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The Job Reducing Effect of Technology in the Manufacturing Sector

June 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The benefits of technology surrounds people on a day to day basis. Everything that is used, played on, driven, worn and more has had a hands-off machine touch it in some way. Technology has created machines such as a robot placing a windshield on a car with a precision no human can attain, or an automated sewing machine stitching a pocket onto a pair of jeans.

With the introduction of these machines comes the reduction of jobs. Manufacturing tasks of many kinds had human involvement or intervention of some type. Now an automated machine or a robot does the job for a human. These jobs disappear in favor of the reduction in overhead cost. The purchase price of these highly automated machines rapidly pay for themselves. No more having to pay an hourly wage and benefits to a body. Instead, one or two technicians monitor the machines.

There are not many options for those who have seen their jobs taken over by equipment. Sometimes they are fortunate enough to be absorbed elsewhere in the company, others can take a retirement package, others are bought out and cut loose. Finding a new job is not an easy task for those who have been let go.

A small but significant upside does exist for using machinery in place of bodies. Many times the tasks were dangerous, and could threaten loss of life for those who lost focus for even a second. Not everyone is sad to see a machine take over the job. However, it remains to be seen how large of an effect technology will have on jobs in the manufacturing sector.

Filed Under: Computers, Technology Tagged With: , ,

The Dangers Technology Poses to Manufacturing Jobs

February 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Many people will agree that advancements in technology are a good thing. From the various entertaining factors that come out of an over the top graphically pleasing movie, to the many different kinds of wireless mobile devices that are used millions of times on a daily basis for a number of different activities; technology is something our society has become dependent on. However, in one area, technology is something that people have come to fear, and even loathe; the manufacturing industry.

The manufacturing industry is extremely dependent on machines enough as is. Whether the machines are manufacturing specific parts for a particular product, or they are conjoining pieces and packaging them, they already have a vital foothold in the industry. However, as advancements are continuing to be made across all ends of the corporate sector, like advancements are made in the various kinds of machinery that go into the manufacturing of specific products, whether in the automobile industry or food industry. As these advancements become more prevalent, companies are going to come to the realization that they will be able to save a great deal of money by having an automated machine running a specific task on the assembly or operation line that an hourly paid human would normally do. While in fact this is an unfair concept, specifically to those whose jobs are threatened, it makes sense on paper, which generally means it will come to pass.

So the big issue lies in how advancements in technology are leading to more intelligent automation processes in the manufacturing sector. One thing people need to take note of however, is that with these new operation machines and the various technology associated with them comes a new type of job opportunity. These high tech machines will need to themselves be manufactured, as well as maintained.

Filed Under: Office Technology, Technology Tagged With: ,

Is Technology Replacing Manufacturing Jobs?

February 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment

It is no secret that our society is vastly dependent on various aspects of technology. From the more recreational things such as mobile devices and smart phones, to the computerized components of modern automobiles; technology is a vital aspect in the lives of those who utilize it in one way or another. However, while in fact technology provides entertainment, efficiency in seemingly inefficient products, as well as general improvements in our daily lives, some people see it as a potential problem as it relates to the future of the manufacturing industry. While technological achievements are released in the commercial sector in the form of flashy and desirable products for consumers, it is also transforming the way in which businesses operate, particularly manufacturing businesses.

As modern achievements are made, automation becomes a realistic opportunity for manufacturing businesses that have the capital to afford the enhancements. These improvements come in the form of the various systems and computers that can gradually remove the human component out of the various jobs carried out on the manufacturing operation of a particular product. As more of these machines that provide a seemingly automated process become more prevalent, they will gradually weed out the human beings performing those operations. Obviously, if a business can purchase a permanent edition to the manufacturing operation to do a job that a human normally does and gets paid an hourly wage for, the potential for long term profit becomes a relevant light at the end of the tunnel. As a result of this, more businesses are implementing this technology, and unfortunately, some people are losing their manufacturing jobs as a result.

However, with the implementation of new technology comes the opportunity for new professions. These new professions may not be the ones that are involved in the manufacturing processes of the company, but in the maintenance and operation of the machines that are performing these operations. While in fact these technological wonders present the prospect of automation, they still need maintenance and repair on occasion; it will be a long while before machines take the place of a human repair man.

Filed Under: Industry Technology, Technology Tagged With: , ,

Technology in the Manufacturing Sector

February 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Technology is becoming the basis of modern society and how we work and operate both in the workplace as well as throughout the more personalized aspects of our lives. From innovative cell phones and other mobile devices that seemingly hold limitless potential as to what they are capable of accomplishing, to the high end pieces of technology and automation processes employed by the manufacturing industry; technology is gradually gaining ground in all areas. The manufacturing industry in particular is one of the industries that has experienced vast growth in technological implementation. The inception of various pieces of machinery that are incorporated into the overall operation have drastically increased efficiency, saved money, as well as snuffed the jobs of the humans that once performed many of these operations.

The manufacturing sector includes a vast array of different industries, from food processing to the building of vehicles and other large pieces of machinery. This industry was at one time, one of the largest in The United States, employing hundreds of thousands of workers and always growing. However, over the past few decades, the number of humans required to be involved within the manufacturing process for a lot of companies has begun to dwindle. This is due mainly to the fact that pieces of machinery exhibiting top of the line and high performance computers are taking over the operational process. These computers do everything from sorting to packaging, and have thus increased the efficiency of these companies in their manufacturing numbers on a seemingly exponential basis.

As technology becomes more of a prevalent aspect in modern business, there will be like increases in the potential for computerized machinery to take over virtually all aspects of the manufacturing industry; running day and night in perfectly synced operation without the need for regular human supervision. Some people see this potential future as a problem, while others, particularly those who are involved in the upper management of these companies, see the potential for reducing vast amounts of overhead and increasing profits to record levels.

Filed Under: Industry Technology, Technology Tagged With: ,