Intelligent Automation for a more sustainable future
The impact of innovative technologies, such as intelligent automation is becoming increasingly evident in our daily lives. The automation of tedious processes that used to consume a large part of our working days has led to significant improvements, opening the door to a more effective digitization of processes for companies and businesses.
This has generated a reciprocal growth in which workers have experienced professional development by being able to focus on tasks that enhance their personal skills, while companies have elevated their potential by implementing more effective strategies and plans. Thanks to these approaches, customer service has been improved, enhancing the overall experience and obtaining tangible benefits.
However, in recent years, there has been a growing concern and commitment on the part of most businesses and companies regarding sustainability and environmental preservation. These decisions have been influenced by both worsening climate change and market trends, with users favoring those businesses genuinely committed to this cause.
The question then arises: can sustainability and intelligent automation coexist?
Ideas, challenges and key issues facing companies:
When managing sustainability-oriented changes in business, it is essential to consider three key ideas based on ESG criteria:
A for Environmental: Encompasses sustainability in terms of climate change, resource management and everything related to the preservation of the planet.
S for Social: Includes terms associated with people, such as human rights, inclusion and labor management, among others.
G for Governance: encompasses the terms that govern decisions and transparency within the company.
In addition, it is advisable to explore the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) document, which serves as the basis for current regulations and targets in terms of sustainability. Familiarity with these pillars will strengthen companies' ability to address the challenges and opportunities that arise on the road to more sustainable practices.
How can intelligent automation benefit sustainability?
In the following we will explore the most important points where technologies such as process automation or RPA can contribute to improving sustainability:
Energy efficiency → Through process optimization and intelligent resource management, accurate monitoring and control is achieved that can analyze in real time energy consumption and automatically adjust production or equipment operation to minimize waste by adjusting energy consumption during periods of low demand.
Automation in the manufacturing industry, where the implementation of intelligent automation systems in production lines ensures that machines operate at optimal levels of energy efficiency is a good example. These systems can automatically shut down or reduce power during idle periods and adjust production based on real-time demand. This not only reduces energy consumption, but also improves overall plant productivity.
Optimization of resources →Intelligent automation optimizes the use of resources, such as raw materials and water, by improving efficiency in industrial processes and the intelligent management of these inputs. This is achieved through aspects such as: precise control of raw materials, continuous monitoring, process optimization, recycling and reuse, and water management in industrial processes, reducing unnecessary consumption.
Waste reduction → Process automation plays a crucial role in minimizing waste in the production processes of various industries thanks to aspects such as: Early defect detection, inventory optimization, dynamic process adjustment, recycling and waste separation or efficiency in the use of raw materials.
Green technologies → Through automation, the transition to cleaner and more sustainable technologies is facilitated, especially when combined with renewable energy initiatives. Some key pillars are the monitoring of renewable energy systems to improve their operational efficiency and ensure optimal performance. Other important aspects are the integration of electric vehicles or the combination of intelligent buildings with renewable energies.
Circular economy →Smart automation plays a key role in fostering the adoption of circular economy models by closing production cycles and reducing reliance on new resources. Key aspects that contribute to making this possible are: Efficient recycling and reuse, smart waste management, automated disassembly and tracking products throughout their life cycle.
A good example can be found at Apple, which has implemented automated systems to disassemble and recover materials from old products. Its disassembly robot, called "Daisy," disassembles iPhones to recycle valuable components such as cobalt and aluminum.
Social impact →Intelligent automation eliminates routine jobs, creating new opportunities and specialized roles. With a focus on developing skills to prepare workers for more specialized and technologically advanced roles, the negative impact on employment is minimized.
This point may still be in development, as many businesses are still in a state of transition to adopt these new technologies. However, through good management and the collaboration of various entities, win-win results can be achieved. A good initiative could be to offer continuous training programs, or initiatives that encourage job creation in sustainable sectors.
Environmental monitoring → Using IoT sensors, real-time data can be collected on the quality of air, water, emissions and other environmental factors at industrial facilities. In addition, the collection of information allows for an accurate and detailed assessment of the environmental impact of operations, identifying areas for improvement and opportunities for efficiency. Operations can then be automatically adjusted to minimize emissions and optimize resource consumption, thereby reducing negative environmental impact.
Regulations and standards → It is important to know which environmental and energy efficiency standards are set by government regulations in each country in order to ensure responsible practices. Other related aspects are: Ensuring that the implementation of smart technologies does not result in unfair job losses or unsustainable labor practices and guaranteeing the quality and safety of the systems.
Education and awareness → Practices such as informing on how RPA technologies, process digitalization or intelligent automation can reduce emissions, improve waste management and favor more sustainable practices reinforces the importance of these technologies in mitigating environmental impact. Mention should also be made of how these technologies can improve operational efficiency, reducing waste and optimizing the use of resources. This can be achieved by highlighting success stories where automation has led to significant environmental improvements.
So what do we need to consider in order to move forward?
It is not possible today to forget about these two terms: On the one hand, intelligent automation and RPA are shown as technologies that have burst into our lives to stay and, on the other hand, the growing environmental problems today make it essential to work to take care of our environment.
Therefore, with a collaborative effort, and by implementing good practices by companies and organizations, a future in which intelligent automation and sustainability join forces so that we all live in a better world may be possible.
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