pre-Covid-19 trends such as using automation to deal with labour shortages. “In a pandemic people cannot often work under certain level restrictions but aside from the pandemic New Zealand’s producers are faced with aging incumbent workers and younger generations for whom dull, dirty and repetitive work does not appeal. “Suffice to say it is becoming extremely difficult to find and retain staff for certain repetitive jobs.” He says the impact of Covid-19 on supply chains, prevailing overall market conditions and the decreasing cost of robots mean now is a very good time to automate. “Broken supply chains have forced compa- nies needing manufacturing to look in their own backyards and they have found really good Kiwi manufacturing companies that produce quality products. “The outcome of this is the manufacturing sector is the busiest it’s been for 20 years. Our challenge now is how to lock this in so we continue to be internationally competitive. “The way do this is through automation. Not only will this improve productivity it will re- move dull, dirty and dangerous roles and will attract our young to interesting and challeng- ing high paid jobs. “Government policies are also impacting the cost of labour and its availability through changed immigration settings. “Given that market conditions are unlikely to change any time soon or at all when it comes to sourcing labour it makes sense to look for ways to increase productivity through automation.” MANUFACTURING Design Energy “The outcome of this is the manufacturing sector is the busiest it’s been for 20 years. Our challenge now is how to lock this in so we continue to be internationally competitive.” Fabrication Design and Build Designing and creating all types of metal products • Designing and build • Fabrication • Laser Cutting 144 Hazeldean Road, Addington, ChCh W strfabrication.co.nz E accounts@strfabrication.co.nz M 021 050 3800 P 03 379 2096 Moving data fromone system to another is a complex, manual task that is time consuming and prone to human error. Get it wrong and the results can be serious, causing signi icant loss in pro its. The solution is to implement the DataSuite software by Central Innovation. It enables companies to automate their work lows and data management. “Every project hasmany elements – project scope, people, design data, scheduling and sequencing – to name a few. For true automation to happen these componentsmust come together – integrate. DataSuite shares information and opens a dialogue between designers and manufacturers. It connects their work lows and business systems,” says Central Innovationmanaging director Mike Russell. DataSuite’s tools support multi-format systems integration, rich datamerging, secure automatic data low, multiple sources of data to one source, rules-based triggers, and custom lists for routing, among others. Mike says that every company is unique and has its own set of systems. “It takes time to understand the DataSuite automates CAD data to production systems seamlessly systems, requirements, goals and priorities of each company,” he says. “Instead of DIY and trial and error we recommend a set-up that achieves the best outcome for our customers. We have engineers, designers, developers, and specialists on sta to design, implement, test systems, and train and support customers.” DataSuite is a proven, reliable solution, says Mike. It is used by companies ranging in size from SMEs to larger corporations. A good example is world leading packaging systems supplier Technopak Limited based in Auckland. “The growing complexity of Technopak’s assemblies and data structure meant that its data vault was increasingly di icult to export,” explains Mike. “So an accurate, cleanmechanical BOM into its custom-built ERP was time consuming and di icult. Attempts to overcome this resulted in extensive rekeying of data and double and triple-checking of the information within the BOM” The solution was to employ Central Innovation’s DataSuite software to deliver seamless data transfer between the PDM and ERP systems while eliminating the output inconsistences. “According to Technopak the use of DataSuite has saved its business an estimated 1,500 plus hours of manual work per annum,” says Mike. Central Innovation has been in New Zealand for over 30 years. Its team is on the ground in Auckland and Christchurch and has worked with companies from design to fabrication and distribution. NZ: 0800 900 889 www.centralinnovation.com The difference between Technology and our customers’ ability to get the most out of it. ∙ 3D Design Software for Architects, Drafts People, Designers, Engineers and Production Managers. ∙ The fastest computers for 3D Design in the world. ∙ Training centres in New Zealand and Australia. ∙ Certified specialists to help customers get the most out of their software. ∙ Datasuite software for integration between isolated data sources