It can be difficult to know whether it is a good idea (or indeed, a profitable one) to install a machine-based vision system in your company. After all, these systems can be awfully expensive. Furthermore, unless you have a crystal ball, there is no way to really know for sure if such a system will increase overall productivity levels and hence company profits. If you are in two minds about a vision system, it might be worth taking a good look at what this technology can actually do and whether it would help to improve operations in your company.
Vision systems are used to solve problems within the workplace. They might be used to inspect parts that are too small for the naked eye to see, or to match exact shades of color on specific parts. In some industries, they are used to sort and pack hazardous materials, which then helps make the workplace safer for its human workers. They can also be used to detect defective products with ease, thus helping to improve quality control.
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What Can Vision Systems Do for a Company?
There are a multitude of applications that vision systems can be used for. They have been used in a variety of industries including manufacturing, pharmaceutical, scientific research, medical, and manufacturing to great effect because of the many ways in which they can be used. Below we have listed just some of the ways in which vision systems can benefit a company:
Reducing Costs
The implementation of a vision system can dramatically reduce the amount of personnel required to operate machinery and equipment, which will in turn help to reduce overheads. In addition, the precision and accuracy associated with vision systems means that there is far less wastage of materials. This is particularly important in companies that use high priced delicate parts that might be susceptible to damage from human handling.
Eliminating Human Error
A vision system can decrease the need for labor-intensive applications by staff. There is no doubting the superior vision of machine-based systems that can detect tiny parts which are not visible to the human eye. Furthermore, machines are capable of accurately matching specific shades of color, which also might not be possible for a human.
Increasing Productivity
When a machine-based vision system is used, business owners do not have to worry about things like staff holidays or sickness. Machines are not susceptible to illness or fatigue and will continue with the required output regardless, thus allowing companies to meet scheduled deadlines with ease. And in terms of speed, machines have the edge, being capable of inspecting hundreds or thousands of parts per cycle.
Improving Safety
One of the biggest concerns for manufacturing company owners is keeping their employees safe. According to Sciotex out of Newton Square, PA, machine vision systems can dramatically improve employee safety in the workplace. It is possible to implement systems with real-time image processing that will be continuously gathering images of the plant and those working in it. This allows for the detection of hazardous or environmental risks within the plant.
Furthermore, vision systems can take over the production line of dangerous components, eliminating the need for human contact with such parts.
A Cost-Effective Solution
Visions systems can cost tens of thousands of dollars and for a company with tight margins, investing in such a system might be a struggle. If you have budgetary constraints, it is easy to think that such an expense would not be worthwhile. However, vision systems are typically cost-effective in the long run, with many paying for themselves in terms of the increased productivity within a year.